text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Following Leslie Haley's departure, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors are convening a special meeting on Monday to detail the path forward for the open Midlothian seat.
Haley, who had held the position for nearly seven years, announced last Friday she was leaving to work for Virginia's attorney general as the deputy AG for government operations and transactions. She previously sought the Republican nomination in the AG race in 2021.
The board plans to appoint an interim representative for the Midlothian District until the special election on Nov. 8, which would determine who would complete Haley's term through Dec. 31, 2023.
A Chesterfield County media release said they would use an application process "similar to the process used to fulfill other appointments made by the Board of Supervisors."
The application for the interim position will be posted online following Monday's meeting, where supervisors will detail a hiring timeline.
People are also reading…
Minimum qualifications to be considered for the seat include residing in the Midlothian district; being available to attend the four upcoming and already-scheduled board meetings; serving on other boards or commissions; completing a "State and Local Statement of Economic Interests" to identify potential conflict; and agreeing to a background check to ensure the individual has not be convicted of a felony.
In an undated resignation letter posted to the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors' agenda for the Monday meeting, Haley wrote she leaves "feeling like this has been a job well-done with the team I had the opportunity to work with both on the Board of Supervisors and county staff."
"While I will miss you all," Haley said. "I am only a phone call away." | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/chesterfield-supervisors-to-discuss-filling-haley-seat/article_62a37988-9bec-54d9-bc42-0caafb254b03.html | 2022-06-10T18:09:50 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/chesterfield-supervisors-to-discuss-filling-haley-seat/article_62a37988-9bec-54d9-bc42-0caafb254b03.html |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Dangerous Heat
Inflation Spike
COVID Test Mandate
Nail Polish Robot
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/why-so-many-north-texans-are-taking-up-jobs-in-real-estate/2989811/ | 2022-06-10T18:10:00 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/why-so-many-north-texans-are-taking-up-jobs-in-real-estate/2989811/ |
When it comes to building vast distribution centers in areas prone to tornado outbreaks, one Dayton architect says questions of cost and purpose are paramount for designers and code-enforcers.
“If you have to design a large building to resist 200 mile-per-hour winds, there’s no way you could afford to build that building,” Dan Wyckoff, senior project architect for Dayton’s Elevar Design Group, said Friday.
Distribution centers are mainly big warehouses located in open areas near interstates, many of them in the Midwest and, increasingly, here in the Dayton region.
Such buildings may be home to a relatively small number of employees, perhaps one employee every several hundred square feet.
Compared to hotels and theaters, that’s a relatively low occupancy. Designers keep that in mind, Wyckoff said.
“The risk of loss of life is much less in a storage building than in a higher occupancy space,” he said. “That really doesn’t make it (more) vulnerable” to tornadoes.
“The structure itself is not inherently vulnerable,” he added.
The National Weather Service confirmed three official tornado touchdowns in the Dayton area Wednesday — an EF1 that touched down southeast of Pitsburg in southeast Darke County, an EF2 that caused the damage around Tipp City in Miami County, and an EF1 north of Springfield in Clark County.
No one was hurt at the Tipp City Meijer distribution facility, and most of the complex was open for business Thursday, a spokesman for the grocery company told this news outlet Thursday.
That’s despite a tornado causing the collapse of the the roof and large back wall on the northwest corner of one building along Kessler-Cowlesville Road, just west of Interstate 75.
Meijer did not anticipate any noticeable disruption to stores, Meijer spokesman Frank J. Guglielmi said.
Such warehouses are not required to be invulnerable, but there are usually a large number of openings in them already for truck docks and ventilation louvers.
Truck docks, always found in distribution centers, are essentially openings in a wall. Such a structural feature might make a wall or that part of a building less capable of resisting a large wind load, Wyckoff said.
He said the Meijer building may be a “tilt-up” structure. With such a building, a floor slab is built and placed first, with wall panels placed atop the slab. Concrete is poured into wall forms, then those forms are tilted to a vertical orientation, being braced until a roof structure is in place.
Then there are loads on the roof itself. Parapets — an upward extension of a wall at the roof’s edge — can cause a “negative vacuum” to apply to a roof, Wyckoff said, which means wind with enough power may lift part of a roof. Municipal codes should call for resistance to that, he said.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/architect-distribution-centers-arent-uniquely-vulnerable-to-tornadoes/5MMB7YCQUNBUFCYNR7DITJCJN4/ | 2022-06-10T18:16:57 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/architect-distribution-centers-arent-uniquely-vulnerable-to-tornadoes/5MMB7YCQUNBUFCYNR7DITJCJN4/ |
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — A 39-year-old man died and a 17-year-old boy was in critical condition after being pulled from Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie on Thursday evening, officials said.
Firefighters had responded about 6:30 p.m. to a report of two possible drownings near the beach area at the lake.
A dive team found the two victims underwater, and crews took them to a hospital. Neither were wearing life vests, officials said.
Shortly before noon Friday, officials said the man had died at the hospital. The teenager remained in critical condition.
Their names have not been released. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/joe-pool-lake-grand-prairie-drowning-man-dies-teen-in-critical-condition-after-being-pulled-from-north-texas-lake/287-79538a1e-56c9-4e07-8b81-609e3ee5735a | 2022-06-10T18:22:34 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/joe-pool-lake-grand-prairie-drowning-man-dies-teen-in-critical-condition-after-being-pulled-from-north-texas-lake/287-79538a1e-56c9-4e07-8b81-609e3ee5735a |
Earlier this week, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-47, met with Anthony Annucci, commissioner of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, to discuss increased violence against staff and other ongoing issues at state prisons.
Griffo made an unannounced visit to Marcy Correction Facility last week after multiple inmate attacks and drug-related incidents were recently reported by the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
The senator met with prison staff to discuss the ongoing issues at the facility and get input on possible solutions.
Griffo released the following statement regarding is meeting with Annucci:
“I appreciate Acting Commissioner Annucci taking the time to speak with me about concerns raised regarding the significant violence, drug activity and other issues occurring at correctional facilities in my Senate District and across the state.
"The Acting Commissioner concurred with me that the violent incidents, which have resulted in hospitalizations and injuries to staff, are unacceptable. He also indicated that he is continuing to review and consider what could and should be done to address this issue, including lock downs as I have requested.
"I will continue to advocate and push for needed changes that will provide better protection to the men and women who work in these facilities and keep them safe.” | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/griffo-meets-with-doccs-commissioner-to-discuss-ongoing-issues-at-state-prisons/article_4df8569a-e8ce-11ec-9ccf-fb0b04c3e9bf.html | 2022-06-10T18:22:35 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/griffo-meets-with-doccs-commissioner-to-discuss-ongoing-issues-at-state-prisons/article_4df8569a-e8ce-11ec-9ccf-fb0b04c3e9bf.html |
Originally published June 8 on KTVB.COM.
Discussion around a project aimed at improving safety for bicyclists traveling to downtown Boise from the North End continues.
Ada County Highway District's 8th Street Improvement Project aims to create multi-modal transportation along Eighth Street from Franklin Street to Union Street.
"What that's looking at is providing a connection between residents of the North End and people going in the foothills all the way down to the river and the Boise Greenbelt," said Tom Law, a planning supervisor for the highway district.
The project is a joint effort between the Ada County Highway District, the city of Boise and Capital City Development Corporation. Law said it is still undergoing a concept study.
"For these projects that have quite a few different alternatives and require quite a bit of public engagement (we need) to understand the pros and cons of the different alternatives," Law said.
The highway district originally came up with three different concepts for the street project. After consideration, highway district staff recommended Concept A which would create two protected bike lanes on both sides of Eighth Street that go in opposite directions. The highway district's latest modification of the plan would also eliminate 45 parking spots and one of the two-car lanes on the street.
Ada County Highway District's Bicycle Advisory Committee and Boise City Council also support Concept A.
Capital City Development Corporation has a similar project that would extend the redesigns from State Street to Franklin Road.
"One of the scarier things about streets is the multi-lanes in the same direction, and so anytime you have one lane in a direction you just feel more comfortable," said Clancy Anderson, an advocate for Concept A.
Anderson has been living in Boise's North End since 1998 and said he rides a bike for both transportation and recreation. He bikes to work on Sixth Street and Main Street in downtown Boise every day.
"I'm a pretty confident bicycle rider and so I have different routes I take," Anderson said. "Generally I don't take busy routes."
While Anderson feels confident in his abilities, he knows many others who don't and said they feel unsafe.
"Somebody said, 'I'd just rather ride the sidewalk' and I go, 'Well that's actually what this project is trying to help. It will provide a safe connection to downtown so you don't have to ride on the sidewalk or against traffic,'" Anderson said.
While there are current streets around the North End and downtown that are more bike-friendly, Anderson said Eighth Street connects to more existing facilities.
"If you're living on Seventh then you have to bike down to 11th and then back to Eighth Street," Anderson said. "We don't ask cars to do that so why should we ask people on bikes to do that?"
Ada County Highway District did a survey early on and most were in favor of Concept A. However, there has still has been opposition.
An earlier public hearing on the project saw opponents, like Saint Joseph's Catholic School, claim there are safety hazards by getting rid of parking spots and a car lane. Saint Joseph Principal Tammy Emerich said they use a lane as a drop-off and pick-up location for parents and students.
KTVB reached out to Saint Joseph's on Wednesday but they were not immediately available for comment.
"Whatever we're proposing, whether it's leaving Eighth Street as is or some of these potential treatments like Concept A, we're doing it to make it as safe as possible for all users," Law said.
The Ada County Highway District Board of Commissioners met twice to discuss and approve the project, both times deferring the vote. Commissioners voted to send the proposal back to highway district staff for modifications because of how much feedback they got at the May 25 meeting.
Law said the commissioners will meet again to discuss the project with new recommendations on June 22.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/discussion-on-project-to-make-boises-8th-street-more-bike-friendly-continues/article_21376c67-ad71-58db-a1fd-55ce9b6d63d0.html | 2022-06-10T18:27:52 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/discussion-on-project-to-make-boises-8th-street-more-bike-friendly-continues/article_21376c67-ad71-58db-a1fd-55ce9b6d63d0.html |
Originally published June 9 on KTVB.COM.
One of Idaho's greatest athletes, Muffy Davis, will be one of the newest members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, once she is inducted later this month.
Twelve athletes will be inducted this year, nine of whom are women, and two of those women are Idahoans. One of those Idahoans is being recognized for two separate sports in two different seasons.
Marianna Muffy Davis is a Sun Valley native and Stanford University alumna. She also served as an Idaho legislator for three years, serving on multiple boards, commissions, and councils for para-athletes. She now sits on the Blaine County Board of Commissioners.
"You dream about winning medals and making teams, but being inducted into a hall of fame - it's just a whole new level," Davis said.
During her career, Davis competed in three Paralympic games in para-alpine skiing and para-cycling. She won seven Paralympic medals, three of which were gold.
Davis was left paralyzed from the chest down at 16 years old when she crashed during a training run. She was traveling at nearly 50 mph when she hit two trees, breaking her helmet and her back in February 1989.
In 2010, she was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Twelve years later, she will be joining the likes of Michael Phelps, Lindsey Vonn, Natalie Coughlin, Mia Hamm and Michelle Kwan, in joining the 2022 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame class.
"It's an immense honor and to be there with the legend athletes - it's huge," Davis said. "For me personally, it's really rewarding, because we're recognizing Paralympic athletes at the same level as Olympic athletes and that's been a passion and mission of mine my whole life."
Davis will be joining the Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame alongside her former junior ski teammate, Picabo Street, who was inducted in 2004.
The other Idahoan joining the 2022 Hall of Fame class is Gretchen Fraser, the first American to win an Olympic skiing medal, skiing a near-perfect slalom run in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, in 1948.
It will be the first class to be inducted since 2019, and includes an Olympic team (the 1976 U.S. Women's Swimming 4x100-meter freestyle relay), a coach (Pat Summitt), two legends (Fraser and hurdler Roger Kingdom) and a special contributor (Billie Jean King).
The inductees were selected based on voting from the public and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic family. An induction ceremony is scheduled for June 24 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic base.
Another Idahoan who was selected as a finalist for the 2022 Hall of Fame class was Summer Olympic champion cyclist and Boise native Kristin Armstrong.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/former-idaho-legislator-joining-olympic-paralympic-hall-of-fame/article_cf0d6f54-2ca1-5b7c-a298-f1603be0b399.html | 2022-06-10T18:27:58 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/former-idaho-legislator-joining-olympic-paralympic-hall-of-fame/article_cf0d6f54-2ca1-5b7c-a298-f1603be0b399.html |
A roadside historical marker installed less than a year ago to honor a gay rights pioneer has been removed after a state senator raised concerns with Pennsylvania's state history agency about the man's 30-year-old memories of an early sexual encounter with another boy.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission had the marker in honor of Richard Schlegel taken down June 3 from its location outside his former home, a block from the Capitol in downtown Harrisburg.
The decision came about six months after state Sen. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin, wrote to say Schlegel's remarks in a lengthy biographical piece were “reprehensible and would be considered criminal, regardless of sexual orientation.”
The commission's action and DiSanto's letter were first reported by Pennlive.com.
Schlegel, who died in 2006 at age 79, is a former state highway department official who founded the Harrisburg region's first LGBTQ group. His unsuccessful effort to overturn his firing by the federal government based on his sexual identity ended when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take the case in 1970.
DiSanto said Tuesday he was alerted by a constituent about Schlegel's comments in a 1993 personal history posted online that Schlegel provided to the Philadelphia LGBT History Project.
“I think it demonstrates a history of him grooming young boys and being involved in pedophilia and sex acts throughout that, including ultimately helping to operate a magazine with young nudes and things like that,” DiSanto said.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The state Historical and Museum Commission has been seeking more markers about previously underrepresented people and groups, offering financial support for the markers if their subjects concern women, Hispanics, Latinos and Asian Americans, or if they are about Black and LGBTQ history outside Philadelphia.
“He is certainly an important figure in the context of Pennsylvania,” said Barry Loveland, chair of the history project at the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania. He was the driving force behind the application to honor Schlegel. “There were very few leaders, if you will, at that time — people who were willing to stick their neck out and actually have their name known.”
Schlegel was fired in July 1961 from a civilian job with the Army’s transportation office in Hawaii after his sexual activities surfaced during an investigation to qualify for a top secret clearance.
He appealed his firing for “immoral and indecent conduct” to the U.S. Court of Claims, which upheld the dismissal on grounds that his sexual orientation in a government job would inevitably make the agency less efficient.
“Any schoolboy knows that a homosexual act is immoral, indecent, lewd and obscene,” a claims court judge wrote in ruling against him in October 1969. “Adult persons are even more conscious that this is true.”
In the personal history told to scholar Marc Stein, now a history professor at San Francisco State University, Schlegel recalled how he was subsequently hired in 1963 under then-Gov. Bill Scranton to fix a highways department “fiscal and budgetary situation” and give the governor greater control over the department.
He was forced to resign two years later after postal inspectors informed his supervisors about mail he was getting for the Janus Society, an educational, social and advocacy group founded in Philadelphia during the early 1960s by gay and lesbian activists.
The marker called Schlegel a trail-blazing activist whose job discrimination case produced key arguments that were valuable in later decisions.
DiSanto's December letter to the commission described a section of the interview with Stein in which Schlegel recalled a sexual experience he had with a neighbor boy while living on a farm in Milroy, a small town some 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of State College. Schlegel's account suggests he sexually touched the boy when he was 16 and the other boy was 11 or 12.
Schlegel may not have anticipated that his interview with Stein would end up available to anyone over the internet. He described his sexual history in frank terms, recalled controversies regarding gay publications in which he played a role, recounted his interactions with other prominent figures in Philadelphia gay culture in the '60s and ’70s and related other stories from his personal and work life.
Schlegel described how some of his acquaintances would photograph nude underage boys. In some cases, he said, he scolded them but at other times he described them to Stein sympathetically.
When Stein said some of the photos he had seen in Gay International magazine were of “quite young boys,” Schlegel agreed.
“Young, young, young,” he told Stein. “Of course, there wasn't this national or international obsession with molesting kids at that point.”
A close friend of his faced criminal charges for taking photos of an underage boy at a home in rural Perry County in the late 1960s. Schlegel said he tried to intervene through the county prosecutor but it did not help his friend's case.
“The kid didn’t seem to object, but that didn’t make any difference,” Schlegel told Stein. “I mean Bob simply had no defense. He was convicted."
Stein said in an interview this week that he was dismayed by the commission's decision, and expressed doubt that the commission or DiSanto properly understood the legal and historical context in which Schlegel's decisions and actions occurred.
He said DiSanto's charge that Schlegel's actions were criminal was made “without doing sufficient homework to really establish that.”
As for the commission, he expressed doubts that their action in Schlegel's case was following consistent rules.
“So have they investigated every person on a historical marker in Pennsylvania to make sure that they never did something reprehensible for which they never expressed remorse?" Stein said.
Loveland said he and the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania are considering the commission's offer to submit another nomination. But he said they are unsure how to accomplish that while excluding Schlegel, because his legal case provided the national importance to justify a marker. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pennsylvania-pulls-gay-pioneer-richard-schlegel-marker/3267356/ | 2022-06-10T18:32:39 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pennsylvania-pulls-gay-pioneer-richard-schlegel-marker/3267356/ |
Project ELECT leaders Dr. Eric Lewis, OJ Salters and Robert Hall accept a $5,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation on behalf of the organization. Project ELECT will use the grant to strengthen its efforts to continue educating the community.
TUPELO - A Tupelo-based leadership group received a national grant for its community service.
Project ELECT (Enthusiastic Leaders Engaging in Changing Times) received $5,000 from the MassMutual Foundation. The award was given to 32 organizations as part of the foundation’s 25th annual national community service award program.
Project ELECT will use the grant towards its community education efforts. A key goal for Project ELECT is showing the organization can be relied upon for trustworthy and meaningful information, said Dr. Eric Lewis, Project ELECT treasury and part of its health committee.
“One of the biggest things I think we’ll be using these funds for is to help to re-establish and further strengthen that connection to the community so we can serve as that conduit of information,” Lewis said.
The organization has been active since 2016, focusing on community and economic development, health care, financial planning, crime prevention and education. Project ELECT became truly operational during the pandemic. Health committee leaders Lewis and Dr. Vernon Rayford focused on providing reliable information about COVID-19, especially for the Black community.
Newsletters
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Project ELECT is increasing youth awareness on different educational and occupational opportunities, Lewis said.
“We’re trying to develop lines of communication so that when we have something that we feel is worthwhile to be put out there, people can recognize Project ELECT and say OK, that’s something we need to listen to,” Lewis said.
Social media has played a large part in Project ELECT’s outreach. Tentative plans for the grant are strengthening its social media presence and potentially advertising.
The grant comes as a result of the volunteer efforts of Robert Hall, the Project ELECT chairman and a financial professional affiliated with the Capital Financial Group in Tupelo.
Hall has been with Project ELECT since 2016 and with the Capital Financial Group for five years. The MassMutual Foundation was “proud of the time and energy” Hall dedicated to his community, Dennis Duquette, head of MassMutual Community Responsibility and president of the MassMutual Foundation, said in a press release. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-based-project-elect-receives-national-service-award-grant/article_e9f6bbd9-396a-5047-9d29-f29c117d67e6.html | 2022-06-10T18:35:49 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-based-project-elect-receives-national-service-award-grant/article_e9f6bbd9-396a-5047-9d29-f29c117d67e6.html |
Police arrested two teenagers who were wearing caps and gowns and had guns June 5 after a shooting outside the U.S. Steel Yard stadium following a graduation ceremony for West Side Leadership Academy, according to court records.
Sarah Reese
Gary police crime scene technicians document and collect spent bullet casings after a shooting June 5 outside the U.S. Steel Yard following a graduation ceremony for West Side Leadership Academy.
CROWN POINT — Two teenagers in their caps and gowns returned fire Sunday after a man in dark clothing began shooting at them, leaving two people wounded as a result of the shootout and causing others to duck for cover behind vehicles, court records state.
Joshua J. Hughes, 17, was charged Thursday as an adult in the shooting Sunday outside the U.S. Steel Yard following a graduation ceremony for more than 200 West Side Leadership Academy students.
Two Lake County sheriff's officers working security at the graduation spotted Hughes and another teen, identified in court records as Calob Hughes, 16, at the southeast side of the stadium and ordered them to lie facedown because they had guns, Lake Criminal Court records state.
A Glock 19 with a 30-round magazine, which still had six live rounds inside, was found on Joshua Hughes, according to court documents.
A Glock 19 with a 31-round magazine, which still had 10 live rounds inside. was recovered from Calob Hughes, records state.
Joshua Hughes, who will turn 18 this week, previously was adjudicated in December 2021 in Lake Criminal Court as a delinquent child for dangerous possession of a firearm, according to court records.
He had not yet made an initial appearance before a Lake Criminal Court magistrate on charges of dangerous possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness, both level 5 felonies.
His bond was set at $50,000 surety or $5,000 cash. If convicted of a level 5 felony, Hughes could face a possible sentence of one to six years.
Another teen, identified as a 16-year-old by the Lake County prosecutor's office, remained charged in Lake Juvenile Court with dangerous possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness.
Gary police were still searching for the man in dark clothing who was shooting at the teens, Cmdr. Jack Hamady said.
The man, who was wearing black pants and a black hoodie, fled south on Maryland Street from East Fifth Avenue after the shooting. Police are asking anyone with photos or video of the shooting to come forward.
Another man, a 20-year-old from Hammond, was arrested the night of the shooting but released earlier this week without being charged, police said.
A 19-year-old Gary man was shot in the chest, and a 19-year-old Gary woman suffered a graze wound to her lower right leg.
There was no indication in court records that the two victims were involved in the altercation between Hughes and the man in dark clothing.
Police could be seen collecting multiple spent shell casings from the sidewalk and parking lot on the southeast side of the stadium, where the two were arrested, and on the south side of East Fifth Avenue in the intersection with Maryland Street.
Police were analyzing ballistics evidence in the case, Hamady said.
The night of the shooting, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince vowed to use all available law enforcement resources to bring whomever was responsible to justice.
"It's infuriating to me to hear of violence and injuries on a special night for our young people and their families," Prince said. "I pray for a full and speedy recovery for anyone who was injured."
Gary Community School Corp. manager Paige McNulty said in a statement released Monday the disruptions of a few overshadowed a special moment for all of the graduates, most of whom conducted themselves "in an excellent manner."
"A day that was meant for celebration has now been marked by tragedy through senseless acts of gun violence," McNulty said. "Our prayers are with those injured, and we continue to extend our congratulations to WSLA graduates. They deserve it." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-teens-in-caps-and-gowns-returned-fire-at-shooter-outside-graduation-court-records-say/article_8b669199-924d-5765-a4c2-51784a769f70.html | 2022-06-10T18:36:33 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-teens-in-caps-and-gowns-returned-fire-at-shooter-outside-graduation-court-records-say/article_8b669199-924d-5765-a4c2-51784a769f70.html |
CHESTERTON — Details were released following a SWAT standoff sparked by a report of an armed man at a Chesterton apartment complex.
James W. Washington, 39, of Chesterton faces charges of intimidation, pointing a weapon, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct, according to Porter Superior Court records.
His son, James K. Washington, 18, was also arrested and faces charges of disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement.
In addition, court records indicate that Eagle Crossing Luxury Apartment Homes has moved to evict James W. Washington and the hearings are ongoing.
The incident was sparked at 2:16 p.m. May 31 when two apartment employees rang the apartment doorbell at Eagle Crossing Luxury Apartment Homes in the 2000 block of Kelle Drive in Chesterton, according to a release from Chesterton Spokesman Kevin Nevers.
The employees said they tried to talk to the resident about a noise complaint.
The man, later identified as James W. Washington, walked out on his second-story balcony holding a handgun and a rifle when the employees rang his doorbell while standing on the ground level of the building outside, the Chesterton Police Department reported.
He then allegedly pointed a long black gun down in a trajectory the employee said appeared to be aimed at her. The employees said after pointing his firearms, he asked who was trying to break into his apartment, the report said.
When he figured out they were apartment employees, he apologized and went back inside his apartment, but did not answer the door.
A dispatcher called James W. Washington but described him as uncooperative to police. When an officer called him, he allegedly told police he didn't do anything wrong, has a valid gun permit and "told officers to kick in his door," police reported.
Chesterton police then decided to call the Porter County Emergency Response Team for assistance. As officers waited for the team to arrive, they made several attempts to speak with the resident and another man in the apartment, who was later identified as his son.
During this time, the men didn't exit the apartment but yelled at officers from inside the residence. Police said they heard the men yelling that they were "wasting their time and that a priest/pastor was molesting little children."
The Porter County Emergency Response Team also tried to negotiate with the men on the phone and in person multiple times. During this time, a neighbor alleged he could hear the men inside making statements such as "You’re going to have to shoot us," (referring to police) and, "It’s all going to go down then," according to the report.
Eventually around 6 p.m. police were able to take the men into custody and transported to Porter County Jail. A search warrant was conducted and two firearms were found. Police noted the rifle had a magazine but a round was not chambered.
There were no reported injuries in the incident and the case is ongoing.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Porter County Jail
Anna Ortiz is the breaking news/crime reporter for The Times, covering crime, politics, courts and investigative news. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a major in journalism and minor in anthropology. 219-933-4194, anna.ortiz@nwi.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/father-son-faces-charges-in-chesterton-swat-incident-officials-say/article_238e6ebd-c393-51fa-b380-ccc6ab4b177d.html | 2022-06-10T18:36:39 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/father-son-faces-charges-in-chesterton-swat-incident-officials-say/article_238e6ebd-c393-51fa-b380-ccc6ab4b177d.html |
VALPARAISO — Nearly five and a half years after taking part in a Portage home invasion that left a resident shot and severely injured, Gary resident Brandon Crenshaw has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
The 25-year-old apologized Friday to his family and the victim as the agreed-to plea and sentence was accepted by Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer.
Crenshaw has been locked up at the Porter County for the past five years and 145 days, which is time that will be credited toward his sentence. He is to serve 75% of the sentence because of the severity of the offense.
The prison sentence is to be served consecutive to whatever he receives for an alleged probation revocation in a burglary and theft case in Lake County, officials said.
Crenshaw pleaded guilty in late April to a level 1 felony count of burglary in return for prosecutors dropping a second felony count of robbery in the Porter County case.
He had told the court he went Jan. 7, 2017, to a home along Stagecoach Road in Portage with the intention of carrying out a theft.
Police said at the time that the group went to the residence to see a man known to have been selling marijuana. They decided to steal the marijuana rather than purchase the illegal drug.
Three of the men entered the residence wearing different colored bandannas, during which time a "loud bang of a gunshot" was heard, police said. The three men eventually returned to a waiting vehicle and fled west on U.S. 12 to Gary.
When police arrived on scene in response to reports of a gunshot, they heard someone yelling "help" twice from inside the residence, according to charging documents.
Officers, who noticed a strong odor of marijuana, followed a trail of smeared blood to a man lying on a couch bleeding from his abdomen, according to court documents. Police found a small wound on his lower back and a major wound to his lower abdomen.
The wounded man reportedly told police he was asleep when he heard his door being forced open, police said. The man said he had been beaten up, police said.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Porter County Jail
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
Bob is a 23-year veteran of The Times. He covers county government and courts in Porter County, federal courts, police news and regional issues. He also created the Vegan in the Region blog, is an Indiana University grad and lifelong region resident.
Officers, who noticed a strong odor of marijuana, followed a trail of smeared blood to a man lying on a couch bleeding from his abdomen, according to court documents. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/judge-approves-20-year-sentence-in-violent-portage-home-invasion/article_573597fb-c888-5786-bf16-e559f79b24b8.html | 2022-06-10T18:36:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/judge-approves-20-year-sentence-in-violent-portage-home-invasion/article_573597fb-c888-5786-bf16-e559f79b24b8.html |
LANCASTER, Pa. — A person was killed in Lancaster Thursday night after being struck by an Amtrak passenger train while walking long the railroad tracks, an Amtrak spokesperson confirmed Friday.
The incident occurred around 8:37 p.m., the spokesperson said.
Amtrak train 620 was traveling its route from Harrisburg to Philadelphia when it struck the victim on the tracks near Lancaster, according to the spokesperson.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lancaster County Coroner's Office.
No further injuries were reported, according to Amtrak.
The victim's identity has not yet been released.
The passengers on the train were transferred to train 622 to complete their trip.
"Amtrak is working with local law enforcement including Lancaster County PD/Fire/Medical Examiner to investigate the incident," the spokesperson said in a statement. "According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America.
"These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers. They also serve as critical reminders about the importance of obeying the law and of exercising extreme caution around railroad tracks and crossings."
Amtrak said it continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to #STOPTrackTragedies by emphasizing the obvious dangers of being on railroad property or disregarding warnings at rail crossings.
For more railroad safety information, please visit StayOffTheTracks.org. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/person-struck-killed-amtrak-train-lancaster/521-263bcc4a-bbd2-4592-ad4b-ff7b4609d916 | 2022-06-10T18:44:31 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/person-struck-killed-amtrak-train-lancaster/521-263bcc4a-bbd2-4592-ad4b-ff7b4609d916 |
If you asked who my best friend is, I would tell you, without hesitation, that it’s Ed, my husband. We met in our early 20s as students at Wake Forest University.
Next would be my sister, Beth. We’re similar and yet different, both possessing qualities of each of our parents whether we want to admit it or not.
Next would be a group of women — and a few men — from high school, college and work, and others met through shared experiences and activities.
Each of these friends has expanded my worldview, lent support when I was physically or emotionally weak, cheered my successes and commiserated with me about my failures, laughed with me, cried with me and, most important, rarely hesitated to kick me in the butt when I needed a good jolt.
In 1935, Congress chose June 8 as a day to honor friendship, creating National Best Friends Day. The informal holiday lost popularity through the years, but social media has helped restore it.
As I learned about this day, what I found most interesting is the number of people who identified their dog or cat as one of their best friends.
When nationaltoday.com asked Americans who their best friends were, respondents ranked their significant other first (43%), followed by their dog (19%), their mom (19%), a sibling, their dad and, rounding out the list, their cat (9%).
I never thought of either Teddy, our 8-year-old black Lab, or Pip, our 3-year-old tuxedo cat, as a best friend. Beloved family members without question, but best friends?
There are multiple descriptions of friendship. Marie Miguel describes, at betterhelp.com, a good friend as someone you enjoy spending time with. Going by that definition, I would put Teddy and Pip at the top of my list of friends. I enjoy spending time with the furry critters.
When I’m working, Teddy’s presence adds to my productivity. I will occasionally glance to my left and watch the Lab relaxing in his bed. His multiple positions make me laugh, automatically relaxing my usually tense “keyboard” shoulder and finger muscles. My human friends email me computer users’ relaxation tips all the time. So far, the canine’s antics have yielded the best results.
I hate folding laundry, and none of my human friends has stepped up and offered to assist. Every Friday afternoon, Pip appears out of nowhere and jumps into the middle of the pile of clean clothes offering his “help.” It takes longer, but it’s a lot more fun.
While reading or watching TV, the pets frequently join me. There are rarely interruptions, and if I take a nap, they do, too. Not sure what my human friends would do if I fell asleep on them but I’m pretty sure I would hear about it time and again.
I don’t have deep conversations with the pets like I have with my human friends, although Pip tries to engage me in a little “smack talk” around 3:30 every afternoon concerning eating his dinner then and not the usual 5:30.
OK, it’s decided. On this National Friends Day, I’ll be adding two more to my list.
Karin Spicer is a member of The Dog Writers Association of America. She lives with her family and two furry pets who inspire her. She can be reached at spicerkarin@gmail.com.
FRIENDSHIP BY THE NUMBERS
22% — Those who live longer because they have a close friendship network.
2 — Average number of best friends an adult has.
26% — Percentage of those who come into conflict with their friends over something posted online.
SOURCE: nationaltoday.com
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/best-friends-can-be-furry/PHFYIGUENNA2RELA2GYHSE4HZQ/ | 2022-06-10T18:47:23 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/best-friends-can-be-furry/PHFYIGUENNA2RELA2GYHSE4HZQ/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — BrightRidge’s board of directors approved a settlement proposal Friday in Washington County’s lawsuit against the utility and a Bitcoin mine operator it partners with, clearing the way for the shutdown of a controversial Bitcoin mine in the Limestone community.
Attending board members unanimously approved the deal, which county commissioners modified and then approved Thursday night. BrightRidge approval was the final hurdle, as GRIID, parent company of mine operator Red Dog Technologies and a co-defendant, has okayed the settlement.
The deal will see the mine next to a BrightRidge substation on Bailey Bridge Road shut down no later than the end of 2024 and probably much earlier. Red Dog will purchase five acres of county-owned land at the Washington County Industrial Park and put a new mine there, closing the site in Limestone’s New Salem community no later than six months after the new one is operational.
BrightRidge CEO Jeff Dykes said following the vote he believes the settlement — which includes several additional concessions by BrightRidge and Red Dog — is “a win” for each party.
Dykes also spoke to the residents of the New Salem community of Limestone, who began complaining more than a year ago about noise from the fans that cool computers at the mine.
“We apologize they’ve gone through all of this,” Dykes said. “We thank them for their patience. We hope that as this moves forward with some of the things that are being extended out to them that it’ll be something that will improve their lives and their daily interaction and the opportunities that come with it, especially broadband.”
The settlement says BrightRidge will extend its high-speed broadband internet service to the 51 homes within a half-mile radius of the current mine and provide the service free for at least a year, and for as long as the mine is still operating.
Board chairman James Smith spoke of what he called the integrity of BrightRidge’s board, of Dykes and of the organization.
“The team members at BrightRidge will always go above and beyond to do things the right way, and I do think not only thinking about BrightRidge but to think about the community, which is what we’re doing all the time,” Smith said.
The county sued BrightRidge in November 2021 after BrightRidge resisted its demands to shut the mine down because it violated the county’s zoning ordinance. BrightRidge said the county’s issue was with Red Dog, which later joined as a co-defendant.
Washington County Chancellor John Rambo has already ruled that the use does violate the ordinance, but a trial on additional matters related to the suit was set for July 11-13. The settlement eliminates the need for a trial and the possibility of an appeals process that could easily last more than two years.
Board member Jenny Brock said the board should expect additional unprecedented opportunities and challenges as new technologies like blockchain, the basis for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, proliferate.
“We’re facing growth of things that are brand new,” Brock said. “Brand spanking new. And so we’re trying to figure out as we go along how we accommodate for those things. So I think we’ve had a big learning here all the way around that we need to prepare and get ready for, because the world is changing whether we want to or not.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/brightridge-board-approves-bitcoin-mine-lawsuit-settlement/ | 2022-06-10T18:54:33 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/brightridge-board-approves-bitcoin-mine-lawsuit-settlement/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – For many in the Tri-Cities, the only thing separating them from homelessness is one truly bad day.
At the Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness (ARCH), each day’s mission is to build a support network that keeps that bad day from turning into a tragic story on the streets. As the region’s coordinator for shelters, housing organizations and programs, ARCH executive Director Anne Cooper sees opportunities to improve throughout the region.
Housing Supply
For the homeless, housing assistance is divided into several categories that feature different timelines and resources:
- Permanent Supportive Housing – Long-term stays (often through rental assistance) with education and life-skill opportunities for those with disabilities.
- Transitional Housing – Temporary housing that focuses on providing stability through education, counseling and life-skill development. Designed to be a stepping stone to other housing.
- Rapid Re-Housing – Short/medium-term (Up to 24 months) housing with support services and rental assistance for those in the most immediate need.
Cooper explained that resources are short for transitional housing more than any other. In a 2021 count of available beds, ARCH reported 64 transitional beds across their entire eight-county coverage area, 18 of which were reserved for veterans. Out of the 976 beds available region-wide, transitional housing only made up 6.6%.
“What I would like to see is a transitional housing program that is regional, that we can tap into,” Cooper said. “You talk about transportation, reach in with these churches that have vans and buses… Develop a unit of substantial size that we could get these people.
“Because your chronically homeless, the people that are on the street, they need that transitional housing. And it’s so difficult.”
Cooper said transitional housing rents and support staff can be prohibitively expensive for many organizations, but the high success rate of those who are able to enter the program makes it worth it.
“There is no regional facility that I know of that could take on a task like this,” Cooper said. “Certainly you have empty buildings that are sitting around.”
One potential solution, Cooper said, is the introduction of more incentives for landlords to take in clients referred by ARCH. This could come in the form of direct cash incentives, lease agreements that place ARCH on the hook for unit damages rather than the tenant, or other financial relief efforts. The short-term nature of the work, however, affects how many landlords are willing to sign on.
Transportation Flexibility
For rural areas, Cooper said a lack of transportation options can severely limit the ability of individuals to recover from homelessness. When jobs and beds are locked behind a drive on the interstate, Cooper said the cost to work can skyrocket.
“That is truly one of the biggest barriers that we have,” Cooper said. “Is that number one: employment in the area, and then number two: how do you get to it?”
On Greyhound’s website, a one-way trip to Bristol from Johnson City averages around $23 and starts at 2 a.m., hardly commuter hours. Each of the Tri-Cities has its own job access program through local transit systems, but these are subject to application and acceptance. NET Trans, Northeast Tennessee’s Public Transit System, serves around 600 passengers per day according to its website but requires you to book a day in advance.
Cooper said she’s seen clients with a job interview that could change their life, but because there was no way to get there in time, they had to turn to ARCH.
“There’s probably a lot of employment out in North Roan, and even out into the counties, into the Boone’s Creek area,” Cooper said. “But how do you get there?”
Cooper’s office is hopeful that local faith-based organizations might get involved with transportation, especially those that have buses and vans.
Outreach Depth
The first hurdle to getting homelessness assistance is proving that you’re homeless in the first place, Cooper explained, and being made aware that resources are out there. Headcounts of the homeless in 2021 were severely limited by COVID-19, so getting an accurate picture of the region’s population is crucial.
One person working to address this is Kingsport’s homeless outreach worker Erin Gray, a licensed social worker that operates alongside the Kingsport Police Department (KPD).
“What they’re providing is what every person who walks in this door, if they want assistance and they’re homeless, they need that proof of homelessness, that letter,” Cooper said. “We have to have that, we’ve got to have that verification of homelessness and she’s providing that.”
Workers in the program are not sworn law enforcement officers but often go out with officers to find homeless populations and connect them with ARCH and local resources. With proof of homelessness provided by a municipal official, Cooper said gaps in Kingsport’s support network are starting to close.
“That saves days,” Cooper added. “Sometimes a week.”
ARCH staff now work closely with the KPD’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), which is made up of officers, EMS workers and social workers to better address the needs of the city’s homeless as they arise. Cooper said she hopes to see something similar implemented in every city and county, because their cooperation has made ARCH’s job much easier.
“It’s working wonderfully,” Cooper said. “I really give them credit, it does work well.”
Community Cooperation
While the funds providing for much of the homeless work in the region is federal, Cooper said there is no one entity that you can ask to get more involved in the Tri-Cities. Relief efforts come from the bottom up, with local organizations having to ask for the funds to cover what they’re already trying to do.
ARCH’s role as a coordinator is the closest there is to a central authority on homelessness within the region, but no such entity exists on the brick-and-mortar housing front. Cooper said she’d like to see an organization take up that mantle and open a facility that houses the homeless from across the entire region.
“That’s what I would love to see, I think it would be a huge benefit and we could work it out that we transport from out of the cities into this centrally located location somewhere in the county,” Cooper said. “It’s going to take a lot of coordination and agreement.”
That drive to centralize stems from a small pool of funding that individual organizations are forced to compete over to operate. At the end of the grant-writing season, Cooper said most areas are stretched too thin to change much.
“Any one city, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, does not have the resources to do this,” Cooper said. “I really feel like we need to go out into the community and get our faith-based partners. This is a community issue.”
Rather than rely on HUD funds, Cooper believes the use of local support could make all the difference.
“It’s going to take a huge regional effort, and that’s why I really feel like if we’re going to do this that we really need to tap into non-federal resources and get with our partners like Munsey Church and State Street Church over in Bristol, because there is interest out there.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/its-so-difficult-arch-director-anne-cooper-explains-pain-points-for-homeless-support-in-the-tri-cities/ | 2022-06-10T18:54:34 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/its-so-difficult-arch-director-anne-cooper-explains-pain-points-for-homeless-support-in-the-tri-cities/ |
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Carter County deputies shot and killed a man who reportedly raised a gun and charged at an officer Friday morning in the Siam community.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Carter County deputies responded to the 100 block of Woodland Heights Road just before 7:30 a.m. after receiving a call that a man had been threatening residents with a gun.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the unidentified suspect, who reportedly “raised the gun and advanced on the deputy,” who then fired shots, which hit the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A news release revealed the officer did not receive any injuries during the incident.
The TBI continues to investigate the series of events that lead to the deadly incident. Findings will be shared with District Attorney General Ken Baldwin, who will determine whether the officer’s actions were justified. The TBI does not identify officers involved in these types of incidents.
No further information surrounding the shooting has been released. This is a developing story; stay updated on-air and online at WJHL.com. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tbi-man-dead-following-carter-county-officer-involved-shooting/ | 2022-06-10T18:54:35 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tbi-man-dead-following-carter-county-officer-involved-shooting/ |
OXNARD, Calif. — A small plane crashed and burned in a Southern California strawberry field Friday morning and one person was killed, authorities said.
The crash occurred near U.S. 101 in Oxnard, the Ventura County Fire Department tweeted.
Firefighter Andy VanSciver, a department spokesperson, told the Ventura County Star that one person was aboard the aircraft and was killed.
The plane clipped buildings on the south side of the freeway before going down in the field on the north side of the highway.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more from ABC10: 5 Marines killed after aircraft crashes in Southern California | Top 10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/ventura-county-strawberry-field-plane-crash/103-3ad6c34c-a7ba-470f-9ea7-dfee2d8124e6 | 2022-06-10T18:59:25 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/ventura-county-strawberry-field-plane-crash/103-3ad6c34c-a7ba-470f-9ea7-dfee2d8124e6 |
Weekly COVID-19 cases in North Dakota surpassed 1,000 for a second straight time, as omicron variant mutants continued to dominate.
The state Health Department's pandemic dashboard on Friday reported 1,084 new coronavirus cases over the week, after documenting 1,189 the previous week. But the total dropped for the first time in 10 weeks. The total for Burleigh-Morton counties also fell, from 167 the previous week to 138 over the past week.
Severity of disease -- one of the things the weekly update aims to track -- remained low.
Fifty people with COVID-19 were admitted to North Dakota hospitals during the week, compared with 53 the previous week. Coronavirus patients continue to make up a low percentage of hospital patients -- taking up about 2% of occupied inpatient beds and intensive care unit beds statewide.
Federal data showed just one virus-related death over the week, raising North Dakota's pandemic total to 2,284. County-level death data is not available.
People are also reading…
The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases has been driven by highly contagious descendants of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
"BA2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 continue to expand in the state. These three sublineages of omicron made up one-third of the reported omicron variants confirmed this week," state Medical Services Section Chief Kirby Kruger said. "These lineages have been confirmed in 20 counties that are geographically widespread. It is likely these three variants will continue to emerge in our state.
"What we don’t know is how long cases will continue to increase or the magnitude of the increases," he said. "I think it is encouraging that some eastern states are starting to see a downturn in case reports."
There have been 246,544 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Dakota during the pandemic that began in March 2020.
More information
Federal data shows that North Dakota continues to have some of the worst COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country: 66.6% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at 60.1%. The national averages are 76.7% and 70.9%, respectively.
COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for people 12 and older. North Dakota's booster rate is 44.9%, compared to 48.7% nationally.
County-level COVID-19 risks determined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at https://bit.ly/3Clifrq. Burleigh and Morton counties both are considered at low risk, as is much of the rest of the state. But three counties have moved into the high risk category this week -- McIntosh, Logan and Bottineau. Nine counties including Dunn and Hettinger are in the medium category.
"Increases in disease transmission have impacted community levels in our state," Kruger said, adding that "In the counties in the high level, people should consider masking when indoors in a public space or when using public transportation."
Kruger said, "The key is for people to be aware of what is happening in their area of the state so they make informed decisions about how best to protect themselves and others, especially people who may be at an increased risk for more severe illness."
State Health Department guidance and resources for businesses is at https://bit.ly/3w0DpKj.
Go to https://www.ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available. Information on free public testing and free test kits is at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. More detailed pandemic information is at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Reach News Editor Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.com. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/weekly-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-top-1-000-again-some-counties-have-high/article_2d6619e6-e8db-11ec-ac9d-a34a0da20d51.html | 2022-06-10T19:07:36 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/weekly-covid-19-cases-in-north-dakota-top-1-000-again-some-counties-have-high/article_2d6619e6-e8db-11ec-ac9d-a34a0da20d51.html |
You would not need Nancy Drew to learn that nothing about Elaine Powers’ professional career was kids’ stuff. She wore a white lab coat to work, lived in a world of culture dishes and space-age equipment, and searched for compounds that would neutralize newly emerging diseases.
She was an investigative biologist for Sanofi in Oro Valley. It was serious business.
But a fun and funny thing has happened to Powers since she retired from Sanofi in 2016. Everything about her life is now kids’ stuff. Last month, in fact, she self-published her 27th picture book … all of them written to make science fun for kids and educational for the rest of us.
Powers’ latest is “Guam: Return of the Songs.” Like most of her books, it promotes the importance of conservation. In this case, she looks at Guam’s efforts to control the population of brown tree snakes — which have radically changed the island’s ecosystem since they came as cargo-ship stowaways during World War II.
Among other things, their presence led to the gradual disappearance of tropical songbirds.
People are also reading…
A project originally suggested by friends at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the book was five years in the making. For a variety of reasons, one of them the pandemic, Powers needed to enlist two editors, two illustrators and two translators to help her complete the effort.
The text is presented both in English and the Guamian language of Chamorro. It was released May 17 and is now available on Amazon.
Powers has become a familiar face in literary circles around Tucson. She is the current president of the Tucson Poetry Society. She belongs to several local writing groups.
Since she markets all her books personally, she is on a first-name basis with a number of local booksellers, too.
Some are surprised to learn Powers was a full-on scientist, but don’t let the lab coat fool you. Before moving to Tucson, she spent her personal time performing in community theater, writing stage plays and dabbling in poetry.
She also has a deep, lifelong love of nature — especially creatures of the reptile persuasion. Need proof? Her current roommates include seven iguanas, 12 tortoises, two box turtles and one red tegu.
Stir all those passions together, and you become one the most prolific authors in Arizona. She has published 27 books in the last eight years. Top that, James Patterson!
Powers began down the road toward self-publishing in 2013, shortly after moving to Tucson. She had developed a story about a curly-tailed lizard she met in the Bahamas. She needed an editor. She needed a plan.
Fortunately, Powers met a locally-based literary consultant named Nora Miller, and together they started down a path Elaine still walks today.
“In my case, there were a couple of reasons self-publishing made the most sense,” Powers said. “For one thing, most of my books have niche audiences. They are set in the Bahamas, the Caymans and Tucson. The big publishers would rather see themes that will sell everywhere. The biggest reason, though, is that publishers discourage bright illustrations and rhyming text. I like bright illustrations and rhyming text. They make the story fun, and I wanted my first books to be my books.”
At the time, an Amazon platform called CreateSpace Publishing was beginning to popularize print-on-demand books. The self-published book boom was about to begin, and Powers helped light the fuse. “Curtis Curly-tail and the Ship of Sneakers“ was released in 2014 and now is available both in Spanish and French.
The curly-tail series has sold well in the Bahamas, primarily in museums, bookshops and souvenir stores. Her second series, featuring Cayman iguanas, became popular in resort destinations such as George Town, West Bay and Bodden Town.
More recently, she has developed a series of stories about creatures we know here in Tucson. “Don’t Make Me Rattle,” “Don’t Call Me Turtle,” and “Don’t Make Me Fly“ feature rattlesnakes, tortoises and roadrunners.
“Queen of the Night,” published three years ago, will always be timely in June. It features the desert flower that blooms only one night a year. A watch party will be held at Tohono Chul on the appropriate evening … sometime in the next two weeks.
Word is out among Tucsonans now exploring their own self-publishing projects. The Pima County Public Library’s current Writer in Residence, Lori Alexander, has pointed several first-time authors to Powers to learn about the good, bad and exhausting of self-publishing.
“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work, too,” Powers said. “You’re not just the author, you’re the publicist, distributor and sales director, too. If somebody is ready for all that, they should go for it!”
Footnotes
Powers’ books can usually be found at Mostly Books, Antigone, Tohono Chul and the Sabino Canyon Visitors Center.
Another poet, Robert Frost, overcame initial resistance from publishers by running his first significant poem in the newspaper. “My Butterfly,” appeared in the New York Independent on Nov. 8, 1894. CreateSpace wasn’t an option then.
A more contemporary success story is “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova. Unable to find an acceptable offer, she self-published “Still Alice” in 2007. Released later by Simon and Schuster, it was on The New York Times bestseller list for 40 weeks. At last count, it had been published in 20 languages.
Several weeks ago, Pima County Public Library announced that the Martha Cooper Branch would close this month, making way for a yearlong construction project. Last week, the branch regulars received a temporary reprieve. The library will remain open at least through the end of the summer. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/this-tucson-scientist-went-from-lab-coats-to-childrens-literature/article_5c4fa118-e6ac-11ec-b117-5b54fdba0721.html | 2022-06-10T19:11:57 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/this-tucson-scientist-went-from-lab-coats-to-childrens-literature/article_5c4fa118-e6ac-11ec-b117-5b54fdba0721.html |
A scheme to sell a Queens family home right out from under the homeowner's nose almost worked if not for some meddling county officials.
The Queens district attorney announced Friday the foiled attempt by a Brooklyn man to sell the Jamaica property through a series of forged documents that included a fake death certificate.
Christopher Williams, 41, filed papers last August claiming ownership of the home four years after the death of its owner, District Attorney Melinda Katz stated. It turns out, though, that the homeowner has been very much alive the entire time.
According to a complaint, the Brownsville man sold the house on August 6, for $270,000 cash, after filing paperwork to transfer the house into his name by claiming to be the homeowner's heir.
Among the paperwork submitted last year, Williams allegedly forged birth certificates proving his relation to the family in addition to a death certificate claiming his mother had died in 2017. One big misstep: he spelled her last name wrong.
"Deed fraud is unfortunately on the rise throughout the borough and oftentimes, the rightful property owner is not aware that their home was taken away through fraudulent means," District Attorney Katz.
Department of Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack credits foiling the man's almost $300,000 crime to a notification program designed to identify possible targets and intervene in potential criminal matters.
News
"The Office of the City Register notifies homeowners whenever a document is filed against their property. The City Register and the Office of the Sheriff work together in identifying potential fraudulent transactions and will continue to aggressively investigate these horrific crimes," Niblack said.
Williams faces a handful of charges including grand larceny, falsifying business records, identity theft and scheme to defraud, among others. He's scheduled back in court in late July.
Attorney information for the 41-year-old was not immediately available. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-sells-off-nyc-house-after-homeowners-death-turns-out-shes-still-alive/3729425/ | 2022-06-10T19:16:08 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-sells-off-nyc-house-after-homeowners-death-turns-out-shes-still-alive/3729425/ |
Three days of the city's most popular music festival returns to Citi Field this weekend.
The first acts at this year's Governors Ball Music Festival take the stage Friday afternoon. The festival wraps Sunday night with headliner J. Cole.
This weekend-long festival has been around since 2011, only missing one year, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other headliners taking the stage are Kid Cudi and New Jersey native Halsey, but you won't want to miss out on the rest of the lineup. Friday's schedule is below:
Single-day tickets start at $159, while three-day passes start at $369.
Various artists from the lineup will also be playing late-night gigs around the city, as part of the Gov Ball After Dark series.
News
The rest of the lineup and additional information on this festival can be found here. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/governors-ball-music-festival-kicks-off-june-10/3729391/ | 2022-06-10T19:16:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/governors-ball-music-festival-kicks-off-june-10/3729391/ |
A teenage boy died and a second was still fighting for his life Friday afternoon after the pair entered the water off a Queens beach, city officials said.
Two 13-year-old boys were standing on rocks at Rockaway Beach, near Beach 121st Street and Jamaica Bay, when they fell into the water around 11:40 a.m., police officials said.
A team of at least nine rescue swimmers was dispatched to the beach and retrieved the two boys who were then rushed to Jamaica Hospital, fire and police officials said.
One of the boys died sometime after the rescue, and the second was said to be in grave condition, the NYPD said.
The circumstances leading up to the boys' fall into the water is still under investigation.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/teenage-swimmer-13-dies-after-2-pulled-from-rockaway-waters-police/3729563/ | 2022-06-10T19:16:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/teenage-swimmer-13-dies-after-2-pulled-from-rockaway-waters-police/3729563/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It’s summertime and that means outdoor activities like swimming, barbecuing, tanning and more.
As you spend more time outside, you may be realizing that it’s time to update your outdoor space. If you don’t know where to start, do not worry. Yelp has compiled a list of outdoor living trends that are gaining popularity in Texas.
Here are some ideas:
- Cowboy pools
- Outdoor kitchens
- Outdoor living rooms
- Patio covers and pergolas
- Fire pits
- Outdoor lighting
- Garden sheds
For the full report, visit Yelp. | https://cw33.com/news/local/want-to-transform-your-backyard-space-here-are-some-texas-outdoor-living-trends-courtesy-of-yelp/ | 2022-06-10T19:20:13 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/want-to-transform-your-backyard-space-here-are-some-texas-outdoor-living-trends-courtesy-of-yelp/ |
BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington School District 87 and McLean County Unit 5 are offering free meals on weekdays this summer for anyone younger than 18.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that all meals include a protein, grains, fruits, vegetables and milk.
District 87 is providing breakfast during the week at:
- Irving Elementary School, 8:30-9 a.m. through June 30
- Bloomington High School, 8-8:30 a.m. through June 30
Adults may purchase breakfast for $3.50.
District 87 is serving lunches from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. during the week at:
- Irving Elementary, through Aug. 12
- Sheridan Elementary, through Aug. 12
- Stevenson Elementary, through Aug. 12
- Boys & Girls Club, through July 29
Adults may purchase lunch for $3.50.
Those who cannot make it to a school can still get a free lunch at mobile feeding stops: Friendship Park (11-11:15 a.m.), Second Presbyterian Church (11:25-11:50 a.m.), First Presbyterian Church (noon to 12:20 p.m.) and the Wood Hill Family homes (12:30-1 p.m.) Adults can purchase a meal for $3.50 at any location.
Caroline Bubulka, director of school nutrition for District 87, said the mobile program is already being utilized, with over 60 meals being served a day since starting June 6.
Unit 5 is providing breakfast Monday through Thursday at:
- Cedar Ridge Elementary, 8:15-9 a.m. June 13 through July 14
- Oakdale Elementary, 8:15-9 a.m. June 13 through July 14
Adults may purchase a meal for $2.55.
Unit 5 is serving lunches from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. during the week at Unity Community Center. Adult price is $2.85. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/bloomington-normal-school-districts-offering-summer-meal-programs/article_fca51e06-e835-11ec-9fb0-8fb6585101a6.html | 2022-06-10T19:37:19 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/bloomington-normal-school-districts-offering-summer-meal-programs/article_fca51e06-e835-11ec-9fb0-8fb6585101a6.html |
Midland’s county judge has publicly weighed in on the recent news involving Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf.
In a comment on a story post, Terry Johnson, not long after his decisive win in the GOP primary, states “Midland deserves a better DA.” The comment is typical of Johnson, who is not afraid to weigh in with comments or actions on high profile issues – even those involving other elected officials or taxing entities -- in the Midland community.
Not long after Midland ISD voted to change the name of the former Lee High School in 2020, Johnson went on the left-leaning website – moveon.org – to create a petition to keep the name “Robert E. Lee High School.” That petition was disabled “because of inappropriate content.”
Johnson also responded to an invitation from the Democratic Chair Cathy Broadrick to attend a rally involving Beto O’Rourke by emailing her and writing “F--- Beto.” He later said he did not realize who was on the receiving end of his response.
Johnson and Nodolf have a contentious history. Nodolf in 2020 sued Johnson “to fulfill his duties to prepare and file the county budget. She is requesting that the budget be filed immediately with the county clerk and that Johnson be ordered to file the budget by July 31 in future years.” Judge Stacy Trotter of Ector County’s 358th District Court ruled in favor of Johnson.
On Thursday, it was announced that David Wilson’s legal team has filed a petition to remove Nodolf from her position as district attorney | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/County-Judge-Terry-Johnson-Midland-deserves-a-17233152.php | 2022-06-10T19:39:34 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/County-Judge-Terry-Johnson-Midland-deserves-a-17233152.php |
Two sets of recently installed traffic signals are scheduled to be put into operation Monday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
In Greenwood, traffic signals on Farm-to-Market Road 307 at the intersection of County Road 1090 should be put in operation Monday morning. Traffic signals at Billy Hext Road and the service roads of Highway 191 in Odessa should be put in operation Monday afternoon.
Motorists are reminded that running red lights can have catastrophic results, TxDOT stated in a news release
Several locations also had improvements made with overhead lighting. These locations scheduled to be finished this summer include:
-- Midland County: (three locations) Business Interstate 20 at County Road 1310; FM 307 at County Road 1050; and FM 1379 at County Road 120.
-- Andrews County: (two locations) Highway 385 at County Road 8000; and Highway 115 at Loop 1910 on the west side of Andrews. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/TxDOT-Greenwood-traffic-signal-goes-live-on-17233659.php | 2022-06-10T19:39:40 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/TxDOT-Greenwood-traffic-signal-goes-live-on-17233659.php |
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — Bridge work will lead to lane closures beginning next week on Interstate 81 northbound in Abingdon.
The first lane closure will begin on the evening of Monday, June 13 and continue through the morning of Friday, June 17. The closure will allow crews to replace the left travel lane and shoulder of the northbound bridge deck above Route 75.
The second lane closure will begin on the evening of Sunday, June 19 and will remain in place through the morning of Thursday, June 23. During that time, crews will replace the right travel lane and shoulder of the northbound bridge.
Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes in order to avoid potentially significant backups.
The closures are part of a VDOT project to improve Exit 17, including improvements to the northbound on and off-ramps, improvements to a segment of Route 75, reconstruction and relocation of Gravel Lake Road, and relocation of the frontage road located adjacent to the northbound exit 17 off-ramp. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bridge-work-to-impact-i-81-north-traffic-in-abingdon/ | 2022-06-10T19:42:28 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/bridge-work-to-impact-i-81-north-traffic-in-abingdon/ |
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson County Sheriff Edward Tester told News Channel 11 on Friday that the agency will host church security and active shooter training on June 18 at 10 a.m.
The class will occur at the Calvary Baptist Church located at 1288 Cold Springs Road and will provide instruction on setting up security teams and responding to a shooting.
Tester said several area churches — including a handful of out-of-state churches — have already expressed interest in the program. It is open to any church, he said.
The sheriff will speak at the event with other guest speakers and instructors. While they have hosted similar training in the past, the sheriff said the agency felt the class is necessary due to recent national events. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-co-deputies-to-host-free-church-security-program/ | 2022-06-10T19:42:35 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-co-deputies-to-host-free-church-security-program/ |
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Students in Sullivan County will now have the opportunity to benefit from industrial workplace learning programs following a school board vote Monday.
The board approved three memorandums of understanding with Eastman, J.A. Street, and Northeast State Community College. These partnerships established workplace learning programs for high schoolers to participate in and possibly transition into full-time work at the end of the program.
Officials said the goal is to retain local talent as industries continue to grow in the region’s largest county.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to go into the workplace learning programs and to get their industrial certifications,” Sullivan County Director of Schools Evelyn Rafalowski said. “So we are extremely excited that J.A. Street and Eastman want to be partners with us and work with us to help our students.”
Each of the three agreements with the school system serves a purpose: Northeast State will provide instructors and instructional material to the tune of $5,000 for the upcoming academic year, during which students will receive industry-specific training and obtain the required certifications in the industrial field of their choice.
Eastman will pay students $15 per hour to work in a pre-apprentice capacity in the plant in Kingsport. Similarly, J.A. Street and Associates will offer students the opportunity to work for the company full-time following the student’s completion of the pre-apprenticeship program and the necessary training.
“Previously, we had this program going, but it wasn’t [Department of Labor] certified, and we weren’t always using the [National Convention for Construction and Reform] curriculum. So the NCCR curriculum is a nationally recognized curriculum in construction,” said James Osborne, safety and quality director of J.A. Street & Associates. “So people that go through the program and finish it will come out with an NCCR certification, and then they also will get the Department of Labor Certification as well for the apprenticeship.”
Students participating in J.A. Street’s program will attend a weekly two-hour class at the RCAM in Kingsport.
The goal is to keep a talented local workforce in the region, but Osborne said the certifications students will receive will benefit them even if they move.
“The thought process behind it is to bring in students between the ages of 16 and 18, get them started with the company, get them immersed in our program,” he said.
The same principle counts for the program agreement with Eastman.
“Eastman continues to innovate and grow. We need a highly-skilled, talented, and broadly diverse workforce,” said Jeff Fain, Director of Manufacturing Workforce Development for Eastman. “So these programs are great to partner with schools to allow students who are interested in careers to work with and work together within a plant and get real-life experience.”
Fain explained that the program had been implemented before as part of an agreement with Kingsport City Schools and was successful.
“You can come directly from high school, or one or two years of college, directly integrate career fields in advanced manufacturing and have the opportunity three to four years out of school to earn a salary and career upwards of $50,000 a year,” Fain said. “So it gives real-life skills. They work on value-adding roles, and it gives them a head start on learning about manufacturing.”
Another of the program’s goals is to help the local industry grow.
“We believe investing in our students in our region is important for our growth and our company and our innovation. So we’d love to see this continue to grow,” Fain said.
Roughly 50 students are permitted to enroll in the program per academic year.
“Our goal is to continue expanding this over the next two, three years,” Fain said. “We’ve been very pleased with our pilot program. We had six students from Dobyns-Bennett High School, and the feedback we’ve got from the students and from the manufacturing side is it was hugely successful. They gain relevant skills and some of them were interested in continuing their careers.”
Osborne added that working in construction may have stereotypical stigmas attached to the industry, but as a man who has worked in the field his whole life, he said it would be a great opportunity for young people looking to select a good-paying job.
“Construction is always around, and it’s a very good support for a family,” he said.
The programs will begin this fall and will continue through the next academic fiscal year. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-school-board-approves-cte-apprenticeship-programs/ | 2022-06-10T19:42:41 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-school-board-approves-cte-apprenticeship-programs/ |
ALBANY -- The Albany Area YMCA is taking a leap into virtual fitness with its new platform, YMCA360. This new on-demand and livestreaming service brings the Y experience seamlessly to mobile devices, TVs, streaming devices and the web, and will be included with every YMCA membership.
With YMCA360, pursuing a healthier lifestyle is possible anytime, anywhere. Members will be able to view and participate in hundreds of group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes, cooking classes, view daily live fitness classes and much more, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
For more information, contact Albany Y Membership and Marketing Director Samantha Helton at (229) 436-0531, extension 221, or via email at shelton@albanyareaymca.com.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/y-joins-virtual-fitness-craze-with-ymca360/article_bbc0c28a-e8eb-11ec-a3ea-d714f88b47fe.html | 2022-06-10T19:46:10 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/y-joins-virtual-fitness-craze-with-ymca360/article_bbc0c28a-e8eb-11ec-a3ea-d714f88b47fe.html |
Covington Road will be restricted between Interstate 69 and Hadley Road from Monday to June 17 during milling and paving work, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's street department at 311.
Covington Road will be restricted between Interstate 69 and Hadley Road from Monday to June 17 during milling and paving work, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's street department at 311. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/covington-road-section-restricted-next-week/article_7fd950b6-e8af-11ec-83eb-8fc0bc507c9e.html | 2022-06-10T19:48:37 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/covington-road-section-restricted-next-week/article_7fd950b6-e8af-11ec-83eb-8fc0bc507c9e.html |
West Jefferson Boulevard will be limited at its intersection with Apple Glen Boulevard from Saturday to June 17 during paving work, the city of Fort Wayne said today.
For questions or to report problems, contact the city's right of way department at 427-6155. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paving-work-to-limit-west-jefferson-boulevard-at-apple-glen/article_4478b362-e8b0-11ec-8e18-7bf48a651625.html | 2022-06-10T19:48:43 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paving-work-to-limit-west-jefferson-boulevard-at-apple-glen/article_4478b362-e8b0-11ec-8e18-7bf48a651625.html |
Pipe work to close Solon Road portion next week The Journal Gazette Jun 10, 2022 3 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Solon Road between U.S. 30 and Yellow River Road will close from 8 a.m. Monday to 5 p.m. June 17 during crossover-pipe replacement, the Allen County Highway Department said today. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Most Popular Rising Carroll senior Owen Scheele passes away Mother accused of starving, beating 7-year-old Two new housing projects proposed for northern Allen County Fort Wayne's Brooks transferring to Washington Crews focus on picking up trash over recycling Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pipe-work-to-close-solon-road-portion-next-week/article_03f7dbe6-e8d9-11ec-8a1a-37c3633f5746.html | 2022-06-10T19:48:50 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/pipe-work-to-close-solon-road-portion-next-week/article_03f7dbe6-e8d9-11ec-8a1a-37c3633f5746.html |
Gov. Eric Holcomb's office issued this news release today:
INDIANAPOLIS -- Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Court of Appeals Judge Derek Molter as the next member of the Indiana Supreme Court. Molter will replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Steven David.
“Derek Molter is devoted to the cause of justice and maintaining the integrity of our justice system,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He’s proven during his lengthy legal career and his tenure on the Indiana Court of Appeals his dedication to the critical role the judiciary plays in our system of government and the future of our state.”
Judge Molter was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Gov. Holcomb and began his service on Oct. 1, 2021.
“Derek Molter is a thoughtful and even-tempered judge,” Chief Justice Loretta Rush said. “From Newton County farming roots to pro bono work to Washington D.C. law firm experience, Derek brings a unique skill set that will be a lasting credit to the Indiana Supreme Court. It is a pleasure to welcome soon-to-be Justice Derek Molter.”
During his time on the Court of Appeals, Judge Molter has remained active as an officer in the Appellate Section of the Indiana State Bar, including recently leading an effort to organize an all-day continuing legal education seminar regarding state constitutional law.
Before joining the Court of Appeals, Molter was a partner at Ice Miller in Indianapolis and prior to that he was an attorney in Washington D.C. at Arnold & Porter LLP. Judge Molter became one of the most distinguished appellate lawyers in Indiana. He has appeared before the Indiana Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, and numerous federal trial and appellate courts. He has played a key role in appellate preservation in many trials that reached jury verdicts and appeals.
"While I will miss working each day alongside my extraordinary colleagues on the Court of Appeals, I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court and honored to have been considered alongside two of Indiana’s finest public servants, Judge Dana Kenworthy and Justin Forkner," Judge Derek Molter said.
Judge Molter was born and raised in Newton County. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law where he earned a place in the Order of the Coif Honor Society and graduated in the top three percent of his class.
Following graduation, Molter served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Theresa L. Springmann, a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Indiana. He then practiced at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP in Washington D.C.
Judge Molter continues to give back to his community. He recently partnered with Appellate Judge Leanna Weissmann and the State Bar to organize a collection effort to provide necessary supplies to Afghan evacuees at Camp Atterbury. Since 2011, he has helped administer a leadership fund that provides scholarships to students at his alma mater, South Newton High School. Judge Molter lives in Indianapolis with his wife Katie, an attorney, and his three children.
A date for Judge Molter’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Supreme Court. Grant County Superior Court Judge Dana Kenworthy and Justin Forkner, chief administrative officer of the Indiana Supreme Court, were the other two finalists nominated by the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-appellate-judge-derek-molter-named-to-indiana-supreme-court/article_1204b8aa-e8cd-11ec-b9d3-23cdcba2ae1f.html | 2022-06-10T19:48:56 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-appellate-judge-derek-molter-named-to-indiana-supreme-court/article_1204b8aa-e8cd-11ec-b9d3-23cdcba2ae1f.html |
The Allen County Department of Health issued this news release today:
Fort Wayne (June 10, 2022) -- Another 399 Allen County residents tested positive for COVID-19 this week (Saturday, June 4 to today), with 170 confirmed PCR cases and 229 probable antigen cases, bringing the total to 106,999 cases and 1,156 deaths as of this date.
The Allen County case count includes a total of 51,033 probable cases from antigen tests reported since July 2020.
Updates to positive cases and deaths in Allen County are found on the Department’s COVID-19 website at allencountyhealth.com/covid-19-updates and will be time-stamped to keep the public informed with the latest local data.
Basic demographic information on Allen County cases is provided on the website and will be updated at least once a week.
Because of delays in data reporting to and from the state, Allen County case counts may not always immediately match counts provided by the Indiana Department of Health at https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-june-10-allen-county-covid-19-update/article_d965f00e-e8c7-11ec-b7ed-870346bc83e7.html | 2022-06-10T19:49:02 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-june-10-allen-county-covid-19-update/article_d965f00e-e8c7-11ec-b7ed-870346bc83e7.html |
West County Line Road between Liberty Mills Road and U.S. 24 will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday during crossover-pipe replacement, the Allen County Highway Department said today.
West County Line Road section closed Tuesday
- The Journal Gazette | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/west-county-line-road-section-closed-tuesday/article_8535f536-e8d8-11ec-a93e-43598ffc7b15.html | 2022-06-10T19:49:08 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/west-county-line-road-section-closed-tuesday/article_8535f536-e8d8-11ec-a93e-43598ffc7b15.html |
Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young cast the situation at the nation’s border with Mexico as a crisis that is leading to thousands of deaths of Hoosiers.
He made the remarks Thursday morning during a news conference in Fort Wayne announcing he had been endorsed by the National Border Control Council.
Brandson Judd, council president, said it was the first time the organization endorsed any Indiana candidate. He said the group is akin to a labor union because it does not include border patrol management but represents 18,000 agents and support staff.
However, Judd told The Journal Gazette the decision to endorse does not require any organizational vote, and he made the endorsement decision himself. He said endorsements are rare, although sought frequently by candidates.
Young, who said he worked at the border while in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1990s, said things that happen at the border don’t stay at the border.
He cited the smuggling of drugs as an example, saying they make their way to the Fort Wayne area.
“Lives here have been destroyed by the opioid epidemic,” he said, adding that’s “a function of what’s coming across the border from Mexico.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/young-receives-endorsement-of-border-control-group/article_2a3cb6cc-e8cb-11ec-a333-3b3aa988395e.html | 2022-06-10T19:49:14 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/young-receives-endorsement-of-border-control-group/article_2a3cb6cc-e8cb-11ec-a333-3b3aa988395e.html |
Police are asking for the public's help getting information about a shooting early Friday in Henrico County.
Officers responded to the 1300 block of Old Bronze Drive at about midnight after receiving reports of gunfire in the area, police said in statement.
Police found a teen boy in the driver's seat of a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, police said.
Officers treated the victim at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Police have not released the victim's identity.
Anyone with information is asked to call Henrico police at (804) 501-5247 or submit tips online anonymously at p3tips.com .
8,700-square-foot Windsor Farms house tops list of Richmond-area home sales for May
1) $3,100,000
Address: 314 St. Davids Lane, Richmond
Square feet: 8,739
Beds/bath: 5/4.3
Acreage: 2.35
Built: 1964
2) $2,600,000
Address: 2371 River Road, Goochland
Square feet: 8,336
Beds/bath: 4/4.1
Acreage: 58.3
Built: 1840
3) $2,299,000
Address: 18 Hampton Hills Lane, Richmond
Square feet: 5,733
Beds/bath: 5/5.2
Acreage: 1
Built: 1934
4) $2,225,000
Address: 1102 Shallow Well Road, Goochland
Square feet: 4,948
Beds/bath: 4/4.1
Acreage: 35.01
Built: 1989
5) $2,212,500
Address: 303 S. Lock Lane, Richmond
Square feet: 4,089
Beds/bath: 4/3.1
Acreage: 0.5
Built: 1930
6) $2,125,000
Address: 8901 Brieryle Road, Henrico
Square feet: 5,291
Beds/bath: 5/3.1
Acreage: 0.74
Built: 1957
7) $2,015,000
Address: 2700 Monument Avenue, Richmond
Square feet: 7,981
Beds/bath: 5/5.1
Acreage: 0.2
Built: 1908
8) $2,000,000
Address: 201 Panorama Drive, Henrico
Square feet: 5,431
Beds/bath: 5/4.2
Acreage: 1
Built: 1965
8) $2,000,000
Address: 853 Elmslie Lane, Goochland
Square feet: 4,510
Beds/bath: 4/4.1
Acreage: 0.45
Built: 2018
10) $1,900,000
Address: 1015 W Franklin Street, Richmond
Square feet: 7,789
Beds/bath: 8/6.1
Acreage: 0.11
Built: 1910
LGerman@timesdispatch.com
804-649-6340
Twitter: @Lyndon__G | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/teen-dies-in-henrico-county-shooting/article_34b25762-a91f-56d3-91f0-74baf124195b.html | 2022-06-10T19:54:04 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/teen-dies-in-henrico-county-shooting/article_34b25762-a91f-56d3-91f0-74baf124195b.html |
Volusia County Council candidates debate growth, housing, roads, water
DAYTONA BEACH — Expanding and improving the county's road network. Transitioning septic tanks to centralized sewer systems. Handling the county government's $1.1 billion budget.
Those issues were all worked into questions lobbed at the four candidates running for the Volusia County Council's at-large post during a debate Thursday in an LPGA International meeting and banquet room.
During the luncheon debate hosted by the Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County, a nonpartisan organization that doesn't endorse candidates for political office, the four contenders hoping to represent all 400,000 voters countywide distinguished their experience and priorities with their responses.
But before they took turns fielding questions, each candidate introduced themselves to the roomful of onlookers that included several current and past elected officials, judges, a public defender and the county's tax collector.
Sherrise Boyd owns a consulting and marketing business. She has also worked in government, including a stint with the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta and as a support services manager in the Volusia County Division of Emergency Medical Services.
Boyd ran for Daytona Beach mayor in 2020 but finished last in the three-way competition.
A past Volusia Council at-large debate:3 Volusia County Council at-large candidates face tax-pledge question at Deltona debate
Volusia at-large debate leaves out one candidate:After excluding Black female candidate, Volusia teens 'shocked and appalled' at criticism
More about 2022 Volusia County elections:Election 2022: Santiago enters Volusia County Council race; Karl will run for statehouse
Jake Johansson was city manager of Port Orange for five and a half years, a position that he decided to step down from at the end of 2020 to deal with some family matters.
Johansson spent 35 years in the Navy. He commanded a combat squadron in Iraq and a Naval base in Norfolk, Virginia, where there is one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the world.
Johansson also worked at the Pentagon and carried the nuclear football in the White House for three years. He's currently a small business owner.
Meet the Volusia at-large candidates
Johansson has the backing of the current at-large councilman, former Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson, who decided not to seek re-election to the Council. He also has donations from some of the power players in Volusia County: Hyatt and Cici Brown; Charlie Lydecker and his Foundation Risk Partners insurance firm; two NASCAR-affiliated businesses; and the political committee controlled by state Rep. Tom Leek.
Johansson has amassed the most campaign contributions of the four candidates, with $77,700 raised so far. Doug Pettit and Andy Kelly each have about $20,000 in their campaign war chests, and Boyd has $2,280.
Kelly served on the Volusia County Council from 2007 to 2012. In 2012 he ran for supervisor of elections but lost to Ann McFall. He then lost a 2014 County Council race to Pat Patterson by less than one-half of 1%.
Kelly has since been elected to the Volusia County Soil & Water Conservation District Board.
He said he took a step back from public life over the past several years because of serious health issues among his family members. Over the last four years, he said his mother, father, brother and sister-in-law all died.
Kelly said some people urged him to try once more now to return to the County Council.
Pettit is a coach and retired teacher. He coached the Taylor High School football team from 2007 to 2010, and he's currently a coach at Spruce Creek High School.
Pettit is also a retired U.S. Marine with 26 years of military service that included serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.
Pettit said he has lived in various parts of Volusia County for 30 years. He also lived in Seminole County for 15 years.
Pettit has owned several small businesses.
'If you don't grow, you die'
Pettit said he's focusing on three issues on his journey toward the Aug. 23 primary election, which will either produce one outright winner or pare the field of four candidates to two who would face off in November. He said he won't "advocate for a tax increase," he wants to "control overdevelopment," and he wants to protect the county's water and environment.
"The people of this county are scared of overdevelopment and feel they don't have any say," he said.
He said the county's residents, not developers, should decide what is built.
Boyd said she's also finding disillusioned residents.
"So many people are disappointed and don't know where the county is going," she said. "So many don't vote. They don't feel their vote counts. They don't trust the government."
Boyd said her perspective on development in Volusia County is that "we're under-developed in some areas and over-developed in others."
Johansson said he wants "to bring a collaborative culture to the County Council."
"We all need to march ahead strategically if this is going to work," he said. "We can be a force to be reckoned with at the state and federal level."
He said it's important to balance the county's industry with its residents, but added that not all growth is bad.
"If you don't grow, you die," he said.
'We can lower taxes'
Kelly noted that he's the only one of the four candidates who has lived his whole life in Volusia County.
"I've watched our natural resources get built over," he said. "We can take control and we can lower taxes."
One of the audience members at Thursday's debate asked the candidates what experience they have with financial leadership, asset management and budgetary prioritizing.
Kelly said he has worked as an accountant for 45 years. His father was an independent government auditor for the county, and Kelly said he worked under him on those probes.
He also said he has to control his business' budget to keep it profitable.
Johansson said during his years in the military he purchased aircraft worth millions of dollars and oversaw a multibillion-dollar budget at the Naval base in Virginia. The city of Port Orange had an annual budget of about $80 million to $100 million when he was the top government official there, he said.
"I can come up with a lean budget," Johansson said. "I can get you to rollback (on property taxes) if you tell me what you want to cut."
Pettit said he had a small business in San Diego for 10 years that he started from scratch. One of his competitors bought him out, which he said was a high compliment. He said he also ran a business in Lake Mary for three years.
When he was in the Marine Corps, he said he was a heavy equipment officer with a $107 million budget.
Boyd said in her past jobs she worked with budgets and created her own internal audits. She said she found budgetary errors, items that could be cut from budgets and ways to save money.
'Get growth under control'
The candidates were also asked what they thought was best for changes and improvements to Volusia County's road system.
"I'm not a fan of spending a tax dollar to build a new road," Pettit said. "We need to fix what we have."
He said developers can build and pay for new roads when they're needed.
"Growth is not paying for itself," Pettit said. "We need to do things to get growth under control."
Johansson said existing road problems need to be fixed, and road capacity has to be limited to avoid gridlock.
Kelly said if growth isn't controlled Volusia County will become a metropolitan area without sufficient roads.
Boyd pointed out that the county government doesn't control the cities inside it, but she said she'll do her best to slow down growth if elected.
"I would love to see us not spend more money on roads," she said.
When asked about the county's lack of affordable housing, Johansson questioned if that's something a government should address.
"I'm a less government guy," he said. "I don't want the county to do more."
He said "the worst place" to put something like a housing program is a government. With government rules, $1 intended for a particular goal becomes 60 cents, he said.
Pettit also said he doesn't think a county government should get involved with housing and financing it.
Creating more affordable housing is high priority for Boyd. She said she has a perspective shaped by growing up very poor in New York and living through an eviction as a child.
Boyd said Volusia County needs more housing based on income, and more housing developments with residents who have a mix of financial abilities.
"What kind of county are we if we build for out-of-towners, but people born and raised here can't afford to live here?" she asked. "We have people who are just not happy where they're living. Some are barely surviving."
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/10/volusia-county-council-candidates-debate-growth-housing-roads-water/7561017001/ | 2022-06-10T20:06:17 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/10/volusia-county-council-candidates-debate-growth-housing-roads-water/7561017001/ |
SWAINSBORO, Ga. — A Georgia pillow manufacturer is facing a fine of $190,000 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration following a report of repeat and serious violations - including some amputation injuries.
OSHA cited Place Vendome Holding Co. in 2021 for "obstructing exit routes, failing to post well-lit signs identifying exit routes and stacking materials in unstable or unsecured tiers," as well as for failing to make fire extinguishers accessible and not training staff to use them.
They received three serious violations from OSHA for not locking emergency exits from the outside and not having an emergency action plan. The workers are also not taught specific procedures when using hazardous equipment.
“Place Vendome once again exposed their employees needlessly to serious and life-altering hazards,” OSHA Acting Area Office Director Jose Gonzalez said in Savannah, Georgia.
OSHA said they initially cited the plant in 2020 when four employees were seriously hurt; according to records,
- In December 2020, a 22-year-old machine operator suffered an amputation injury. OSHA found no lockout/tagout procedures to safeguard workers.
- A 40-year-old machine operator experienced an amputated finger and nine crushed fingers in February 2021. OSHA found the machine’s energy control locks had been removed.
- A 50-year-old maintenance manager loading a pallet jack onto a truck suffered an amputation after a finger was caught between the wheels of the jack in March 2021.
- A 37-year-old maintenance manager suffered a lacerated hand while attempting to clean fibers out of a motor in April 2022.
“This ongoing disregard for the safety of their employees is unacceptable, and we will continue to hold them accountable until they follow all necessary federal requirements and take steps to protect workers at this facility," Gonzalez said.
The department proposed the manufacturer pay $190,758 in penalties, and they have 15 days to comply, request more information or contest their findings. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/190-k-osha-violation-place-vendome-holding-co-amputation-finger/85-1d78d293-e6dd-4c76-999d-43b0e9fcef03 | 2022-06-10T20:10:26 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/190-k-osha-violation-place-vendome-holding-co-amputation-finger/85-1d78d293-e6dd-4c76-999d-43b0e9fcef03 |
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — New safety measures for the upcoming school year were voted on Thursday by the Cobb County School Board, but parents still have questions about their crisis alert system that was hacked in 2021.
Cobb County parents said they want answers about how the district is working to keep their kids safe - right now - those parents said they are not getting them.
"He says the system was unusable. We didn't know that," Parent Heather Tolley-Bauer said.
Parents heard from the board that it never worked again after the AlertPoint system was hacked last year, prompting a false code red alert in Cobb’s 115 schools.
It was meant to be a crisis management tool where teachers could alert police to a threat at the press of a button.
Tolley-Bauer cofounded the Watch the Funds group in the county, which raised questions about the $5 million the district spent on the alert point system.
"I wanted to know the school is thinking about it, and that the district is taking this seriously," she said.
The superintendent said they're now under contract with a new system.
"We want to explain and ensure to parents that student and staff safety is our top priority," Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said. "We must also ensure that our safety protocols, procedures, processes, and systems remain confidential publicly discussing these in a detailed manner will potentially and unnecessarily place the lives of our students and staff members in jeopardy."
11Alive asked the district how much money they spent on the new system, but they have not responded.
It's supposed to work a lot like the old system, and Tolley-Bauer said she hopes there are better results this time.
"They told us time, and time again they were not trained, they did not have the badges, and I am confident that the district learned from that mistake and will not let that happen again," she said.
She just wants to feel safe sending her son to school.
"We entrust them with our children's hearts and minds, and unfortunately now, their lives. and we want to know that those hardworking people have the tools that they want, that they need, that actually work," she said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cobb-county-parents-question-school-security-measures/85-0c007cf5-4554-4263-aa46-8dcf721d69a5 | 2022-06-10T20:10:27 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cobb-county-parents-question-school-security-measures/85-0c007cf5-4554-4263-aa46-8dcf721d69a5 |
DALLAS — The Dallas City Council is moving to potentially oust City Manager T.C. Broadnax, calling a special meeting for Wednesday, according to officials and a memo obtained by WFAA.
The council meeting will "consider taking appropriate action related to the performance of the City Manager including discipline or removal," said the memo, which was signed by councilmembers Paula Blackmon, Cara Mendelsohn, and Gay Donnell Willis.
Mayor Eric Johnson is backing the move for a change, telling WFAA in a statement he believes "it is time for a change in city management."
"Council have made it clear in recent days that they also believe it is time for a change," Johnson said. "We are ready to move forward and discuss how best to build for the future of our great city and its amazing people, and that is why I have placed the item on the City Council’s agenda for next week.”
Broadnax said in a statement that periodic performance review is critical to him and all City employees to demonstrate progress and ensure transparency for all.
"I am proud of the hard work which has led to accomplishment of many goals related to the City Council’s eight strategic priorities and look forward to sharing the R.E.A.L. impact we continue to make to improve the lives of Dallas residents in ways that are responsible, equitable, accountable, and legitimate, together as One Dallas," Broadnax said in a statement.
Blackmon confirmed the council is considering removing Broadnax.
“Systems issues are not being addressed," Blackmon said. "From the data breach to 911 to homelessness to permitting, we are not showing improvement."
“It’s time to hold people accountable," Blackmon said.
Blackmon’s been working on the backup in the permitting process and she says that’s opened her eyes to “systems issues.”
Blackmon said the city needs to be honest about these issues and have a plan to address them and she doesn’t feel that from the city manager.
Mayor Pro Tem Chad West said he didn't really understand what the request for discipline is for and that he didn't know where it was coming from.
"Whether we ask him to resign or stay, it is all part of the council review process," West said. "I support a discussion in executive session where the entire Council has an opportunity to discuss where we see our relationship with the city manager going forward. Whatever happens, everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. We’re all professionals here and we should remember that.”
Broadnax was hired as city manager in 2016, arriving in Dallas from Tacoma, Wash., where he was also city manager.
Over the last year, Broadnax has dealt with several issues related to city staffing and technology, including severe staffing shortages at the city's 911 call center.
The 911 call center issues came to a head last summer, when a young 6-year-old girl died of a stabbing after the police response was delayed.
Johnson called on Broadnax to fixt the staffing shortages, calling the issue "absolutely unacceptable."
Broadnax last year was also faced with a massive city data loss that impacted police files. Broadnax was criticized for learning about the data loss in April 2021 but not informing council until August, when the story broke in the news.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for more information as this story develops throughout the day. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-city-council-tc-broadnax-mayor-eric-johnson-holding-special-meeting-to-possibly-remove-city-manager-memo-says/287-c5dcc99b-1a14-4799-b102-0b14c1a748e5 | 2022-06-10T20:12:45 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-city-council-tc-broadnax-mayor-eric-johnson-holding-special-meeting-to-possibly-remove-city-manager-memo-says/287-c5dcc99b-1a14-4799-b102-0b14c1a748e5 |
Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/arts-music-briefly/article_2a65302a-05d7-546e-8a4b-adfe1e5c7967.html | 2022-06-10T20:14:17 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/arts-music-briefly/article_2a65302a-05d7-546e-8a4b-adfe1e5c7967.html |
DENVER, Pa. — State Police are attempting to locate a Lancaster County man charged with four felonies relating to the malnourishment of a two-month old baby in his care.
Terri Young, 45, of Denver, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault of a child less than 13, and two counts of criminal conspiracy in the case, according to police.
Young is aware that there's a warrant out for his arrest and has refused to turn himself in to authorities, according to police.
He was last seen on June 5 on Smoketown Road in Denver, police say. He operates an older-model red Chevrolet Suburban and lives in a camper, according to police.
Young is known to stay at the Pinch Pond Campground in Manheim, police say.
Police say Young and the victim's mother, Alanna Gerth, were charged after medical professionals contacted authorities to report concerns about the victim's health.
The baby's doctors said the child was born last December, and was gaining weight appropriately at his first checkup in January.
But on Feb. 23, doctors noticed the child had lost a significant amount of weight and the bones of his ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible.
Young and Gerth claimed they were feeding the baby formula every three hours, but doctors noted they were not compliant with bringing the baby in for regular checkups.
Doctors determined there was no medical reason for the baby's weight loss and diagnosed him with malnutrition, concluding that the child's parents were failing to provide adequate nutrition. The baby showed "excellent" weight gain when fed regularly by hospital staff, according to his doctors.
The baby was released from Hershey Medical Center on March 1 and was placed in foster care, according to police.
Gerth is currently being held in Lebanon County Prison after failing to post bail. She is awaiting a preliminary hearing on June 30, according to court records. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/terri-young-fugitive-child-endangerment-police-search/521-2877e0dc-2736-4181-b8c3-8150a9d1fbf2 | 2022-06-10T20:24:16 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/terri-young-fugitive-child-endangerment-police-search/521-2877e0dc-2736-4181-b8c3-8150a9d1fbf2 |
Police arrested two teenagers who were wearing caps and gowns and had guns June 5 after a shooting outside the U.S. Steel Yard stadium following a graduation ceremony for West Side Leadership Academy, according to court records.
Sarah Reese
Gary police crime scene technicians document and collect spent bullet casings after a shooting June 5 outside the U.S. Steel Yard following a graduation ceremony for West Side Leadership Academy.
CROWN POINT — Two teenage brothers in their caps and gowns returned fire Sunday after a man in dark clothing began shooting at them, leaving two people wounded as a result of the shootout and causing others to duck for cover behind vehicles, according to court records and police.
Joshua J. Hughes, 17, was charged Thursday as an adult in the shooting Sunday outside the U.S. Steel Yard following a graduation ceremony for more than 200 West Side Leadership Academy students.
Two Lake County sheriff's officers working security at the graduation spotted Hughes and another teen, identified in court records as Calob Hughes, 16, at the southeast side of the stadium and ordered them to lie facedown because they had guns, Lake Criminal Court records state.
Calob and Joshua Hughes are brothers, Gary police said.
A Glock 19 with a 30-round magazine, which still had six live rounds inside, was found on Joshua Hughes, according to court documents.
A Glock 19 with a 31-round magazine, which still had 10 live rounds inside. was recovered from Calob Hughes, records state.
Joshua Hughes, who will turn 18 this week, previously was adjudicated in December 2021 in Lake Criminal Court as a delinquent child for dangerous possession of a firearm, according to court records.
He had not yet made an initial appearance before a Lake Criminal Court magistrate on charges of dangerous possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness, both level 5 felonies.
His bond was set at $50,000 surety or $5,000 cash. If convicted of a level 5 felony, Hughes could face a possible sentence of one to six years.
Another teen, identified as a 16-year-old by the Lake County prosecutor's office, remained charged in Lake Juvenile Court with dangerous possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness.
Gary police were still searching for the man in dark clothing who was shooting at the teens, Cmdr. Jack Hamady said.
The man, who was wearing black pants and a black hoodie, fled south on Maryland Street from East Fifth Avenue after the shooting. Police are asking anyone with photos or video of the shooting to come forward.
Another man, a 20-year-old from Hammond, was arrested the night of the shooting but released earlier this week without being charged, police said.
A 19-year-old Gary man was shot in the chest, and a 19-year-old Gary woman suffered a graze wound to her lower right leg.
There was no indication in court records that the two victims were involved in the altercation between Hughes and the man in dark clothing.
Police could be seen collecting multiple spent shell casings from the sidewalk and parking lot on the southeast side of the stadium, where the two were arrested, and on the south side of East Fifth Avenue at the intersection with Maryland Street.
Police were analyzing ballistics evidence in the case, Hamady said.
The night of the shooting, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince vowed to use all available law enforcement resources to bring whomever was responsible to justice.
"It's infuriating to me to hear of violence and injuries on a special night for our young people and their families," Prince said. "I pray for a full and speedy recovery for anyone who was injured."
Gary Community School Corp. manager Paige McNulty said in a statement released Monday the disruptions of a few overshadowed a special moment for all of the graduates, most of whom conducted themselves "in an excellent manner."
"A day that was meant for celebration has now been marked by tragedy through senseless acts of gun violence," McNulty said. "Our prayers are with those injured, and we continue to extend our congratulations to WSLA graduates. They deserve it."
1 of 93
Alexander Wilderness III
Age: 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204672
Arrest Date: May 31, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-teen-brothers-in-caps-and-gowns-returned-fire-at-shooter-outside-graduation-court-records/article_8b669199-924d-5765-a4c2-51784a769f70.html | 2022-06-10T20:25:20 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-teen-brothers-in-caps-and-gowns-returned-fire-at-shooter-outside-graduation-court-records/article_8b669199-924d-5765-a4c2-51784a769f70.html |
Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Derek Molter, a Newton County native, was named Friday by Gov. Eric Holcomb as the newest justice on the Indiana Supreme Court.
Screenshot
Derek Molter, a Newton County native, is a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals. He was selected Friday by Gov. Eric Holcomb to become a justice on the Indiana Supreme Court.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has selected a Court of Appeals judge originally from Northwest Indiana to fill an upcoming vacancy on the state's highest court.
Newton County native Derek Molter will succeed Justice Steven David on the Indiana Supreme Court when David retires from the five-justice bench later this year.
The Republican chief executive said Friday he picked Molter from the three candidates recommended by the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission because he believes Molter is "devoted to the cause of justice and maintaining the integrity of our justice system."
"He's proven during his lengthy legal career and his tenure on the Indiana Court of Appeals his dedication to the critical role the judiciary plays in our system of government and the future of our state," Holcomb said.
Molter, 40, was appointed by Holcomb just last year to the 15-judge Indiana Court of Appeals. The governor said Molter already has demonstrated, in just nine months as an appellate judge, the personal and professional qualities needed to become an excellent justice.
"He has profound respect for our state Constitution and the rule of law. He is absolutely devoted to the cause of justice, both inside and outside the courtroom," Holcomb said.
"He displays, always, in his every day life and in his professional duties the highest level and standard of integrity," he said. "And he's a forward-thinker, someone who has a long-term vision for our state and for the judicial system itself."
Molter said while he will miss working alongside his new colleagues on the Court of Appeals, he's grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Hoosiers as a member of the Supreme Court.
"As a lawyer who has practiced before our Supreme Court, and now as a judge who works with the court and whose work is reviewed by the court, I've long revered the Supreme Court and the justices who serve on it," Molter said.
"Our Supreme Court respects the limits of its role in our divided government, understanding that the separation of powers is the most important tool for protecting liberty. But while respecting those limits, the court also understands its solemn obligation to uphold the promises of our Constitution, he said.
"In short, our Supreme Court stays in its lane, but it fully occupies that lane," Molter said.
Molter described his judicial philosophy as "originalist," which he said means judges interpret legal texts, such as the Constitution, "consistent with the understanding of that text at the time it was enacted or ratified."
"The virtue of that philosophy is that it anchors the court to ensure that it's exercising its judicial role," Molter said. "Under our separation of powers, that's the the only role the judges are here to perform; they're not here to perform the legislative role."
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, who led the process of winnowing the 19 applicants for the judicial vacancy to three finalists, said she's eager to welcome Molter to the Supreme Court — and already has a binder full of work for him to tackle.
"Derek Molter is a thoughtful and even-tempered judge," said Rush, who lived in Munster as a child. "From Newton County farming roots to pro bono work to Washington D.C. law firm experience, Derek brings a unique skill set that will be a lasting credit to the Indiana Supreme Court."
Records show Holcomb selected Molter over Grant Superior Judge Dana Kenworthy and Justin Forkner, an Indianapolis attorney who works as chief administrative officer for the Indiana Supreme Court.
Molter initially will serve a two-year term on the Supreme Court. Hoosier voters then will decide at the 2024 general election whether Molter should be retained for a renewable, 10-year term.
David announced in November his intention to retire from the state's high court this fall after being appointed to the bench in 2010 by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and retained by Hoosier voters in 2012.
Molter is a graduate of Indiana University and its law school at Bloomington. Prior to becoming a judge, he was a partner at the Ice Miller law firm in Indianapolis, where he primarily worked on state and federal appellate litigation.
That work included serving as counsel to the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority and representing the Lake County Council in its ongoing separation of powers dispute with the Lake County Board of Commissioners.
Ironically, Molter's judicial career has progressed more quickly than that litigation, which is set for oral argument June 24 at the Court of Appeals.
Some of Molter's earliest legal work also took place in the Region when Molter served as law clerk in 2007-08 for Hammond-based Judge Theresa Springmann of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
In fact, Molter comes from a long line of Northwest Indiana attorneys, dating back to the 19th century when his great-great aunt Agnes became one of the first female attorneys in the United States, and later was appointed Newton County prosecutor by Democratic Gov. Paul McNutt.
Molter's grandfather also was an attorney, as well as his father, Judge Daniel Molter, who has served on the Newton Superior Court bench for nearly four decades.
Derek Molter is well-known for his community service in addition to his legal service. For example, he recently partnered with Appeals Judge Leanna Weissmann and the Indiana State Bar to organize a collection effort to provide diapers and other needed supplies to Afghan evacuees temporarily housed at Camp Atterbury.
Since 2011, he and his wife, Katie, also have helped administer a leadership fund that provides scholarships to students at his alma mater, South Newton High School.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, a Republican originally from Munster, said Molter's elevation to the Supreme Court is "exciting but not surprising."
"As a long-time friend, I have witnessed Derek’s astute legal mind and pure intellect. I’m confident he will uphold our Constitution as the newest justice on the Indiana Supreme Court. Whether it’s in the courtroom or in his community, he has a proven track record of honesty, integrity and consistency," Rokita said.
Molter, who now lives in Indianapolis with his wife and three children, will be the second Northwest Indiana native currently serving on the Supreme Court. Justice Geoffrey Slaughter originally is from Crown Point.
Gallery: Get to know the state symbols of Indiana
State Aircraft: Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt
State Bird: Cardinal
State Flag
State Flower: Peony
State Fossil: Mastodon
State Gun: Grouseland Rifle
State Insect: Say's Firefly
State Language: English
State Motto: "Crossroads of America"
State Nickname: The Hoosier State
State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie (unofficial)
State Poem: "Indiana"
State River: Wabash
State Seal
State Snack: Indiana-Grown Popcorn
State Song: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away"
An appellate judge originally from Northwest Indiana is among the three candidates from which Gov. Eric Holcomb will appoint a new justice for the Indiana Supreme Court.
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission on Tuesday winnowed the field of 19 applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the state's highest court to a list of 10 finalists.
John Sedia will decide whether to renew his April 16 decision giving the Lake County Council control over purchasing and data processing, or to revise his ruling as requested by the Board of Commissioners.
Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Derek Molter, a Newton County native, was named Friday by Gov. Eric Holcomb as the newest justice on the Indiana Supreme Court.
Derek Molter, a Newton County native, is a judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals. He was selected Friday by Gov. Eric Holcomb to become a justice on the Indiana Supreme Court. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/watch-now-governor-selects-northwest-indiana-native-to-serve-as-supreme-court-justice/article_cf43939f-d7f4-5341-9504-8592cd09161b.html | 2022-06-10T20:25:26 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/watch-now-governor-selects-northwest-indiana-native-to-serve-as-supreme-court-justice/article_cf43939f-d7f4-5341-9504-8592cd09161b.html |
AUBURN, Maine — The cities of Lewiston and Auburn will host a dedication ceremony Friday evening for the newly named “John T. Jenkins Memorial Footbridge.”
Jenkins came to Maine from New Jersey to study at Bates College, fell in love with the state, and Maine became his permanent state of residence and work.
He was a leader, a motivational speaker, an Olympian, and an inspiration to many Mainers.
Jenkins served as state senator for Maine's 21st District and was the first African-American to be elected to the Maine Senate.
Officials from both cities voted unanimously to name the footbridge in honor of the former mayor to both cities, as the walking bridge connects Lewiston and Auburn.
Jenkins died in 2020 at the age of 68 after suffering complications from cancer.
Gov. Janet Mills will join Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline, Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque, and Jenkins’ family, friends, and members of the community for a ceremony that will begin in Bonney Park in Auburn and conclude at 5 p.m. Friday at Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston.
Jenkins' longtime partner, Ann Parker, said she hopes people who walk past the bridge always remember his legacy, the values he lived for, and the inspiration he was for many.
At 3:30 p.m., Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline will host a teamwork-themed children’s story time in Simard-Payne Park focusing on one of John’s favorite sayings, “Together Each Action Matters.”
At 5 p.m., there will be karate and tai chi demonstrations as people gather in Auburn’s Bonney Park for the dedication ceremony.
Parker said when Jenkins died, his immediate celebration of life was very small and private because of COVID-19. However, community members are invited to honor his legacy on Saturday with a more welcoming celebration of life at the Lewiston Armory at 65 Central Ave. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lewiston-auburn/bridge-connecting-lewiston-and-auburn-named-after-former-mayor-of-both-cities-john-t-jenkins/97-6730cdc9-5443-41e8-a83d-46142851bc6b | 2022-06-10T20:29:47 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lewiston-auburn/bridge-connecting-lewiston-and-auburn-named-after-former-mayor-of-both-cities-john-t-jenkins/97-6730cdc9-5443-41e8-a83d-46142851bc6b |
AMARILLO, Texas — A chupacabra? A person dressed in a costume? Sonic the Hedgehog?
The possibilities are apparently endless as people try to figure out what exactly was captured by cameras at one Texas zoo.
An image taken from Amarillo Zoo shows some sort of creature or object appearing to stand outside of a barbed fence.
The City of Amarillo took to Facebook to ask if anyone could identify the creature in the "strange image."
According to the city, the photo was captured around 1:25 a.m. on May 21.
"Do you have any ideas of what this UAO - Unidentified Amarillo Object could be?" the city wrote.
"Clearly a young werewolf... not a big deal," one person replied.
"Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy," another wrote.
What does the Amarillo Zoo think?
While the zoo didn't offer any guesses, it did respond to how popular the image has become.
"Of all the creatures at our well-loved zoo, it would be the unidentified one that would make us go viral," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/amarillo-texas-zoo-strange-unidentified-creature/287-60a4d44d-1f7e-4a3d-bcbc-57abc6b2f41f | 2022-06-10T20:33:38 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/amarillo-texas-zoo-strange-unidentified-creature/287-60a4d44d-1f7e-4a3d-bcbc-57abc6b2f41f |
SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — Two teens were killed and one was injured after an all-terrain vehicle crash in Solano County on Thursday.
At around 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, Solano County California Highway Patrol officers responded to a crash involving an ATV near Margaret Lane, east of Holmes Lane in Winters.
According to Solano County CHP, the three male between the ages of 14 and 15 were ejected from the ATV after it left the roadway and collided with a tree. CHP says the three teenagers were traveling at an unknown speed.
Two of the riders, both 14-years-old, were pronounced dead on the scene. The third 15-year-old rider suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash.
CHP says the cause of the crash is under investigation.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more from ABC10: 5 Marines killed after aircraft crashes in Southern California | Top 10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/solano-county-atv-crash/103-e17f5859-1046-43d8-899f-893f7c4c84c5 | 2022-06-10T20:39:51 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/solano-county-atv-crash/103-e17f5859-1046-43d8-899f-893f7c4c84c5 |
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis stopped graduation amid the ceremony Friday because of the heat, leaving many graduates without the opportunity to walk across the stage.
On Friday morning at around 10:56, UC Davis posted on Twitter saying those who had crossed the stage at graduation did not need to stay until the end of the ceremony. The university encouraged those who had walked across the stage to go to Hutchinson FIeld where cold water and air conditioning were located.
As of 1:15 p.m. it was 93 degrees on campus according to the National Weather Service.
"Based on health and public safety concerns due to heat and at the urging of the UC Davis Fire Department, Fire Prevention Services, and Environmental Health and Safety, we had to end today’s commencement ceremony early," the school said in a statement released Friday afternoon.
The university invites those who did not get to walk at Friday morning's ceremony to "return with their families for a separate ceremony this Sunday."
"We deeply regret that some students did not get a chance to walk across the stage," the university wrote in a statement. "We appreciate your understanding and know this has been frustrating."
From the UC Davis commencement live stream a speaker said, "Attention UC Davis graduates: On behalf of the fire department and public safety, considering the heat conditions that we are all aware of, unfortunately, we believe it is in the best interest of those graduates on the field to please vacate the field and head towards Hutchinson Field where we have some cooling stations. Again, on behalf of the university, we believe we have reached dangerous conditions. We would like to honor our graduates that have not made it to the field, but in the interest of public safety we ask you to leave the field."
Watch the moment when a UC Davis speaker makes the announcement:
Many students and their families took to social media to express their frustration with the decision.
STAY INFORMED WITH ABC10:
► ABC10 In Your Inbox: Sign up now for the Daily Blend Newsletter for local headlines, weather, tips and even something to make you smile.
► ABC10 On Demand: Get access to our local news, live programming and weather with the free ABC10 app for Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
► Get more stories about race and culture: Sign up for our newsletter at www.abc10.com/email and find more online in our Race & Culture section.
► Save Money on Gas: Use our interactive map to find the lowest price near you.
PLAN YOUR WEEKEND:
► FORECAST DETAILS | Check out our hourly forecast and radar pages
► GET WEATHER ALERTS TO YOUR PHONE | Download the ABC10 mobile app
► WEATHER IN YOUR EMAIL | Sign up for the Daily Blend Newsletter
TODAY'S HEAT:
Northern California is in the grips of hot and potentially dangerous weather Friday before big changes by the end of the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Northern California Valley locations for dangerous heat potential. The warning begins at 11 a.m. and expires at 10 p.m. The temperatures are expected to rise to 102-107 degrees by the afternoon but very warm temperatures will continue into the evening. It's expected to be around 80 degrees until around 10 p.m. Friday night.
Special care should be taken to stay indoors and find air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day. Seniors, pets, and children are especially at risk as well as people unhoused or those working or recreating outdoors.
Saturday will be hot as well with high temperatures above 100 degrees.
Sunday will be a day of rapid changes. Wind will kick up during the day and after days of hot weather created a fire risk for part of Sunday. Valley temperatures will fall and many locations will only warm to the upper 80s.
Sunday afternoon and evening the Sierra and Coastal Range will see a chance of rain and thunderstorms. Rail totals are expected to be light but rain on a weekend in June always catches people off guard so pay special attention if you are doing anything outdoors or camping Sunday.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
Warning signs for heat exhaustion include the following:
- Dizziness
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea
The symptoms of heat stroke are as follows:
- High body temperature
- Absence of sweating
- Difficulty breathing
Read more from ABC10:
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more from ABC10: Excessive Heat Watch in effect across Valley and Sacramento through weekend | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-graduation-heat/103-7b24a5d5-abd4-4141-a29a-398711382f6f | 2022-06-10T20:39:57 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-graduation-heat/103-7b24a5d5-abd4-4141-a29a-398711382f6f |
MODESTO, Calif. — The National Football League has chosen Modesto's E. & J. Gallo Winery as their official wine sponsor, the NFL announced Friday.
The multi-year, multi-branded deal will be kicked off by Gallo's Barefoot brand, according to a statement released by the NFL.
"The partnership is uniquely structured to engage NFL fans and will include opportunities for local team activation, player imagery and appearances, on-site presence at premiere events, and broadcast, digital, and social content from NFL Kickoff through the Super Bowl," the statement says.
Consumer-facing materials and full activation of the agreement will launch in August 2023, the NFL says.
E. & J. Gallo Winery, a family-owned company, was founded in Modesto in 1933 and remains headquartered in Stanislaus County.
"Gallo is thrilled to be uniting America's most loved winery with America's most popular sport," E. & J. Gallo Chief Marketing Officer, Stephanie Gallo said in a statement. "As an industry leader, our role is to welcome new consumers to the wine category in unique and relevant ways. This partnership will do just that by bringing our avid fan bases together. The notion of togetherness seems more relevant now more than ever."
Watch More from ABC10:Annual Sacramento Pro Development League in full effect | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/modesto/nfl-gallo-official-wine-sponsor/103-15bb9953-0fd1-436f-9282-d8a247cf2e7c | 2022-06-10T20:40:03 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/modesto/nfl-gallo-official-wine-sponsor/103-15bb9953-0fd1-436f-9282-d8a247cf2e7c |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Some of soccer’s brightest stars will be battling it out at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas as part of the Soccer Champions Tour.
On July 26, FC Barcelona and Juventus will face off against each other at 7 p.m. as one of the top matchups across the U.S. for the Soccer Champions Tour.
Fair Park Dallas says, “Two European legends, FC Barcelona and Juventus will square off at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 26, as they travel to Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas for the 19th meeting between the two clubs.”
Here’s a look at the matches set for SCT:
Friday, July 22
Juventus vs. Club Deportivo Guadalajara at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Saturday, July 23
Real Madrid CF vs. FC Barcelona at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Tuesday, July 26
Real Madrid CF vs. Club América at Oracle Park, San Francisco
FC Barcelona vs. Juventus at Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
Saturday, July 30
Real Madrid CF vs. Juventus at Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
AEG says, “The Cotton Bowl Stadium has been an iconic part of Dallas since it opened in 1930. Located at Fair Park, the site of the State Fair of Texas, the outdoor stadium is best known for its football and has been home to the SMU Mustangs, the Dallas Cowboys, the annual Red River Showdown game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the State Fair Classic game between the Grambling State University Tigers and the Prairie View A&M University Panthers and, from 1937-2009, the Cotton Bowl Classic. It has hosted 1994 FIFA World Cup games, Concacaf Gold Cup games, Major League Soccer matches and a number of concerts including Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/fc-barcelona-juventus-to-play-at-cotton-bowl-in-dallas-late-july/ | 2022-06-10T20:43:19 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/fc-barcelona-juventus-to-play-at-cotton-bowl-in-dallas-late-july/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A class of 2025 student pharmacist from East Tennessee State University’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy has died following a drowning incident in Texas, according to university officials.
Luvango Musungira, 25, from Manor, Texas, drowned in Lake Corpus Christi while visiting his girlfriend and family, according to Sheriff Oscar Rivera with the San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office.
Rivera adds that Musungira’s body was located through the use of sonar equipment.
“This is a tragic loss of a promising life cut short, and heartbreaking for those who knew and loved Luvango. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family,” said Dean and Professor Debbie Byrd at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Medicine.
Details of funeral arrangements are still unknown at this time, according to Byrd.
Byrd adds that there are counseling services available for those who may need them. Details about these services etsu.edu/students/counseling. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-pharmacy-student-drowns-in-texas-lake/ | 2022-06-10T20:43:20 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-pharmacy-student-drowns-in-texas-lake/ |
FORT WORTH (KDAF) — Looking for a fun experience to celebrate the dad in your life around DFW for Father’s Day? Friday, June 10 is the last day to secure your spot at a unique opportunity at the Fort Worth Zoo!
“Treat the dads in your life to a Father’s Day Cookout at the Zoo! Join us after hours on Saturday, June 18th to celebrate,” the zoo tweeted.
Over at the zoo after-hours on June 18, you can enjoy a Father’s Day Cookout celebration. Attendees can expect dinner, an open bar, meet-and-greet with Zoo’s outreach animals, Giraffe feeding experience for the whole family, one meerkat adoption package for dad and personalized adoption certificate.
The zoo says, “All proceeds benefit the Zoo’s adoption program, which supports the care and feeding of the Zoo’s animals.”
Check out more information here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/fort-worth-zoo-hosting-fathers-day-cookout-on-june-18th/ | 2022-06-10T20:43:25 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/fort-worth-zoo-hosting-fathers-day-cookout-on-june-18th/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Dirt moving just off the Boones Creek exit of Interstate 26 is in preparation for Mountain Commerce Bank’s (MCB) new Tri-Cities corporate headquarters, the bank’s CEO told News Channel 11 Friday.
Bill Edwards said the growing bank has held onto 5 acres of prime land on Memory Gardens Drive for years and will construct a headquarters and branch of around 24,000 square feet. Drawings are close to completion, building permits will be pulled mid-summer and Edwards said construction should start by September.
“We’ve held the property for some time and that’s such a prominent location, a gateway to Johnson City,” Edwards said.
The bank is also building a similarly sized operations center in Gray, a few miles from the corporate headquarters site.
“That area is the growth corridor for Johnson City for many years to come and is also convenient to other parts of the Tri-Cities,” he said.
The operations center will be more than double the size of the bank’s leased operational space in Boones Creek, which Edwards said reflects Mountain Commerce’s rapid growth. The bank, which trades under the MCBI stock symbol, is set to open its third Knoxville branch soon and plans to open its first-ever Middle Tennessee location in Brentwood within the next couple of weeks.
Edwards said MCB, which was founded in 2006, has grown at a compound annual rate of 17% over the past eight to 10 years. Its asset size has more than quadrupled over the past 12 years. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/mountain-commerce-bank-building-new-headquarters-at-prominent-boones-creek-spot/ | 2022-06-10T20:43:27 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/mountain-commerce-bank-building-new-headquarters-at-prominent-boones-creek-spot/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Fireworks and celebrating the United States of America go hand and hand every year during the first week of July as Americans celebrate their Independence Day on July 4.
However, the city of Addison is bringing the celebration a day early, “For more than three decades, one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in the North Texas town of Addison. While 4.4 square-mile Addison is only home to 16,000 residents, more than a half-million guests from across the nation come to celebrate Addison Kaboom Town! each July 3.”
The 25-minute-long fireworks show will come after some music performances in Addison Circle Park. “The spectacular show has been ranked as one of the top fireworks displays in the country by People.com, the American Pyrotechnics Association, Yahoo, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure Magazine.“
Here’s what you can expect from Kaboom Town on July 3 from 5-11 p.m. at Addison Circle Park:
5 p.m. – Addison Circle Park gates open; Razzmajazz Dixieland Band performs
6 p.m. – The Walton Stout Band performs
7:30 p.m. – Addison Airport Airshow begins
8 p.m. – Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem
8:30 p.m. Jordan Kahn Orchestra performs
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks show
10 p.m. Jordan Kahn Orchestra performs
The event says, “Memorable views can be found from anywhere in Addison, but special watch parties hosted by many of Addison’s more than 180+ restaurants and 22 hotels offer spectators a unique viewing experience. A complete list of watch parties will be available on the website closer to the event.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/get-ready-for-addisons-most-explosive-event-of-the-year-kaboom-town-on-july-3/ | 2022-06-10T20:43:31 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/get-ready-for-addisons-most-explosive-event-of-the-year-kaboom-town-on-july-3/ |
HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — AT&T is hosting a hiring event Monday in Hoover to help fill 40 call center positions in the Birmingham area.
There are full-time positions with benefits including medical and dental coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.
The event will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the AT&T call center, located at 1876 Data Drive. It is is on the north side of the street, you must check in at the guard desk and the event will be on the first floor.
For those interested, you must apply online ahead of time. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/att-hosting-hiring-event-in-hoover/ | 2022-06-10T20:44:34 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/att-hosting-hiring-event-in-hoover/ |
PONTIAC — Caterpillar Inc. is holding open interviews the first Tuesday of every month at its Pontiac facility, with plans to hire an additional 50 workers there.
Caterpillar is expanding operations in Pontiac, where they manufacture fuel injection equipment as well as exhaust aftertreatment. The company is seeking mechanical engineers and welders to add to the facility's current staff of 1,100.
The open interviews will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at 1300 4H Park Road, Pontiac.
Lisa Miller, who works in media relations for Caterpillar, said applicants should bring their education and work history, along with a photo ID to get a visitors pass for the facility. She also recommended that applicants bring a resumé.
Skill, precision, safety are key
Mike Pickell, fuel systems product manager at Caterpillar, said highly skilled workers are essential to the company's process.
"The products we make are very precise," he said. "Our tolerances are 40-millionths of an inch."
Blake Uphoff, a senior at Illinois State University, is training to be a machine operator. He is studying engineering technology at ISU and said his work at Caterpillar reinforces his studies.
"We did a lot of process modeling (at ISU)," he said. "I can actually see the production flow."
Pickell said the entire engineering process is designed for the parts to be refurbished.
"We partner very closely with our re-manufacturing division," he said.
Pickell said Caterpillar "designs our products so that they can be re-manufactured" so that they can "reduce raw materials." He added that these products carry the same warranty as new ones.
Aftertreatment factory manager Cisco Prado said safety is of utmost importance at the factory, and they do safety drills the first Tuesday of every month for all three shifts.
Some 700 teddy bears were shipped from Evergreen Park to Robb Elementary School last week. Students and staff also wrote words of condolence and encouragement on large posters which accompanied the bears on their trip.
The Chicago Department of Aviation is installing 11 free-standing lactation pods across O’Hare and Midway airports, offering a private oasis for nursing mothers to use at no charge. Eight of 10 pods designated for O’Hare are up and running, while Midway’s sole unit is in place.
The C27 engine has a 27-liter displacement and can produce up to 1,900 horsepower. But Regan Hennis, fuel systems factory manager, said the lead selling point is the amount of torque it can provide at low revs. Caterpillar in Pontiac designs the fuel injectors for the C27. There are 12 cylinders and a fuel injector for each one. Each injector weighs over 3 pounds.
An employee fabricates exhaust aftertreatment equipment Tuesday, June 7, at Caterpillar in Pontiac. The red tarp is meant to protect passersby who may not have eye protection. | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/caterpillar-expanding-hiring-50-more-workers-in-pontiac/article_caa8bb70-e76c-11ec-90f4-d7837aba7b14.html | 2022-06-10T20:46:46 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/caterpillar-expanding-hiring-50-more-workers-in-pontiac/article_caa8bb70-e76c-11ec-90f4-d7837aba7b14.html |
DOWNS — Nine Downs residents cite health risks while asking a McLean County judge to reverse a village board decision last year to allow construction of a concrete plant near schools and homes.
The Downs Village Board approved a plan June 3, 2021, to allow Roanoke Concrete Products to build a facility that will mix materials to create ready-mix concrete, as well as crush and recycle concrete, on a parcel owned by Kenneth Hillard.
The concrete batch plant and concrete recycling facility is planned to be situated within about 1,235 feet of Tri-Valley Middle School, about 800 feet of the school’s baseball field, and about 900 feet of a residential subdivision.
Plaintiffs, most of whom have children in the Tri-Valley School District and live in the nearby neighborhood, argue that the plant is too close to the school and homes, posing serious respiratory risks.
Lawyers representing Downs, Roanoke Concrete Products and Hillard pointed to Hillard’s initial application for a special use permit for the land, which says the concrete plant requires pollution mitigation plans and regulation through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
"Of course, we share the concerns (of residents)," Downs Mayor Mike James said in an interview Friday. "We even tried to address those concerns with our developer agreement on requiring certain things to be done on the site when they build it, such as berms around the facility."
James also said the facility will provide significant tax revenue for Downs and that not having the revenue "can impact our whole village."
The concrete plant is expected to employ about 15 workers.
Attorneys for each side of the case did not respond to a request for comment.
The village acknowledged the lawsuit in a June newsletter to Downs residents and said it is "continuing to move forward with supporting the planned development on the Hillard property; and the Village is taking all steps necessary to defend the Village’s interests in the lawsuit."
Plaintiffs said the mixing of raw materials when making ready-mix concrete releases particulate matter in the air and creates health hazards.
“Particulate matter generated from a batch plant can penetrate deep into the lungs,” the plaintiffs wrote, citing a Rice University 2020 report studying the impacts of batch plants. “Additionally, volatile organic compounds can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and cause shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, skin problems and impair memory.”
The study also said particulate matter is linked to reduced lung development in children, higher rates of asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and cancer.
But Hillard and Roanoke said in project plans that the concrete plant will mitigate pollution.
Hillard noted in his April 1, 2021, petition for a special use permit for the project that the concrete plant would be required to have a program to control any pollutant discharge and a permit for storm water pollution protection, which the Illinois EPA would oversee.
The concrete facility will use a vacuum sealed process to mix materials, the Village of Downs Zoning Board of Appeals said in its findings of the zoning case.
The petition for the special use permit also said concrete crushing and recycling would occur between December and March from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no other time unless authorized by the Tri-Valley School District and the Downs mayor.
Hillard also said the concrete plant would be surrounded by a berm “to mitigate noise and or dust,” and construction plans call for including an opaque fence parallel with trees to drown noise and pollution.
Construction on the facility has begun, James said, but it is progressing slowly until the lawsuit is finalized and there is no set completion date.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 29.
What you missed this week in notable Central Illinois crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from The Pantagraph.
Three men called for a Lyft driver to pick them up in Freeburg, then stole his car at gunpoint, police said.
Another five women have filed lawsuits alleging that a former NorthShore University HealthSystem obstetrician/gynecologist sexually assaulted them as patients — with the allegations spanning three decades.
A gymnastics coach who spent the past decade working with 2- to 17-year-old children in Downers Grove was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography, according to investigators with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.
R. Kelly, the R&B superstar known for his anthem "I Believe I Can Fly," deserves at least 25 years behind bars for sexually abusing women and girls, prosecutors said in a memo filed Wednesday in advance of his sentencing later this month.
Fifteen former employees of Ultio Crati filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the company alleging several violations of state and federal law as well as a city ordinance relating to minimum, overtime and earned wages.
Several witnesses said they saw a woman in a car swerving before she hit a bicyclist and fled the scene in the Near West Side neighborhood in April, prosecutors said during a bond court hearing Tuesday.
Police have released details about five of the recent attacks, although some reports say there have been as many as nine robberies committed by a machete-wielding man.
Coroners on Tuesday identified a suburban Chicago man who was fatally shot after the man charged a police officer with a hatchet during a traffic stop.
Eight people were hurt in two mass shootings hours apart in Chicago, authorities said.
An Earlville child who died after a five-vehicle crash south of Shirley on Friday has been named by the Peoria County Coroner's Office.
A former criminal investigator with the McLean County Public Defender’s Office has received a $125,000 settlement in a lawsuit filed four years ago. Details:
Jerome Halsey, 27, of Chicago faces two counts of attempted murder and two firearm-related aggravated battery charges, the Chicago Police Department said.
A 16-year-old Bloomington boy was sentenced Wednesday to 2½ years in state custody after pleading guilty to bringing a gun to school last year.
A Chicago man is in McLean County custody on robbery and firearm charges linked to an armed robbery last month at a Bloomington business.
A Bloomington man remains jailed on vehicular invasion and battery charges.
The incident marks the third time in a week a law enforcement officer has been shot in Chicago.
A 12-year-old girl shot her 8-year-old neighbor after saying the gun was “not real,” in a Far South Side Saturday afternoon.
Police said no injuries were reported after gunfire was called in to dispatchers early Sunday morning in east Bloomington.
An Earlville woman who died in a five-vehicle crash Friday south of Shirley has been named by the McLean County Coroner's office.
A Chicago man was charged in the shootings of a U.S. marshal and his police dog who were wounded during an exchange of gunfire while serving a warrant, police said Saturday.
Ashley R. Schneiderheinze, 32, also is charged with two counts of permitting the unlawful use of a building.
BLOOMINGTON — A Bloomington man remains jailed on charges of threatening a public official.
Feds want nearly 34 years for producer who pleaded guilty to trafficking Indian actresses in Chicago
In asking for a sentence of between 27 and 34 years for Kishan Modugumudi, prosecutors said in the filing he was a predator who “preyed on the hopes and dreams of young, innocent Indian women with dreams of coming to the United States and advancing their careers.”
A Naperville police officer fatally shot a man who came at the officer with a hatchet during a traffic stop Friday, authorities said.
Austin S. Waller, 20, of Bloomington; Kerrigan T. Spencer, 18, of Normal; and Jacob S. Upton, 20, of Bloomington, are each charged with burglary (Class 2 felony). | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/downs-residents-cite-health-risks-in-lawsuit-opposing-concrete-plant/article_ae69ed92-e8d1-11ec-a092-bb150a2805c1.html | 2022-06-10T20:46:52 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/downs-residents-cite-health-risks-in-lawsuit-opposing-concrete-plant/article_ae69ed92-e8d1-11ec-a092-bb150a2805c1.html |
A 24-year-old man was found guilty of murdering his father and another man, before setting fire to his father's New Jersey home in an attempt to cover up the crime, according to prosecutors.
Jaree Kitchen was convicted last week of the murdering the two men as well as aggravated arson, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, two counts of desecrating human remains and tampering with evidence related to the murders, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced Friday.
Kitchen was found guilty after a two-week trial related to the November 2019 crime.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence allegedly showing that Kitchen returned to Jamesburg from Georgia to live with his father, Clifford Kitchen Jr., in a home on Sheridan Street.
However, according to prosecutors, soon after starting to live with his father, the two started having issues. On Nov. 4, 2019, the issues resulted in a physical altercation that ended with Jaree Kitchen stabbing to death both his father and Gregory Fisher, who also lived at the home.
Two days later, in what prosecutors say was an attempt to cover up the murders that took place inside the house, Jaree Kitchen set the house on fire.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place on Oct. 28. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nj-man-found-guilty-of-murdering-father-other-man-before-setting-fire-to-house/3729448/ | 2022-06-10T20:49:47 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nj-man-found-guilty-of-murdering-father-other-man-before-setting-fire-to-house/3729448/ |
Employees at the University of Arizona can expect increased wages soon.
On Thursday, the Arizona Board of Regents approved the university's projected $2.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2023, which starts July 1. It sets aside nearly $70 million for increases in salaries, wages and employee benefits.
This comes amid an increased state minimum wage as well as inflated food, housing and gas prices facing consumers in Arizona, where inflation is even higher than the national average.
According to the UA’s report to the board’s Finance, Capital and Resources Committee, it plans to increase its budget for salaries and wages for its roughly 16,000 employees by about $51.5 million, or 5%.
A campus wide effort is aiming for permanent baseline salary increases of 4% beginning as early as next month.
People are also reading…
University administration is recommending that 2.5% of that 4% to be an across-the-board raise, Lisa Rulney, the UA’s chief financial officer, told the finance committee last month.
The remaining 1.5% is intended to be a merit-based raise for faculty, staff and graduate assistants, though departments can offer more if desired. In its report to the committee, the UA said the $25.9 million it’s setting aside for annual performance-based raises is part of its strategic investment plan “to reward employees and improve its competitiveness in retaining (these) highly valued resources.”
The increased salary and wage budget is also accounting for an expected overall increase in the number of workers as the campus resumes pre-pandemic levels of operation.
The amount of money the university spends on employee benefits, like health insurance offerings, is also set to increase, by $19.3 million.
Increased expenses
In total, the 2023 budget the board approved Thursday reflects a $69.7 million (3.2%) increase in expenses compared to last year. In addition to an increase in employee salaries, wages and benefits, other changes in the UA’s projected expenses compared to last year’s include:
- All other operating expenses are expected to increase by $29.5 million (5.5%), mostly as a result of increased grant and contract activity as well as the return of auxiliary sales and the increased cost of goods being sold.
- Refinancing efforts made during fiscal year 2021 contributed to a $4.3 million decrease in interest on debts.
- The one-time federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds provided some money for scholarships and fellowships last year. But since those funds aren’t available this year, students will see a net decline of $34.7 million in available aid.
Increased revenues
In the new fiscal year, the UA is projecting it will bring in $2.32 billion in revenue. That’s a $48.3 million increase (2.1%) compared to last year’s estimated revenues and comes from the following projected changes:
- An $8.8 million increase in state funding, as proposed in Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s budget, which is still in legislative limbo. Over the past several years, state funding has made up between 11% and 13% of the UA’s annual budget; the $8.8 million would represent around 15% of the university’s budget.
- $27.7 million increase in grants and contracts, most of which is expected to come from sponsored research in medical sciences. Last fall, the UA outlined its goal to reach $1 billion in research and development expenditures by 2025.
- $64.9 million increase in net tuition and fees. That will come from an expected net enrollment growth of 1,520 full-time students next year (a 3.1% increase), which is expected to be driven by an influx of non-resident undergraduates pursuing both online and traditional pathways. Additionally, the board’s recent approval of tuition hikes for students who matriculate in the fall of 2022 (2.6% tuition increase for resident undergraduates and 5.6% for non-residents) will also contribute to this increase.
- The complete return of on-campus events and services, after a modified two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to return $31.8 million.
- Fiscal year 2022 was the last year the federal government offered one-time federal HEERF money, which has resulted in a decrease of $88.1 million for the new budget.
- Updates to projections for departmental sales and investment income is expected to cause a $2.3 million decrease in other revenues.
Strategic investments
With an increase in available funding, the UA has outlined a strategy for how it will invest that money. In addition to investing more money in faculty and staff via salary increases, other strategic investments include:
- $24.2 million toward students' financial aid, which is consistent with last year’s levels.
- $25.9 million toward improving retention, completion and new program development.
- $3 million in extra student services to keep up with expected increase in enrollment.
- $5.9 million for facilities costs; $27 million toward information technology infrastructure.
- $2.7 million to support medical students; $6.5 million to support a new cohort of veterinary medicine students.
Kathryn Palmer covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at kpalmer@tucson.com or her new phone number, 520-496-9010. | https://tucson.com/news/local/u-of-a-s-2-3-billion-budget-earmarks-51-5-million-for-employee-raises/article_0f5302f4-e848-11ec-a387-ab01b8f8ffac.html | 2022-06-10T20:51:56 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/u-of-a-s-2-3-billion-budget-earmarks-51-5-million-for-employee-raises/article_0f5302f4-e848-11ec-a387-ab01b8f8ffac.html |
The Portland Tribune is a KOIN 6 News media partner.
PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) — The tiny home village for unhoused people at Northwest Hoyt Street and Broadway is closing down because the neighborhood is too violent.
Andy Goebel, executive director at All Good Northwest — which took over running the camp for Multnomah County on Oct. 1, 2021 — says gunfire in the streets around the camp is the main reason his nonprofit is quitting.
“We’re closing because of safety downtown,” Goebel told the Portland Tribune in early June. “We informed the Joint Office of Homeless Services that we would no longer be able to provide services in that location anymore. The Joint Office could not find another vendor to provide those services in that space, and therefore made the decision to decommission the village.”
Goebel said the threat was “100% outside the fence” and the problems were not caused by village residents. “We’d hear gunshots daily or nightly there for a spell.”
He said the residents had not been targeted, but there was one drive-by shooting where stray bullets went through the fence and into the camp.
“There were two clips of automatic gunfire where, thankfully, no one was hit,” he said.
However, staff were having to be first responders to people shot in the streets around the village, and in the end Goebel and his staff deemed it too dangerous for his staff and the residents to keep it going.
Goebel said a staff member mistakenly told Willamette Week that 18 village members were transferring to the new Multnomah Safe Rest Village in Multnomah Village, which has 30 units.
“We don’t know that yet. Now we’re having to counter that narrative. I haven’t looked at it,” Goebel said.
The camp will be vacated in late June. The city of Portland’s economic development group, Prosper Portland, owns the lot, but the tiny homes are owned by Multnomah County. The bathrooms are rented. The homes will be stored and reused at one of the six other, new, safe rest villages slated to open during the term of City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who championed the safe rest villages.
Other camps
As part of its Joint Office of Homeless Services contract, All Good NW manages the BIPOC and Queer Affinity safe rest villages. He said these two are not threatened by gunfire, so the problem is definitely the Old Town location.
“It was exclusively where it’s located, because the other villages are incredibly successful. And in our time doing this work with these three villages, we’ve been able to house 42 individuals, and we only have been doing it since October,” he said.
All Good NW is set to manage the new village at the former Jerome Sears Armory building in Multnomah Village when it opens on June 9. It also runs the traditional congregate shelter in close-in Southeast, a large space with shelter beds, cots or bunk beds, called the Market Street shelter.
Before the recent spring sweeps that cleared tents from around the former Greyhound bus station and along Northwest Broadway, the block had been one of the most active homeless camps in Old Town. Men fixed cars and vans in the street, drugs were dealt and consumed openly, and people in mental health crises acted out right in front of the new Gladys McCoy Multnomah County Health Services Center at 619 N.W. Sixth Avenue, which serves many people on Medicare and Medicaid. The site was further complicated by the overflow from the nearby affordable housing center Bud Clark Commons, where non-residents line up every day for services or camp on the sidewalk.
“We’re a low-barrier shelter,” Goebel said of the Old Town village. “We have people who experience severe and persistent mental illness. We have people who are actively participating in an addiction and that’s why we employ behavioral health specialists at each site.”
One door closes; another door opens
All of the Old Town villagers have been offered a new space to live, he says. They filled out a survey about where they wanted to go.
“We’ve been able to work with community partners from other agencies who run motels and other kinds of shelter, and been able to place folks in housing,” he said. “This spurred some folks to say, ‘Hey, let’s take those steps now.'”
Goebel said some people in the Old Town village have gone straight onto affordable housing apartments because their navigation specialists “just jumped on it and they got people on lists. They were like ‘All right, we’ve got this opportunity, we have this relationship so let’s go. Let’s get people in.'”
Safe rest villages are designed to be a respite from life in tents and doorways. According to All Good NW, they offer unhoused people “supports to achieve permanent housing, case management and social service support to address the trauma of houselessness, treatment for unmet mental health needs, substance use disorders, and prepare villagers to achieve their personal goals.”
Goebel explained that someone living outside, who gets on multiple housing lists, might stay on them for years because they can’t advocate for themselves and deal with the paperwork. Whereas a navigation specialist can do that work for them, and seize a chance when a motel room or apartment comes up.
Bidders
Multnomah County typically puts out a request for proposals to find a group like All Good NW that can run a village or another type of shelter. They then find contractors to provide things like food, sanitation and mental health care for the villagers. Goebel said Multnomah County couldn’t find anyone to take on the Old Town camp, but quitting hasn’t hurt All Good NW.
“I know that our services are being sought,” he said. “We’ve been incredibly successful at helping people in a short amount of time. We’ve proven our merit, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.”
Goebel said, when new villagers arrive, they get a day to settle in. “But right away, we want to set up case management and housing services, because that’s what we’re there to do. And participants don’t want to be in shelter, they want to be on their own.”
Asked how many more villages Portland would need to solve its homeless crisis, Goebel said “It depends on the nature of the service provision at those villages. If it’s an alternative shelter space with a robust staffing schema, then you could you do a lot.”
Denis Theriault, spokesman for the city-county Joint Office of Homeless Services, which awards the funds, said the lost beds will be absorbed in a larger expansion. “There’s a huge shelter expansion underway right now, countywide,” Theriault said. “This is a setback in this one area, but there’s a lot of other shelters going to be opening over the next year. The adult shelter bed number in the (coming) Joint Office budget was 2,418 beds at full capacity, not including full-time village.”
He said the nearby indoor shelters were better protected from gunfire.
Theriault added, “It wasn’t the camping around it that made it go away. It was the fentanyl trade and the gun violence. I don’t know what it’s like in the middle of the night now. Old Town was known as a drug market well before we saw the level of tents the last couple of years.” | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-oregon-old-town-homeless-village-closing-due-to-gun-violence-fears/ | 2022-06-10T20:55:14 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-oregon-old-town-homeless-village-closing-due-to-gun-violence-fears/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — Downtown Austin employment has exceeded pre-pandemic numbers with more than 109,000 now working in the area.
In the first quarter of 2020, prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, downtown employment was at 106,904. Industries such as professional, scientific and technical services as well as healthcare and social assistance are responsible for bringing in over 2,000 downtown area jobs.
Downtown has also seen total leasing activity exceed pre-pandemic levels. Tech conglomerate Meta signed a lease for a 589,000 square foot space in 2021 — the largest of the year. TikTok and Cirrus Logic also signed hefty leases for 126,000 square feet and 120,000 square feet, respectively.
In May, Austin's unemployment rate hit 2.5%, the lowest percentage since the beginning of the pandemic. COVID-related issues and layoffs in May 2020 saw the employment rate rise to 11.4%.
Manufacturing, professional business services and leisure and hospitality all experienced the greatest increase in workers from March to April of this year.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/downtown-austin-employment-greater-pre-pandemic/269-fa1cfcd2-8a98-44a1-8d73-d59ba0e5cbdd | 2022-06-10T20:59:55 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/downtown-austin-employment-greater-pre-pandemic/269-fa1cfcd2-8a98-44a1-8d73-d59ba0e5cbdd |
ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — Two people were rescued after falling inside a chocolate tank while doing maintenance work at the Mars M&M chocolates facility on Thursday afternoon.
According to emergency dispatch, crews were sent to the factory in the 200 block of S. Brown Street in Elizabethtown around 1:50 p.m. on June 9.
The two people work for an outside contracting firm, officials said, and it's not clear how they fell into the tank. Emergency responders were able to free the pair by cutting a hole in the bottom of the tank, officials said.
It wasn't clear if either person was injured, but they were taken to hospitals to be evaluated. Their names and further details on their conditions were not disclosed.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident. An OSHA official declined comment on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.
A Mars Wrigley spokesperson gave the following statement:
"We can confirm both people have been taken offsite for further evaluation. We’re extremely grateful for the quick work of the first responders." | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/rescue-two-people-trapped-mars-wrigley-confectionary-elizabethtown/521-b67b52ec-6f4b-4f13-9164-e62dc4a68753 | 2022-06-10T21:00:01 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/rescue-two-people-trapped-mars-wrigley-confectionary-elizabethtown/521-b67b52ec-6f4b-4f13-9164-e62dc4a68753 |
AUSTIN, Texas — (The Texas Tribune) An Austin judge has temporarily stopped the state from investigating many parents who provide gender-affirming care to their transgender children. The state has ruled out allegations of child abuse against one family under investigation, but at least eight more cases remain open.
Travis County District Judge Jan Soifer issued a temporary restraining order Friday in a lawsuit filed on behalf of three families and members of PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy group that claims more than 600 members in Texas.
Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, applauded the decision to stop what he called “invasive, unnecessary and unnerving investigations.”
“However, let’s be clear: These investigations into loving and affirming families shouldn’t be happening in the first place,” Bond said in a statement.
This is the latest chapter in an ongoing legal battle stemming from a February order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, directing the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate parents who provide gender-affirming care to their transgender children.
The Texas Supreme Court recently blocked the state from investigating one family, which had brought a lawsuit challenging the directive, but overturned a wider injunction that stopped the state from investigating other families.
This new lawsuit, filed Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, seeks to block investigations into all parents of transgender children who belong to PFLAG.
During Friday’s hearing, Lambda Legal’s Paul Castillo revealed that the state has ruled out allegations of child abuse against Amber and Adam Briggle, who were under investigation for providing gender-affirming care to their 14-year-old son.
The Briggle family, outspoken advocates for transgender rights, once invited Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton over for dinner. Five years later, they ended up at the center of a child abuse investigation that stemmed, in part, from a nonbinding legal opinion that Paxton issued in February.
While their case has been closed, many others remain ongoing. Castillo said one of the families involved in the lawsuit was visited by DFPS investigators Friday morning.
“I do want to highlight for the court that every plaintiff in this case has illustrated the stress and trauma of even the potential of having a child removed, merely based on the suspicion that the family has pursued the medically necessary course of care that is prescribed by their doctor for gender dysphoria,” Castillo said.
Gender-affirming care is recommended by all major medical associations to treat gender dysphoria, the distress someone can feel when their gender identity does not align with their biological sex. Gender dysphoria can be exacerbated as a child approaches puberty, so doctors often prescribe reversible puberty blockers and, sometimes, hormone therapy. More than half of all transgender youth report considering suicide, but the rates are much lower for those who are able to access gender-affirming health care.
The mental health impact of Abbott’s directive has already been clear, according to the lawsuit. One 16-year-old transgender boy, identified in the suit as Antonio Voe, attempted to kill himself after the directive came down. When he was admitted to an outpatient psychiatric facility, the staff reported his family to DPFS for child abuse because he was undergoing hormone therapy, according to the lawsuit.
In the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Courtney Corbello revisited the state’s argument that merely being under investigation by DFPS does not constitute harm to a family.
She also argued that PFLAG cannot bring this legal challenge on behalf of its members since there is no evidence that PFLAG members are being targeted for investigation based on their membership in the association.
Soifer disagreed, granting the temporary restraining order on behalf of the three named plaintiffs and PFLAG members. Soifer directed the lawyers to schedule a hearing in the coming days, where a judge will hear evidence and decide whether to extend the restraining order.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 | 2022-06-10T21:00:07 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 |
BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Planned Parenthood has closed its Boise clinic, but it’s not a cutback; instead, it’s part of a shift in the group’s services to provide reproductive health care broadly across the region, including to women who have to travel out of state for abortions as state and federal laws change.
The shift includes a new Planned Parenthood clinic that’s in the works in Ontario, Ore., just across the state line from Idaho’s Treasure Valley, where Planned Parenthood Columbia and Willamette already has leased space. The current Oregon clinic location closest to Idaho is in Bend, said Kristi Scdoris, director of marketing and communications for the group that serves Oregon and Southwestern Washington. “Ontario would be much closer,” she said.
“We’ve been staffing up at all our health centers,” Scdoris said, “as we are already currently seeing some patients from out of state.”
In Idaho, which is served by the organization’s six-state Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky region, Planned Parenthood had three locations, in Boise, Meridian and Twin Falls.
The group is closing five of its locations across the six states, said Katie Rodihan, communications director, and shifting the savings into expanding its “patient navigator” services, telemedicine services, and more, including connecting women who must travel out of state to resources including funding and follow-up care.
“We are consolidating our Boise and Meridian health centers,” Rodihan said. “We looked at how we could continue to serve patients in a reality where patients in Idaho may need support to go out of state to access abortion care.”
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling shortly overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Idaho has a “trigger law” on the books that requires that 30 days after that happens, abortion will become a crime in Idaho, with only narrow exceptions to save the life of the mother or for rape or incest cases that are documented with a police report.
In addition, Idaho lawmakers this year passed a Texas-style law banning all abortions after about six weeks, before most women know they’re pregnant, with enforcement consisting only of allowing relatives of the aborted fetus to sue doctors for minimum $20,000 damages. Backers of the Texas law have touted it as a way halt abortions even before the U.S. Supreme Court acts. The Idaho Supreme Court is set to hear a court challenge from Planned Parenthood over that law’s constitutionality on Aug. 3.
“In Idaho, when we expect abortion to be completely banned,” Rodihan said, “we’ll have patient navigators who can stand with them every step of the way and figure out how can we refer you out of state for an appointment, how can we connect you with … the financial resources you’ll need to travel, and how can we coordinate to provide follow-up care once you’re home here in Idaho.”
The Meridian and Boise clinics were only 15-20 minutes apart, Rodihan said. “Our hope is that by consolidating the two health centers, any patients that need to come in for an appointment won’t be too inconvenienced going to Meridian instead of Boise. But it does free up funds for us to invest further in telemedicine and in our patient navigators.”
Abortion is only a small fraction of the services Planned Parenthood provides, Rodihan noted. Most commonly, the organization’s clinics provide birth control and contraception services, testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, and general reproductive health care, including pregnancy care, adoption referrals and parenting classes. They also provide gender-affirming hormone care, a service which they’ll soon be offering via telemedicine.
Planned Parenthood is the only public abortion provider in Idaho, Rodihan said. The only other providers are private physicians who provide care to their existing patients, but generally not to new patients. “If you were looking for an abortion, we would be your only option,” she said.
The closure of the Boise clinic was first reported Thursday by the Idaho Statesman; it closed June 1.
Scdoris said there’s not yet any timeline on when the new Ontario clinic will open. “We have leased the space,” she said. “We are looking into expanding our health care services … to meet the unmet needs in eastern Oregon, and with the realization that folks from Idaho are going to be seeking care as well.”
Rodihan said, “Planned Parenthood remains and always will remain fully committed to the people of Idaho, regardless of the direction the Supreme Court our state laws go. … That will not change.”
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/planned-parenthood-shifts-resources-in-idaho-to-serve-out-of-state/277-0e6289fa-01f6-4e71-aedd-949e6e6bd999 | 2022-06-10T21:03:42 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/planned-parenthood-shifts-resources-in-idaho-to-serve-out-of-state/277-0e6289fa-01f6-4e71-aedd-949e6e6bd999 |
BOISE — Planned Parenthood has closed its Boise clinic, but it’s not a cutback; instead, it’s part of a shift in the group’s services to provide reproductive health care broadly across the region, including to women who have to travel out of state for abortions as state and federal laws change.
The shift includes a new Planned Parenthood clinic that’s in the works in Ontario, Ore., just across the state line from Idaho’s Treasure Valley, where Planned Parenthood Columbia and Willamette already has leased space. The current Oregon clinic location closest to Idaho is in Bend, said Kristi Scdoris, director of marketing and communications for the group that serves Oregon and Southwestern Washington. “Ontario would be much closer,” she said.
“We’ve been staffing up at all our health centers,” Scdoris said, “as we are already currently seeing some patients from out of state.”
In Idaho, which is served by the organization’s six-state Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky region, Planned Parenthood had three locations, in Boise, Meridian and Twin Falls.
The group is closing five of its locations across the six states, said Katie Rodihan, communications director, and shifting the savings into expanding its “patient navigator” services, telemedicine services, and more, including connecting women who must travel out of state to resources including funding and follow-up care.
“We are consolidating our Boise and Meridian health centers,” Rodihan said. “We looked at how we could continue to serve patients in a reality where patients in Idaho may need support to go out of state to access abortion care.”
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling shortly overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Idaho has a “trigger law” on the books that requires that 30 days after that happens, abortion will become a crime in Idaho, with only narrow exceptions to save the life of the mother or for rape or incest cases that are documented with a police report.
In addition, Idaho lawmakers this year passed a Texas-style law banning all abortions after about six weeks, before most women know they’re pregnant, with enforcement consisting only of allowing relatives of the aborted fetus to sue doctors for minimum $20,000 damages. Backers of the Texas law have touted it as a way to halt abortions even before the U.S. Supreme Court acts. The Idaho Supreme Court is set to hear a court challenge from Planned Parenthood over that law’s constitutionality on Aug. 3.
“In Idaho, when we expect abortion to be completely banned,” Rodihan said, “we’ll have patient navigators who can stand with them every step of the way and figure out how can we refer you out of state for an appointment, how can we connect you with … the financial resources you’ll need to travel, and how can we coordinate to provide follow-up care once you’re home here in Idaho.”
The Meridian and Boise clinics were only 15-20 minutes apart, Rodihan said. “Our hope is that by consolidating the two health centers, any patients that need to come in for an appointment won’t be too inconvenienced going to Meridian instead of Boise. But it does free up funds for us to invest further in telemedicine and in our patient navigators.”
Abortion is only a small fraction of the services Planned Parenthood provides, Rodihan noted. Most commonly, the organization’s clinics provide birth control and contraception services, testing for sexually-transmitted diseases, and general reproductive health care, including pregnancy care, adoption referrals and parenting classes. They also provide gender-affirming hormone care, a service which they’ll soon be offering via telemedicine.
Planned Parenthood is the only public abortion provider in Idaho, Rodihan said. The only other providers are private physicians who provide care to their existing patients, but generally not to new patients. “If you were looking for an abortion, we would be your only option,” she said.
The closure of the Boise clinic was first reported Thursday by the Idaho Statesman; it closed June 1.
Scdoris said there’s not yet any timeline on when the new Ontario clinic will open. “We have leased the space,” she said. “We are looking into expanding our health care services … to meet the unmet needs in eastern Oregon, and with the realization that folks from Idaho are going to be seeking care as well.”
Rodihan said, “Planned Parenthood remains and always will remain fully committed to the people of Idaho, regardless of the direction the Supreme Court our state laws go. … That will not change.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/planned-parenthood-shifts-resources-in-idaho-to-serve-women-heading-out-of-state-for-care/article_1e77cefa-28f1-57b9-8aff-9fda60b4849b.html | 2022-06-10T21:04:03 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/planned-parenthood-shifts-resources-in-idaho-to-serve-women-heading-out-of-state-for-care/article_1e77cefa-28f1-57b9-8aff-9fda60b4849b.html |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It’s going to be a hot weekend in North Texas so if you’re getting out and about to enjoy all the happenings around town, be sure to take precautions and stay hydrated!
Friday marks the beginning of the Taste of Dallas at Dallas Market Hall, so if you’re looking to enjoy some fantastic local eats and drinks check it out! Need a little music in your life? Go jam out with Lupe Fiasco in Fort Worth or Koe Wetzel in Dallas! Of course, if you’re needing a sports fix the Dallas Wings will be taking on the Seattle Storm in Arlington. You can even head out to a sports bar around town and enjoy all the sporting events on the TVs that are happening around the U.S. Pride doesn’t stop and you can continue the celebration and enjoy Pride in Bloom at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Saturday, get out to the Taste of Dallas for its second day, you’re not going to want to miss it! Don’t forget to pair some good food with some good music as Machine Gun Kelly will be performing in Dallas. Maybe you’re in the mood for some art, don’t think twice about hitting up Hilton Anatole for the Caseta 18th annual Symposium & Texas Art Fair. Maybe get outside the box and head over to the Boho Market at Victory Park or even celebrate at the Community Beer Company’s eight-year Anniversary Party.
Sunday, MORE Taste of Dallas in store during the final day of DFW’s largest annual summer food fest. In for a pool party and cornhole tournament? Check it out at the Beeman Hotel from 1-6 p.m. Grab a laugh from Anjelah Johnson-Reyes at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Enjoy the weekend! | https://cw33.com/news/local/heres-whats-going-on-around-dfw-over-the-second-weekend-of-june/ | 2022-06-10T21:12:52 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/heres-whats-going-on-around-dfw-over-the-second-weekend-of-june/ |
So long, SCAT. Sarasota County's transit system to get a new name
Sarasota County residents and visitors aren't going to see the acronym SCAT on county buses for long.
Instead, they’ll observe a new name for the county’s transit system – Breeze.
That’s because Sarasota County has decided to rebrand the system. SCAT recently launched a new service, OnDemand, which picks people up at their homes or other locations and takes them where they need to go. In light of this new service, the county is seeking a "more modern and cohesive approach to branding and marketing" for the entire transit system, said SCAT director Jane Grogg.
County commissioners voted unanimously on June 7 to rename SCAT Breeze. County officials did not indicate how long the change would take.
Background:Sarasota County to roll out ride-hailing public transit in June. Here's how it works
More transportation news:Want to take a trolley from downtown to Lido Beach? Now you can
County staff worked with marketing consultants on potential new names for SCAT – which stands for Sarasota County Area Transit – and produced four options for the County Commission to consider.
The first was SaGo, which is pronounced “Say Go” and correlates with the county’s name, according to SCAT director Jane Grogg. The second was Surf, reflecting the county’s coastal location.
The third option was Mobi, relating to the product the county is offering, which is the transit system. The final option was Breeze, relating to the county’s pleasant weather and implying that it is easy to use the transit system. It is also a name the county already uses, as the streetcar on Siesta Key is known as the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley.
Commissioners preferred Breeze.
“I like the dual meaning, because I think of something as a breeze – it’s easy,” Commissioner Ron Cutsinger said, “and then, of course, a nice, cool breeze – it’s refreshing – so I really support this.”
Commissioner Mike Moran made the motion to approve the name Breeze, and board Chairman Alan Maio asked Moran if he had any other comments on the matter.
“Other than the bar being low of getting rid of SCAT,” Moran said, making the other commissioners laugh.
The county and the marketing consultants will now develop a new logo for the transit system and will come up with a plan for how to implement the new name and logo.
Anne Snabes covers city and county government for the Herald-Tribune. You can contact her at asnabes@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @a_snabes. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/06/10/sarasota-county-renames-its-public-transit-system-scat-breeze/7555059001/ | 2022-06-10T21:13:48 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/06/10/sarasota-county-renames-its-public-transit-system-scat-breeze/7555059001/ |
A Texas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from investigating families of transgender children who have received gender-confirming medical care, a new obstacle to the state labeling such treatments as child abuse.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jan Soifer halts investigations against three families who sued, and prevents any similar investigations against members of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG Inc. The group has more than 600 members in Texas.
The ruling comes about a month after the Texas Supreme Court allowed the state to investigate parents of transgender youth for child abuse while also ruling in favor of one family that was among the first contacted by child welfare officials following order by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
The latest challenge was brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union.
A judge in March put that order on hold after a lawsuit brought on behalf of a 16-year-old girl whose family said it was under investigation. The Texas Supreme Court in May ruled that the lower court overstepped its authority by blocking all investigations going forward.
That lawsuit marked the first report of parents being investigated following Abbott’s directive and an earlier nonbinding legal opinion by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton labeling certain gender-confirming treatments as “child abuse.” The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service has said it opened nine investigations following the directive and opinion.
Abbott’s directive and the attorney general’s opinion go against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions filed in statehouses nationwide. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/judges-ruling-blocks-texas-from-investigating-families-of-transgender-children/2989920/ | 2022-06-10T21:17:14 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/judges-ruling-blocks-texas-from-investigating-families-of-transgender-children/2989920/ |
Eva Mireles loved her dog, hiking and exercising. But mostly, she loved her family and her students.
A funeral Mass was Friday for Mireles, 44, who was killed May 24 when a gunman burst into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Texas. Nineteen children and teacher Irma Garcia also died in the attack. Relatives briefed by police have said the two teachers died trying to protect their students.
Mireles was finishing up her 17th year of teaching. The school district's superintendent, Hal Harrell, remembered Mireles and Garcia as teachers who "poured their heart and soul" into their work.
An obituary for Mireles said she "dedicated herself to her wonderful family and amazing students." She enjoyed Crossfit, hiking and spending time with her dog, Kane.
"Her smile and personality never went unnoticed as when she was around, it was never a dull moment," the obituary stated.
A relative, 34-year-old Amber Ybarra of San Antonio, remembered Mireles as a loving mother and wife.
Texas News
News from around the state of Texas.
"She was adventurous. … She is definitely going to be very missed," Ybarra said.
Mireles' enthusiasm came through in a post on the school's website at the start of the school year.
"Welcome to the 4th grade! We have a wonderful year ahead of us!" she wrote.
The funeral for Garcia was last week. Services for the children will continue into late June. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/uvalde-teacher-who-was-dedicated-to-family-and-students-remembered-friday/2989930/ | 2022-06-10T21:17:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/uvalde-teacher-who-was-dedicated-to-family-and-students-remembered-friday/2989930/ |
Andre L. Coleman was charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of attempted malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
The shooting was June 3 at about 10:21 p.m. in the 10900 block of Stepney Road.
Chesterfield police Maj. Brad Badgerow said during a June 4 press conference that the party was for a student from Thomas Dale High School, a couple of miles from the scene. More than 50 shots erupted near the area of Stepeny and Weybridge roads, police said.
Chesterfield police in a statement Friday said Coleman was arrested on Thursday in Richmond and was being held in Chesterfield County Jail without bond.
The statement also said "the investigation indicates that neither Carter nor Coleman were members of a high school graduating class in Chesterfield County this year."
"We are fervently committed to protecting our community and we will expend all necessary resources to obtain justice for those harmed by bad actors," said Col. Jeffrey Katz, Chesterfield chief of police.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660.
Top five weekend events: ¿Qué Pasa? Festival, Ashland Strawberry Festival, Fred Armisen and Bon Iver | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hopewell-teen-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-graduation-party-in-chester/article_d0eb2684-dcdd-5026-9ce4-39691c5e2b50.html | 2022-06-10T21:34:01 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hopewell-teen-charged-with-murder-in-fatal-graduation-party-in-chester/article_d0eb2684-dcdd-5026-9ce4-39691c5e2b50.html |
A Petersburg felon was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a man he mistakenly believed was "protecting" the sister of a man who the defendant assumed had murdered his cousin several weeks earlier.
He used his slain relative's rifle to ambush the wrong man.
After a 2 1/2 hour hearing Thursday in Prince George Circuit Court, Judge Carson E. Saunders Jr. sentenced Markeem K. Moyler, 29, to 48 years in prison with 23 years suspended on his earlier guilty pleas to second-degree murder, felony use of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The punishment was above the mid-point of discretionary state sentencing guidelines, which called for Moyler to serve an active prison term of between 17 years and 9 months on the low end, and 29 years and 7 months at the high end. The prosecution sought a punishment at the high end, while the defense argued for a sentence near the low.
Moyler fatally shot Jarrell Najee McElroy, 27, on Oct. 18, 2020, with an RF-15 assault-style rifle that had previously belonged to Moyler's cousin, Kintrez Moyler, who was gunned down in Petersburg on Sept. 24 of that year.
People are also reading…
"Because of the facts of the case, I thought it was really important to argue that this is the reason why you don't try and take the law into your own hands, because you can get it really wrong," Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney John Bateman said.
"You should talk to police, talk to professionals, if you think you know something that would be able to solve the crime - rather than trying to handle it yourself," the prosecutor added.
Bateman said Moyler made several incorrect assumptions about the victim and shot him to death as a result of a "misdirected act of retribution."
Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution's theory would have been that Moyler targeted McElroy in an attempted retribution killing for the murder of Moyler's cousin. "But he got the wrong man," Bateman said.
McElroy was minding his own business and bringing carry-out food back to his girlfriend's Puddledock Place apartment for the couple's lunch when Moyler ambushed him with the rifle. McElroy was shot once, in his upper right arm, but the wound hit an artery and he bled to death.
Several days after Moyler was arrested for McElroy's murder, Moyler's family members created an online streaming event that allowed Moyler to speak with them from jail. In a recorded video of the conversation, Moyler was asked "what the shooting was about."
Moyer responded twice by saying, "You kill my cat, I kill your dog."
Authorities interpreted Moyler's statement to mean, "You kill my cousin, I kill your 'homeboy' or friend," Bateman said.
In a summary of evidence presented at Moyler's plea hearing in December, Bateman said Moyler told detectives after his arrest that his cousin had been killed several weeks earlier in a shooting in Petersburg. Moyler added that the sister of the man he believed fatally shot his cousin lived in Puddledock Place, and a man recently had begun staying in the sister's apartment.
Further, Moyler told detectives that the man staying at the apartment must be providing "protection" for the sister. Moyler's use of the word protection meant that the man staying at the apartment was viewed as a gang member who was staying there to protect the sister, said Bateman.
In reality, the man was McElroy. Moyler knew the woman but didn't realize she had a boyfriend, Bateman said.
Moyler also told police that his aunt - who was the mother of Moyler's cousin killed in Petersburg - was living in Puddledock Place and she had called him the night before the shooting. She told him she had seen "the man" holding a firearm and she was afraid. Moyler said he stayed with his aunt that night and she decided to leave before noon on the following day.
At that point, Moyler said he, his girlfriend and aunt left the apartment, but he first retrieved his deceased cousin's rifle from under a bed for "protection." As the three of them were walking down the steps to a breezeway, Moyler told police he saw a man walk into his view and down a sidewalk.
It was then that Moyler said he heard his aunt say, "That's him," which prompted Moyler to open fire on the man. After the shots, Moyler said both he and the victim ran away, and he tried calling for a ride before being detained by Prince George police officers, who responded to the shooting at 11:53 a.m.
Officers recovered five cartridge casings at the shooting scene, along with several bags of takeout food that McElroy had been carrying when he was shot. In addition, police found the rifle stuffed in a trash can at a nearby residence and a black hoodie matching the description of some clothing worn by the shooter.
One witness to the killing identified Moyler as the shooter, telling police he was carrying a rifle and wearing a black hoodie.
Four months after Moyler shot and killed McElroy, Petersburg police arrested Travis Nicholas, 24, and charged him with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Moyler’s cousin. But the charge was dropped by prosecutors in May 2021, court records show. Jarrell McElroy's girlfriend was Nicholas' sister.
(804) 649-6450 | https://richmond.com/news/local/petersburg-man-sentenced-to-serve-25-years-for-killing-wrong-man-in-misdirected-act-of/article_779c08cf-715d-5448-b336-24067b4c4f91.html | 2022-06-10T21:34:07 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/petersburg-man-sentenced-to-serve-25-years-for-killing-wrong-man-in-misdirected-act-of/article_779c08cf-715d-5448-b336-24067b4c4f91.html |
After a two year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games return to Richmond on Saturday.
Since 1975, Special Olympics Virginia has served people with intellectual disabilities by helping them lead healthier and fitter lives through inclusion in athletics.
"I thought this was probably the greatest use of sports I'd ever seen,” Rick Jeffrey, president of Special Olympics Virginia, said when he was initially introduced to the program. “It was using sports to basically build a more inclusive world by engaging people who are different, those with intellectual disabilities and those without, bringing those two populations together so that they can learn more about each other and subsequently learned more about themselves.”
After 22 years as president with Special Olympics Virginia, Jeffrey is retiring this year. He said that the Special Olympics goal goes beyond providing athletic opportunities, it also aims to bridge societal gaps and be a model for inclusion.
People are also reading…
“If minds get changed about the value of a person with an intellectual disability, then the lives of all people with intellectual disabilities gets better because they're going to have more opportunity in school, have more opportunities in the workplace and more opportunities in the community,” Jeffrey said. “So it's really bringing people together that are different to help them understand how they can live better together.”
This year, Jeffrey anticipates about 1,000 athletes from around the state to attend the Virginia Summer Games on the University of Richmond campus along with thousands of volunteers who help with the athletic competitions.
***
On Thursday night, some Chesterfield Special Olympics athletes had their last tennis practice at Huguenot Park. While running drills and playing matches, the athletes and coaches said they are all excited to go back to the Summer Games.
Hunter Stallworth and CJ Gallagher will be competing in tennis this week, while another teammate, Kyle Roberts, will be playing softball.
"It's my favorite sport," Roberts said.
All athletes can only compete in one sport at the Summer Games.
"I play first base, and I do utility players, like I did outfield and infield," Roberts said. "But the one I love to play the most is first base."
Stallworth has been a part of the Special Olympics for many years with the help of his dad, Bob Stallworth, who coaches the tennis team.
"Tennis is such a great sport for anyone," Bob Stallworth said. "The Special Olympics program is extremely well organized and offers a wonderful opportunity for athletes to get out and have a little camaraderie and a little competition and learn something special about themselves."
In addition to the athletics competition, Special Olympics Virginia will have a Healthy Athletes Center which is a “half-million dollar” health clinic for all the athletes located in the Robins Center at the University of Richmond. Jeffrey explains that much of the intellectually disabled community is marginalized in regard to health care.
“68% of people with intellectual disabilities either need glasses or they need new ones,” Jeffrey explains. “37% of people with intellectual disabilities suffer from some form of preventable tooth decay and the mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body. Diabetes, cancer or heart disease -- all of those things can start with poor oral hygiene. And certainly about 27% of our athletes have issues with their hearing.”
Medical professionals and students are volunteering their time and resources to provide services to athletes including filling cavities, fitting for glasses and a general physical assessment. Jeffrey says the medical community has very little training in dealing with people with intellectual disabilities and this is an opportunity for them to learn more so they can better serve all patients.
Athletes at the Special Olympics Virginia compete at all different levels. Fredericksburg’s Grace Anne Braxton is regarded as one of the best Special Olympics golfers. Braxton will be inducted into the Virginia Women’s Golf Hall of Fame this fall.
Another accomplished Virginia athlete is marathon runner Karen Dickerson who won gold at the 2015 Special Olympics world games. Dickerson has competed in marathons around the United States including placing in the top 8% of women runners in the Boston Marathon. She will be in attendance at the Virginia Summer Games.
Braxton and 52 other Virginia athletes are competing in the National Special Olympic games in Florida this past week.
Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games 2022 Saturday schedule:
- Track and field and wheelchair athletics start at 8 a.m. at the University of Richmond’s Robins Stadium.
- Softball begins at 9 a.m. at the Glen Allen Softball Complex, 2175 Mountain Road.
- Tennis starts at 9 a.m. at University of Richmond’s Westhampton Courts, 426 Westhampton Way.
- Swimming begins at 9 a.m. at the Collegiate School Aquatics Center, 5050 Ridgedale Parkway.
- Bowling begins at 9:15 a.m. at Bowlero Richmond, 6540 W. Broad St.
- Olympic Town begins at 10 a.m. in the Robins Center.
- Healthy Athletes begins at 9 a.m. in the Robins Center.
- End-of-competition dance begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Robins Center.
A nonprofit with an operating budget of $5.2 million, the Special Olympics relies on donations to operate. Special Olympics Virginia hosts state-wide competitions such as the Fall Championship which was held in Virginia Beach. In addition, Special Olympics Virginia works with schools around the state to have “Little Feet Meets” as field days for elementary school students hosted at their local high schools.
For more about Special Olympics Virginia and the summer games visit: specialolympicsva.org. | https://richmond.com/news/local/special-olympics-return-to-richmond-this-weekend-after-a-two-year-hiatus/article_7d3c3a20-57ff-54b2-a3ab-6f2022533f39.html | 2022-06-10T21:34:13 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/special-olympics-return-to-richmond-this-weekend-after-a-two-year-hiatus/article_7d3c3a20-57ff-54b2-a3ab-6f2022533f39.html |
A teenager died and another was hospitalized with a wound to the head following gunfire in Philadelphia’s Summerdale neighborhood Friday evening, police said.
The shooting happened around 4 p.m. on the 800 block of Bridge Street. The boy was 14 and was pronounced dead at an area hospital, while the 15-year-old was alert and talking despite the gunshot to the head, Philadelphia Police Department Inspector D.F. Pace said.
The shooting happened in a residential neighborhood about two blocks away from Sammuel Fels High School.
It was not immediately clear who opened fire or what triggered the shooting.
A tally by the city controller's office shows that in 2022, at least 112 minors had been shot, 18 fatally, as of June 9.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/teen-killed-another-wounded-in-philadelphia-shooting/3267800/ | 2022-06-10T21:35:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/teen-killed-another-wounded-in-philadelphia-shooting/3267800/ |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Over a year after it was closed, the iconic swinging bridge at Kingsport’s Riverfront Park is open once again.
The city announced Friday that repairs to the bridge have been completed, and it is open for pedestrian use.
The bridge was closed in May 2021 after city maintenance crews discovered damage to the bridge’s wooden substructure.
A $188,900 project to repair the bridge began last spring. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/riverfront-park-swinging-bridge-reopens-after-repairs/ | 2022-06-10T21:35:30 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/riverfront-park-swinging-bridge-reopens-after-repairs/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Thursday morning, employees of the Simply Mac store in The Mall at Johnson City received an email from the CEO stating they would be closing indefinitely.
“We were basically told to get our personal belongings and leave the store, as is,” said Former Simply Mac Store Leader, Kenneth Perciful.
He told News Channel 11 that he knew the company had fallen on hard times but never expected this. He said he was in the middle of his usual morning routine, not even at work yet when he learned no one would be working that day.
He said the email did not specify how to return belongings to customers, only that they were to lock up and leave. This news was also concerning to customers with products inside the store awaiting repairs.
“Apple actually put out an article yesterday regarding what had happened and saying that a lot of customers probably are not going to be able to get their stuff back because they literally let employees go and locked the doors,” said Susan Miller.
Although no longer with the company, Perciful felt he couldn’t leave without making sure customers got their belongings back. “I had about 130 maybe more items to work through. I honestly didn’t think I would get through calling everybody,” he said.
After making call after call for nearly seven hours, Perciful said he was able to return all but 3 items. One of the Mac Books awaiting repair was Susan Miller’s. She said the call from Perciful was a shock, but a blessing.
“All of my access and everything was on that laptop so had I not gotten it back, that would’ve been a lot of very important daily, personal, and business information that I would not have had access to,” said Miller.
People were reunited with items but that’s not the case for every store that’s closing. Because Perciful took it upon himself to do this, people were able to reclaim what was theirs.
“I’m not getting paid to be there but at the end of the day, I knew it was the right thing to do,” he said.
“That Just sets a standard for the type of person he is, the type of people they had working there, and how sad it is that they no longer have a job,” said Miller.
A few customers reached out to News Channel 11 also commending Kenneth Perciful’s efforts. One man even mentioned how unfair this is to those employees and his intent to file a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General about how this situation was handled and played out.
Many of the returned items were not even repaired yet.
Miller said the only certified repair shop in the area now is Best Buy and that they were booked out for weeks when she called. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/simply-mac-closes-employee-returns-belongings-to-customers-on-his-own/ | 2022-06-10T21:35:36 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/simply-mac-closes-employee-returns-belongings-to-customers-on-his-own/ |
Fire Within: Award winners Jade-Heather Hinman and Corinna Dahlin
Hinman Coffee House
Award: Inspire
Owner: Jade-Heather Hinman
Established: May 2020
Contact: 102 S.E. Boundary Street, Browning
When she opened Hinman Coffee House, Jade-Heather Hinman didn't just establish a business. She established a legacy.
As a mother of seven who is also raising two of her nephews, 38-year-old Hinman hopes she can someday pass the business down to the next generation.
In the now, the coffee shop gives Hinman more time with her family because many of her children help out.
When Hinman started working toward opening Hinman Coffee House, she wanted to do it because Browning didn't have a sit-in coffee house or a drive-thru for breakfast sandwiches.
“It was just something new to the (Blackfeet) Reservation," Hinman said.
Now that she's open, both locals and tourists have taken advantage of services such as indoor-outdoor dining and wifi. In fact, Hinman said NASA was in the area last summer and spent two weeks using her coffee shop for mobile work.
The drive-thru got Hinman through the COVID-19 pandemic, which came with restrictions that hit the reservation harder than other areas. Residents were subject to curfews, travel restrictions and lockdowns.
These tribulations just helped Hinman learn that you have to roll with the changes. She said she's also faced barriers as a non-Blackfeet operating on the Blackfeet Reservation.
Hinman said her business was a total leap of faith--one she encourages anyone to try who wants to be their own boss. She advises new business owners to overcome their fears and not to be too hard on themselves.
In the next two years, Hinman should have her therapist license, and she said she wants to be a mental health provider on the reservation. On the Hinman Coffee House front, she'd like to get a mobile unit up and running to travel to powwows throughout the state. Another location in East Glacier may also be on the horizon.
Corinna Dahlin Photography
Award: Inspire
Owner: Corinna Dahlin
Established: 2017
Contact: 406-781-5145
What do air traffic control and real estate photography have in common?
Corinna Dahlin, that's what.
Dahlin, 45, had an 8-year career in air traffic control when she was active duty Navy and continued as a civilian until she quit to raise three kids. After dabbling in different jobs, she stumbled into real estate photography by accident.
While house hunting in Great Falls for her mother, she noticed that the pictures just weren't doing the houses justice. The person doing the showing asked her to take some shots, word of mouth carried, and Corrinna Dahlin Photography was born.
Dahlin said she's all self-taught. She said she didn't feel legit at first, so she got herself to a place where she felt legit.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting real estate market have benefited Dahlin, who kept working because she could be in houses alone. With low interest rates and people fleeing to or from different areas, her business has only increased.
The business also gives her the flexibility she needs to raise her three kids and has taught her to relate to all kinds of people.
She urges women not to hesitate if they want to start a business and to seek help from organizations such as the Great Falls Development Authority.
"It’s a lot less scary than people think, and it’s a lot less complicated than people think,” she said.
Dahlin has taught two other photographers and is actually looking to scale back a bit.
“I want people to continue to do it," she said. "I think it’s an awesome resource to offer the community, it’s just I can’t do it all.” | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2022/06/10/fire-within-award-winners-jade-heather-hinman-and-corinna-dahlin/65358332007/ | 2022-06-10T21:37:30 | 0 | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2022/06/10/fire-within-award-winners-jade-heather-hinman-and-corinna-dahlin/65358332007/ |
GREENSBORO — Josh Scovens always took his Papa’s advice.
He was 7 when his maternal grandfather, Dr. Willie Gilchrist, now the former chancellor of Elizabeth City State University, told him, “In order to be the man, you have to be organized.”
For Josh, that advice worked. He now keeps his to-do list on his iPhone. He checks it every hour or so. He wants to make sure he remembers his every assignment at the Middle College at N.C. A&T and the time of his basketball practice at Page High, his home school.
It has paid off.
Josh graduated about two weeks ago from the school as its valedictorian. Next fall, he’ll major in biology and start at the U.S. Military Academy, the prestigious institution known as West Point.
Josh wants to be a pediatrician. But first, he’ll be a basketball player for the Black Knights of West Point.
Josh received a full athletic scholarship. He played for Page High, and he can play. He received All Conference honors as well as being named to the News & Record’s first team All-Area.
People are also reading…
According to Phenom Hoops, a North Carolina website that assesses high school talent, Josh “possesses a long, fluid frame with sharp defensive anticipation, excellent rebounding instincts, and the necessary polish to handle the ball in transition.”
Now, back to his maternal grandfather. He’s given Josh more than just advice. He’s given his grandson a nickname: Giraffe.
“Because I am so tall,” Josh responds. “He’s called me that since I was 10.”
Josh stands 6-foot-6. But his height didn’t make him serious about basketball.
COVID-19 did.
The heartache of hoops
During the spring of his sophomore year, Josh began looking at basketball much differently. The global pandemic convinced school officials to send every Guilford County student home to keep them healthy.
Computers soon turned into a classroom, and Josh found he had free time and a lot of time to think. About academics. And about basketball. He wanted to get better, be one of the best players in the city, and he wanted to play Division 1 basketball.
In the spring of 2020, though, Josh was nowhere close.
He had played for three AAU teams. But his play didn’t capture anyone’s attention. On one AAU team, the only attention Josh captured were yells from the coach and time on the bench. He was in sixth grade, and he barely played.
As a freshman, he made the JV basketball team at Southeast Guilford, the first high school he attended. In a game against Eastern Guilford, Josh grabbed a rebound and came down hard on his left knee.
He dislocated his knee cap. That injury kept him out of basketball for an entire year.
His sophomore year, Josh transferred to Page High. He stood 6-foot-3 and made the Page varsity basketball team. He hoped for a better season. But he didn’t burn up the court. He averaged 3.3 points and less than three rebounds per game. Page finished 16-12.
Up to that time, Josh had his share of coaches and players who doubted his talent. But he remembers what Jermaine McCain, one of his teachers at the Middle College, told him when he was a sophomore.
“One day, it will come together,” McCain told Josh.
Then came COVID-19.
Josh turned his free time into training time.
The hard work begins
Josh trained five days a week, starting at 6:30 a.m. He began at Triad Basketball Academy in Greensboro and met a man he called Coach Rob, one of his former AAU coaches. They did a series of drills before Josh slipped on a mask and played games with college players until 8 a.m.
Afterward, Josh dove into his schoolwork. Hours later, he dove back to basketball.
At 1:30, he returned to Triad Basketball Academy to lift weights, run sprints, run a mile on the track and do defensive slides full court.
If he couldn’t make the early afternoon training session, Josh would work out at 6 p.m. with Coach Pooh, a man Josh met through another one of his AAU teams.
Coach Pooh became his exercise drill sergeant. They’d meet up at either the track at Page High or Dudley High, and Josh ran. He ran a lot — the mile, the stairs, just everything. And he ran through loads of agility drills.
At 8 p.m., Josh returned to the Triad Basketball Academy for two hours of shooting drills with Coach Rob.
Josh did that Monday through Friday for 10 months.
“I fell in love with basketball,” Josh says today. “I realized this is what I love to do, and I was getting better and better and better, and I kept thinking, ‘Man, I can be really good at this. There is no stopping now.’”
Josh had that same determination about school. But Josh really didn’t want to go to the Middle College at A&T.
At least not at first.
The Middle College mantra
Josh is the youngest of two boys. His dad, Nathan, is a pastor; his mom, Wyvondalynn, is a nurse. She brought up the idea of Josh going to the Middle College. She really wanted him to go there. But Josh? Not so much.
He didn’t want to go to a school with all boys. Plus, to get into the Middle College, he had to write a paper. And if he got in, he had to get to school earlier. Then, every Wednesday, he had to wear khakis, a blue blazer, a collar shirt, and an A&T tie.
But as weeks turned into months, Josh warmed up to the Middle College. He didn’t mind wearing a blazer and tie. Matter of fact, he liked it. He liked looking professional. He also liked taking college classes at A&T.
Over his four years, Josh has accumulated 32 credit hours in courses for biology, math, history, and a class known as “Philosophy and Moral Problems.”
He also became more disciplined, and with his grandfather’s help, he became more organized. His iPhone organizer helped, especially during basketball season.
“Going to high school every day is discipline by itself, but especially at the Middle College,” Josh says. “You have to remember to come to school presentable, and when you’re taking college classes, you have to take care of your own business. Not Mommy or Daddy. If you miss an assignment, that’s on you.”
Along one of the halls at the Middle College is the school’s 10-sentence creed. Those sentences include these directives:
I will commit to excellence.
I will speak with intelligence.
I will value my education, I will go to college.
Josh’s favorite? I will be respectful of myself and others.
“A&T is big on brotherhood, and my friends, we’re so close with one another,” he says. “I love to see all my guys in blazers. We all look great, we’re making good grades, and we all know what really matters at our school.
“As soon as you walk in, you see the Creed on the wall and boom! The Creed tells you what the school goes by. It’s what the school believes in.”
‘The best feeling in the world’
Josh’s hard work during the pandemic paid off.
By his junior season at Page, Josh grew to be 6-foot-5, and he averaged 12 points a game along with five rebounds and one blocked shot per game.
By his senior year, Josh grew another inch and became an even bigger force on the basketball court. He averaged more than 20 points a game along with two steals, three blocks and nearly seven rebounds a game.
College recruiters began contacting him the summer before his senior year. That included West Point. Coaches from the U.S. Military Academy saw him play at a camp in Winston-Salem that summer and began talking to Josh several times a week.
West Point saw in Josh a player who fit the mold of a West Point cadet: great grades, stellar character, and innate leadership skills. Plus, Josh could really ball.
In all, Josh had 22 schools contact him about playing basketball. But Josh saw West Point as special. The school offered him a basketball scholarship in October, he visited the school in December, and, on the first Monday in January, Josh called West Point’s head basketball coach Jimmy Allen.
Josh said yes.
“It was the best feeling in the world,” Josh says about making that decision. “Just proving your doubters wrong is just great, especially when someone says you can’t do something. That is the best feeling.
“And now, I’ll get to play D-1 ball for free at West Point, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. That is something I want to be a part of.”
Jeri Rowe, a former columnist at the News & Record, is the senior writer at High Point University. He interviewed 12 graduating seniors as part of the annual Senior Spotlight project for Guilford County Schools. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/on-point-greensboro-grads-focus-earns-him-a-spot-at-west-point/article_d6f38b90-e8e2-11ec-ab92-bf839f099b37.html | 2022-06-10T21:47:41 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/on-point-greensboro-grads-focus-earns-him-a-spot-at-west-point/article_d6f38b90-e8e2-11ec-ab92-bf839f099b37.html |
GREENSBORO — The former American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro will be used to house immigrant children while they await reunification with family members or sponsors in the United States, officials announced Friday.
The Board of Directors of the American Hebrew Academy said in a news release that it will lease the 100-acre campus on Hobbs Road to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Children are expected to begin arriving at the boarding school in July, officials said in the release.
"There is an urgent need for appropriate facilities to house, provide classroom instruction and other services for unaccompanied immigrant children who are waiting to be placed with family members and vetted sponsors," the academy said in its release. "The Board believes the American Hebrew Academy is uniquely suited to fill this need and has decided to make the campus available for this purpose."
The Office of Refugee Resettlement said in a statement that to meet its legal responsibility, the agency "continuously explores potential facility options for future needs to ensure that children do not have to remain in border patrol facilities, which are not appropriate locations for children."
People are also reading…
The federal office did not immediately respond to emailed questions about the cost of leasing the facility and providing services to the children.
The school will be leased to the federal government for a period of five years for this use only, the academy said in its release. The American Hebrew Academy will also be contracted to provide educational programming for the children.
Children will be taught reading, writing, math, science and social sciences, ORR said, as well as participate in recreational activities such as art, music and indoor and outdoor athletics.
"While in ORR care, children have access to medical treatment, legal services, translation services, education, and mental and behavioral health counselors and are able to connect with family at least twice a week," the agency said in its statement. "Children also meet with a case manager at least weekly."
Up to 800 people will be hired, including administrators, teachers, counselors, medical care professionals and other workers to oversee the facility and meet the needs of unaccompanied children.
The academy particularly needs Spanish-speaking professionals and hiring is underway. Information about instructional positions is available at www.greensboroglobalacademy.org. To apply for other positions, send an email to Recruiting@deployedservices.com.
The federal agency will also contract for services such as food and security.
Local officials lauded the decision in a news release.
“It is a great opportunity for Greensboro to show our commitment to being a welcoming city,” Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said. “This will also have a significant impact on the local economy."
Guilford County commissioners' Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston noted that the academy site, which was designed to be a self-contained campus for children, has been vacant for years.
"I’m glad to see HSS putting this vacant site to good use," Alston said. "It is important to remember we are talking about a transition site for children. The facility is not a permanent home for unaccompanied minors."
Vaughan said by telephone that no economic incentives were given by either the city or Guilford County to attract the project.
Federal officials met with city and county officials last year in May to discuss the project. However, Vaughan said it was delayed twice, once by the arrival of Afghan refugees and then again by the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.
"Now they're back focused on the children at the southern border," she said.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement said it operates about 200 state-licensed facilities of this kind in 22 states.
The facility will be renamed the Greensboro Piedmont Academy Influx Care Facility for UC (unaccompanied minors), though the school will be called Greensboro Global Academy.
American Hebrew Academy closed in 2019 and plans to reopen as AHA International School did not come to fruition. The highly secure facility has student residential quarters, an infirmary and a cafeteria, as well as three academic buildings.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, by law it must provide care for children who have no lawful U.S. immigration status; are younger than 18; and who have no parent or legal guardian available to provide care and physical custody here.
Most children are placed into ORR care because they were apprehended by immigration authorities while trying to cross the border or came to the attention of immigration authorities after crossing the border, according to a federal fact sheet.
In fiscal year 2021, about 72% of all children referred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement were older than 14, and 66% were boys. The youth in the program generally came from Guatemala (47%), El Salvador (13%), Honduras (32%) and other (8%), the federal agency said.
As of Feb. 16, there were about 9,780 unaccompanied minors in federal care. At the end of December, the average length of their care was 30 days, according to federal officials.
When children enter ORR care, they are put in contact with relatives or guardians, if known, and the process of finding a suitable sponsor begins, according to a fact sheet on the program. The vast majority of sponsors are a parent or close family relative living in the United States.
Contact Kenwyn Caranna at 336-373-7082 and follow @kcaranna on Twitter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/greensboro-campus-to-house-refugee-children-awaiting-reunification-with-parents/article_8db596e0-e8e1-11ec-97fe-f79beea8ec90.html | 2022-06-10T21:47:48 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/greensboro-campus-to-house-refugee-children-awaiting-reunification-with-parents/article_8db596e0-e8e1-11ec-97fe-f79beea8ec90.html |
The search for the Kenosha Unified School District’s top administrator is taking shape as the School Board and the community have begun identifying what kind of leader they want their next superintendent to be.
The KUSD Board met Thursday with consultant Dan Nerad of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards to discuss the leadership skills and personality traits of an ideal superintendent.
The board is working to replace Bethany Ormseth, who has been the district’s interim superintendent for the past 11 months. The job was initially posted a week ago and applications are being accepted through July 20. The board’s goal is to hire the new superintendent by Sept. 8 or earlier.
During the special virtual meeting session, which was live-streamed, the board gave the consultants input on everything from improving the district to what superintedent candidates could expect if they were hired to lead Wisconsin’s third largest school system. Thursday’s meeting started about 15 minutes late due to technical difficulties, according to board President Yolanda Santos Adams. The meeting, however, can be viewed in its entirety on the district’s YouTube channel and on Channel 20.
People are also reading…
Improving the district
School Board member Mary Modder said district improvement should come in the form of increasing parental involvement. She said when she was teacher she found that when parents are involved “students do better.”
Board member Todd Price believes engaging parents can “demonstrably reduce the discipline problems.” School Board member Rebecca Stevens said engaging parents and more volunteers in the classroom could also help.
Disciplinary issues have been at the forefront for newly elected School Board members Kristine Schmaling and Eric Meadows. Schmaling said teachers have to be able to teach and Meadows said that discipline should be a “chief focus” for improvement.
School safety should be a priority said Adams, suggesting the need to revisit how Unified’s schools are accessed.
“I think that’s risen to the top that we need to address,” she said.
Unique offerings
The district has many unique offerings that make it special, according to board members.
Both Meadows and Stevens emphasized the district’s fine arts programs, while Price noted how the district’s sports opportunities have engaged an active fan base. Modder said Unified has many unique educational opportunities beyond traditional programs, including its charter schools, because it is a large urban school district.
Stevens and Adams highlighted Unified bilingual and dual language programs, respectively. Schmaling focused on the district teaching skilled trades that she said empowers students who may not be college bound.
Modder added the district has unique partnerships with three of its local colleges, including Gateway, Carthage and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Recent graduation ceremonies for non-traditional students — in which students have earned diplomas through Hillcrest School, the Iowa Tests of Educational Development and the Phoenix program for incarcerated students — “is something that is unique to Kenosha,” said Adams.
Advice to candidates
Schmaling offered that a potential superintendent “better have some thick skin and some humor” to combat challenges encountered on the job.
Modder said that person can be assured the board would “back them as long as they’re transparent and honest.” She said they ought not be afraid to ask questions because Unified has “a great leadership staff.”
Stevens said the administration’s leader should feel that they can delegate duties. “Because no one person can do this job,” she said.
Adams said she would encourage the next superintendent to seek out Ormseth, who she called “a valuable resource” in addition to the district’s leadership team and clerical staff.
Schmaling added the new superintendent also needs to outline the vision for the future of the district over the next five to 10 years.
“Goal setting will be huge,” she said.
Themes emerge
Nerad
Consultants held focus groups on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the search process, four with community members and two with staff. Nerad said in gathering information from the group sessions some themes have emerged.
According to the Nerad, Unified’s next superintendent will be one who is able to deal with differences, with a style that allows people to be heard “…with the goal of finding that common ground.”
The next leader should be able to connect and listen to people so, “ensuring they feel heard” and possess a skill set that allows them to navigate the “hard conversations,” he said.
The groups felt the next superintendent should be one who has experience as an educator in the classroom.
Nerad said “they want a mender”,” who has a “disarming” approach, with an understanding of classroom instruction who knows what works for children and learning.
Superintendent survey
Residents still have an opportunity to give input in the superintendent selection process through a survey that asks participants to select and prioritize the personal characteristics, leadership styles, specialized skills, and expertise that they believe are most important for the next district leader.
The survey, which will be open until June 16, can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KUSD2022Community. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/hunt-for-kenosha-unifieds-next-school-district-superintendent-taking-shape/article_26e5e8ea-e871-11ec-af9f-7303eb2d314e.html | 2022-06-10T21:50:32 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/hunt-for-kenosha-unifieds-next-school-district-superintendent-taking-shape/article_26e5e8ea-e871-11ec-af9f-7303eb2d314e.html |
As the Kenosha Pops Band gets ready to start its landmark 100th season, we asked band members when they first started playing with the group and why they continue:
- Paula Braun (flute) has a long history with the Pops Band, having joined in 1971 "just after graduating from Tremper High School." She recalls the band playing in several locations — including Lincoln Park, Washington Park (in "the bowl") and Simmons Island — before settling in at the Sesquicentennial Band Shell in 1988. "I remember we used to wear these hideous black-and-red plaid blazers," she said. "And we wore sweaters, too. WHen I was pregnant with my son, I really stretched out that sweater."
- Tom Frost (trombone), joined the Pops in 2000. "I really enjoy playing with this group and look forward to the start of the new season every year. We have some really good players in this band, along with a lot of us that can hold our own with these good players. We’ve also been fortunate to have great directors during my time in the band. I’m having a blast doing this and hope to continue to play in the Pops for many years to come.
People are also reading…
"Being in the Pops continues to be special and doesn’t get stale because we play 'fun' music while occasionally mixing things up with an indoor 'serious' concert where we can really spread our wings and show what we can do.
"I don’t ever remember not having a good time performing or even practicing with this group," he added. "It is just a special group of people who have a great time making music together."
- Jack Plovanich (baritone) — who met his wife, Mary, in the band — first joined the Pops "when I was playing in (former Pops conductor) John Bunic’s big band in 1973 and he invited me. It’s fun to play music, and I still can. I hope I never have to quit. We play different music all the time."
- Mary Plovanich (French horn), joined the band in 1967, under director Mark Azzolina.
"I enjoy playing a wide variety of music with great musicians," she said, "Playing with Pops is an intense experience. We prepare and play a different concert each week. Other groups practice for weeks for one performance. It is also fun to provide quality concerts for Kenoshans to enjoy." (Continuing the family tradition, their daughter, Katie Poole, also plays with the Pops in the baritone section.)
- Karen Boyd (clarinet) joined as a full-time member in 2014. "I enjoy music and it is something that I never wanted to stop doing," she said. "Playing in the Pops has given me lots of new friendships and also I met my husband playing in the band. I love being able to play these concerts and keep music in our community."
- Dave Boyd (tuba) started with the Pops in 1982. "It is a fun group to play with and be a part of, a group where you develop a lot of friends and friendships. When you are in the Pop's band, it is family. It is also where I met my wife."
- Steve Carlson (tuba) has been performing with the Pops since 1994. Though he played with other community bands at the time, "I was more then a bit intimidated" about playing with the Pops. "This was going to be a step up," he said, "as sight reading was not my forte."
The challenge of the Pops season, he said, "is performing a different concert every week. We read through the charts on Monday nights, and touch up a spot or two, but there is really no time to work through them. That is where the musicianship of the band really shows."
As a new member, Carlson "was welcomed to the organization right away. I was so impressed with the talent of the band members, and I didn't want to let them down."
Carlson has many memories of his years with the band, including the time he missed a rehearsal the night his daughter was born "only to play that Wednesday night and have it announced to the crowd." Not-so-happy moments include hauling a heavy tuba in hot weather to the band's Fourth of July concert (after playing in three parades that day), but overall, Carlson feels "blessed to have the honor of playing with the Pops for so many years."
- Dave Walter (French horn) joined the Pops in 1999 and enjoys "the music, the camaraderie and being part of something that brings so much joy to so many people each summer." The band's "level of musicianship is terrific," he said, "and the vibe in the group is laid-back. Plus, Craig (Gall) is a wonderful conductor who makes rehearsals and performances fun."
A highlight for him each year is "those moments when the hillside is full of people, the lake is glistening in the background and the music from the band is connecting with the crowd, and I think, 'It can't get much better than this.'"
- John Schoettler (trombone) — who joined the Pops in 1998 — keeps playing with the group "because it's just a lot of fun. Everybody in the band is great and are fantastic musicians. It's awesome when the group can put an hour and a half concert together each week with one rehearsal. I play in a lot of different groups and the Kenosha Pops is unique in that many members have played in the band for much longer than I have, but we always try to bring in fresh young players when we can."
Schoettler has watched his family grow during his 24 years with the Pops. "My two kids grew up coming to summer concerts," he said. "My youngest son Daniel was 5 or 6 when I started playing in the Pops, and he is going to be 30 years old this August. Now my grandson is 5 and has been coming to our concerts for the last couple of years. It's a lot of great memories."
- Emily Korecz (trombone) first "went to Pops concerts as a kid with my papa, and I always enjoyed them. I knew I wanted to be a member someday, so getting the invite in 2019 to play with the group was super exciting."
"I like to play with the Pops because I love to play the trombone, and I love the strong sense of community among the members. Each member of the Pops has a different background/experience with music, yet we are able to gather each week and perform together. I think that is super cool."
- Nancy Quist (trumpet) started as a substitute player about 14 years ago and she "used to tell the trumpets they had to stagger their vacations so I could play more." She had stopped playing her trumpet for several years when she "was busy raising a family. I always said that someday I would like to play again and it would be so much fun if I could get in the Pops. I was right. It is so much fun."
Her favorite moments each season are 1) "I love the first downbeat of the first concert of summer." and 2) "Playing the Carmen Dragon arrangement of 'America the Beautiful' outside at twilight always gives me goosebumps."
- Shelly Nelson (clarinet) first joined the band in the summer of 1988, after not having played for 10 years. She took a few refresher lessons that summer and remembers playing on the city's portable band shell and performing each summer at Cohorama. As a Pops member, she has performed with fellow clarinet player Jim Firchow, her high school band director at Tremper, "which has been an honor."
"I like the music, and we have fun playing," she said. "It's really a family affair, teachers and students, family members playing or volunteering and the audience looks forward to our concerts." She adds that when she goes to local businesses asking for donations (prizes for the band's weekly trivia contest), "I've been welcomed by many of our local businesses that have supported the Pops Band for many years. I'm proud and honored to be a member of this professional organization." (Or, as her husband, Steve, calls the Pops band members, "Poppers.")
- John Moyer (trumpet) has been a member since around 1990 "at the invitation of Gerald Hoffman, who taught me trumpet playing in CYO Band." Moyer's reason for playing in the band is simple: "I love music and its endless variety. I also enjoy my fellow musicians and the loyal crowds. I've always loved playing because the collective group is so powerful and variegated in colors, how it whispers, shouts and everything in between."
"There have been many wonderful people I met through the Pops and for that priceless gift I will always be thankful," he added. "Additionally, my family has attended our concerts and those memories are sweeter for the music." | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-band-members-keep-the-music-playing/article_7c287824-e8f6-11ec-b33e-ab3e82f9a4ca.html | 2022-06-10T21:50:38 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-band-members-keep-the-music-playing/article_7c287824-e8f6-11ec-b33e-ab3e82f9a4ca.html |
When Frank Germinaro took to the podium last Aug. 4 for the final time as a Kenosha Pops Band conductor, it marked the end of a relationship stretching back several decades.
Germinaro’s history with the city’s official band goes back to 1969. He started as a clarinet and percussion player and then was assistant conductor for several years under the late John Bunic.
When Germinaro succeeded Bunic as the band's musical director, he tapped Craig Gall to be his assistant conductor.
That twosome continued from 1993 to 2003, when Germinaro retired from the Pops.
For the first time.
Then, 15 years later, “they dusted me off,” he joked, and he returned to the podium in 2018 as assistant conductor.
As the Pops Band gets ready to start its 100th season, Germinaro reflects on his 50-plus years with the group.
"I was asked by a fellow musician because they needed help in the percussion and clarinet section," he said. "I was a music major at the time and played accordion in my own band.
People are also reading…
"Playing in the Pops band was very different than playing in a small group," he added. "You had to play all the notes that were there in the music and no improvising."
He calls the band "a great and sometimes weird collection of musicians — and I fit right in with the weird ones! They are all my friends."
Ripley joins the Pops
Taking over for Germinaro as the band's assistant conductor is Kathy Ripley, a longtime director with the Kenosha Unified School District.
"I've been the band director at Tremper High School for nine years," she said, "and before that, I was at Lance Middle School for eight years, after starting as an elementary school band teacher."
In all, Ripley — a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa — has worked with KUSD students for 21 years.
She's also performed with the Pops Band as a flute player, though her five years as director of the Band of the Black Watch filled her schedule in recent summers.
When Gall asked her to take over as assistant conductor, "I said yes right away," she said. "I've always played in community bands, after starting as a high school student in Cedar Rapids, and I'm so happy to be involved with the Pops."
When told she's "breaking the glass ceiling" at the Pops Band as the group's first female conductor, she smiles and says it's a familiar role: "I am also the first woman high school conductor in the KUSD system," Ripley said.
Welcome back
Gall, starting his 20th season leading the Pops, has "lots of fun things planned for the 100th season," he said, with an overall theme of "music through the decades" and special guests.
When he first joined the band as a baritone player back in the early 1990s, "I would never have guessed I'd be around for the 100th season, much less at the helm."
Back then, Gall was the band director at Washington Junior High School. He's now been the band director at Kimberly High School near Appleton for almost 25 years.
"It's been a fun ride," he said of his 30 years with the Pops Band. "It's worth coming back to Kenosha each week to work with a wonderful group of musicians. This group performs a miracle each week, playing concerts with very little time to rehearse."
Gall adds that "it says a lot for the City of Kenosha that they’ve supported this wonderful band for 100 years. I’m happy to be carrying on that tradition.” | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-kenosha-pops-band-welcomes-new-assistant-conductor/article_a04ca6c8-e8f9-11ec-bdb1-ef337b12a84b.html | 2022-06-10T21:50:45 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-kenosha-pops-band-welcomes-new-assistant-conductor/article_a04ca6c8-e8f9-11ec-bdb1-ef337b12a84b.html |
TEXAS, USA — A Texas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from investigating families of transgender children who have received gender-confirming medical care, a new obstacle to the state labeling such treatments as child abuse.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jan Soifer halts investigations against three families who sued, and prevents any similar investigations against members of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG Inc. The group has more than 600 members in Texas.
“I do find that there is sufficient reason to believe that the plaintiffs will suffer immediate and irreparable injury if the commissioner and the (Department of Family and Protective Services) are allowed to continue to implement and enforce this new Department rule that equates gender affirming care with child abuse," Soifer said at the end of a roughly 40-minute hearing.
The ruling comes about a month after the Texas Supreme Court allowed the state to investigate parents of transgender youth for child abuse while also ruling in favor of one family that was among the first contacted by child welfare officials following order by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
“That families will be protected from invasive, unnecessary, and unnerving investigations by DFPS simply for helping their transgender children thrive and be themselves is a very good thing,” Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, said in a statement. “However, let’s be clear: These investigations into loving and affirming families shouldn’t be happening in the first place."
The latest challenge was brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of three teenage boys — two 16-year-olds and a 14-year-old — and PFLAG. An attorney for Lambda Legal told the judge that the 14-year-old's family had learned after the lawsuit's filing that the state's investigation into them had been dropped.
Spokespeople for Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday afternoon.
An attorney for the state had argued during the hearing that applying the order to any member of PFLAG was “untenable" and would be difficult for the department to comply with. But Lambda Legal senior counsel Paul Castillo said that parents could simply show their membership receipt or some other proof of membership.
The families had talked in court filings about the anxiety that the investigations had created for them and their children. The mother of one of the teens said her son attempted suicide and was hospitalized the day Abbott issued his directive. The outpatient psychiatric facility where the teen was referred reported the family for child abuse after learning he had been prescribed hormone therapy, she said in a court filing.
A judge in March put Abbott's order on hold after a lawsuit brought on behalf of a 16-year-old girl whose family said it was under investigation. The Texas Supreme Court in May ruled that the lower court overstepped its authority by blocking all investigations going forward.
That lawsuit marked the first report of parents being investigated following Abbott’s directive and an earlier nonbinding legal opinion by Paxton labeling certain gender-confirming treatments as “child abuse.” The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service has said it opened nine investigations following the directive and opinion.
Abbott’s directive and the attorney general’s opinion go against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions filed in statehouses nationwide.
Arkansas last year became the first state to pass a law prohibiting gender-confirming treatments for minors, and Tennessee approved a similar measure. A judge blocked Arkansas’ law, and a federal appeals court will hear arguments in the case next week. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-blocks-texas-investigating-families-of-trans-youth-court-action/273-7e99a89a-214c-4a88-bd0d-2e0ba1f1552c | 2022-06-10T21:56:45 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-blocks-texas-investigating-families-of-trans-youth-court-action/273-7e99a89a-214c-4a88-bd0d-2e0ba1f1552c |
RUTLEDGE, WV (WOWK) — Fishing will be closed at Elk Two Mile No. 14 dam in Kanawha County for a repair requiring the pool to be drained.
In April, the West Virginia Conservation Agency and the Capitol Conservation District began reducing the pool for a seep repair to the dam’s embankment.
The seep repair is a preventative maintenance measure. The water had to be drained before work begins so the dam’s embankment would not be damaged. Repair work begins later in June and includes excavation and installation of a seep collection system.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection recommended that the pool be drained slowly to reduce the chance of slipping on the upstream portion of the embankment.
Elk Two Mile No. 14 is off Hunter Road in the unincorporated community of Rutledge in Kanawha County. It was built in 1996 and stans 66 feet tall with a maximum storage capacity of nearly 75.2 million gallons of water.
Fishing will open again in the fall when the dam pool is filled. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/fishing-closed-until-fall-at-elk-two-mile-no-14-dam-in-kanawha-county/ | 2022-06-10T21:57:03 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/fishing-closed-until-fall-at-elk-two-mile-no-14-dam-in-kanawha-county/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – A man wanted in connection to a shooting death that happened this weekend is in custody.
According to Charleston Police, Meeko Harris, is in custody in Osceola, Florida. He is wanted in the Mountain State on 1st-Degree murder and wanton endangerment charges in connection to the death of James Daugherty, 27.
At 2:10 a.m., Saturday, June 4, Charleston Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Hale Street and Kanawha Blvd parking lot.
Officers say that 27-year-old James Daugherty was found with multiple gunshot wounds when they arrived on the scene. Daugherty was transported to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-wanted-in-charleston-murder-captured-in-florida/ | 2022-06-10T21:57:09 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-wanted-in-charleston-murder-captured-in-florida/ |
RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a missing man.
The sheriff’s office says Jordan Southard, 31, was last seen at the Country Inn and Suits in Beckley on Friday, June 3, 2022. Authorities also say a family member last spoke with him on the phone on June 8, 2022.
Southard is described as a white male standing 5’7″ with red hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office at 304-255-9300. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/search-underway-for-missing-man-in-raleigh-county/ | 2022-06-10T21:57:15 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/search-underway-for-missing-man-in-raleigh-county/ |
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — It is not even summer and temperatures are already soaring, soon our power bills will be, too.
KENS 5 Consumer Reporter Niccole Caan shows you how to read your online energy dashboard to find ways to reduce what you pay for power. Start at the CPS Energy website and log into your online account to find the savings.
See the video below for step by step instructions: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/find-ways-to-save-online-with-cps-energy/273-0013911f-b6da-411e-8f9d-9fdc1dfc3bf6 | 2022-06-10T21:58:05 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/find-ways-to-save-online-with-cps-energy/273-0013911f-b6da-411e-8f9d-9fdc1dfc3bf6 |
SAN ANTONIO — With temperatures expected to be over 100 degrees this weekend, many people in San Antonio will be looking to beat the heat.
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is opening up several more pools this weekend and adding weekdays to the pool schedule.
Back in May, the organization opened eight swimming pools to kick off the summer season.
Below are the new pools opening this weekend as well as expanded weekday hours for other pools.
Weekend
Cassiano - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Concepcion - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Dellview - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Fairchild - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Heritage - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Kingsborough - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Lady Bird Johnson - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Southside Lions - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Springtime - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Westwood - Sat & Sun: 1p-7p
Weekday (Starting week of June 13)
Concepcion - Wed-Fri: 1p-7p
Elmendorf - Mon-Fri: 1p-7p
Heritage - Mon-Wed: 1p-7p
Lady Bird Johnson - Wed-Fri: 1p-7p
Southside Lions - Mon-Wed: 1p-7p
Ward - Mon-Fri: 1p-7p
Visit saparksandrec.com or follow them on social media for the latest pool updates.
And city pools are not the only way to cool off this summer. In March, the city opened five splash pads that are open daily from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. at the following locations:
- Benavides Park (1500 Saltillo St.)
- Elmendorf Lake Park (3700 W Commerce St.)
- Hemisfair (434 S. Alamo)
- Lincoln Park (2915 E. Commerce St.)
- Martin Luther King Park (3503 Martin Luther King Dr.)
- Pearsall Park (5102 Old Pearsall Rd.) | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/more-free-city-pools-open-this-weekend-san-antonio-triple-digit-heat/273-08f5a806-182e-41ae-8e9a-ec35d1a576c1 | 2022-06-10T21:58:11 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/more-free-city-pools-open-this-weekend-san-antonio-triple-digit-heat/273-08f5a806-182e-41ae-8e9a-ec35d1a576c1 |
SAN ANTONIO — Multiple structures have burned leading to residents being evacuated in adjacent homes on the far west side, according to Tom Peine, Spokesperson for Bexar County.
The incident occurred at the 12800 block of Cedar Creek Trail.
Multiple fire units are on the scene as two homes are heavily damaged, Peine says.
No information of any injuries or how the fire began has been provided.
This is a developing story. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/multiple-structures-burning-lead-to-evacuations-on-the-far-west-side/273-726b5aee-b20c-4e03-97b2-116bfe343dc0 | 2022-06-10T21:58:18 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/multiple-structures-burning-lead-to-evacuations-on-the-far-west-side/273-726b5aee-b20c-4e03-97b2-116bfe343dc0 |
AMARILLO, Texas — A chupacabra? A person dressed in a costume? Sonic the Hedgehog?
The possibilities are apparently endless as people try to figure out what exactly was captured by cameras at one Texas zoo.
An image taken from Amarillo Zoo shows some sort of creature or object appearing to stand outside of a barbed fence.
The City of Amarillo took to Facebook to ask if anyone could identify the creature in the "strange image."
According to the city, the photo was captured around 1:25 a.m. on May 21.
"Do you have any ideas of what this UAO - Unidentified Amarillo Object could be?" the city wrote.
"Clearly a young werewolf... not a big deal," one person replied.
"Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy," another wrote.
What does the Amarillo Zoo think?
While the zoo didn't offer any guesses, it did respond to how popular the image has become.
"Of all the creatures at our well-loved zoo, it would be the unidentified one that would make us go viral," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/amarillo-texas-zoo-strange-unidentified-creature/287-60a4d44d-1f7e-4a3d-bcbc-57abc6b2f41f | 2022-06-10T21:58:24 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/amarillo-texas-zoo-strange-unidentified-creature/287-60a4d44d-1f7e-4a3d-bcbc-57abc6b2f41f |
TEXAS, USA — A Texas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from investigating families of transgender children who have received gender-confirming medical care, a new obstacle to the state labeling such treatments as child abuse.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jan Soifer halts investigations against three families who sued, and prevents any similar investigations against members of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG Inc. The group has more than 600 members in Texas.
“I do find that there is sufficient reason to believe that the plaintiffs will suffer immediate and irreparable injury if the commissioner and the (Department of Family and Protective Services) are allowed to continue to implement and enforce this new Department rule that equates gender affirming care with child abuse," Soifer said at the end of a roughly 40-minute hearing.
The ruling comes about a month after the Texas Supreme Court allowed the state to investigate parents of transgender youth for child abuse while also ruling in favor of one family that was among the first contacted by child welfare officials following order by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
“That families will be protected from invasive, unnecessary, and unnerving investigations by DFPS simply for helping their transgender children thrive and be themselves is a very good thing,” Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, said in a statement. “However, let’s be clear: These investigations into loving and affirming families shouldn’t be happening in the first place."
The latest challenge was brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of three teenage boys — two 16-year-olds and a 14-year-old — and PFLAG. An attorney for Lambda Legal told the judge that the 14-year-old's family had learned after the lawsuit's filing that the state's investigation into them had been dropped.
Spokespeople for Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday afternoon.
An attorney for the state had argued during the hearing that applying the order to any member of PFLAG was “untenable" and would be difficult for the department to comply with. But Lambda Legal senior counsel Paul Castillo said that parents could simply show their membership receipt or some other proof of membership.
The families had talked in court filings about the anxiety that the investigations had created for them and their children. The mother of one of the teens said her son attempted suicide and was hospitalized the day Abbott issued his directive. The outpatient psychiatric facility where the teen was referred reported the family for child abuse after learning he had been prescribed hormone therapy, she said in a court filing.
A judge in March put Abbott's order on hold after a lawsuit brought on behalf of a 16-year-old girl whose family said it was under investigation. The Texas Supreme Court in May ruled that the lower court overstepped its authority by blocking all investigations going forward.
That lawsuit marked the first report of parents being investigated following Abbott’s directive and an earlier nonbinding legal opinion by Paxton labeling certain gender-confirming treatments as “child abuse.” The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service has said it opened nine investigations following the directive and opinion.
Abbott’s directive and the attorney general’s opinion go against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions filed in statehouses nationwide.
Arkansas last year became the first state to pass a law prohibiting gender-confirming treatments for minors, and Tennessee approved a similar measure. A judge blocked Arkansas’ law, and a federal appeals court will hear arguments in the case next week. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-blocks-texas-investigating-families-of-trans-youth-court-action/273-7e99a89a-214c-4a88-bd0d-2e0ba1f1552c | 2022-06-10T21:58:30 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-blocks-texas-investigating-families-of-trans-youth-court-action/273-7e99a89a-214c-4a88-bd0d-2e0ba1f1552c |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg hosted an evening of prayer for Ukraine on June 8.
Community members came out to show their support and participate in an evening of personal stories, heartfelt prayers and open discussion on the continuing crisis in Ukraine. Attendees also had the chance to learn more about the conflict during an open Q&A session at the end of the event.
The Very Reverend Mykola Ivanov, pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shamokin, Reverend Taras Lovska, pastor of Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg and Matthew Kenenitz, a current professor of English at the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv spoke at the event. They provided first-hand accounts of the continued conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and suggestions on how to help.
"I'm angry because when I ask some people how they are, they respond it's a beautiful day and they want to enjoy it, but they know they can't because there's no telling when a missile will come from the sky, or the next air raid siren will go off," Kenenitz said during his remarks. "People make shirts, they wave flags, or they have Ukrainian flags flying outside their homes, but this is all passive support."
A free-will offering was taken at the event to help support continuing humanitarian efforts.
The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg covers 15 counties in south and central Pennsylvania and is home to 89 parishes and 35 Catholic schools.
The livestream of the event can be seen below. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-diocese-ukraine-prayer-vigil/521-944db963-d3f7-4cc2-abb4-812d4b87f48f | 2022-06-10T22:02:40 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-diocese-ukraine-prayer-vigil/521-944db963-d3f7-4cc2-abb4-812d4b87f48f |
AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from investigating families of transgender children who have received gender-confirming medical care, a new obstacle to the state labeling such treatments as child abuse.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jan Soifer halts investigations against three families who sued, and prevents any similar investigations against members of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG Inc. The group has more than 600 members in Texas.
Editor's note: The video above originally aired at an earlier date.
“I do find that there is sufficient reason to believe that the plaintiffs will suffer immediate and irreparable injury if the commissioner and the (Department of Family and Protective Services) are allowed to continue to implement and enforce this new Department rule that equates gender affirming care with child abuse," Soifer said at the end of a roughly 40-minute hearing.
The ruling comes about a month after the Texas Supreme Court allowed the state to investigate parents of transgender youth for child abuse while also ruling in favor of one family that was among the first contacted by child welfare officials following order by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
“That families will be protected from invasive, unnecessary, and unnerving investigations by DFPS simply for helping their transgender children thrive and be themselves is a very good thing,” Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, said in a statement. “However, let’s be clear: These investigations into loving and affirming families shouldn’t be happening in the first place."
The latest challenge was brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of three teenage boys — two 16-year-olds and a 14-year-old — and PFLAG. An attorney for Lambda Legal told the judge that the 14-year-old's family had learned after the lawsuit's filing that the state's investigation into them had been dropped.
Spokespeople for Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday afternoon.
An attorney for the state had argued during the hearing that applying the order to any member of PFLAG was “untenable" and would be difficult for the department to comply with. But Lambda Legal senior counsel Paul Castillo said that parents could simply show their membership receipt or some other proof of membership.
The families had talked in court filings about the anxiety that the investigations had created for them and their children. The mother of one of the teens said her son attempted suicide and was hospitalized the day Abbott issued his directive. The outpatient psychiatric facility where the teen was referred reported the family for child abuse after learning he had been prescribed hormone therapy, she said in a court filing.
A judge in March put Abbott's order on hold after a lawsuit brought on behalf of a 16-year-old girl whose family said it was under investigation. The Texas Supreme Court in May ruled that the lower court overstepped its authority by blocking all investigations going forward.
That lawsuit marked the first report of parents being investigated following Abbott’s directive and an earlier nonbinding legal opinion by Paxton labeling certain gender-confirming treatments as “child abuse.” The Texas Department of Family and Protective Service has said it opened nine investigations following the directive and opinion.
Abbott’s directive and the attorney general’s opinion go against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions filed in statehouses nationwide.
Arkansas last year became the first state to pass a law prohibiting gender-confirming treatments for minors, and Tennessee approved a similar measure. A judge blocked Arkansas’ law, and a federal appeals court will hear arguments in the case next week. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-judge-trans-families/285-b73cec0f-5062-4925-83be-60594860e0f3 | 2022-06-10T22:09:13 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-judge-trans-families/285-b73cec0f-5062-4925-83be-60594860e0f3 |
Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is ending his 10-year tenure as Purdue University president Jan. 1, 2023.
The university announced Friday that Mung Chiang, an engineering dean and Purdue's vice president for strategic initiatives, will succeed Daniels next year as president.
Daniels' leadership of Purdue has drawn national attention to the West Lafayette campus for, among other initiatives, an unprecedented 11-year tuition freeze; record fundraising growth; higher rankings for the university, its colleges and programs; and 11 new or expanded campus buildings.
He also helped increase the number of Purdue students and faculty; launch online programs through Purdue University Global; establish three Purdue Polytechnic High Schools in Indianapolis and South Bend; ink Purdue partnerships with top corporations; and revitalize the campus-adjacent State Street corridor.
"The amazing success of the Daniels' Decade must continue," Chiang said. "President Daniels built Purdue into the most consequential public university in the United States."
People are also reading…
No specific reason was given for Daniels' departure. Daniels' exit and Chiang's election were simultaneously announced following a meeting of Purdue's Board of Trustees.
"The last decade has seen Purdue attain unprecedented levels of national recognition, reflected in record enrollments, academic rankings and overall reputation," said Michael Berghoff, board of trustees chairman.
"Mung is the ideal choice to lead Purdue into its next 'giant leap.' The board could not be more confident in this selection, as we have had the opportunity to observe his performance across a broad range of duties for five years. He has displayed not only academic excellence but also administrative acumen, effective relationship-building with academic, governmental, and business partners, and the skills of public communications."
Daniels controversially was elected the 12th Purdue president in 2012 during the final months of his second four-year term as governor by a board of trustees he largely selected.
He immediately used his new role to exit the rough and tumble world of partisan politics — after briefly considering running for the Republican nomination for president of the United States — and focused instead on transforming Purdue into an institution that would help Indiana meet its current and future science, technological and agricultural needs.
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who previously served as a top aide and Daniels' 2008 gubernatorial campaign manager, said his "partner and friend," Daniels, "is part of a generation of proud Boilermakers who take small steps and turn them into giant leaps."
"Purdue University always has been a world class institution with successful graduates spanning the globe, and Mitch has taken the university to even higher levels," Holcomb said.
"He has always kept Purdue’s land-grant mission as its core strategy and spent each day opening the doors of higher education to every Hoosier willing to put in the work to be a Boilermaker."
The governor also said he looks forward to working with Chiang as he takes Daniels' place in Purdue's top office.
"I know he has had the opportunity to learn from the best and will keep the university’s forward motion moving at a fast pace," Holcomb said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/the-daniels-decade-coming-to-an-end-at-purdue/article_04c1f2bd-0f00-5360-8977-2cb2baa67f14.html | 2022-06-10T22:09:46 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/the-daniels-decade-coming-to-an-end-at-purdue/article_04c1f2bd-0f00-5360-8977-2cb2baa67f14.html |
Due to recent global events affecting the oil and gas markets and the price of fuel for our fleet and supply of products, the surcharge is being added to help offset increased fuel costs without disrupting the delivery of your Daily Sun newspaper. This fee will be applied to subscribers in all markets.
How much is the fee?
• $3 per month for Sunday Only subscribers
• $5 per month for all other frequencies.
The surcharge will be in place until September and will be applied to your account each month beginning in June and ending in September, on or around the 20th of the month. You have the option to pay the surcharge in advance or you will see a commensurate decrease in subscription duration.
A portion of this surcharge will go to your carrier and a portion will also help offset the rise in supply chain costs that include paper, ink, and shipping.
For more information, contact the cell center at 1-877-810-7370. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/delivery-surcharge-coming-to-offset-rising-supply-chain-costs/article_ccd1620c-e8ee-11ec-8c3c-df199ae13a91.html | 2022-06-10T22:13:33 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/delivery-surcharge-coming-to-offset-rising-supply-chain-costs/article_ccd1620c-e8ee-11ec-8c3c-df199ae13a91.html |
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, the East Coast, the West Coast, or somewhere in between, a whopping 90 percent of us have travel plans this summer. If your plans include a road trip, Consumer Reports has tips to help you save money, stay safe, and manage those unexpected bumps!
While many gas stations will offer a lower price if you pay with cash, a credit card with cash-back rewards on gas could be a better deal, especially if you’re spending more on gas than you typically would in a month.
And while you won’t be charged to “check a bag” when road-tripping, it is still a good idea to pack light so your car isn’t heavier—and therefore less fuel-efficient—than it needs to be.
You can also make your car more fuel-efficient by reducing aerodynamic drag. Take off your roof rack or bike rack if you’re not using it. And don’t hate us, but if you just stick to the speed limit, you’ll save fuel!
Consumer Reports’ tests show that cruising at 75 mph instead of 65 mph can cost 6 mpg or more. Driving the speed limit is also safer.
Speaking of safety, if you have mechanical trouble or a flat tire far from home, you’ll appreciate having roadside assistance, and it may save you money! Paying out of pocket for long-haul towing can run in the hundreds of dollars, while most roadside assistance plans cost around $35 to $120 per year.
Some newer cars come with roadside assistance for a period, and a few credit cards and auto insurance policies include it. Just make sure you’re covered before you hit the road.
And along with packing enough underwear, be sure to pack rapid antigen COVID-19 tests, N95 masks, and hand sanitizer! If you do get sick while traveling, head home. If you’re too far away, quarantine in a hotel, mask up, and order food in. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/gas-how-to-save-on-a-road-trip-consumer-reports-air-drag-watch-speed-use-credit-card-cash-back-dont-pack-heavy-use-apps-to-find-best-gas-prices/83-8b9e5187-559e-419a-8261-d0cdf47b8034 | 2022-06-10T22:16:37 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/gas-how-to-save-on-a-road-trip-consumer-reports-air-drag-watch-speed-use-credit-card-cash-back-dont-pack-heavy-use-apps-to-find-best-gas-prices/83-8b9e5187-559e-419a-8261-d0cdf47b8034 |
KENT, Wash. — The Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) unveiled a new poll Friday indicating a majority of Washingtonians support a ban on military-style assault weapons as a means to curb gun violence in the state.
NPI's poll, conducted a week after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas killed 21 people, revealed 56% of 1,039 likely mid-term voters in Washington state support a ban on assault weapons. An assault rifle ban was opposed by 38% of respondents in the poll.
Andrew Villeneuve, the founder of the Redmond-based advocacy group, said the poll's results indicated support from the entire state, irrespective of geographic regions.
The poll said 73% of King County voters support an assault weapons ban along with 50% of eastern and central Washington voters in favor of new legislation. That mark is higher than the 43% of eastern and central Washington respondents that oppose any measure to limit the purchase of assault weapons.
Across party lines, almost 90% of Democrats support a ban on military-style assault weapons, compared to 21% of Republicans in NPI's poll.
Villeneuve believed the poll's statewide support indicates a "rock-solid foundation" to introduce an assault weapons ban in Washington's next legislative session, which begins annually on the second Monday of January.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson said this is the seventh consecutive year he's pushed state politicians to ban assault weapon sales in the state.
In 2021, Washington's Legislature banned the purchase of high-capacity magazines, which the shooter in Uvalde, Texas used to gun down 19 children and two teachers in a classroom.
Ferguson pointed to the seven states in the country that already have an assault weapons ban in place: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
A federal judge upheld each of the states' bans as constitutional, Ferguson said.
"I support the second amendment," Ferguson said. "You can support the second amendment and still support common-sense gun reform that is constitutional and lawful. Other states have done it and those bans have been upheld. Now it's time for the Washington Legislature to take that next step."
The state House and state Senate have not held a floor vote to ban assault-style weapons in over a decade, according to the NPI.
"I understand the fact that we will get exactly 0% from Republican legislators," Ferguson said. "They are AWOL on the issue of common-sense gun reform in this state. And they gotta go to sleep at night with that."
State Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-45th District, said she worried about her school-aged daughter every day because of the rise in mass shootings.
"So many times, after all these years, when I'd drop [my daughter] off at school I would take a look at her clothing to memorize it to make sure I knew what she was wearing -- so that I may be able to identify her," Dhingra said. "No parent should have to have that thought."
Several laws are in place to try to prevent gun violence in Washington. The state requires universal background checks during gun sales, a ban on high-capacity magazines and people younger than 21 are not allowed to buy semi-automatic weapons.
Washington voters passed an initiative in 2016 on "extreme risk protection orders," known as ERPOs, which allow family members and law enforcement to request a court order that prevents someone from accessing guns if they are worried the person might be at risk of harming themselves or others. There must be demonstrated evidence the person poses a significant danger.
Dhingra said the elimination of "weapons of war" needs to be Washington state's next step in curbing gun violence.
She said she is optimistic her colleagues can get legislation passed in the state Senate, but it needs joint approval in the state House to become a reality.
A Republican state representative was not in attendance for Friday's press conference, which detailed the NPI poll's findings. Several Democratic lawmakers claimed there was no Republican support for banning military-style weapons.
"Gun violence is preventable," Dhingra said. "We know how to do it and we now simply must."
Seattle resident Emily Cantrell, a board member for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, said she survived the deadliest mass shooting in United States history.
On Oct. 1, 2017, Cantrell said she was in a Las Vegas crowd when a lone gunman used an arsenal of automatic weapons to spray over 1,000 bullets in a concert crowd.
In 10 minutes the gunman injured over 500 people and killed 60 victims.
"The chaos that night was more than anything you could ever imagine," Cantrell said. "We were sitting ducks. We ran every time the bullets stopped raining down on us and when they started back up again we dove. And, for some reason I will never understand, I made it out that horrific night when so many others standing just next to me died."
As Cantrell described the moments during the shooting, she said the gun violence has not stopped following the rampage. An average of 123 people are killed across the United States due to gun violence, she said.
"We live in a country where gun violence does not discriminate and no one is safe from it," Cantrell said. "Shootings happen at schools, grocery stores, malls, movie theaters, coffee shops, concert venues, the streets we walk in." | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-assault-rifle-ban-poll/281-abdb27f4-c2fd-41e8-a0c7-eb0d8a599536 | 2022-06-10T22:17:30 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-assault-rifle-ban-poll/281-abdb27f4-c2fd-41e8-a0c7-eb0d8a599536 |
A New York judge on Friday dismissed the National Rifle Association's claims that the state attorney general's investigation into allegations of widespread fraud and mismanagement at the gun group is unfair political retaliation.
The NRA had filed counterclaims seeking money damages from state Attorney General Letitia James, as well as a court order that would end her civil suit against the group.
In a 14-page ruling, State Supreme Court Justice Joel M. Cohen said the NRA had failed to put forward "any viable legal claims that the Attorney General’s investigation was unconstitutionally retaliatory or selective."
"The investigation followed reports of serious misconduct and it uncovered additional evidence that, at a bare minimum, undermines any suggestion that was a mere pretext to penalize the NRA for its constitutionally protected activities," Cohen wrote.
Read the full story at NBCNews.com | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-nras-claims-that-its-the-victim-of-ny-ag-witch-hunt/3729739/ | 2022-06-10T22:20:58 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-nras-claims-that-its-the-victim-of-ny-ag-witch-hunt/3729739/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.