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The Lee County Board of Commissioners has prepared a trio of meetings on successive Tuesdays as its members work to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and approve its approaching T-SPLOST II resolution.
LEESBURG -- The Lee County Board of Commissioners has prepared a trio of meetings on successive Tuesdays as its members work to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and approve its approaching T-SPLOST II resolution.
The board has posted copies of its proposed FY '23 budget in the County Clerk’s Office at the T. Page Tharp Governmental Building, 102 Starksville Ave. North, and on the county website at www.lee.ga.us. Copies also are available for public review in the Leesburg Library at 245 Walnut Ave. South and the Oakland Library at 445 Oakland Parkway West during normal operating hours. A public hearing will be held June 14 during the commission's 6 p.m. meeting to discuss the proposed spending plan.
A special called joint meeting with the Lee County Board of Commissioners, the city of Leesburg, and the city of Smithville, will be held June 21 at 5 p.m. in the Kinchafoonee Conference Room of the T. Page Tharp Governmental Building to discuss an intergovernmental agreement and resolution for T-SPLOST II.
The Board of Commissioners will adopt the FY 2022-2023 budget June 28 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the T. Page Tharp Governmental Building's Opal Cannon Auditorium.
Lee County Commission Chairman Billy Mathis also found out Friday morning that the county had received its second allocation of American Rescue Plan funding. The allocation is for $2,912,797.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/lee-county-meetings-lead-up-to-fy-2023-budget-t-splost-ii-approval/article_fd497f3e-e8ec-11ec-be1f-db9cf73ba003.html | 2022-06-11T10:59:50 | 0 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/lee-county-meetings-lead-up-to-fy-2023-budget-t-splost-ii-approval/article_fd497f3e-e8ec-11ec-be1f-db9cf73ba003.html |
Beacon UU: Annual Labyrinth Walk Service Jun 12 — Flagstaff Community Labyrinth, 136 E. Paseo del Rio, Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., There will be NO LIVE SERVICE AT BEACON on June 12th. On June 12th at 10:00 a.m., please join us for Beacon's ANNUAL LABYRINTH WALK SERVICE at the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth. All are welcome! Please wear sensible walking shoes. Children are welcome to walk the labyrinth with a spirit of reverence or, under the supervision of their parents, to visit the nearby Sawmill Park. Unfortunately, the labyrinth is not currently wheelchair-accessible. Three parking options and a google map can be found on the "Where Is It?" page of the Flagstaff Labyrinth website: https://www.flagstafflabyrinth.com/where-is-it Perched on the edge of a small cliff, the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth, is composed of 15 tons of lichen-covered lava boulders. The path is quarter of a mile long. COME TO THE OPEN HOUSE AFTERWARDS AT PAUL AND MARYANN’S HOUSE Following the walk service, you are welcome to mingle with other Beaconites on Maryann and Paul’s fully-enclosable deck just across the canyon from the labyrinth at 140 E Paseo del Rio. If you're unable to join us for the Labyrinth Walk Service, consider dipping into our Beacon UUC YouTube library or watching the livestream of the 10:30 a.m. UU Congregation of Phoenix service. The worship Zoom link can be found on their home page: https://www.phoenixuu.org/. https://go.evvnt.com/1180655-0.
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The Episcopal Church of The Epiphany Jun 11 — The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 928-774-2911. 8 a.m.- June 12, 10:30 a.m., WELCOMING ALL: with Rev Alison Lee: SAT 5:30PM; SUN: 8:00AM & 10:30AM (COVID masks are required)- with organ, and congregational singing; IN PERSON or on-line at epiphanyaz.org ; 928-774-2911. https://go.evvnt.com/1189558-0.
Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services: May 8 — 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South as Rev. Joshua Walker preaches through the book of Acts. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715.
Flagstaff Federated Community Church: Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon – Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Living Christ Lutheran Church: Living Christ Lutheran Church is a diverse and LGBTQ-affirming community of disciples embraced by God's unconditional love and enduring grace. You are invited to celebrate with us God's love and presence in your life, grow in your discipleship, and leave empowered to be God's hands in the world. We worship through music, teaching, prayer, and the sacraments each Sunday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Kurt Fangmeier leading. We offer worship both in-person (masks are respected, not required; encouraged for unvaccinated) and online. Learn more about us at our new website: lclcflag.org.
Leupp Nazarene Church: The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Christian Science Society of Flagstaff: 619 W. Birch Ave. The Christian Science Society of Flagstaff has opened for Sunday services while continuing to have them available via Zoom for online and phone. Wednesday testimony meetings are available only via Zoom. For phone Sunday Services: Dial: 669-900-9128, Meeting ID: 369 812 794#, Passcode: 075454#. For phone Wednesday meetings, dial: 669-900-9128, Meeting ID: 971 672 834#, Passcode: 894826#. The access for Zoom on Sundays is: https://zoom.us/j/369812794. The Zoom access for Wednesdays is: https://zoom.us/j/971672834. The password to use to enter both is CSS. We welcome all to attend our Sunday Services in person, or live by Zoom, at 10:00 o’clock, and to attend our Wednesday Testimony meetings live by Zoom, at 5:30 o’clock. Our Reading Room will be open on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-12 noon. For further information please call 928-526-5982. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-june-11/article_2545ba24-e8ee-11ec-87ab-8b35a4969c29.html | 2022-06-11T11:20:42 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-religion-news-for-june-11/article_2545ba24-e8ee-11ec-87ab-8b35a4969c29.html |
It’s Corn on the Cob Day, so grill up some summer goodness!
Play ball! The Kenosha Kingfish are hosting the Battle Creek Battle Jacks for a 6:05 p.m. game. Tonight is Harry Potter Night, with a special T-shirt. For tickets, call 262-653-0900 or go to kingfishbaseball.com.
The Pringle Nature Center, located inside Bristol Woods County Park at 9800 160th Ave., is hosting a “BioBlitz” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. Admission is free. The Milwaukee Public Museum will “bring together a group of scientists in a race against time to see how many species they can count in a 24-hour celebration of biodiversity in a Wisconsin natural area.” At the festival, visitors will learn about the BioBlitz and have the chance to participate in nature walks and other activities.
Lemon Street Gallery, 4601 Sheridan Road, is hosting an opening exhibit from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight for its latest exhibit. The show, running through June 26, features works by Bob Schnack, Tom Clark and David Harrison. The reception is free and features refreshments.
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Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm, 7150 18th St., features newborn farm animals at “Babies on the Farm,” open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday. Admission is $10 and can be purchased online at smithpumpkinfarm.com or at the gate. Kids 2 and younger are free.
“Mamma Mia!” — the global hit musical crafted using songs by the Swedish pop group ABBA — continues today at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. Tickets can be purchased by calling 262-633-4218 or online at racinetheatre.org.
Polish Fest continues today at Milwaukee’s Summerfest Grounds, running through Sunday. The festival is known for Polish food and dancing, plus vodka tastings and its Non-Stop Polka Stage. polishfest.org. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-saturday-june-11/article_eb24d54c-e838-11ec-b3f7-dbd256a93ff7.html | 2022-06-11T11:26:38 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-saturday-june-11/article_eb24d54c-e838-11ec-b3f7-dbd256a93ff7.html |
Name: Alexander Feudner
School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Nickname: Zander
Parents: Tony and Lesley Feudner
Most memorable high school moment: My freshman year I played volleyball on JV. That year we were ranked 8th/last in our conference tournament yet went on to win the whole thing. We became the first JV team to win a conference tournament.
Most influential teacher: Katie Phillips in AP literature and Composition; She not only teaches the class perfectly, but runs the women’s empowerment club and minorities empowerment club. She teaches her subject in a way everyone can understand even someone who isn’t good at English aka me. She is also a friend, if you ever need to get something off your chest or just hang out she will always welcome you to her classroom.
Other school activities: I was the mascot my senior year, I wore him at girls volleyball games and boys football games. they used him for ITTV ads and used him as the face of the Moe-lympics for our med-sci expo. His name was Moe the Hawk
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School athletics: Tennis, volleyball
Honors, letters or awards: I played volleyball for four years. I have two JV letters and two varsity letters, two defensive player of the year awards, one most dedicated, one MVP, first team all conference and county, and state honorable mention.
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: Video games, volleyball, tennis, working out, work, hanging out with friends and family.
College choice: Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill.
Intended major/field of study: Biology
Role model: Stephen Hawking
Three words that best describe my role model: Genius, Caring, Limitless
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: I hope to be able to find a cure or help others to survive diseases. I also hope to play volleyball for as long as I live and have enough money to travel and watch volleyball in other countries. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-for-june-11/article_19dec904-e84f-11ec-b067-a7e062a03193.html | 2022-06-11T11:26:45 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-for-june-11/article_19dec904-e84f-11ec-b067-a7e062a03193.html |
Governor Kate Brown announced Tuesday that she will appoint Steve Hoddle and Robert Johnson to the Douglas County Circuit Court. Hoddle will fill Position 2, replacing Judge William Marshall, and Johnson will fill Position 4, replacing Judge Frances Burge. The governor congratulated Judge Marshall and Judge Burge on their planned retirements, and thanked them for their service. Hoddle and Johnson’s appointments are effective immediately.
Last month, Hoddle and Johnson each won a majority of votes in their judicial elections in Douglas County. The governor’s appointments will allow both to begin their judicial service before the start of their elected terms, ensuring a smooth transition to the Douglas County bench.
“Steve Hoddle and Robert Johnson have earned the support of Douglas County voters to become the newest judges on the trial court bench,” said Brown. “I look forward to seeing how both of these skilled lawyers use their experience to serve the people of Douglas County, while continuing to build on the strength of our justice system.”
Hoddle has been a prosecutor with the Douglas County District Attorney’s office since 2008 and, for 15 months before that, was a deputy district attorney for the Coos County District Attorney’s office. He grew up in Sherwood and is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 2002, and Willamette University College of Law, where he obtained his law degree in 2006. In addition to his legal work, Hoddle is involved in the community and has volunteered as a coach with various organizations such as the local Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.
Johnson was raised in Oregon and, after attending Umpqua Community College, graduated from Portland State University with his bachelor’s degree in 2011. He obtained his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2014. After law school, Johnson served as a law clerk with the Douglas County Circuit Court before starting as an attorney at Douglas County Law in Roseburg in 2016. Since 2018, he has been an attorney at the law firm of Dole Coalwell, where he is currently a partner. Johnson is also very involved in the community, including serving as a board member of the Umpqua Community College Foundation, the Douglas County Parks Advisory Board, and CASA of Douglas County, and as a member of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/brown-appoints-judges-to-the-douglas-county-circuit-court/article_7f0fcbc6-e899-11ec-88d7-17ae2e3f7a1c.html | 2022-06-11T11:28:53 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/brown-appoints-judges-to-the-douglas-county-circuit-court/article_7f0fcbc6-e899-11ec-88d7-17ae2e3f7a1c.html |
Oregon State University will graduate more than 7,300 students during ceremonies Saturday, June 11 at Reser Stadium on the Corvallis campus and Sunday, June 12 at the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend.
The 7,318 graduates will receive 7,574 degrees. (There will be 250 students receiving two degrees and three who will receive three degrees.)
The number of graduates is the second most in university history, behind only last year. They will add to the ranks of OSU alumni, who have earned 280,013 degrees over the university’s history.
For more information about commencement events, visit https://commencement.oregonstate.edu/.
Local students graduating this June from Oregon State include:
COOS COUNTY
Bandon: Mitchell Brown, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Computer Science; Rose Garrett, Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering; Hailey Iverson, Bachelor of Science, Architectural Engineering; Gwendolyn Johnson, Bachelor of Science, Merchandising Management; Cheyanne Ornelas, Bachelor of Science, Zoology. Hannah Washabaugh, Bachelor of Science, Digital Communication Arts; Helen Wayne, Master of Science, Agricultural Education; Eleanor Winston, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, English.
Broadbent: John Isenhart, Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, Agricultural Business Management.
Coos Bay: Maria Arellano, Bachelor of Science, BioHealth Sciences; Justin Banks, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration; Clinton Cheney, Master of Science, Environmental Engineering; Cassidy Devoe, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology; Ireland Gerber, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology. Phillip Hernandez, Honors Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Bioengineering; Andrew Hobson, Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Sciences; Jack Larson, Bachelor of Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Kaelina Manfull, Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Sabrina McNeely, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. Jasmine Meline, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Kinesiology; Shae Neal, Bachelor of Science, Finance; Kelli Pettit, Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Sciences; William Roderick Jr, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering; Luca Tine, Bachelor of Science, Finance. Anna Waldmann, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Human Development and Family Sciences; Isabella Webster, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Tanner Wilson, Bachelor of Science, Horticulture; Mitchell Yost, Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Business Management.
Coquille: Xiyao He, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Chemical Engineering.
North Bend: Bailey Bennett, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Biology; Anna Brecheisen, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration; Lane Davison, Bachelor of Science, Natural Resources; Jayden Frank, Bachelor of Science, Finance; Virginia Gonzales, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Sustainability, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Design and Innovation Management. Mariah Gray, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration; Nicole Halzel, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Psychology; Teresa Knutson, Master of Counseling, Counseling; Graham Lyons, Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, Forest Engineering; Lucas Parvin, Honors Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, Zoology. Rylee Pittullo, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology; Grace Reichenberger, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, Education, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, English; Ashley Rodriguez, Bachelor of Science, Political Science; Robyn Wales, Bachelor of Science, Biology.
Powers: Kathrynn Pedrick, Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, Kinesiology.
CURRY COUNTY
Brookings: Sarah Bennett, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Art; Samuel Broberg, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, BioHealth Sciences; Ariel Hunter, Bachelor of Science, Horticulture.
Port Orford: Alecia Bussmann, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration.
Wedderburn: Christine Mather, Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Sciences. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/local-students-graduate-from-osu/article_f21948ae-e75e-11ec-9c17-cf004f94cd40.html | 2022-06-11T11:28:59 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/local-students-graduate-from-osu/article_f21948ae-e75e-11ec-9c17-cf004f94cd40.html |
Learn about (and taste!) Michigan brewery history
HARBOR SPRINGS — Join the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17 for their first “History on Tap” event at the Harbor Springs History Museum, located at 349 E. Main St.
This event combines a history talk with beer tasting as guests receive drink tickets for four tasting pours of Petoskey Brewing Company beer. During the beer tasting from 5 to 6 p.m., guests are invited to tour the newly opened exhibit, “Dry Harbor: Prohibition, Gambling and Gangsters in Harbor Springs.”
At 6 p.m. guests will move upstairs for a presentation by author Patti Smith, who wrote “Michigan Beer: A Heady History.” During her presentation, Smith will explain how early immigrants brought distinctive beer styles from their home countries, how early local brewers made their mark, and how the brewing industry consolidated after World War II. Along the way, participants will discover different styles of beer from ales to lagers and learn about the current state of local craft breweries.
Smith’s book will be for sale at the event and the author will be available to sign purchased copies.
Reservations are required for this event and guests must be 21 or older. Visit HarborSpringsHistory.org/events to register or call (231) 526-9771. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/entertainment/local/2022/06/11/learn-and-taste-michigan-brewery-history/7579465001/ | 2022-06-11T11:34:38 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/entertainment/local/2022/06/11/learn-and-taste-michigan-brewery-history/7579465001/ |
Freeman family earns Partner of the Year honor from Save A Lot
ST. LOUIS — Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., presented the Save A Lot Retail Partner of the Year Award for owners of 11 or more stores to Freeman Family Enterprises, a 19-store network based in Gaylord.
The award is given to retail partners who demonstrate outstanding results across the business, including growth in sales and customer metrics, community involvement, team engagement and a commitment to the Save A Lot brand image.
Owners and siblings Tim, Tom and Paul Freeman are third-generation retailers who operate under the philosophy that running a great store means taking care of your people and the rest will come. To do this, the company’s executive team is in stores daily talking with associates, maintaining an open door and phone policy where store management teams and associates can call or email anytime.
The culture translates into visible results on the store floor. Their 19 stores were found to be among the best kept in the Save A Lot network, with store managers focused every morning on cleaning, filling, merchandising, and taking care of customers. Delivering strong customer service is a top priority for the Freemans' operations.
To ensure they are fully serving each community where they operate, the Freeman family use store data to inform changes in their assortment so that the items they carry are most relevant for their shoppers. In addition, they are actively remodeling stores to provide customers with the most modern shopping experience available.
“Being there for our customers and store associates is the key to our continued success. We know that listening to their suggestions and feedback is vital and something we are committed to as we serve our communities,” Tim Freeman said in a statement. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/06/11/tim-tom-and-paul-freeman-are-third-generation-retailers-who-operate-under-philosophy-running-great-s/7482102001/ | 2022-06-11T11:34:44 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/06/11/tim-tom-and-paul-freeman-are-third-generation-retailers-who-operate-under-philosophy-running-great-s/7482102001/ |
Central State University students who enroll in Cedarville University’s professional health care programs will be offered preferred status, after representatives from both schools signed a postgraduate affiliation agreement.
Cedarville said Central State students will be guaranteed an interview for the pharmacy school, master of athletic training and master of medical science in physician’s assistant studies programs. Preferred admission review is offered to students interested in the master of science in nursing programs.
The physician assistant program is scheduled to begin in summer 2023 as it is pending professional accreditation.
Cedarville’s school of pharmacy will reserve three spots in each available cohort for candidates from CSU who meet published admission criteria, Cedarville said. The slots are open until April 1. Admitted students will also receive a $10,000 scholarship.
“Finding ways to enhance the education of students has long been our focus at Central State University, and this partnership with Cedarville University is a clear expression of this commitment,” said Erik Brooks, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central State University. “To have this partnership with Cedarville will prepare them for their professional career calling in the health profession.”
In addition to the other programs, Cedarville offers a dual master of science of nursing and master of business administration dual track.
“Cedarville University has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Central State University that goes back decades, and today’s agreement advances that relationship in new ways as we educate future healthcare practitioners and leaders,” said Janice Supplee, vice president for marketing and communications and dean of graduate studies at Cedarville. “We are thankful for the leadership at Central State and their vision to partner in this endeavor.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/cedarville-u-offers-preferred-admission-for-central-state-students/EKEQFOPHB5BULFPBOHOLYI4MZE/ | 2022-06-11T11:39:44 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/cedarville-u-offers-preferred-admission-for-central-state-students/EKEQFOPHB5BULFPBOHOLYI4MZE/ |
Country group Lady A coming to Buddy Holly Hall
Country music trio Lady A brings its harmonizing vocals to the Helen Devitt Jones Theater of Buddy Holly Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16.
Built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotional writing and a smooth fusion of country, rock and pop, Lady A has long been a model of mainstream success.
The multi-platinum band continues that same momentum with its latest "What a Song Can Do" album (BMLG Records) featuring their current climbing single, “Like A Lady.” Additionally, Lady A has 11 No. 1 hits, 18 million albums sold, 34 million tracks, five billion digital streams and a global touring footprint prove the point.
Known for their 9X platinum hit “Need You Now,” which is the highest certified song by a country group, Lady A has earned CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including five Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, a Tony Award nod, and was recently inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Formed in Nashville in 2006, the group is composed of Hillary Scott (lead and background vocals), Charles Kelley (lead and background vocals, guitar), and Dave Haywood (background vocals, guitar, piano, mandolin). Scott is the daughter of country music singer Linda Davis, and Kelley is the brother of pop singer Josh Kelley, according to information from the group's website, www.ladyamusic.com
Tickets for this show range from $59.75 to $124.75 (plus taxes & fees), depending on seating, and are available for purchase online at www.buddyhollyhall.com | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2022/06/11/country-group-lady-coming-buddy-holly-hall/10003056002/ | 2022-06-11T11:48:15 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2022/06/11/country-group-lady-coming-buddy-holly-hall/10003056002/ |
Plain receives state funding toward historic barn renovation
PLAIN TWP. — Historic barns are a symbol of Ohio, but as they increasingly fall into disrepair or are razed, some communities are looking into ways to preserve their barns for the future.
As part of the state’s community projects funding included in the latest capital budget bill, Plain Township will be awarded $300,000 to put toward renovating, preserving and re-purposing a more than 100-year-old barn at Diamond Community Park.
While officials are excited about funding for the barn project, the amount awarded by the state is far under what the project will cost and what they asked for, Plain Township Trustee Scott Haws said.
More:Plain Township regains land needed for upcoming amphitheater project
An estimate for the project from Stanley Miller Construction Co. puts the total project cost at around $2.3 million. In their application to the state for funding, Plain Township officials said they have set aside $75,000 in the form of architectural and engineering fees.
"The board will need to prioritize the work in order to determine what will be done as part of the first phase based upon allotted funding of $300,000," Haws said. "Given my prior career background in construction, we will likely be targeting to start with the roof and painting the barn. Replacing the roof with a solid steel surface will allow us to ensure a sealed environment prohibiting the elements from getting into the barn."
The township hopes to turn the barn into a community gathering space that could be used for meetings, events or educational purposes. Haws said that with those uses in mind, improvements to insulation, electrical work, hardware, masonry, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and foundation repair will all need to be funded.
More than 100 years of history
The barn sits on what was once a 240-acre parcel purchased by Anthony Housel in 1816. Housel, the first of his three wives, Mary, and their children were among the early residents of Plain Township, which was officially designated in 1809, when Stark County was organized.
Plain Township Historical Society Vice President and archivist Cindy Guest said they imagine there was another barn originally on the farm, and that the barn that now stands on the corner of Diamond Street and Middlebranch Avenue was erected in 1909, based on the year painted on the roof.
By that time, Guest said, the land had changed ownership and was occupied by Mary Firestone Correll and her husband Edwin Correll, having been purchased for the couple as a wedding gift by her father in 1894. Their family held onto the property, which continued to be a working farm, until the 1980s.
Much of the original land was parceled off over the years, including the barn coming under township ownership as part of the Diamond Community Park property, where it's been used as storage.
"One of the key things that keeps the barn alive is if somebody keeps using it and keeps maintaining it," Guest said. "Otherwise you lose it, like the other barns that we're starting to lose in our area."
In 2020, the historic home connected to the original property was torn down.
"There were multiple attempts to try to come up with uses for the house, but unfortunately it deteriorated to the point where the cost to refurbish it outweighed the benefit of keeping it," Guest said. "It was to the point where if it was not torn down, that it was going to fall down and potentially somebody could get hurt."
Looking ahead, Guest and the Plain Township Historical Society are partnering with the township in the renovation and restoration of the barn. But it will still be some time before work can begin, as the township needs to receive the money from the state and begin the planning and bidding processes.
Sam Zern can be reached at szern@cantonrep.com or 330-580-8322. You can also find her on Twitter at @sam_zern. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/plain/2022/06/11/ohio-capital-budget-money-help-preserve-plain-twp-historic-barn/7470130001/ | 2022-06-11T12:55:34 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/plain/2022/06/11/ohio-capital-budget-money-help-preserve-plain-twp-historic-barn/7470130001/ |
Picture this: You’re hiking through the woods with your best friend, when suddenly you encounter a large pile of steaming poo. Your friend starts to freak out, sure that Bigfoot has left his mark here in northern Arizona. But you assure them, saying, “Don’t worry. It’s just bear scat.”
And somehow, as they size up the pile, they don’t feel any better.
Scat is generally defined as excrement left by an animal -- a wild animal, in particular. Scat can tell you quite a lot about the species inhabiting an area. For example, what they’re eating, what habitat they’re using, and through analyzing the DNA found in the feces, scientists can even identify individuals. Studying scat can pinpoint a lot of information without ever having to trap or radio collar a creature.
In a past life, I was a biologist specializing in mammals and birds, so my friends and family are skilled at rolling their eyes at me when I bend over every dropping pile I find. But it doesn’t take a formal education to learn how to read the smelly signs mammals leave behind.
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Here are a few you may recognize as you walk about our forests and neighborhoods:
COYOTE AND FOX
Using scat to communicate with other canines, coyote and fox poop can be found in the middle of roads, trail crossings, and other prominent spots. They leave tubular scat with tapered ends, often about an inch in diameter. Darker and with more fur and bones in the winter, the scat can appear more twisted and rope-like than when its looser, lighter, and with more seeds in the summer.
RACCOON
As omnivores, racoon scat somewhat resembles dog poop, except it contains more undigested food, like seeds, insects, and hair. It’s usually darker too. Raccoons often leave segmented piles of scat in communal latrines along with other raccoons. These latrines can be at the base of trees, in tree forks, or on fallen logs. Scat can be bleached white, blackish, brown, tan, or yellowish but is most often dark and in the shape of a cylinder characterized by blunt ends.
WEASEL
Short-tailed and long-tailed weasels often leave their scat on raised objects, near active dens, or sometimes by their leftover meals. Their 1.5” x 0.1” scat is typically black and twisted, with pointed ends, and often folds back on itself.
BOBCAT
Highly segmented and 3-5” long, bobcat scat is often found in a prominent place where it’s partially buried like a domestic cat would but is also left exposed to communicate with other bobcats. Rarely are bones or hair found in bobcat scat because of their advanced digestive system, which breaks down most of what’s ingested.
MOUNTAIN LION
Greater in diameter than a bobcat’s, mountain lion scat is about twice as large. They too will partially dig in their scat and pawed out marks can be found in the ground. Mountain lion scat has the presence of bones and hair more often than bobcat’s, though similarly segmented with blunt ends.
BLACK BEAR
Like human (and possibly Bigfoot) feces, bear scat is usually tubular and dependent on what’s being eaten. Unlike humans, it’s larger (5-12” long and 1-2” in diameter). Bears feast on carrion when they can get it, but more often their scat is made up of grass, roots, insects, nuts, or fruits. The more fruit they eat, the looser the scat. Often it has a sickly-sweet odor as well.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK
Like other ungulates, elk scat takes the form of pellets during winter, when their diets consist of mostly woody browse. These look like chocolate-covered almonds. In summer, when elk consume fresh grasses, the poop resembles cow pies with some softly formed pellets intermixed.
MULE DEER
If elk droppings look like chocolate-covered almonds, then deer dung are chocolate-covered raisins. Semi-round, individual droppings often indicate deer are feeding mostly on browse. Long, lumpy droppings are from a diet of more grasses and herbaceous materials (like my strawberries and snapdragons). Pellets that are shiny, due to a higher moisture content, are a sign of recent activity.
When learning to identify animals by scat, it’s good to also look around for tracks. This aids in eliminating other species the scat might not have ruled out. And it goes without saying — don’t handle or taste the scat. Rather, use a stick to dissect it as some scat, like that of raccoon’s, can carry parasitic roundworms which, if inhaled, can cause serious harm to humans. It’s still unknown if the same diseases affect Bigfoot.
Jackee Alston has been gardening and farming in the Flagstaff and Verde Valley since 2005 and 2015, respectively. In her past lives she was a wildlife biologist, botanist, and backcountry ranger. Now she is the co-editor of the Gardening Etcetera column, owner of Nevermore Gardens, a Coconino Master Gardener, founder of the Grow Flagstaff! Seed Library, children’s author, and the mother of three remarkable humans.
If you have a gardening question, email CoconinoMasterGardener@gmail.com or call the Master Gardener Hotline at 928-773-6115 and leave a message. A Master Gardener will get back to you. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/gardening-etcetera-dont-be-alarmed-thats-just-scat/article_b3655e92-e914-11ec-aa46-ef5faf34b644.html | 2022-06-11T13:09:26 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/gardening-etcetera-dont-be-alarmed-thats-just-scat/article_b3655e92-e914-11ec-aa46-ef5faf34b644.html |
For all the things that sports are -- gritty, competitive and more -- esports are becoming the same. And Northern Arizona University is helping usher in a new era of athletics that invites the world of electronic gaming.
Beginning in the fall of 2022, Northern Arizona will officially recognize its esports team as part of the athletic department.
The move comes in the wake of a surge of players joining the gaming movement. As of now, there are more than 1,050 active players in NAU Esports.
The team offers eight different video games to compete in: Rocket League, Halo, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Counter-Strike: Global Offense, Overwatch, Valorant and League of Legends.
This spring was one of the best gaming seasons Northern Arizona has ever seen. The League of Legends team was crowned champion of the Big Sky Conference, and the Rocket League team finished second for its respective sport. The Call of Duty team came within one victory of a playoff berth.
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To be considered as part of the athletic department is monumental, said Richard Young, an executive member of the team.
The team will now be able to receive significant financial backing from the university. Money can be put toward new gaming equipment -- headsets or computers with large RAM storage for example -- as well as funding travel to out-of-state tournaments (which kept the Esports team out of a lot of competitions this past year).
Moreover is that being within the athletic department means the team can now offer scholarships, giving prospective gamers an incentive to join the Northern Arizona squad.
“Most colleges pay their players,” Young said. “The university is going to offer recruiting scholarships that will help the program find outside talent.”
The new funding will also give an incentive for students to be part of the team’s board of directors. The program director can receive up to $62,000, while program coordinators can receive up to $82,000. Freshman recruits can receive up to $20,000 in scholarships, while up to $5,000 will be put toward on-campus promotional events.
Players on a premier team within NAU Esports can receive up to $65,000, and about $1,500 will be devoted to the team’s travel expenses.
“It's really hard to run a club when there's not much backing. We tried raffles and giveaways, but nothing seemed to really fundraise,” Young said. “This new money, though, will help us build up the team.”
Young is a firm believer that esports should be considered athletic because they require unrelenting attention and mental astuteness.
“Esports are mentally demanding,” says Young, captain of the Call of Duty team. “It's super competitive, there's constant gameplay, and that’s not just a casual thing anybody can do.”
Young has played for the team for two years, and knows the esports environment is cutthroat.
“One thing about esports is that the instant you're not playing, someone is out there getting better,” he said. “You have to constantly be in front of a screen.”
Young says there are multiple factors to account for in a match. There’s multiple players with different jobs, such as running a submachine gun or a long-distance rifle. His job is to facilitate all the players and make sure the team is on the same page.
“I’m supposed to be the aggressor of the game and be an anchor while the others are holding all the long angles,” Young said. “And that’s the strategic mindset of the game -- it’s mental. You’re not just playing video games, there’s a strategy to it.”
Young has headed marketing and communications for the esports team for about a year and has helped build the social media page to be one of the most popular among all esports. In the month of February, the NAU Esports Instagram account had nearly 45 million impressions, or views, of its posts, which ranked fifth among all esports Instagram accounts nationwide.
Wins like that can’t be taken lightly, Young said, because they’re a sign of the growing popularity of esports.
“I love my teammates, they’re my boys, you know?” Young said. “We've had our ups and downs and we have our egos, but whenever we have issues, we don’t take it personally. Being able to play with people like that builds a lot of chemistry.”
Young cherishes his time on the team, as it has helped him make new connections and find new opportunities.
“The esports team helped me get an internship with a Minnesota team and now I’m doing work for them,” Young said. “I’ve found that being in public relations for an esports team is my dream job, and I have something in common with all the connections I’ve made: we all have a love for the game.”
In March, Young was given the opportunity to join the esports team of Bethany College in Kansas. The school offered Young a full-ride scholarship to head marketing and communications, but Young declined.
He said he helped build both the NAU Esports social media accounts and the Call of Duty team to what they are today, and he couldn’t just leave his home unit.
“The job’s not finished; I’ve got to finish what I started," he said.
Young, a soon-to-be junior, believes NAU Esports won’t reach its full potential before he graduates. But for now, Young is happy having helped the team get to where it is today.
“It's really cool to be one of the founding fathers,” Young said. “I’m kind of like the godfather.”
Young encourages everyone, regardless of experience or skill level, to try out for the team, as it helps members gain valuable experience in not just the realm of esports, but in every sport.
“Even if you don't play, there's a place for you in esports -- you can be a general manager, you can live broadcast matches, you can do graphic design or learn event management,” Young said. “The skills that you learn in esports can translate to any other sport, and it’s a really good resume builder.”
The NAU Esports team can be found on most major social media platforms. Tournament play is yearround, with all matches being live-streamed on Twitch.
Now that scholarships can be given as incentives, Young hopes even more people will want to join in the esports action.
“The main thing in college is just to try new things. But seriously, how cool would it be to play something you love and then be paid for it?” he said. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-esports-club-growing-in-recognition-popularity-as-team-becomes-official-sport-in-fall/article_2ac9fdee-e8de-11ec-8207-639b8dee4ba0.html | 2022-06-11T13:09:32 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-esports-club-growing-in-recognition-popularity-as-team-becomes-official-sport-in-fall/article_2ac9fdee-e8de-11ec-8207-639b8dee4ba0.html |
getty images
Employees working for the Commonwealth of Virginia must return to the office July 5, unless they receive permission to telework one day a week from the agency head. For additional telework days, the employees must seek approval beyond the agency head within Governor Youngkin’s administration.
The move by organizations to require employees to return to the office following the pandemic is gaining momentum throughout the country. For example, Elon Musk announced to Tesla employees that they must return to the office full time, 40 hours a week, reportedly telling employees if they don’t show up, he would assume they resigned.
Two years and three months into the pandemic, it’s time to get employees back into the office if they have been teleworking due to the pandemic.
I provide some advice on how to do this:
- Be clear on the expectations. While Tesla’s policy appears rigid, the expectations are clear.
- Be prepared for employees who don’t want to return to the office. There are many reasons an employee might be resistant to return to work. Some reasons include fears of COVID-19, child care, elder care, pet care, commuting and the convenience of working at home. Employers need to anticipate all of these objections and be fully prepared to address them.
- Employers should evaluate the “COVID” reason on a case-by-case basis. Admittedly, some employees will use COVID as an excuse to stay home even though they are otherwise living their normal lives outside of work. That an employee fears catching COVID by coming to the workplace, at this point into the pandemic, will generally be insufficient for an employee to be entitled for an exception.
- Employers should follow the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some employees will have a disability that will prevent the employee from exposure to others. This might include, for example, an employee undergoing active cancer treatment. When receiving such a request, employers should engage in the discussion and obtain medical documentation of the need for the accommodation. Merely because an employee asks to telework doesn’t mean that employee is entitled to it. Even if an employee was on an accommodation previously, the employer is entitled to updated medical documentation that justifies the need to work remotely. Most employees, including those with disabilities who might be immuno-compromised or who suffer from asthma, can likely return to work safely with mitigation strategies, such as mask wearing and social distancing, in place. The employer can consider alternatives to remote work as long as they are effective. If returning in person is now an essential job function, then the employee is not qualified for the job and can be transferred to a vacant open position or face discipline and even termination.
- Create a solid telework agreement. Prior to the pandemic, employees who worked remotely occasionally or always were generally required to certify that, during working time, they were not engaging in other activities such as child care or elder care. While the occasional need may arise in a home, remote work should not be a substitute for child care, and most telework agreements clarify that an employee working remotely with young children must have separate child care. Post-COVID, it is likely these restrictions might be relaxed, but employees who are engaging in active child care or elder care while working are likely distracted and will not be in a fully engaged working environment. Employers tolerated this during the unique circumstances of the pandemic, but finding middle ground will be important.
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In general, flexibility is going to be key to making sure that employees feel supported in their work-life balance. Many employers are considering a hybrid model.
Studies are revealing the burnout of essentially living at work. A Work Human study showed that 50% of employees hired during the pandemic (and largely onboarded remotely) plan to look for a new job in the next 12 months. Remote employees are having difficulty connecting or engaging with the company culture, and this is problematic for organizations trying to build trust and collaboration. This is why a hybrid model might be the best approach.
Karen Michael is an attorney and the president of Richmond-based Karen Michael PLC and author of “Stay Hired.” She can be reached at stayhired@stayhired.net. | https://richmond.com/business/local/labor-law-return-to-the-office-and-covid-19/article_834ce40f-e86c-5b27-b745-9c6d77b0dcc2.html | 2022-06-11T13:18:12 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/labor-law-return-to-the-office-and-covid-19/article_834ce40f-e86c-5b27-b745-9c6d77b0dcc2.html |
OCALA, Fla. – A man was killed and another injured in an Ocala shooting Friday afternoon, according to the police department.
Police said the shooting happened at the 2400 block of NW 3rd St., where officers found two injured men.
[TRENDING: 4 Orlando restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars | Missing baby of dead Florida couple found alive over 40 years later, authorities say | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Both men were transported to the hospital, officers said.
According to police, one man was shot in his leg but is expected to survive. Officers said the other man at the scene, however, sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and died at the hospital.
This case is still under investigation. News 6 will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip by dialing **TIPS. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/1-man-killed-another-injured-in-ocala-shooting-police-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:07 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/1-man-killed-another-injured-in-ocala-shooting-police-say/ |
TITUSVILLE, Fla. – A Titusville man arrested Friday afternoon faces murder charges in connection to a shooting that morning which killed two women and critically injured a man, according to the Titusville Police Department.
The department said Amos-Alize Tyrone Laffette Jones Jr., 25, knew the victims he was accused of shooting.
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Officers responded to the shooting around 5 a.m. near Tropic Street and Brown Avenue, occurring in what police said was a homeless campsite in a wooded area.
Police said two women died and a man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
In a 911 call released Friday, a man kept shouting the address of the shooting — ”Brown and Tropic!” — to the operator in a panic.
“I just got here, man,” the man told the 911 operator. “I heard shots and came around the corner.”
Jones ran from the scene before police arrived, the department said. He was taken into custody without incident around 12:30 p.m. and was booked into the Brevard County jail on no bond, according to a news release.
Jones faces a charge of first-degree attempted murder and two counts of first-degree murder.
The investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as we receive it. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/2-killed-1-injured-in-titusville-shooting-police-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:13 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/2-killed-1-injured-in-titusville-shooting-police-say/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – For the first time in the history of the state, Florida restaurants have been ranked among those that have received a coveted Michelin star, including four Orlando restaurants.
The stars were awarded Thursday night by the French tire manufacturer during a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes in Orlando.
[ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE FLORIDA FOODIE DIRECTORY]
The Orlando restaurants that received the prestigious honor are Soseki, Knife & Spoon, Capa and Kadence.
“Yo, we did it, Orlando! One Michelin star! Let’s go for two,” chef Mike Collantes of Soseki said after his win.
The chef was still feeling the excitement on Friday.
“This was a monumental moment,” Collantes said at his restaurant in Winter park.
Soseki is a ten-seat omakase restaurant offering an intimate experience for customers.
“Hospitality at its fullest right? Ten seats, you have five to six people just taking care of you,” Collantes said. “It’s very casual we don’t really feel like you’re in a stuffy restaurant and we really wanted to make sure that there was a lot of like this one-on-one.”
Kadence is another one of the Orlando-area restaurants that took home a Michelin star. The restaurant prides itself on offering an authentic sushi experience.
“A lot of this stuff right here-this is flown in from Japan, fresh fish,” Daniel Penovith, a worker at the Winter Park restaurant, said. “The rice that we make, that’s the backbone of sushi and other than that it’s really just the identity that Mark and Jen have created.”
Only one Florida restaurant received the rare honor of two Michelin stars, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami.
In all, 15 Florida restaurants were awarded stars. Miami restaurants took home the majority of the night’s honors. No Tampa restaurants received a Michelin star.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below:
In addition to the four Orlando-area restaurants receiving stars, seven more received the distinction of Bib Gourmand which honors high-quality food at reasonable prices.
Those restaurants include Bombay Street Kitchen, Papa Llama, Domu, Strand, Swine and Sons, The Ravenous Pig and Z Asian.
The Michelin guide also gave recommendation nods to 18 additional Orlando-area restaurants. These include The Pinery, Black Rooster Taqueria, Hawkers, Tori Tori, Shin Jung, Maxine’s on Shine, Sticky Rice, Se7en Bites, Kabooki Sushi, Pizza Bruno, Selam, Primo, Ravello, Four Flamingos, The Polite Pig, Citricos, Bacan and Sear + Sea.
You can find the complete list of Florida’s Michelin-starred restaurants here.
You can find the complete list of Florida’s Bib Gourmand restaurants here.
See Collantes on the Florida Foodie podcast: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/4-orlando-restaurants-earn-coveted-michelin-stars/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:20 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/4-orlando-restaurants-earn-coveted-michelin-stars/ |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Flagler County Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt on Friday announced new leadership changes within the district, including the naming of two new principals.
A news release from the district stated Bobby Bossardet will be the next principal of Flagler-Palm Coast High School. The release said Bossardet previously worked as an assistant superintendent for the district.
[TRENDING: 4 Orlando restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars | Missing baby of dead Florida couple found alive over 40 years later, authorities say | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“We have amazing things happening throughout our district, and I believe in the vision moving forward,” Bossardet said in a statement. “I have gained a whole new level of respect for the men and women working diligently behind the scenes at the district office for remaining focused and continuing to support our core mission of academic success throughout the last few very challenging years. I know exactly what the Bulldog family is capable of accomplishing, and I am extremely excited for the opportunity to return to (Flagler-Palm Coast) to help reestablish the standard for what Flagler Schools is all about.”
Mittelstadt also announced that Paul Peacock, the current chief of operational services, will be the next principal at Wadsworth Elementary School.
“I am excited to return to a campus where I can have that daily interaction with the students,” Peacock said. “They are why we do what we do.”
The district added that these appointments have left two openings in the superintendent’s senior cabinet.
According to the district, LaShakia Moore will move from director of teaching and learning to assistant superintendent of academic services.
The district also stated Director of Plant Services David Freeman will become the new chief of operational services. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/flagler-county-schools-announce-new-principals-leadership/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:26 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/flagler-county-schools-announce-new-principals-leadership/ |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that U.S. and Florida state flags will be flown at half-staff Sunday in memory of the victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting.
The proclamation will extend to all local and state buildings, installations and grounds through the state “from sunrise to sunset,” DeSantis said.
[TRENDING: 4 Orlando restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars | Missing baby of dead Florida couple found alive over 40 years later, authorities say | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Furthermore, the proclamation asks for Florida residents to pause for a moment of silence at 9 a.m. Sunday.
“Six years ago, on June 12, 2016, a shooter claiming allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant committed a horrific act of terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando,” DeSantis said. “At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history... As a mark of respect for the victims, their families and the many affected by this tragedy, I signed the attached proclamation.”
The Pulse Nightclub shooting resulted in 49 people killed and 53 wounded. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/gov-desantis-announces-flags-at-half-staff-to-commemorate-pulse-victims/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:32 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/gov-desantis-announces-flags-at-half-staff-to-commemorate-pulse-victims/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Michelin Guide has now given its first-ever list of recommended restaurants in Florida, seeing 118 dining establishments make the cut, including 29 in the Orlando area.
Of those 29, four received a Michelin star, seven received the distinction of Bib Gourmand and another 18 were included as recommendations in the Florida Michelin Guide.
[ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE FLORIDA FOODIE DIRECTORY]
The Florida Foodie podcast has featured a number of the chefs and restaurant owners whose businesses are now recognized by the prestigious guide to the best dining establishments in the world.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below:
Here is a list of all of the Florida Foodie guests who will be a part of Florida’s first Michelin Guide:
Trina Gregory-Propst
Trina Gregory-Propst is the chef-owner of Se7en Bites in Orlando, 617 Primrose Drive. Her restaurant is now recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Kevin Phanhvilay
Kevin Phanhvilay is the chef-owner of Sticky Rice in Orlando, 1915 E Colonial Drive. His restaurant is now recommended by the Michelin Guide.
John and Juliana Calloway
John and Juliana Calloway are owners of Black Rooster Taqueria with two locations in Orlando, 1323 N. Mills Ave. and 3097 Curry Ford Road. Their restaurant is now recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Mike Collantes
Mike Collantes is the chef-owner of Soseki in Winter Park, 955 W. Fairbanks Ave. He also owns Taglish, which has multiple locations. Collantes’ restaurant Soseki was awarded one star by the Michelin Guide.
Henry Moso
Henry Moso is the chef-owner of Kabooki Sushi which has two locations in Orlando, 3122 E. Colonial Drive and 7705 Turkey Lake Road. His restaurant is now recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Kaleb Harrell
Kaleb Harrell is the CEO of Hawkers Asian Street Food which has 13 locations across Florida and the country. Hawkers is now recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Richard Blais
Richard Blais is a celebrity chef and the owner of Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. His restaurant is now recommended by the Michelin Guide. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/heres-every-chef-restauranteur-featured-on-florida-foodie-now-recognized-by-michelin-guide/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:38 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/heres-every-chef-restauranteur-featured-on-florida-foodie-now-recognized-by-michelin-guide/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A man found dead inside a Merritt Island home Thursday night was the victim of a homicide, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to the residence on Hunt Drive at approximately 9 p.m., after the man’s roommate returned home, found him and called law enforcement.
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The man — identified as Joseph Hall, 64, of Merritt Island — was pronounced dead shortly after deputies arrived, the sheriff’s office said.
An investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made, deputies said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/man-found-dead-in-merritt-island-home-deputies-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:44 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/man-found-dead-in-merritt-island-home-deputies-say/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broadway is back at Melbourne’s Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts.
Whether you want to see six merry murderesses jazzing up a jail, hear an unconventional cacophony of music made by household objects, regale in the larger-than-life legends that are Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Aretha Franklin or toast to life in a Jewish community hidden away in Russia, the Brevard County performing arts center has something for all audiences.
The 2022-23 season, featuring “Chicago,” “STOMP,” “On Your Feet! The Musical – The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and add-on “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” runs from Oct. 13, 2022 to April 11, 2023.
[TRENDING: 4 Orlando restaurants earn coveted Michelin stars | Missing baby of dead Florida couple found alive over 40 years later, authorities say | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“We are truly delighted with the caliber of shows programmed for the 2022–2023 season. We strive to provide world-class entertainment that will inspire audiences,” Amy Hamm, executive director of The American Theatre Guild, said in a news release. “It’s important that we further our mission in the Melbourne community and support the performing arts with quality shows as well as increased efforts in educational programs and partnerships through our Staging the Future initiative.”
Learn more about each show and where to purchase tickets below:
“Chicago”
Runs Oct. 13-14, 2022
“Chicago” is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with all that jazz and shimmy-shakes. This Tony-, Grammy- and Olivier-winning smash-hit sensation tells the story of fame, fortune and murder through song and dance.
“STOMP”
Runs Nov. 9-10, 2022
“STOMP” takes audiences on a percussive journey by using everything but traditional musical instruments. The eight-member troupe uses matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and hubcaps to create show stopping sounds and rhythms anyone can enjoy. The performance will feature two new full-scale routines using props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.
“On Your Feet! The Musical – The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
Runs March 12-13, 2023
“On Your Feet!” explores the inspiring true story of Cuban-American musical duo Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The musical features some of the couple’s most iconic songs, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3″ and “Coming Out of the Dark.”
“R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (Add-on)
Runs April 2, 2023
“R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” gives audiences the Queen of Soul at her finest. The musical showcases Aretha Franklin’s journey through life and music, featuring hits like “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” and of course, “Respect.”
“Fiddler on the Roof”
Runs April 10-11, 2023
“Fiddler on the Roof” finds us in a Jewish community within a pre-revolutionary Russian village as a poor milkman attempts to find love matches for his five daughters. The latest cast and crew bring classics like “Tradition;” “Sunrise, Sunset;’ “If I Were A Rich Man;’ “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L’Chaim!)” a new life on stage this season.
“As both a fan and an endorser of the fine arts, I thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural season of Broadway at the King Center. It is such a pleasure to be able to feature multiple national touring Broadway productions right here on the Space Coast at our very own King Center for the Performing Arts,” Dr. Anthony Catanese, chair of the Board of Directors at Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, said in a news release. “We look forward to embarking upon a second season with The American Theatre Guild as partners in presenting these quality performances for the visitors and residents of Central Florida and Brevard County.”
Broadway season ticket packages are only available at the King Center Box Office or on the center’s official website. Tickets for those who hold a season membership or are interested in becoming a season member are available now by clicking here. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/maxwell-c-king-center-for-the-performing-arts-announces-2022-23-broadway-season/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:51 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/maxwell-c-king-center-for-the-performing-arts-announces-2022-23-broadway-season/ |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A woman has been reported missing out of Flagler County, the sheriff’s office said in a tweet.
Deputies said 39-year-old Zunilda Rondon was last heard from on Thursday, June 2.
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According to deputies, Rondon was possibly in the “W” section of Palm Coast.
Deputies described Rondon as being 5 feet, 7 inches tall with medium-length black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Rondon’s whereabouts is asked to contact the department by calling 386-313-4911 or emailing TIPS@flaglersheriff.com. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/missing-39-year-old-woman-in-flagler-county-deputies-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:19:57 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/missing-39-year-old-woman-in-flagler-county-deputies-say/ |
HOLLY HILL, Fla. – Police are searching for a 58-year-old man who is considered endangered because he has not taken his medication.
According to police, 58-year-old Kevin Boyer was last seen Thursday at an assisted-living facility in Holly Hill, located at 1562 Garden Ave.
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Meena Ramasami called to report Boyer missing shortly before 6 p.m., having last seen him at around 7:30 a.m., investigators said.
According to the department, Ramasami told officers that Boyer had refused to take his prescribed medication for the past few days.
Boyer was last seen wearing a brown jacket and blue denim jeans. He is described as being 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. He has brown eyes and gray hair.
Anyone with information on Boyer is asked to call the Holly Hill Police Department at 386-248-9475. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/missing-endangered-58-year-old-man-last-seen-in-holly-hill-police-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:03 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/missing-endangered-58-year-old-man-last-seen-in-holly-hill-police-say/ |
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of shooting and killing his wife and leaving her in a car at a DeLand Walgreens was granted no bond by a Volusia County judge Friday.
Police said Robert Fleming, 36, was caught in Tennessee a week after the body was found. He was extradited back to Volusia County Thursday.
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Fleming faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of his wife, Latosia Warren.
An arrest report released once Fleming was back in Volusia County jail also reveals new details in how investigators pieced together the case so far.
According to the report, DeLand police got a call on May 17 from a woman in Orlando to report a stolen car. Investigators said she told them Fleming and Warren had just moved to Florida from Ohio and were renting a car from her, using it in the Orlando area to drive for Uber and Lyft.
After a couple of weeks, she said Fleming missed a payment and then stopped answering her calls, the report shows.
Police said the woman, using GPS tracking, located the car in a Walgreens parking lot on New York Avenue in DeLand and asked police to meet her there.
Investigators said they found the car with Warren’s body inside. She had been shot several times and had a bag over her head, according to officers.
The report also shows detectives found a pistol with blood on it, several casings, a broken passenger window and a projectile exit hole in a door.
Police said they then checked surveillance video, which showed Fleming with the parked car two days before police found it.
The video then showed Fleming walking down the street. According to the report, police then responded to a call about nine minutes after Fleming parked the car. Upon arrival, police said they found Fleming acting mentally distressed about 900 feet from the Walgreens store.
According to the report, Fleming had blood on his arm and was making suicidal comments, telling police to take him away because he didn’t want to hurt anyone else and he didn’t want to hurt Warren.
He was Baker Acted but released from the facility later that day. Fleming was arrested a week later in May in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Police in Tennessee also found him after receiving a call about Fleming acting mentally distressed in public.
The report also said Fleming was currently on federal supervised release on charges out of Ohio but did not say what for. He will be back in Florida court in July. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/no-bond-granted-for-man-accused-of-fatally-shooting-wife-leaving-body-in-car-at-deland-walgreens/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:10 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/no-bond-granted-for-man-accused-of-fatally-shooting-wife-leaving-body-in-car-at-deland-walgreens/ |
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Dear Friends in Christ,
I wanted to give it some time before I wrote anything because I’m just so angry. So sad. So dejected at the news from Texas as yet another school shooting claims innocent lives.
How often have we watched this same scene play out? Again and again, we see the story. Too many guns. Too much rage. Too little compassion. It’s too much, isn’t it?
I tucked in the kids last night and it was hard to let go. It was hard to say good night. There are too many parents tonight who didn’t get to say good night. Or good morning. Or good night again. That cycle of love has been shattered by this seemingly unending cycle of violence.
I believe in Jesus Christ and the Good News because the world is too awful without it. I can’t believe this is all there is. I have to believe that as God set the stars in motion so too he set our hearts to beating.
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And if he has set those hearts to beating then what must it cost him to hear them stop? What grief must it be for him to watch us, again and again, repeat this grim charade. A charade in which we talk of “enough is enough” or “never again” or “thoughts and prayers.”
The simple fact is that our culture is deeply, deeply broken. Something is off in us that we cannot fix on our own. The rates of violence are staggering. The inhumanity shown again and again is mind-numbing and heart-breaking.
If our thoughts and prayers seem useless then our politicians seem even less useful. Even as our prayers have risen they have failed, again and again, to rise to the occasion. We are the most powerful nation in human history and we can’t protect our own kids. We are the wealthiest nation ever known and we are content with this poverty of imagination, hope, and compassion.
Jesus reveals the limits of the power of empires. He shows us the utter bankruptcy of the principalities of this world by his resurrection.
Out of the despair his disciples knew in those dark hours after his death he brought them to a new vision of abundant life. They saw the risen one and they followed him to new life. It’s possible but they had to choose to see, hear, and know that his return was not just about him, it was about them too. He didn’t return for himself—he returned for them.
His return was their hope. His new life said something about God’s love for them and for the world they were called to love and serve. His resurrection was a charge to them to be shepherds, priests, prophets, and witnesses. They were called even to be martyrs for the sake of his Love for the world.
What is his resurrection to us today? It must be everything. It must call us to love not as those without hope but as those who know death cannot have the final victory. It must call us to know that politicians who would wash their hands of innocent blood may yet be called to account. It must call us to pray for peace, work for justice, and contend with the evils that destroy the lives of the innocent.
Weeping may spend the night. It must spend the night for any who are human, compassionate, and loving. But we must be ready to proclaim resurrection in the morning. We must be ready to proclaim that death will not have the last word. Evil cannot rest with its victory. For the victory has been won for us. The victory will rest with those who find the will to give voice to the hope deep within us all.
That hope did not die yesterday. That hope lives today. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. There is something deeply wrong in our culture right now. That is why Christ came and came back. He did not come because all was right with the world. He did not come to passively observe the sinsickness that besets us. He came that we might have life. That we might proclaim hope. That we might be a people of true and lasting peace.
That peace, which passes all understanding right now, may yet be our guide. It may be our polestar in these dark days. It may lead us to the Kingdom.
May God grant all the souls lost yesterday his lasting peace. May God grant all those who mourn today his abiding comfort. May God grant all those who yearn for hope the grace and power to be a people of unwavering courage in the days ahead.
The world is, perhaps, too awful today. But it needn’t be so. We’ve been given another way. Let us pray for the courage to follow the way, the truth, and the life set before us. Let us pray — and let us act.
Yours in Christ.
Father Robert Hendrickson is he Rector of Saint Philip’s in the Hills | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-let-us-pray-let-us-act/article_94133e28-e5aa-11ec-bd9f-2b7ba9e6029d.html | 2022-06-11T13:20:15 | 0 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-let-us-pray-let-us-act/article_94133e28-e5aa-11ec-bd9f-2b7ba9e6029d.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, called for an immediate moratorium on the Florida gas tax Friday, calling for Gov. Ron DeSantis to take action and provide “immediate fuel price relief” for Florida residents.
DeSantis signed a tax bill in May that would put a temporary hold on the gas tax — as well as grant tax breaks for other items — starting in October to help residents suffering from inflation.
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According to lawmakers, the reason the hold will begin in October is to make sure tourists coming to the state during summer months won’t take advantage of the tax relief aimed at Florida residents.
However, Stewart said the hold needs to come sooner rather than later.
“People need immediate relief from these ever-increasing prices,” she said. “Earlier this year, the legislature passed the one-month Motor Fuel Tax Relief, which is scheduled to begin in October. At the time, we were told that delaying it until then would reap the most benefits for Floridians, as opposed to tourists. The pain of these prices, however, is being felt now, and delaying this critical financial relief for several months helps no one, least of all Floridians.”
Florida’s current gas tax sits at approximately 25 cents per gallon, which Stewart said is compounded by the rising cost of goods in Florida.
“I implore you to activate a State of Emergency to suspend Florida’s Gas Tax immediately and to extend it for three additional months this summer,” she said. “Floridians are suffering. This pain at the pump can be felt by every Floridian across the economic spectrum, reflected not just in the cost to fill up the tank but the cascade effect helping to drive up the prices of food, rent, insurance — the list goes on.”
The average price of gas in Florida was roughly $4.77 per gallon as of Tuesday, according to a representative of AAA. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/orlando-lawmaker-calls-for-early-suspension-of-florida-gas-tax/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:16 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/orlando-lawmaker-calls-for-early-suspension-of-florida-gas-tax/ |
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
I’m what some people call a pioneer: I was one of the early women who joined the Army National Guard in 1981. It seemed like a great way to serve Arizona and my country. We were instilled with the values of duty, honor, and country.
We were equal on paper, but not in practice. Job choices were limited. Barracks seemed like afterthoughts. Men, both in and out of the service, harassed and maligned us: they didn’t think we belonged there. I stayed in because I loved my soldiers, and because I thought my example would open doors for other women.
My enlistment physical in 1981 included a brutal gynecological exam by a male doctor. It felt like rape. I shudder to think what I would have faced if I had experienced an unplanned pregnancy.
Today, women go through the same training as men. We take the same jobs, meet the same standards, go to the same places, carry the same weapons, and die just like male soldiers. But our bodies need different health care, and, more often than not, we don’t receive it.
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Women have fought for decades to be seen by Veterans Affairs. Now they face a new hurdle: Alito and the ‘conservative’ Supreme Court’s attack on women. They’ve empowered Republicans to push to make abortion a federal crime.
Imagine a young woman choosing to serve her country in a time where her government will treat her like a second-class citizen. Imagine being one of the 25% of women who experience a sexual assault in the military, only to be told that she can’t seek treatment because some male politician who has never held a rifle in service of his country wants to push a Taliban-like agenda to control American women.
It speaks to the deep misogyny of the military and political system. We do not swear an oath of allegiance to any leader, overlord, king or queen. We swear an oath to the Constitution.
Gov. Doug Ducey, there are more than 47,000 women veterans in Arizona who swore that same oath. We’ve done more to serve our country than you ever have. You need to act to protect our rights to privacy and health care, just like we fought to protect your right to own a business.
I did not wear the flag on my shoulder for 24 years for politicians to decide my constitutional rights are no longer inalienable. I did not serve in Kuwait only to come home to the American version of Al Qaeda.
I will not stay silent as men who have never worn a uniform make pronouncements on my liberty. I took the oath and said I would defend the Constitution. Now it’s your turn.
Susan Ritz served in the Arizona National Guard for 24 years, and retired as a Master Sergeant. She lives in Marana with her husband. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-women-in-the-military/article_b126335a-e292-11ec-a3c4-9782fabaea95.html | 2022-06-11T13:20:21 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-women-in-the-military/article_b126335a-e292-11ec-a3c4-9782fabaea95.html |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County deputies are searching for a missing man last seen leaving his Poinciana home on Tuesday.
According to the Osceola Sheriff’s Office, 43-year-old Reuben Sheimaa Holmes was last seen around 10:20 a.m. in the area of Aylesbury Court.
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Deputies said Holmes was observed wearing a red T-shirt and gray sweatpants while wheeling two pieces of blue hand luggage.
Holmes is described as being 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in reference to incident 221060649 by calling 407-348-2222. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/osceola-deputies-search-for-missing-man-last-seen-wheeling-luggage-in-poinciana/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:22 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/osceola-deputies-search-for-missing-man-last-seen-wheeling-luggage-in-poinciana/ |
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – It’s a new attraction at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Enter Gateway: Deep Space Launch Complex.
It’s like a warehouse full of current and futuristic space vehicles and technology, with interactive games and objectives to demonstrate how it all works. like the RL10 engine currently used on some rockets.
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“Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that flows through the engine, the hydrogen flows through the chamber and keeps everything cold. You mix the liquid oxygen with the hydrogen in the combustion chamber and you spark the igniter,” said Daimon Clarett, Aerojet Rocketdyne engineer for the RL10 engine.
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The Orion Space Craft module has been updated to withstand 1,000-day missions to space well beyond the International Space Station.
“Physics hasn’t changed since the 1970s, but what’s inside the spacecraft though, is significantly updated technology. It can hold more people. It’s going to have touchscreens and it’s going to have a toilet inside. Everything conducive to longer missions in the future,” said Lockheed Martin Artemis III Orion Production Planner Barry Bohnsack.
You’ll get a look into the future with a model Sierra Space Dream Chaser hanging from the ceiling.
“It is the first commercial space plane that will launch and come back to the Kennedy Space Center since the shuttle landed in 2011. This will be an opportunity for us to demonstrate our capability to carry cargo to the International Space Station,” said astronaut and Sierra Space President Janet Kavandi.
Kavandi said the company has been creating inflatable habitats that can be launched into space and used for living, working and space farming.
“I do think living in low-Earth orbit will become a common thing. People will say ‘I’m going to work, I’ll be in space for a few months and I’ll see you at home,’” said Kavandi.
Gateway also features Spaceport KSC.
“What would it be like if space tourism were right around the corner? We wanted to simulate that,” said Therrin Protze, CEO of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
You can choose one of four immersive space journeys, make your way through the spaceport and even look out the window to get a glimpse of the future of a commercial spaceflight complex.
It sounds and looks just like airports today. You’ll enter your own spacecraft, resembling a plane with details down to the baggage compartments and seat belts. Then you’ll launch into space discovering distant worlds with a unique 4D ride experience.
Gateway at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be open to the public June 15. Click HERE to learn more about KSC Visitor Complex and to purchase tickets. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/sneak-peak-kscs-new-gateway-attraction-launching-guests-into-new-worlds/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:28 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/sneak-peak-kscs-new-gateway-attraction-launching-guests-into-new-worlds/ |
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – Two girls in Merritt Island were struck by lightning Friday afternoon, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.
The department said rescue crews arrived at the 400 block of Via Salerno Court in Merritt Island around 3 p.m. after reports came in about two girls who had been struck by lightning.
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Crews said the girls — a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old — were taken to Cape Canaveral Hospital and Arnold Palmer Hospital, respectively.
“It sounded like a bomb went off, it was so loud, and then — when I come outside — they were laying on the ground,” said neighbor Terry Peterman. “It was horrifying, and I pray for the family that they’re alright.”
Dwight Bryan, another neighbor, said he was the first to help the girls.
“I was in my room right there, that room, and I hear a big lightning lick and the whole room light up,” Bryan said. “And I saw my two neighbor’s kids on the ground right there.”
Bryan told News 6 he turned the girls on their side because they were face-down in the dirt.
“When I turn over my neighbor’s daughter, she was like, ‘Can you help me?’” he said. “I feel so bad for her — trust me — ‘cause I know the light lick them real bad.”
A family member of one of the girls said the 12-year-old is going to be OK, though the girl will be staying overnight to make sure her condition remains stable.
The condition of the 15-year-old girl has yet to be released.
No other details have been released at this time. News 6 will provide updates as they become available. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/two-children-struck-by-lightning-in-merritt-island-rescue-crews-say/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:35 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/two-children-struck-by-lightning-in-merritt-island-rescue-crews-say/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings described a growing community with a wealthy future and a tourism industry in “full throttle” at the 2022 State of the County address Friday morning.
Speaking from the Orange County Convention Center, Demings said that while the county’s population is expected to reach 1.5 million residents by December, the more than 1.4 million currently living here have accomplished great things.
“We are investing boldly and going where we’ve never gone before,” Demings said. “...This has already been a year of extraordinary accomplishments as we continue to invest boldly in our future and work to make this the greatest county in the state of Florida and perhaps in the nation.”
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In last year’s address, the mayor marked a shift in the COVID-19 pandemic. Demings reflected and reiterated the county had seen “triumph over defeat” as many industries continued to rebound.
Speaking Friday at his fourth State of the County event, Demings began by highlighting the county’s “primary economic engine,” the local hospitality and tourism industry.
“I am happy to say it is in full throttle. Our tourism industry broke another record in March of this year. We collected $38.5 million in tourist development tax dollars, which shattered the previous TDT record of $31.2 million collected in March 2019,” Demings said.
After breaking the all-time TDT record in March, the county went on to report its highest ever tourism tax collections for the month of April, bringing in nearly $35 million and marking a 103.1% increase over April 2021.
Looking ahead and behind, Demings credited some of the cash flow to recent big happenings at local theme parks — such as Sea World Orlando’s Ice Breaker, EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration — and reminding the crowd that Universal has since resumed construction on its EPIC Universe, an entirely new theme park set to open by the end of summer 2025.
“None of this would have been possible without major capital investments by our world-class theme parks and their multibillion-dollar expansion projects,” Demings said.
The Orange County Convention Center is anticipated to host 155 events during the current fiscal year, generating an estimated economic impact of $2.4 billion, Demings said. MegaCon Orlando 2022 in May saw nearly 100,000 attendees, what the mayor said resulted in $128 million in economic impact for the county.
Putting faces to those tourism tax dollars, Demings said the city of Orlando welcomed 59.3 million visitors last year, numbers cited from Visit Orlando which soar above New York’s 33 million visitors and Las Vegas’ 32 million recorded in the same timeframe.
“We are not quite at our pre-pandemic numbers. However, we’ve come a long way as our travel and visitor numbers continue to climb this year,” Demings said.
Demings discussed the county’s many partnerships made to help those struggling to find work. Orange County has joined with initiatives such as the U.S. Army Partnership for Youthful Success (PaYS) Program in order to help the county recruit from what Demings called “a trained, experienced and well-matched talent pool.”
The county has also funded a three-year partnership with the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business to foster hundreds of new nonprofit organizations and it dedicated $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to launch Level Up Orange with CareerSource of Central Florida, a resource that has served nearly 18,000 county residents so far.
Based on 2020 Census data, the county’s population increased 25% since 2010 to 1.43 million residents, what Demings said prompted the Board of County Commission in February to approve a new map of revised district boundaries, including a significant expansion of District 3 southward past State Road 528. Learn more about the redistricting process by clicking here.
As affordable housing initiatives struggle to keep up with skyrocketing rent and home prices in Central Florida, Demings said the 10-year “Housing for All” action plan launched in 2020 has kept county leaders proactive in responding to such challenges.
“So far, our Housing for All Trust Fund has invested $33 million in public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing,” Demings said. “In addressing the housing (and) rent crises, Orange County has provided approximately $25 million in federal funds to assist over 4,000 residents with emergency rental assistance to keep them in their homes.”
The mayor urged county residents to vote in November for a proposed one-cent transportation sales tax commissioners approved in April. Demings began to push for the penny tax in 2019 before pausing to focus on the pandemic and reigniting the campaign in January 2022.
“The time to act is now. The Transportation Sales Tax referendum will be on the November ballot. This is a generational opportunity to transform Orange County’s transportation system,” Demings said. “As you may have heard, the penny sales tax is expected to raise $600 million annually (and) more than half — or 51% — would be paid by tourists. Having someone else pay more than half for something that you need is what I call a good deal.”
Demings said the tax, if passed, would fund a “true multi-modal transit system with improved access, reliability and connectivity,” vastly improving east-west connectivity and bringing together all corners of Orange County. It’s expected to raise $600 million annually, Demings said.
“We are going to see inflation going down. What’s not going to decline is the traffic congestion in our community, particularly with the increase of population and visitation, that’s going to put a lot of pressure on our transportation infrastructure. I also believe (this will) impact... our local economy, this transportation tax proceeds will help put people to work,” Demings said.
In addition to benefiting those who use public transit — with 45% of what’s collected to be earmarked for LYNX and Sunrail — Demings said another 45% would go toward upgrading major road intersections, improving and repaving existing roadways and addressing “the dire state of bicycle and pedestrian safety in Orange County.”
“There would be better-protected bike lanes, and technology to reduce crashes involving vehicles, or persons walking or biking. Increased roadway and pedestrian lighting plus adding more sidewalks are also part of the plan,” Demings said. “I want to point out that the positive impacts of the plan would be felt for decades.”
For the time being, Demings said the county will continue to boldly invest in the industries and people still working to bring the community together.
We boldly invest in tourism as Orange County continues to be the number one destination for visitors from around the world.
We boldly invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs that further diversify our economy.
We boldly invest in workforce training to meet the needs for high-demand jobs.
We boldly invest in affordable housing and transportation that benefit us now and for future generations.
We boldly invest in the preservation of our environment that improves our quality of life.
We boldly invest in public safety, the fundamental reason why government exists.
We boldly invest in social and behavioral health issues that improve our community’s wellbeing.
Lastly, we boldly invest in entertainment and culture, the heartbeat of our community.
This is why Orange County is unbelievably real!
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings - 2022 State of the County Address | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/watch-live-at-9-am-orange-county-mayor-delivers-state-of-the-county-address/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:41 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/watch-live-at-9-am-orange-county-mayor-delivers-state-of-the-county-address/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The second day of testimony is set to get underway Friday in the trial of Danielle Redlick, who is accused in the 2019 stabbing death of her husband.
Danielle Redlick, 48, faces charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 65-year-old Michael Redlick, who worked as director of external affairs and partnership relations at the University of Central Florida’s DeVos Sport Business Management Graduate Program.
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He was found dead Jan. 12, 2019, in their shared home on Temple Drive. According to a warrant for Redlick’s arrest, she waited 11 hours to call 911 after her husband died. On the phone with 911, investigators said Redlick initially told dispatchers that her husband suffered a heart attack after an argument, later claiming he stabbed himself.
The defense said Danielle Redlick reacted in “confusion, in despair, and trauma” following Michael Redlick’s death, as justification for her initial claim of a heart attack.
Lawyers on both sides delivered their opening statements in court Thursday.
Assistant state attorney Sean Wiggins described the morning after Michael Redlick was killed. Wiggins told the court Redlick was unhappy in the marriage and had filed for divorce but abandoned that effort and joined a dating site in 2018.
Her lawyers followed up in opening statements and said she stabbed her husband in self-defense. The defense claimed Michael Redlick was “violent” with his wife on several occasions and said he punched her in the face at one time, becoming more and more aggressive.
After opening statements, prosecutors began calling witnesses — mostly members of the Winter Park Police Department who investigated the stabbing.
Prosecutors continued calling witnesses to the stand Friday, beginning with a Winter Park police detective. Prosecutors asked about a second search warrant executed at the Redlick home. During the search, Det. Pamela Woehr with Winter Park police said they found a journal that said “forgive me for all my wrongs for I am heartily sorry.”
[STORY CONTINUES BELOW]
REDLICK TRIAL: Woehr was there to collect DNA/saliva samples from Redlick. As Woehr was telling Redlick about the 2nd search warrant Redlick said “I did not murder my husband.” @news6wkmg
— Amanda Castro (@AmandaNews6) June 10, 2022
Woehr said they searched Michael Redlick’s office at UCF and found a folder with divorce-related documents, including an email Danielle Redlick sent to her husband on May 14, 2018. In one portion she wrote “I have suffered, even bled to death I’d say.” Woehr said “even bled to death” was found underlined.
The owner of a dating app called Meet Mindful testified to say Danielle Redlick was on the app after her husband’s murder.
REDLICK TRIAL: Now hearing from the owner of Meet Mindful, the dating app prosecutors say Redlick was on after her husband’s murder. Says she signed up in December 2018. Her relationship status was separated & this is what she wrote under the “Looking for” section @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/BrHEpENdz8
— Amanda Castro (@AmandaNews6) June 10, 2022
Jurors then heard from Stuart James, a forensic scientist who specializes in bloodstain pattern analysis. James reviewed photos from the scene and said there was evidence the area was wiped down and the scene was cleaned up with objects. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/watch-live-at-915-am-2nd-day-of-testimony-in-murder-trial-for-wife-accused-in-ucf-executives-death/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:47 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/watch-live-at-915-am-2nd-day-of-testimony-in-murder-trial-for-wife-accused-in-ucf-executives-death/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Exhibits are popping up in the City Beautiful to memorialize the survivors and 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting in 2016.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer along with other city leaders welcomed the Prayer Ribbon Memorial on Friday.
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Dyer began with a moment of silence, followed by a singing performance by the curator of the exhibit.
That curator, Jay Critchley, is the founder and director of The Compact, an outreach nonprofit out of Provincetown, Massachusetts.
He’s the one who brought 3,000 of the prayer ribbons to show Orlando it’s not alone.
It will be 6 years ago this weekend when 49 people lost their lives in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting. The names of the victims can found on the black ribbons, displayed along with messages from the people of Massachusetts.
“The ribbons dance in the wind and I think the angels are still dancing the night away,” Critchley said.
City leaders said this is a time to not only reflect, but to call for change.
“It’s about time we started resolving our differences through kindness and understanding rather than hatred and guns, so in honor of the 49, I say let’s take action and let’s honor them with love,” Commissioner Patty Sheehan said.
The prayer ribbon memorial was not the only new display of solidarity Friday for those impacted by the Pulse tragedy.
At the Orange County Regional History Center are the 49 crosses that were originally on display after the shooting in 2016, returned to public view to honor those who lost their lives. Each cross, according to the history center, represents one soul taken away. The history center preserved each message and signature on the crosses, hoping the display will shine a light of support born out of grief.
“I think this is became something people remember from that time, so people will be able to come kind of see those as they were in 2016,” said Jeremy Hileman, the One Orlando registrar.
Back at the prayer ribbon memorial, visitor Chelsey Barker said while the exhibit brings back emotions from that horrible night, it’s comforting knowing Orlando does not stand alone.
“We will not let these people be forgotten because we are all so intrinsically connected whether or not we know it (...) we are not alone, by any means,” Barker said.
The crosses will be on display until Sunday, June 12, while the prayer ribbons will be displayed until June 17. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/we-are-not-alone-new-exhibits-showcase-love-support-for-pulse-survivors-victims/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:53 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/we-are-not-alone-new-exhibits-showcase-love-support-for-pulse-survivors-victims/ |
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.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 | 2022-06-11T13:20:55 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were spotlighted during the first televised hearing of the January 6 Select Committee on Thursday.
The hearing was designed to discover and present evidence in the investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riot.
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On Thursday, never-before-seen video was presented that included footage of the national leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers meeting in a parking garage in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5.
See our previous coverage in the media player below:
The next day, the footage showed a large contingent of Proud Boys members arriving on the grounds of the Capitol Building.
That contingent included Joseph Biggs, the Florida leader of the group from Ormond Beach.
“We love Trump. We love Trump,” he was heard chanting in the video.
See our previous coverage in the media player below:
The video was taken by documentary filmmaker Nick Quested who testified at Thursday’s hearing.
“The atmosphere—it seemed to be much darker,” he told committee members. “I make efforts to create familiarity between myself and my subjects to, you know, make them feel comfortable. The atmosphere was much darker... at this day than it had been in these other days.”
The committee showed video that they said showed Biggs inciting the crowd to violence, pushing through the barricades and arriving inside the Capitol.
The footage brought some of the Capitol Hill police officers at the hearing to tears.
Committee members then briefly turned their attention to the Oath Keepers.
[RELATED: How the Proud Boys became America’s most prominent hate group | Who are the Oath Keepers? ]
“The committee learned that the Oath Keepers went into the capital building in ‘stack formations,’” said a man in one of the video presentations. “The DOJ alleges that one of the stacks went into the Capitol looking for Speaker Pelosi, though they never found her.”
Prosecutors said among the people in those stacks was the Florida leader of the Oath Keepers— Kelly Meggs of Dunnellon— and Kenneth Harrelson of Titusville.
In fact, committee members claimed Meggs helped rally his fellow members to the nation’s capital on social media by writing, “The President called us to the Capitol, and he wants us to make it wild.”
They claimed Meggs and others stored weapons at a nearby hotel as part of their conspiracy.
Meggs, Harrelson and Biggs are all charged with conspiracy to commit sedition.
They have all pleaded not guilty.
The next hearing for the January 6 Select Committee will take place on Monday morning. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/who-were-the-central-florida-group-leaders-highlighted-in-new-jan-6-video/ | 2022-06-11T13:20:59 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/10/who-were-the-central-florida-group-leaders-highlighted-in-new-jan-6-video/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Biden administration announced that, as of midnight on June 12th, international travelers coming to the United States will no longer need a negative COVID-19 test to get into the country.
Travelers headed to Cancun leaving out of Orlando International Airport said they were relieved to hear that COVID-19 testing restrictions for travel had been lifted.
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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer were two of 38 mayors across the country who wrote a letter urging the Biden administration to drop the mandate.
Demings said, “I believe that’s going to be positive for our economy, it will help increase international business into our area; if we do that, it has been estimated that we could see a 20 percent increase in international travel, and when they come to the US, we know that they come to Florida.”
A spokesperson for Visit Orlando told News 6 in a statement that they are encouraged by the move and the potential impact on area tourism.
“This news comes right on time for the summer season — one of the most anticipated seasons for travel — and we can expect to welcome an increased number of visitation from global travelers, business to thrive and a positive impact of our economy,” said Denise Spiegel, Sr. Director of Public Relations for Visit Orlando.
Bob Cook, a representative of Go Travel, said the company has been inundated with requests ever since the policy change was announced.
“It probably wasn’t even ten minutes after this was announced this morning that we were getting phone calls by people saying, ‘I think I wanna go to Europe now because I don’t have to do the testing coming home,’” Cook said. “...The clients that we’ve had go to Europe said the biggest inconvenience has been finding a place to get tested.” | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/dropped-covid-19-travel-restrictions-could-be-boon-for-florida-economy/ | 2022-06-11T13:21:06 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/dropped-covid-19-travel-restrictions-could-be-boon-for-florida-economy/ |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida Silver Alert was issued Saturday for an 85-year-old man reported missing from Kissimmee, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Kissimmee Police Department.
Frank Elkins was last seen at 2:30 a.m. in the area of the 2300 block of Robert Court, officials said. Elkins has white hair and brown eyes, is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 210 pounds and was reportedly wearing a red shirt and blue jeans when he was last seen.
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Elkins may be traveling in a light brown or silver 2003 GMC Yukon with Florida tag II77LZ, officials said. Kissimmee police shared the following image of a car similar to Elkins’ on Twitter.
Anyone with knowledge of Elkins’ whereabouts was urged to contact FDLE, or Kissimmee police at 407-846-3333 or 911.
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for the latest updates. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/florida-silver-alert-issued-for-man-85-missing-from-kissimmee/ | 2022-06-11T13:21:12 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/florida-silver-alert-issued-for-man-85-missing-from-kissimmee/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – We understand if just the mere thought of talking about a nude resort makes you blush.
It’s generally the first response from a lot of people followed quickly by a barrage of questions.
What are the rules?
Is it family friendly?
How do I get started?
Where do I sit?
How do I sit?
Where do I look?
Don’t worry. Here at Florida’s Fourth Estate, we ask all those burning questions, so you don’t have to.
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This week, anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden invited Erich Schuttauf with the American Association for Nude Recreation to talk about what is quite a lucrative business in the Sunshine State.
Erich said the most common question people ask is: why does he do it?
“It’s a perfectly natural question,” he said. “If you’ve ever walked down on the beach barefoot then you know the feeling of being barefoot, well this is just barefoot all over, and that’s why it’s so fun to do.”
That must be the description of the decade.
Erich said he’s used to people asking all kinds of questions and maybe even snickering before they know the details but once they learn more about it the chuckling stops and the clothes drop. Not right at that moment, but a lot of people realize nude recreation can be a relaxing way of life.
For the most part, what you can do with clothes on you can enjoy without clothes and it’s usually a lot more fun.”
Host Matt Austin was worried about being judged while in the buff, but he was assured there isn’t any of that.
In fact, Erich says not to worry. “The nudity becomes the great equalizer. We often say you don’t know a bank president from a bus driver and everything else. Every person is a beautiful person, and we’re just a little bit more equal when we are in our birthday suits,” Erich said.
He also said a good way to get started if you don’t feel comfortable visiting resort is by baring it all in your own home.
“Do a few chores in the nude or enjoy your backyard. Get used to that before you go to a club.” He also suggests looking up a club online so you can get a better idea of what they have to offer.
Once you do find a club you like, he says a good way of getting to know the people there is to join in on the recreational fun.
They play board games, horseshoes, volleyball and tennis. Erich said one game taking off right now is no surprise.
“A very popular game right now in clubs is pickleball, which is enjoyed by people who perhaps have had a few extra years and want a lighter sports experience,” he said.
And more people are enjoying the nude life experience.
In 2017, the American Association for Nude Recreation compiled a report about the impact for clothing optional tourists.
The report found nude recreation was bringing in $4.3 billion. Certainly nothing to snicker about.
While each club is different, he said there are some things that are universal. For example: towels and sunscreen are a must. Cameras and cell phones are big no no’s. Clubs want you to enjoy the moment and not make others feel uncomfortable worrying about you taking pictures.
You’ll also be happy to know clubs have safety procedures in place to make sure it’s safe for everyone.
Again, Erich said the best thing to do is investigate the club you’re interested in by visiting online and contacting them if you still have questions.
If you want to see the full segment and learn more about nude recreation, click on the stream videos below. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/its-like-being-barefoot-all-over-nude-recreation-is-a-4-billion-per-year-industry/ | 2022-06-11T13:21:18 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/11/its-like-being-barefoot-all-over-nude-recreation-is-a-4-billion-per-year-industry/ |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — After a month-long investigation, the Hempfield School District released its findings into the controversial drag show that occurred on April 25.
The district determined the Gay Sexuality Alliance club at Hempfield High School was given full approval to hold the event. The drag show was even publicized to the high school.
However, the district determined that the drag show lacked appropriate oversight and supervision. The event drew swift backlash from parents when pictures and videos from the drag show went viral.
"This has nothing to do with LGBT people. It has nothing to do with the GSA club at the school," said Meridith Hilt, a mother of a first and eighth grader in the district. "This has to do with adults, who were in the high school, performing in a sexualized way for children."
“The LGBTQ community is a protected class, but that does not mean immunity from criticism," said one East Hempfield Township resident at a recent school board meeting.
The investigation also revealed a lack of professional judgement allowing the drag queens to continue the event, saying they were dressed inappropriately for a school setting.
The incident resulted in three staff members being placed on administrative leave.
Wendy Hutchinson said that if the GSA club was given permission to host the event, then they should be allowed to continue, as long as the event is supervised, and parents are made aware of what’s going on.
“Kids are starting to figure out who they are, how they identify, and they should be free to express themselves," said Hutchinson. "If it’s in a club or anything like that, with supervision.”
The school district says they will review its current policies on extracurricular supervision. However, the district says they cannot share the details of any disciplinary actions due to school staff's right to privacy.
The results of the investigation can be found on the Hempfield School District website. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/drag-show-investigation-hempfield-school-district-lancaster-county/521-d9dc201f-d2ea-42d2-82b5-216e1132f269 | 2022-06-11T13:30:20 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/drag-show-investigation-hempfield-school-district-lancaster-county/521-d9dc201f-d2ea-42d2-82b5-216e1132f269 |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — 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 piece about his life 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 from an earlier federal job 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.
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 followed 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.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-richard-schlegel-lgtbq-historical-marker-gay-pioneer/521-b90410cd-3188-4f2e-9074-957828b6e33f | 2022-06-11T13:30:26 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-richard-schlegel-lgtbq-historical-marker-gay-pioneer/521-b90410cd-3188-4f2e-9074-957828b6e33f |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Lancaster County has raised $295,912.28 so far this year to help the American Cancer Society save lives.
The county's Relay for Life event, an all-night fundraiser to support the battle against cancer, was held at Conestoga Valley High School on June 10 and 11.
The theme for the event was "Carnival of Hope." As well as raising money, Relay for Life offers survivors and caregivers a chance to connect with people who understand their struggles.
"I have friends and family that have had people who have had cancer diagnoses and, you know, it's a support system that they need," Scott Tobler, a Relay for Life participant said.
"For people coming to this event, [it's important] seeing caregivers who might be going through the same thing they're going through, and especially [for] survivors who have just been diagnosed, having people to look to who've already gone through the same journey they are going through."
Activities at the event included a fitness class, lip sync battle, hair donations and painting. There was also a survivor reception and dinner, as well as a luminaria ceremony.
At dusk, the track was lined with battery-operated Lanterns of Hope displaying the names of loved ones who have battled cancer. Each luminaria was created in honor of someone who survived cancer or in memory of someone lost. Lanterns were obtained by making a nominal donation to the event.
The money raised through donations helps battle cancer in many ways. The funds raised help supports conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families and providing essential services throughout the cancer journey. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county-relay-for-life-cancer-research-fundraiser/521-91ed5f05-d150-4a66-9679-e459285b8e29 | 2022-06-11T13:30:32 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county-relay-for-life-cancer-research-fundraiser/521-91ed5f05-d150-4a66-9679-e459285b8e29 |
March For Our Lives demonstration planned for Phoenix this weekend
Phoenix joins at least 400 other locations across the country on Saturday where March for Our Lives demonstrations are planned.
Local activists will gather at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on Saturday in opposition of gun violence in the United States.
The last March for Our Lives was held in 2018, following a mass shooting by a teenage gunman who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018.
Similarly, Saturday's march has been organized in response to a mass shooting by a teenage gunman at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24 that killed 19 students and two teachers.
"Four years ago, we did this exact same thing," said Jacob Martinez, lead organizer at March For Our Lives in Phoenix. "After the shooting at Parkland, we went to the Capitol... 30,000 people strong and marched and said 'enough is enough.' Here we are four years later and nothing's been done."
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Organizers at March For Our Lives in Phoenix is expecting an average of 5,000 to 10,000 people to attend the event at the Arizona State Capitol.
Guest speakers at the march include Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, state Rep. Jennifer Longdon, activist Belen Sisa, Arizona Education Association Vice President Marisol Garcia and various other organizers.
"We just want to send a message to legislators and to Congress when they see these marches across the country, that we're going to continue to go out and do these marches and hold demonstrations until they take some sort of action," said Martinez.
The rally is expected to start at 5 p.m. on Saturday in front of the Arizona State Capitol, which will be followed by a march around the Capitol complex.
"We're going to keep it short because of how hot it's going to be tomorrow," said Martinez, who advises that people drink a lot of water and stay cool. Hydration stations will be made available at the march.
March For Our Lives in Phoenix is also coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Phoenix Police Department to make sure the event is safe, according to Martinez.
March For Our Lives will also host events in Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott, Sedona and Tucson.
Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/06/11/march-our-lives-demonstration-planned-arizona-state-capitol/7537349001/ | 2022-06-11T13:30:42 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2022/06/11/march-our-lives-demonstration-planned-arizona-state-capitol/7537349001/ |
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — On the first day of hurricane season, Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Struikman’s job included aiming one of the satellite dishes his team would use if civilian authorities call for help.
Now, his team can be on the move in five hours to receive and support military personnel responding to a civilian call for help. He and his teammates find food, shelter and fuel for those troops. Their reports to JTF-CS headquarters at Fort Eustis help experts determine what else might be needed.
Setting up the communications link takes “maybe five minutes,” Struikman said. He’s learned the likely position of the geosynchronous orbiting military satellite that’s his main link, no matter where in the U.S. he might go.
Once the dish is set up and roughly aimed, it typically takes only one or two trips back and forth to his laptop in the team’s operations tent, checking the signal, to get the aim exactly right. He also sets up a small disc that targets commercial satellites, but it can aim itself. From then, he’s the one handling the team’s steady stream of messages in and out.
For two decades, the 150 members of Joint Task Force-Civil Support have been the Department of Defense’s command and control unit for chemical, nuclear, biological or radiological attacks. Earlier this year, it also was tasked with taking on that role for all hazards, including the hurricanes and pandemics where it has already been playing a role.
This year, too, JTF-CS decided to shift from having a main support team to organizing several smaller ones. They usually number a half-dozen people, including operations planners, a logistics specialist and a medical coordinator.
Having more, smaller teams meant that when Marine Lt. Col. John Gallagher’s crisis action team was been busily updating recommendations for the team on the ground for a fictional nuclear accident in Pennsylvania recently, they knew there would be other JTF-CS specialists who can get to the scene of an (fictional) earthquake in Seattle within hours.
The planners got word of that crisis from the cavernous operations center, downstairs from Gallagher’s whiteboards.
There, beneath giant screens that displayed a map of central California’s geological faults and sites of nuclear facilities and plants full of toxic chemicals as well as detailed run down of what military people were on the ground and who was headed there, they rehearsed scenarios of earthquake responses.
But some kept a watchful eye on reports about the hurricane in Mexico, making preliminary assessments of what might be needed should it reach U.S. soil and if civilian authorities asked for the military’s help.
The operations center is active 24 hours a day. Most days are focused on practicing what to do with scenarios -- “lots of sets and reps,” as operations director, Marine Lt. Col. Christopher Grasso put it
But staff are also always actively on the watch for situations that could mean a call for military help.
That’s a big point for everyone at the command: they step in to help after a disaster when a state asks for federal help, and in turn a designated civilian federal agency — usually the Federal Emergency Management Agency — determines that the military has the resources needed.
It is a civilian incident manager — an official of a state or local government — who says what jobs need doing, not the military.
On Struikman’s team, for instance, having people on the ground means the logistics expert, Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Despota can call back to JTF-CS for more 5-ton trucks if high water on a hurricane-hit road means soldiers or Marines can’t get through to complete an assigned task.
But if the team’s medical planner, Ron Greenaway happens to hear a hospital needs to move patients, it is not his job to turn around immediately and get them moved -- he needs to formally hear that the civilian authority and FEMA have assigned that job to the military.
“Our job is to support, not to take charge,” says Major General Jeffrey Van, JTF-CS commander.
That support has included leading more than 2,700 active duty personnel who set up a giant, temporary hospital at New York City’s Javits Center and pitched in at 11 city hospitals as well as two field medical stations and three hospitals in New Jersey soon after COVID-19 overwhelmed those communities in the spring of 2020.
From February to June last year, the command led more than 2,500 active duty personnel operating 22 vaccination centers in 14 different states and territories.
“It’s not like anything else in the military,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Tim Lundberg. “We join the military to defend and protect the United States. And this is a chance to help our fellow Americans.” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fort-eustis-unit-ready-when-civilian-authorities-call/2022/06/11/b52bf962-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html | 2022-06-11T13:41:11 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/fort-eustis-unit-ready-when-civilian-authorities-call/2022/06/11/b52bf962-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |
SHARPSBURG, Md. — For most of the American Reconstruction period following the Civil War, a one-room chapel on Sharpsburg’s East High Street served as church and school for the local African American community.
The 1866-built chapel is “probably the finest example out there from a historian and architectural historian’s point of view” of the Black experience during Reconstruction, Wallace said.
The National Park Service recognized that importance and designated Tolson’s Chapel a National Historic Landmark in January 2021. In the midst of a global pandemic, the honor didn’t receive a ceremony at the time. But The Friends of Tolson’s Chapel is hosting a dedication and unveiling of a bronze plaque with the national designation at the church this month. The park service will participate in the program.
The chapel, in 2008, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its state and local significance, according to the chapel’s application to become a National Historic Landmark. The former church and school also are listed as a contributing building for the Sharpsburg Historic District listed in the national register.
The timing of the chapel’s National Historic Landmark application was fortuitous as the National Park Service, which oversees the national landmark program, was looking for buildings or sites representative of the Black experience during Reconstruction, Wallace said.
The only other place in Washington County that is designated a National Historic Landmark is Fort Frederick, which received the honor in 1973, according to the historic landmarks’ website. A state park, the stone fort near Big Pool was built to be part of the state’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War.
The landmark designation opens the Tolson’s nonprofit up to more grant opportunities and has already led to more visitors for the historic chapel, Wallace said.
A Montessori high school class from Kensington, Md., visited the chapel last year and several younger home-school classes have visited. Wallace said the Montessori educator, looking for buildings representative of the Black experience during Reconstruction, learned about Tolson’s through a new website the National Park Service created about the chapel.
The educational experience for the students included a re-enactor who talked about life in Sharpsburg for the Black community and how it came together to build the chapel, she said.
The chapel is open to the public for free tours from noon to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month from April through October.
Edie Wallace, a past president of The Friends of Tolson’s Chapel, said the person who donated the pot-belly stove recounted buying it from Virginia Cook and Frances Monroe, among the chapel’s last members, when the stove was sitting in front of the chapel on sale. Wallace said the stove looked to be from around 1900 to 1920 and would have been used to provide heat.
In the summer, the windows would have been opened or perhaps activities were held outside.
The chapel is named for its first pastor, John Tolson, a Black man assigned to the Hagerstown circuit by the Methodist Church’s Washington Conference — its Black conference, Wallace said. The congregation was established in 1865, a year after the state of Maryland abolished slavery.
The chapel’s cornerstone was laid in 1866 and in October the following year, the building was dedicated, according to a Tolson’s Chapel brochure.
Tolson’s wasn’t the first church in the Sharpsburg community to serve the Black community, but it was the first Black-run church in the area, Wallace said.
“It gave them independence. A space where they were free to be themselves. That they weren’t being watched,” Wallace said.
As of 1860, a year before the start of the Civil War, 1,435 free Blacks lived in Washington County, according to the chapel’s application to become a National Historic Landmark. That population included Blacks who were born free and former slaves who were set free or who bought their freedom. Census data indicates, per the application, that “most free Blacks in the Sharpsburg area worked as servants, housekeepers, farm hands or ‘laborers.’”
Approximately 10 free Blacks owned real estate. That included Samuel Craig, who along with his wife, Catherine, donated the land for the chapel to create the Sharpsburg Methodist Episcopal Church, according to Wallace and church history. Tolson was reassigned to the Winchester, Va., church circuit, but the Sharpsburg church was named for him after his death in 1870.
Wallace said, to her, the church’s association with the Freedmen’s Bureau is nationally significant. Congress established the bureau in 1865 to guide the South from a slave society to a free-labor society, according to the chapel’s register application. The bureau’s duties included helping freed people establish schools.
The bureau assigned Ezra Johnson, a white man, to be the first teacher at the “American Union School” in Tolson’s Chapel in April 1868, according to the application and brochure. Later teachers would be Black, including John J. Carter and James Simons. Simons’s father, David, was one of the chapel’s first trustees and who became the school’s first teacher during its tenure as a county school, Wallace said.
According to a teacher’s monthly school report, posted at the nonprofit’s website, Tolson’s had 18 students in April 1868. Of those, three were older than 16. The school included primary students, Wallace said.
The Sharpsburg Colored School operated in Tolson’s until 1899, when a frame schoolhouse was built in the area, according to the chapel’s brochure.
The church operated until 1998, according to the national register website for the chapel. That was two years after the death of the last church member from Sharpsburg, Virginia Cook.
With The Friends of Tolson’s Chapel working to become a nonprofit, the Save Historic Antietam Foundation acquired the church in 2002, according to Wallace and the brochure. The Friends became a nonprofit in 2006 and took over ownership two years later, according to the brochure.
The church underwent major restoration in the 2000s. This included removing asphalt shingles that were probably added over the logs and vertical board siding in the 1940s to make the chapel appear brick, Wallace said. About 20% of the original logs were replaced. Replica white pine siding was used to replace about 80% of the vertical boards and all new batten was installed, she said.
The chapel also got new cedar roof shingles and the windows were restored using mostly original materials, according to the nonprofit’s website.
Wallce said no more burials will occur in the cemetery behind the chapel.
Ground-penetrating radar was used to determine there are potentially 12 unmarked graves behind the chapel, Wallace said.
The cemetery has 36 marked burials with death dates, according to a 2013 preservation assessment of the cemetery. Cook and the Simonses are among those buried in the chapel’s cemetery. Others buried there include Wilson Middleton, a church trustee and member of the U.S. Colored Infantry; Hilary Watson, who was enslaved at the Otto Farm; and Jeremiah Summers, who was enslaved at the Piper Farm. Both farms are part of Antietam National Battlefield.
A few items from Tolson’s Chapel will be part of the reorganized display at Antietam National Battlefield when the visitors center, undergoing an approximately $7 million rehabilitation, is complete, said Park Ranger Keith Snyder, the battlefield’s chief of resource education & visitor services. Snyder said he’s hoping the center is ready to reopen this fall.
Park officials started from scratch in redesigning how to organize the battlefield museum, Snyder said. A team of historians worked around five universal concepts —conflict, terror, survival, freedom and memory.
The chapel items will be in the freedom section because freedom is a complicated story, particularly in Maryland, Snyder said.
While freedom is directly tied to the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on Jan. 1, 1863, slavery was abolished in Maryland on Nov. 1, 1864, through a new state constitution.
One thing evident is that when the enslaved did get their freedom in Maryland, at least in Sharpsburg, the first things they sought were religion and education, Snyder said.
“Tolson’s is the perfect example of both because it served as church and school,” Snyder said.
The items planned for the new battlefield museum display include a book and inkwell — to represent the school — and a Bible, Snyder said.
The Bible belonged to Nancy Camel, whose last name has been spelled a variety of ways including Campbell.
Camel, 40 years old in 1860, was “employed as a servant on the William Roulette farm,” according to the chapel nonprofit’s website. She had been enslaved by Peter Miller, a Roulette family member by marriage, and freed by Andrew Miller in June 1859. It appears Camel immediately took a job at the Roulette home where she stayed the rest of her life, the website states.
Camel was a member of both Tolson’s Chapel, to which she donated a large Bible, and to Manor Church, a Dunker church north of Sharpsburg in whose cemetery she was buried, the website states. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/historic-chapel-school-designated-historic-landmark/2022/06/11/ae379dd2-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html | 2022-06-11T13:41:18 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/historic-chapel-school-designated-historic-landmark/2022/06/11/ae379dd2-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |
ROANOKE, Va. — Donat Jean was in tears as he ended his first day of middle school in the United States at the principal’s office.
It turned out that the new student’s name had not been added to the bus list. School officials tried to reach his parents as the 12-year-old boy waited in the office. Time ticked by, and he began to cry. Donat was just beginning to learn English.
Ashley Cayton, his English learner (EL) teacher, sat with him.
“As a sixth-grader, (missing the bus) probably would have made me cry alone,” Cayton said later. “But I, also, in sixth grade had enough English to communicate with people to fully understand that you’re OK.”
Cayton explained the situation to Donat, telling him that he would make it home safely, but she did not know how much the boy understood about what was going on.
“To him, there’s just a big problem,” she said.
Donat was unfamiliar with buses. Just a year earlier, he was walking to school in the Tanzanian refugee camp where his family lived. He was born in the camp, years after his parents fled civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Donat, who speaks Swahili and can understand his parents’ native Bembe tribe language, had only begun to learn English since he moved to Roanoke with his family in March 2021.
On that first fall day, a network of helpers sprang into action while the buses began to depart. Donat’s mom was at work, but school librarian assistant Madhu Chibbber — a Liberian who speaks Swahili — explained to Donat that an adult would drive him home.
That driver was Corey Allder, Roanoke City Public Schools supervisor of English learner and world language programs.
“Sometimes it feels like almost half of the job is outside of the job descriptions,” Allder said, referring to the library assistant who helped Donat calm down. “She did not wake up that morning thinking she was going to do that, but she was so happy to do it.”
Building the capacity for all teachers to help serve EL students is a main goal, said Allder, who has been in the position since the 2012-13 school year.
Roanoke has more than 1,630 students eligible for EL services, which is nearly 12% of about 14,000 students in the division, according to data from May provided by the city school system. The number of EL students has grown by 50% over the past nine years. With that increase the number of teachers and the amount of government funding allocated for English learning have grown, as well.
Some of the rise in EL students can be attributed to refugee resettlement in the Roanoke area, according to Katie Hedrick, bilingual support specialist with Roanoke’s city government.
“We’re one of only three cities in Virginia with refugee resettlement organizations,” Hedrick wrote in an email to The Roanoke Times. “And the number of refugees admitted has grown with both the upheaval in Afghanistan and the change in federal administration. Additionally, Roanoke is a fairly small city with accessible public transportation, affordable cost of living, and is centrally located within the state. We have also seen that once there is a concentration of families from one cultural or language group, more families are attracted to it because of the familiarity and sense of community.”
Hedrick took the position with the city last year as a result of her efforts to build a language access program for area residents. “We’re hoping to leverage that to benefit students and families in the schools,” she wrote.
To support the growing EL population, the school division has worked with partner agencies including Commonwealth Catholic Charities, a nonprofit that helps refugees resettle in Virginia, to provide refugee liaison positions and translators.
As the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan last summer, CCC notified Allder that the school system could expect an increased enrollment of students from Afghanistan.
Allder partnered with refugee liaisons at CCC, training faculty to work with incoming students.
“Presenters from RCPS and CCC provided cultural and linguistic background information and engaged participants in a dialogue to build our division’s capacity to serve these new students and their families,” according to information the school system provided.
The number that CCC helped resettle has more than doubled in the past three years. There were 92 in 2019, and 199 so far in the 2021-22 fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
“For many years, Commonwealth Catholic Charities has supported refugees who are escaping violence, war, and persecution in their home countries,” Marnie Mills, the mission advancement associate with CCC wrote in an emailed response to questions.
“We are proud to help them as they start over in Virginia. The Roanoke Valley is a warm and welcoming community, and we are incredibly thankful for the continued generosity and support that our neighbors show to the refugee population here. Since 2019, CCC has assisted 438 refugees to resettle in the Roanoke area.”
Roanoke schools’ students combined speak more than 70 languages. Spanish is predominant, spoken by almost 70% of EL students. Dari, one of the most widely spoken languages in Afghanistan, is next at 5%, with Nepali at 4%. Swahili, the language of students who are primarily from Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, is spoken by 3% of English learners.
“When a student comes in, they have to feel welcome and comfortable and go through some certain phases of not only language acquisition, but also just social adjustment,” Allder said.
“The goal for our kids is to develop English proficiency and the content knowledge that all other students are learning simultaneously. And it does happen.”
Donat, who had the tumultuous end to his first day of school, lives in the Woodrow Wilson Middle School attendance zone in southwest Roanoke, but he attends John P. Fishwick Middle School, three miles away. At Fishwick, the division offers EL services for students who recently arrived in Roanoke and are at beginner-level English proficiency.
Problems can happen with the bus system on the first day of school, especially for EL students who are zoned for different schools. The school division’s transportation office worked with the school to create a new bus stop for Donat. A few mornings later, as the sun rose, Allder waited at Memorial Avenue with Donat, just to make sure everything went smoothly.
Feeling welcome in Roanoke
On a chilly Saturday afternoon in February, Donat played games on his phone while in his family’s living room. Nursery rhymes from the American children’s show “CoComelon” played on the television. His sister Mertha’s eyes were closed as their mother moved her fingers under and upward in a continuous motion through the girl’s dark curly hair. Every few moments, Mertha opened her eyes and smiled at her siblings and cousins as they ran around playing in their Roanoke home.
In Africa, the children’s mother, Mwasi Binge, 29, would braid her daughters’ hair twice a week, to keep it looking neat and fresh. In America, where she and her husband both work full time jobs, once a week has to do, though she would prefer to stay home with their five children.
Her husband, Mwenebyake Alebelebe, 34, works nights so he can care for their younger children, Pier, 2, and Meshak, 4, during the day.
“I chose to do this so that during the day I can deal with their appointments since their mother’s English is limited,” he said through a translator, “I can struggle and make people understand what I’m saying in English.”
Alebelebe cuts door frames at Ply Gem in Rocky Mount. Binge sews handbags in Roanoke.
Mertha cringed a bit as her mother braided close, but not too tight, to her scalp. Binge smiled and kept focus as the soft window light touched her cheeks. “They usually fall asleep when I braid their hair. They are relaxed and they are having a nice time,” Binge said.
“When you’re making the hair you don’t make it too tight at the roots.”
The couple speaks in Swahili. Susan Wilhelm, a translator with Commonwealth Catholic Charities, translated to English.
When the family arrived in Roanoke a little more than a year ago, Mertha Mwenebyake, 6, and her sister, Teelecha Mwenebyake, 7 — like their brother, Donat Jean — did not speak or understand English. The girls have their father’s first name as their last name. Donat has his grandfather’s name as his last name. In the Bembe culture parents choose a last name for their children.
“Previously they were saying that the teacher is talking and they don’t understand what the teacher is saying, and so now they don’t say that anymore which means they understand what the teacher is saying,” Alebelebe said about his children.
Alebelebe and Binge lived very different lives when they were their children’s age.
At age 8, Alebelebe watched men with guns invade his family’s small fishing village located along Lake Tanganyika, in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He remembers being scared and running to hide with his mother. It was 1996.
As Civil War engulfed the DRC, Binge and her family fled the country when she was 3. Her only memories from Africa are the years spent in a refugee camp in Tanzania. The couple met at the camp in 2008 and married the following year.
They lived there 26 years, before the International Organization for Migration sent them to Roanoke.
The parents speak Kibembe, which is their Congolese Bembe tribal language, and Swahili, Tanzania’s national language. They speak some French, the DRC’s official language, and Lingala, one of the many native Congolese languages.
Learning English is important to Alebelebe and Binge and they hope to progress along with their children.
The couple attended English classes at Blue Ridge Literacy in Roanoke, an organization that provides language skills for adults in Western Virginia. They stopped going in order to work full time and take care of their children.
They now use Google Translate to help them communicate and study English using various language-learning apps on their phones.
Alebelebe said his family has felt welcome in Roanoke.
“Here we’ve come as refugees, but how we’ve been received here we don’t feel like refugees,” Alebelebe said. “Initially you know first you would see a white or Caucasian person and you will have so much fear because that is something so foreign … but we have come here to speak with you. We eat with you. We work together. We live well together.”
He worked in construction in Tanzania, but said refugees there were not given freedom to own things such as a car or a bike and they had very little food.
Alebelebe was somewhat concerned about coming to the United States. “I heard people here would look down on us because we’re from Africa and we talk differently,” he said, “but then I came here and I discovered there were many of us who don’t speak English.”
War has been a primary reason that refugees have left their homelands.
The family resettled from the Nyarugusu Camp, which opened in November 1996 to host people fleeing the ongoing civil war in DRC, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.
The agency reported that in 2018 the camp hosted 153,024 refugees and was in the process of resettling Congolese who arrived in Tanzania between 1994 and 2005.
The organization also published a 2013 report that described the camp’s poor living conditions.
“The mission reported insufficient infrastructure in primary schools, specifically referring to a lack of furniture, a laboratory or a library, and the use of pit latrines. There are limited opportunities for higher learning after secondary education,” according to the report.
Alebelebe recalled the camp’s strict regulations.
“Eight o’clock, everybody has to be asleep,” he said. “No walking around, not doing anything. If you’re arrested outside, you’re going to be beaten (with) a lot of strokes.”
The report also stated: “There are considerable risks to refugees who leave the designated area. The risk of rape, exploitation, and conflict with local communities is present.”
The children enjoyed school in the refugee camp, but hunger made it hard for them to learn and focus. The availability of food in American schools has improved his children’s ability to learn, Alebelebe said.
“Here you go to school for maybe eight hours and there is food,” he said. “Sometimes when they come home from school, they don’t even want food.”
The children have their favorites.
“I like apples and bananas,” Teelecha said.
“My favorite food is gummy bears,” Mertha said.
The parents are wary about their children’s access to sugar in the United States. They would prefer only fresh foods for them.
Learning in practice
The sisters’ hands shot upward with excitement.
“Me, me” they said, each wanting the first chance to describe a photo.
A group of four level-one English learners gathered around a horseshoe-shaped table with their EL teacher, Casey Redd, in a small, EL-specific classroom at Virginia Heights Elementary School. A screen showed a pug dog wrapped in a blanket, sitting on a trail in the woods. Redd called on Mertha and asked her to say what she saw in the picture.
“A dog,” Mertha said.
Doing what?
“Blanket and a tree.”
What do you think that dog is thinking?
“He’s cold.”
“For the newcomers,” Redd said, “it’s really helpful to pull them out (of class) for those 30 minutes, or however many minutes you have, to really focus on learning English and practicing it because they don’t always have time or feel comfortable and confident to speak English in the classroom. It sort of gives them a little safe bubble to learn and to practice, and then go back to the classroom.”
Redd was a general education teacher for eight years at Virginia Heights Elementary School and was already used to working with EL students in her classes. Last year she saw a flier promoting EL certification. It’s part of a program encouraging professional development for classroom teachers who wish to help serve EL students — a goal that city EL supervisor Allder sought to attain.
Redd liked the idea of working in smaller groups, so she took the eight-week class, passed the test and this year became an EL teacher at Virginia Heights.
She said that it’s a challenge for a general education teacher to find time to work closely with the EL students.
“You have so many other students and so many other subjects to teach, you can’t be as dedicated to work on the language piece. You’re still trying to teach them science, math, reading all the things,” Redd said. “But as an EL teacher, your main job is to support their English learning.”
She said she has seen tremendous growth in the sisters.
Teelecha sometimes slept during class at the beginning of the school year. But now she is anxious to participate.
“This has been a humongous change in this child’s life,” Redd said. “They’ve left everything they know. You have to give them that space to just take it in. It’s very exhausting to their brains to be hearing a different language they don’t know, all day long.”
Redd began to see Teelecha’s confidence and comfort level pick up in late fall.
“I think listening is kind of the first skill that they get, they can understand a lot by hearing,” Redd said. “But having the confidence to say something in English, I think took a little bit longer for her.”
The sisters wore matching shirts adorned with a young girl dressed in pink and blowing a kiss alongside letters written in blue cursive that said, “Always and forever.”
They laughed freely at the images of unexpected juxtapositions on the screen.
Mertha jumped up and ran to the screen that showed an image of animals sitting around a table drinking coffee.
“A duck,” Mertha exclaimed, pointing to three yellow ducklings walking across the table.
“She is such a little free spirit, kind of spunky, in a good way,” Redd said of Mertha. “So for her, she was never shy. She has adjusted well to classroom rules and procedures and kind of how we behave at school in America and things like that.”
Mertha is showing more confidence in speaking, her teacher said.
“She’ll say things unprompted. Like she’ll say, ‘Oh, Mrs. Redd, I really like your hair,’ ” Redd said. “Which I think is huge. It’s not academic but it’s great. It’s kind of a milestone, because she did it on her own.”
Redd stays in close contact with her students’ family members and guardians, and she likes that many of them feel comfortable asking for help with such things as getting their children eyeglasses or accessing food donations.
Over the past 10 years, the division has maintained a lower student-per-EL teacher ratio than required by the state, allowing them to focus more attention on their students. Currently, Roanoke schools employ 32 full-time EL teachers, two more than the state requirement for a division of Roanoke’s size.
“That’s been vital, because that’s been instrumental in some of our success,” Allder said. “It’s not just about the ratio. We’ve been able to do things more specialized and more specific to our student needs, because we’ve always had more staffing than what was required by the state.”
One way the system addresses specific needs involves Donat attending Fishwick Middle School, where services for beginning English learners are consolidated for the middle school students. Teachers do not have to visit multiple schools. At Woodrow Wilson Middle School, services are in place for more advanced English learners who do not need so many daily support services.
The division administers tests to students at the beginning of the year, to identify who is eligible for EL services. Then a state standard test is given yearly to measure English language proficiency.
“In Virginia, students are eligible to receive services until they reach a threshold score of 4.4 on a six-point scale. Once they reach the threshold score, they are still monitored for four years,” according to a school division statement.
Recovering lost learning
Donat bit into a treat he’d never tasted before.
“Was it crunchy?” Cayton asked. Donat nodded his head. Yes.
“Was it sweet?” Another nod.
The group of sixth-graders made s’mores in an after-school program for English learners at Fishwick Middle School.
Teacher Teresa Martin brought in her portable s’mores-making oven, as students used the treats as a learning opportunity.
The week before, she and Cayton covered sequence words with the English learners, and now the students put their knowledge to work.
First, you place a graham cracker, the children were instructed. Next, you add chocolate, then you add a marshmallow.
“Finally, you can enjoy it,” Cayton said.
The program, which takes place every Monday during the school year, helps meet the needs of EL students at Fishwick, some of whom struggled during the pandemic.
Virtual instruction was a challenge for some families, such as Alebelebe, Donat’s dad, who said he was not familiar with using a computer.
“External pressure on families was also a challenge — some parents/guardians were unable to work or had severely limited hours and that led some older students to seek employment to help support their families,” the school division said in a written statement.
Returning to classrooms in fall 2020 helped EL students overcome barriers they experienced during virtual learning.
In-person instruction is particularly important for students learning English because they learn from visuals, body language and other non-verbal communication, the school division said in its statement.
While after-school tutoring has been available for students in the past, all funding for the program now comes from one of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Unfinished Learning (ESSER II) grants, which were passed by Congress as part of COVID-19 pandemic aid in 2020. Funding will continue through September 2023.
“With the expanded needs due to the pandemic, it has been extremely beneficial to have the new grants to help meet those needs,” Allder said about the Unfinished Learning grants.
The program, which draws as many as 70 students, helps reinforce what is taught during the day.
Allder was an EL teacher for four years at William Fleming High School, starting in 2008. Through conversations with general education teachers there, he came to recognize the need for such programs. He started an after-school program for English learners at Fleming in 2009, intending to help with both academics and engagement.
“If you came from a refugee background, or limited or interrupted schooling, you really need someone to take the time to lay the foundation with language and just content basics,” Allder said.
The school system receives federal money to cover many costs of English language instruction.
Additional funding comes through Title I, which helps schools with high percentages of minority students and children from low-income families.
After-school programs, summer programs and professional learning for teachers are part of Allder’s agenda, as he tries to level the playing field for English learners. He thinks of his own children, who know English and whose parents are teachers, and he wants children coming from elsewhere to have a starting point closer to theirs.
“What we were trying to do is move the line of scrimmage, like a football analogy: You don’t want to start from your own goal line and try to go 100 yards,” he said.
Student faces light up with recognition when Allder visits the EL afterschool programs. Some run over to say hello. They see him not only when he substitute teaches or helps with afterschool programs, but when he makes home visits.
During the height of the pandemic, Allder went to students’ homes, delivering meal kits and books that the school, volunteer organizations, churches and community groups had provided.
Recently, he visited homes where there are concerns about kids dropping out. Karina Altamirano, a bilingual assistant, joined him.
“We tried to make phone calls, but numbers change a lot,” Allder said. “It’s a lack of stability sometimes and being able to pay cellphone bills.”
The two educators talked to parents or students about what the school division could do differently to help the student re-engage with their high schools experience and get their diplomas.
“What advice do you have for us to welcome your beautiful family?” he asked Alebelebe during a home visit.
“Continue to show the love and support like you have shown me,” Alebelebe answered, through a translator.
Alebelebe said the teachers reaching out to him in Swahili helped make his family feel welcome. The division’s teachers use an app called TalkingPoints, which translates English to languages including Swahili.
“I think they have a lot of love because they want me to understand what is going on,” Alebelebe said.
Mertha and Teelecha burst into their home and ran upstairs, where they threw their backpacks on the bed after school.
When asked how school was, Mertha said, “It’s good. I learned to eat and play outside and work.”
She opened her backpack, pulled out a book and brought it downstairs to the family room where her father, siblings and cousins, who also live there, had gathered.
Mertha knelt on the floor and spooned her body over the book, “Zombelina School Days,” by Kristyn Crow. Her younger siblings peeked over her shoulder. Mertha opened the book and slowly and cautiously pronounced the letters as she read. She made it a couple pages in, but the other children wanted to go outside.
“Let’s play tag,” Teelecha exclaimed.
Donat looked out from the backyard balcony as his four younger siblings and two cousins ran and rolled in tall green grass, plucking dandelion flowers and blowing on seeds that parachuted into the wind. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/newly-arrived-students-learn-english-new-culture/2022/06/11/b8f2f2a8-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html | 2022-06-11T13:41:24 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/newly-arrived-students-learn-english-new-culture/2022/06/11/b8f2f2a8-e986-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |
ATLANTA — The development agency that oversees the Atlanta BeltLine said this week that it has already surpassed its annual affordable housing goal through April.
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) said in a release that, through the first four months of the year, 373 affordable units had been created or preserved within the BeltLine Tax Allocation District - generally, the areas right around the BeltLine.
ABI said its total goal for the year had been 320 units.
"While not a housing agency, ABI works closely with multiple partners to achieve affordable housing goals and provides capital to development projects that create affordable housing and commercial affordability within the BeltLine (Tax Allocation District)," the agency noted in its release.
ABI said that it can administer up to $2 million per development out of the Atlanta BeltLine Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing goals. The agency also cited Atlanta's Inclusionary Zoning ordinances for the affordable housing push, saying they require "multi-family residential developers to set aside a certain number rental units for renters making 60-80 percent of our Area Median Income."
"Since then, with 35 projects either completed, under construction or in development in those zones, the inclusionary zoning ordinance has currently generated 781 affordable housing units, according to data from Atlanta’s Office of Housing and Community Development," ABI said. "And of these 35 developments, all but three are in BeltLine overlay districts."
The agency highlighted three developments that contributed to affordable housing growth this year:
- Skyline Apartments, which broke ground in March near the Southside Trail in Peoplestown and which, according to ABI, will contain 250 affordable units. It received a $2 million contribution out of the BeltLine's affordable housing trust fund.
- 55 Milton, which opened in May in Peoplestown. It also received a $2 million contribution out of the trust fund and ABI said it contains 156 affordable units.
- Parkside, which opened in June in Bankhead with all 182 units slated for affordable rates.
ABI also provided a list of market-rate developments that include some affordable units to comply with the Inclusionary Zoning requirements:
- Link Apartments (730 Glenwood Ave, NE): 38 affordable units at 80% AMI
- The Maverick, Phase I (72 Milton Ave, SE): 48 affordable units at 80% AMI
- The Maverick, Phase II (72 Milton Ave, SE): 17 affordable units at 80% AMI (under construction)
- The Skylark (1099 Boulevard, SE): 48 affordable units at 80% AMI
- Alton East (777 Memorial Drive #7000): 38 units at 80% AMI
- Aspire Westside (900 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd): 26 units at 80% AMI
- Verge Apartments (125 Milton Ave): 47 units at 80% AMI (under construction)
- Novel West Midtown (1330 Fairmont Ave): 34 units at 60% AMI (under construction)
- Fairfield Piedmont (1944 Piedmont Ave): 59 units at 60% AMI (under construction) | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-beltline-affordable-housing-update/85-65db21be-5d23-4267-bc76-1f5466d01873 | 2022-06-11T13:43:37 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-beltline-affordable-housing-update/85-65db21be-5d23-4267-bc76-1f5466d01873 |
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The City of South Fulton Police Department is adding another high-tech tool to its toolbox to improve public safety and crack own on crime.
Officers are trained to become drone pilots and use the cutting-edge technology.
South Fulton is using this new drone technology in several ways. One use is finding criminals, children, or those with Alzheimer’s through thermal imagery.
“We're getting into the 21st century policing," South Fulton Police Lt. Charles Cook said.
With that 21st century policing comes a high-tech way to have more eyes in the sky.
“We have 6 pilots, so we have 6 drones," Cook said. "One of the things that drone can do is actually can respond to a scene quicker than an officer could, which eliminates your response time. It can help eliminate sending an officer to a call.”
The thermal imaging can be used to detect different heat sources in various situations.
“It could be used to help fire looking for hot spots in a fire situation," Cook said. "You can use the thermal imagery to pick up the heat source off that, whether it be an object, a person, a vehicle, whatever the case may be.”
“The more advanced we get, the more incidents we can probably prevent like the wrong person doing the wrong thing. The drones are probably good, a little intrusive probably as well, but it is what it is. It’s the day we live in, right?” South Fulton Resident Craig Davis said.
Another use for the drone is through the speaker on top of it.
“It's able to make entries into a house, has ability to break gas, and the ability to push doors open. We have two-way communications so we can actually send it inside of a house and communicate with somebody," Cook said.
The Atlanta Police Department also uses drones. South Fulton Police will get their 7th drone to use in SWAT situations. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/south-fulton-police-using-thermal-imaging-drone-technology/85-5819c9a7-d2d6-4a3a-94f4-703562f471c9 | 2022-06-11T13:43:43 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/south-fulton-police-using-thermal-imaging-drone-technology/85-5819c9a7-d2d6-4a3a-94f4-703562f471c9 |
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade, a signature performance of self-expression for New Yorkers, will make its in-person return this summer after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
The parade, which has been dubbed the largest art procession in the United States since its start in 1983, is Coney Island's way to mark the unofficial start to the summer.
The coveted role of King Neptune has been given to NYC's one-time health commissioner and prominent figure during the pandemic response, Dr. Dave Chokshi.
Mx Justin Vivian Bond, Broadway performer and trans activist, was given the role of Queen Mermaid.
There's still time to register to walk in the parade and join the fun, beginning June 18 at 1 p.m. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/coney-island-mermaid-parade-makes-splashy-return-june-18/3729577/ | 2022-06-11T14:15:12 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/coney-island-mermaid-parade-makes-splashy-return-june-18/3729577/ |
Four houses suffered damage in a fire that spread from home to home Friday night in the Hamptons on Long Island.
Southampton Police said the fire broke out at about 10:20 p.m. in an unoccupied house in the Bridgehampton section of town and embers spread the blaze to two other nearby homes.
One house was destroyed and the other two suffered significant damage, police said. A fourth home suffered minor damage from the fire, police said.
Two of the homes were occupied, but all of the residents got out safely and no injuries were reported.
Sixteen fire departments responded to the blaze and firefighters remained at the scene on Saturday morning.
Copyright AP - Associated Press | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/large-fire-damages-four-homes-in-the-hamptons-ny-only/3730214/ | 2022-06-11T14:15:18 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/large-fire-damages-four-homes-in-the-hamptons-ny-only/3730214/ |
Strack & Van Til is celebrating the grand opening of its latest store in DeMotte.
The Highland-based supermarket chain bought Tysen’s Country Market for an undisclosed sum and converted it into a Strack & Van Til after expanding it in size. The renovations were extensive.
"Customers will not believe they are walking into the same store," Strack & Van Til Chief Operating Officer Dave Wilkinson said. "From floor to ceiling, wall to wall, everything has changed with many thousands of additional items to purchase throughout the store."
The grocery store is located at 325 N. Halleck St. in the DeMotte Shopping Plaza. Strack & Van Til expanded every department, with a particular focus on improving the deli, floral, seafood, dairy and beer and wine sections.
"The store underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation, including expanding the size of the store by 12,000 square feet," Wilkinson said.
Strack & Van Til's parent company, Highland-based Indiana Grocery Group, now operates 23 supermarkets across Northwest Indiana under the Strack & Van Til and Town & Country Market brand names. The largest locally grown supermarket chain in Northwest Indiana with roots that date back to 1929, it also recently bought the last remaining WiseWay in Winfield, which also is being converted into a Strack & Van Til.
Wilkinson said Strack & Van Til brought greater variety and selection to DeMotte, a town of about 3,800 residents in Jasper County. It added thousands of new products to the former Tysen's Country Market store it took over.
"There is no comparison from before and after the remodel," Wilkinson said.
Strack & Van Til is celebrating the grand opening with a number of festivities, including a sweepstakes where a local resident will win a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Burger King reopens this month; Buffalo Wild Wings closes, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Parlor; Lucky Hatchet and Sunset Grille opening
Reopening soon
You will soon again be able to have a flame-grilled Whopper your way.
The Burger King in Crown Point will at long last reopen its doors this month. The fast-food restaurant at 1137 N. Main St. just north of downtown closed nearly two years ago after a fire. It's now hiring as it ramps up to reopen.
Manager Denise Marie said it should finally come back in a few weeks.
Joseph S. Pete
'Middle of June'
"We are optimistic middle of June," she said. "Possibly sooner."
A fire broke out in the early morning hours in October 2020. The Burger King has been shuttered since then and has been one of the most inquired about businesses in the history of this retail column. Construction work was long-delayed but Burger King has done extensive renovation work to the restaurant building, including a new exterior and signage that's both more modern and a throwback.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed since fire in Oct. 2020
A grand opening ceremony is planned, Marie said.
Burger King, the perennial Pepsi to McDonald's Coke, the Avis to its Hertz, has burgers, fries... you already know this.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Buffalo Wilds Wings closed in Michigan City.
The chain sit-down restaurant at 5000 Franklin St. by the Meijer superstore served chicken wings with a wide variety of sauces and seasonings in a sports bar environment.
Joseph S. Pete
Multiple locations remain
The chain has multiple other Region locations, including Merrillville, Portage, Hammond, Schererville, LaPorte, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Lansing and Calumet City.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
After a long delay, SerenDIPity is going to bring something sweet to downtown Griffith.
Shari Nowatzke and Andres Hernandez have been working to open the ice cream parlor and doughnut shop at 120 N. Griffith Boulevard since signing a lease to take over a former hair salon last July. Nowatzke, a former Baskin Robbins employee whose friends own Bubbles Ice Cream Parlor in Michigan City, has always wanted to have an ice cream shop of her own.
"It's always been a dream of mine to own an ice cream store," she said. "Ice cream makes everything better. I don't even eat it that much. It's just a fun environment to work at."
SerenDIPity will serve Hershey's ice cream, both soft-serve and hard dip. It will have chocolate, vanilla and swirl soft serves and 24 varieties of hard dip like Blue Moon, Superman, Cookies and Cream, Rainbow Sherbet and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
SeredDIPity also will have Dole Pineapple Whip.
"My friends in Michigan City sell a ton of it," she said. "It's nostalgic because Disney has it. The state fair has it."
Joseph S. Pete
Customizable doughnuts
Customers also can order cake doughnuts, which are customizable. They can pick the frosting, topping and drizzling. Eventually, SerenDIPity plans to offer concessions like burgers, dogs, Polish sausages and walking tacos. It also will have paninis, Pepsi products and ice cream floats.
The 1,400-square-foot store seats 25 people and will have an icre cream-themed bench and picnic table out back. It also has a life-sized camel statute as its mascot.
"The co-owner Andre works the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater where someone left a camel backstage," she said. "It was there for a few years and then they asked him if he wanted it. He took it as kind of a joke, driving a life-sized camel on a trailer. We knew we had to make it part of the store. We came up with a whimsical name. I've always loved the word serendipity. So we named the camel Mr. Dipity. We have a few items named after him, including a sundae that uses a cut-in-half donut instead of a banana. We call our little pup cup the Snoop Dipity Dog."
They decided to open in Griffith because they liked the town and all the growth downtown.
"We saw an empty corner spot," she said. "We love Griffith. I live three miles from Griffith. It's such a great community, one that patronizes locally owned places. That's not even mentioning all the festivals and markets."
Joseph S. Pete
'Who doesn't like ice cream?'
It's a family-run business where several family members work. It will employ around 20 overall.
The owners plan to focus on a single location but plan to eventually roll out a food truck.
"Who doesn't like ice cream, right?" she said. "We designed it to have a very whimsical feel. It's a fun place to bring kids they can take pictures with Mr. Dipity."
SerenDIPity will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
For more information, call 219-237-2372 or find SerenDIPity on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
The Lucky Hatchet in Michigan City has added a retro arcade section and expanded to a second location in Granger.
The ax-throwing and entertainment venue opened a few years ago at 2050 E. U.S. 20 in Michigan City. It recently added vintage arcade consoles like Ms. Pac Man, Donkey Kong and X-Men Vs. Street Fighter. It also added a large gaming section with board games like Settlers of Catan.
"These are our loves. We're big nerds," said Brandon Rector, one of the owners.
The business has boomed since opening about a half year before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
"It's an evening of super cheap fun and good times," he said.
Joseph S. Pete
Retro arcade games
The Lucky Hatchet is now opening a second location in a 4,600-square-foot space in a shopping center where TopGolf was located. It will offer hatchet, throwing, old-school video games and classic board games.
“We wanted to bring something for everyone to Granger Our gaming section will have arcade games like Pac-Man and The Simpsons as well as some of the old school Nintendo, Sega and GameCube games," said Jonah Stromer, one of the owners.
The second location will also include a full restaurant and a bar serving craft burgers, appetizers and beer. It's bigger and more immersive.
“We will have 13 total hatchet-throwing lanes that people can come and rent where everything is provided to them and throwing instructions are given in detail. We will have leagues running throughout the year as well as tournaments and our glow throw night is a can't-miss event that we do once a month," said Michael Domkowski, one of the owners.
It's now hiring for the Granger location. A grand opening is slated for June 10.
For more information, visit TheLuckyHatchet.com or TheLuckyHatchet@Gmail.com .
Joseph S. Pete
Open for the season
The Sunset Grille reopened for the season on the Washington Park beach in Michigan City.
It has a concession stand for beachgoers on the first floor and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Michigan on the second floor. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, Italian beef and ham and cheese sandwiches.
"It’s going to be the hottest place to be this summer," Manager Peter Djuvik said. "The sunsets are incredible."
Joseph S. Pete
Open through Labor Day
The Sunset Grill invested in improvements over the summer, including decorative wind sails and more lighting. It has a full bar with local craft beers like Zorn and Burn 'Em. It has live music on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
"It's one of the few places to eat on the beach," he said. "People just come to chill and relax and enjoy the sunsets. The view is beautiful. It's stunning. It's the best in the Region."
It's open 4-11 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
If you would like your business to be included in a future column, email joseph.pete@nwi.com .
Joseph S. Pete
The business news you need
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-celebrates-grand-opening-of-demotte-store/article_a258a001-d6f1-505d-9dc9-32a8b14596d3.html | 2022-06-11T14:24:20 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-celebrates-grand-opening-of-demotte-store/article_a258a001-d6f1-505d-9dc9-32a8b14596d3.html |
DALLAS (KDAF) — Get ready for a hot weekend ahead in North Texas! The National Weather Service center in Fort Worth says the heat index should be top of mind on Saturday and Sunday.
The center reports temperatures on Saturday will be in the upper 90s ranging up to near 105 degrees. Heat indexes vary throughout the region with the highest being in Greenville at 112 and Canton at 111.
A similar weather song will be played on Sunday with temperatures near 100 ranging up to 107; heat indexes aren’t expected to reach or go over 110 degrees in the region.
NWS Fort Worth says, “Exceptionally hot weather is expected this weekend. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s to near 107 degrees. Heat index values will be near 105 to 110 degrees or greater on Saturday, with heat index values reaching or exceeding 105 degrees for most locations on Sunday. Stay cool, and be diligent in practicing heat safety. Limit strenuous outdoor activities, if at all possible.”
You need to stay aware of the weather this weekend and keep yourself and others safe in the heat, “Proper heat safety will be key to preventing heat related illnesses this summer. Wear lightweight or light-colored clothing, drink plenty of water, take break in the shade or A/C and never leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Beat the heat, check the back seat!”
“Make sure you know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what you should do should these symptoms occur.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/how-hot-is-it-going-to-get-in-north-texas-this-weekend/ | 2022-06-11T14:27:00 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/how-hot-is-it-going-to-get-in-north-texas-this-weekend/ |
Mysteries of the wandering cactus unearthed: A Saguaro exposé
Business owners and their signmakers have a powerful botanical in their marketing toolbox. With some green paint, a modicum of skill, and a few quick brush strokes, they can convey a fabled region of the U.S. and its most popular cuisine to audiences around the world.
Potential customers outside the Southwest would likely be hard-pressed to name this giant green succulent. Yet, people around the globe are familiar with the visual representation of the saguaro, known to most as the "giant cactus." And this icon's connection to the American Southwest and Mexican food is solid.
'Top Chef' filmed in AZ:Why the Houston finale was filmed here, according to its showrunner
No other symbol has the power to instantly evoke the region or a plate of tacos by the mere shape of its outline. Many consider this celebrity cactus a living embodiment of the Southwest. How did a single symbol get to be so charismatic and powerful in our image-driven society?
The saguaro's notoriety begins with its physical stature. Called the monarch or sentinel of the desert, this massive succulent typically towers over the ecosystem it inhabits. Another physical characteristic that makes the saguaro especially noteworthy is its distinctive anthropomorphic form. Many people believe the saguaro most closely resembles Homo sapiens.
The anthropomorphic characterization of the saguaro includes more than just its form. Saguaro branches are "arms," while "ribs" are the plant's internal wooden supports. Shrubs and trees beneath which seeds of this cactus germinate are called "nurse plants."
The saguaro became one of the world's most recognized plants due to its appearance in countless Hollywood movies and television shows during the heyday of the Western.
Cartoons such as Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner imprinted the saguaro on generations of impressionable kids. The desert icon was so de rigueur to the scenery that specimens were often imported or fake saguaros constructed when scenes were shot outside the plant's natural range. This trickery enabled the film's landscape to achieve an authentic "Western look."
The saguaro is native only to northern Mexico and the Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona, where it thrives on rocky slopes with southern exposures. The plants' range to the north and east is halted by cold winter temperatures and the increased aridity in the California deserts to the west.
But, unrestricted by climate, its commercial brethren have migrated worldwide, which is a testament to how the towering saguaro has outstripped its native range. These extraordinary cactus have managed to unearth themselves from the Sonoran Desert to wander the nation and the world.
A wide variety of businesses, particularly Mexican restaurants, have adopted the saguaro symbol as part of their marketing. Saguaros grow on signs throughout the Southwest and the world.
The saguaro that is inevitably featured in the advertising realm has two upright arms as if the cactus is being robbed at gunpoint. The late University of Arizona art professor Warren Anderson humorously referred to these cartoon-image creations as "bandit victims" in his 1981 book, Vanishing Roadside America.
The saguaro of the advertising world has left something important behind, though. The plant has a difficult-to-pronounce name, which is seldom used by businesses outside its native range.
Elsewhere, the stately saguaro is more generically known as the giant cactus. Botanists refer to it by its scientific name, Carnegiea gigantean, after the philanthropist and patron of science, Andrew Carnegie.
Even native Arizonans haven’t always agreed on the spelling of this cactus' name. "Saguaro" is the most common version, followed by "sahuaro." Rarer versions include the perhaps unintentionally amusing "suhara cactus” found on some vintage postcards.
An interesting dichotomy emerges. While this botanical curiosity has virtually worldwide visual recognition, the saguaro's difficult-to-pronounce-and-spell name is mostly unknown. Outside the Sonoran Desert, the commercial magic is in the saguaro's profile; within its native range, the name articulates a sense of regional identity.
Douglas C. Towne is the editor of Arizona Contractor & Community magazine, arizcc.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-history/2022/06/11/iconic-saguaro-cactus-powerful-symbol/7552241001/ | 2022-06-11T14:40:05 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-history/2022/06/11/iconic-saguaro-cactus-powerful-symbol/7552241001/ |
‘He was truly, truly loved’: Community, friends mourn man who drowned in Tempe as police watched
Sean Bickings, the man who drowned at Tempe Town Lake while police watched, was described by his friends as a man who was loved by everyone who knew him.
“I thought he was like a long-lost brother,” Benjamin Jeffrey, one of Bickings' friends, told The Arizona Republic. “He’s a wonderful man, he’s got a lot of friends, everybody loves him. He’s just a big teddy bear guy.”
His death has put police protocol into question after officers who were watching from the bridge did nothing to rescue him.
More:'Not jumping in after you': Tempe Town Lake drowning spurs protocol investigation
Bickings, also known as 'Madrox', drowned late last month. Police released edited footage of the event shortly after, and the officers involved have been put on non-disciplinary administrative leave.
His death has spurred an outpour of support from the community and from activists who have criticized the officers' actions and deemed them as "indifferent" and "insensitive."
Bickings described as a leader, his loss has taken a toll
Katherine Kouvelas-Edick is the founder of Aris Foundation, a nonprofit focused on advocating for homeless adults in Arizona. She said Bickings was a leader in the Tempe unhoused community.
"He was a leader because of his kindness," she said. "He was truly, truly loved in this community. There's not one person that you would speak with who would have anything bad, negative to say about him."
She said Bickings' death has taken an emotional toll on the community.
"Everybody is very upset right now, and no one more so than the homeless community, they're suffering a huge loss," Kouvelas-Edick said. "I just wanna make sure that people know that this is not just a homeless person who died in the lake, this is a man who was truly, truly loved, and his life mattered."
Jeffrey used to be a member of the homeless community and met his friend Bickings in January 2018 after losing his home following a substance abuse relapse.
Jeffrey said living with Bickings made a difficult part of his life easier.
'Another community member has died':Residents, activists protest Tempe police inaction during Bickings drowning
"We supported one another, we basically were just like brothers on the street," Jeffrey said. "That's what made his passing so very difficult for me, and a lot of his friends, because we felt like we had lost a family member."
Jeffrey described Bickings as a smart, kind, and warm-hearted man who, even though he had almost nothing, would share all of what he did have with others.
“He was a very generous and giving person,” he said. “If he only had one t-shirt, he would take it off his back and give it to you.”
He listened to hard rock, metal, and punk rock. He liked to talk fast, and he had a way of making other people smile, Jeffrey said.
“He was real quick-witted," Jeffrey said. "He always had a joke, he always had a funny thing to say that would catch you off-guard and make you laugh. He was just a wonderful person all around."
Jeffrey said he lived with Bickings for more than three years until he got out of homelessness in August last year.
Even then, he would continue to see Bickings every Tuesday evening during weekly events organized by the Aris Foundation to serve meals to homeless people at Jaycee Park in Tempe.
Jeffrey said Bickings would talk about homelessness "being like an extended camping trip.”
He said Bickings would speak about wanting to find housing with his partner, but the warrants he had against him made it harder for him to access housing programs.
“He had a couple of warrants and he just wanted to figure out how to fix them," Jeffrey said. "We would try to tackle his problems and encourage him to do better, and it was starting to work, and then he died."
What we know about the drowning
Bickings drowned in the early morning of May 28 following an encounter with Tempe police.
Officers with the Tempe Police Department were called to the Tempe Center for the Arts at 700 W Rio Salado Parkway after receiving reports of a domestic fight.
Police found Bickings and a woman who said she was his wife. Officers interviewed them and ran a background check.
According to a City of Tempe statement released June 3, officers found three outstanding warrants on Bickings' records.
Edited video camera footage released to The Republic on Monday shows Bickings climbing over a fence and asking officers if he could "go for a swim."
After swimming about 30 yards, Bickings started telling police he was drowning and begged officers for help, according to a transcript of footage released to The Republic.
"Please help me. Please, please, please," Bickings told police. "I can't touch. Oh, God. Please help me. Help me."
The Tempe officers stood by and watched, telling Bickings they would "not jump in" to help him, the transcript shows.
Within the day of the drowning, police issued a statement saying a man ran and jumped over a fence and into Tempe Town Lake, just east of the pedestrian bridge. According to that release, officers maintained communication with the man and tried to get him to the bridge, but the man "was uncooperative" with rescue efforts.
'Please help me': Police union cites lack of training in response to man drowning as officers watched
The original police statement said police "immediately" started rescue efforts as police got on a boat and called units with Tempe Fire Medical and Rescue.
Local activists rejected the story, saying officers stood by and watched Bickings drown.
Since the release of the footage, the Tempe Officers Association, the police union for the department, described the drowning as a "human tragedy," but stated officers do not possess water-rescue training and lack equipment to perform water rescues without putting the officer at risk.
Bickings met with Tempe city officials two days before he drowned
On May 26, two days before he drowned, Bickings attended an event organized by the Aris Foundation and the city of Tempe where he met with city officials to discuss needs and solutions for the homeless community.
According to Kouvelas-Edick, one of the meeting's organizers, Bickings told officials about his warrants and asked if there was anything he could do to clear his records.
“He was making a concerted effort to better his situation,” Jeffrey said. “He had a lot of courage, being a homeless person, walking into a meeting with city officials and asking these questions and being a part of a very proper conversation.”
The meeting, held at the conference room at Westside Multi-Generational Center on 5th and Roosevelt streets in Tempe, was the third time city officials had opened up a conversation with homeless people to discuss solutions to community issues, according to Kouvelas-Edick.
Kouvelas-Edick said she took part in selecting the community members who attended, and that Bickings was invited as a leader because of his influence.
"Sean was an amazing young man," Kouvelas-Edick said. "He was just articulate and intelligent, and just bright, and he had had a rough time. It's not easy being homeless on the streets."
Asking the readers: Police didn't save a drowning man in Tempe Town Lake. Would you try?
Kouvelas-Edick also said Bickings came into the meeting a little late and there were no seats available, so Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, who was present at the meeting, gave Bickings his seat.
Woods spoke about Bickings at the start of a Tempe City Council meeting held on Thursday.
"I had the chance to meet him. He was a very, very nice man. We are very sorry for his loss and we mourn with his family and his friends,” Woods said as he called for a brief moment of silence, out of respect for Bickings.
Austin Davis, founder of AZ Hugs for the Houseless, also attended the May 26 meeting in which Bickings was present.
Davis spoke out at a protest that also served as a vigil for Bickings Thursday prior to the Tempe City Council meeting. He described him as an active member of the community.
“He was actively using his voice and working and being there in that space, trying to provide ideas and listen,” Davis said.
Davis said he got to know and work with Bickings through his organization over the last few years.
“I can tell you with complete certainty that in the time that I knew him, the kindness and care he showed those he loved and his community inspired me deeply,” Davis said. “He was just a wonderful, beautiful human being, and that deserves to be recognized.”
Republic reporters Miguel Torres, Sam Kmack, and Perry Vandell contributed to this article.
Reach breaking news reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda at lsepulveda@lavozarizona.com or on Twitter @lauradNews.
Support local journalism.Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/11/tempe-community-mourns-man-who-drowned-police-watched/7560700001/ | 2022-06-11T14:40:11 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/11/tempe-community-mourns-man-who-drowned-police-watched/7560700001/ |
NORMAL — The Carle BroMenn Service Auxiliary recently presented a $240,000 check to Carle BroMenn Medical Center to purchase surgical equipment.
The contribution was made possible by customers who shopped at the Carle BroMenn Resale Boutique in 2021, according to a news release from the hospital. Proceeds from the boutique go directly to high-priority clinical care needs and projects supporting patients, their families and the community.
The $240,000 will support the surgical unit in the purchase of an intraoperative ultrasound machine, which neurosurgeons use to remove brain tumors and urologists use when performing partial nephrectomies; and the purchase of a C arm, which is a portable X-ray machine used in the operation room to support a variety of procedures.
The Resale Boutique first began in 1950 and was called the White Elephant Shop, turning the process of selling goods into a way to improve health care services in the community. Sales from the boutique have helped to renovate and modernize the inpatient behavioral health unit, create a Simulation Lab in Acute Rehabilitation, enhance neonatology services and upgrade open heart surgery equipment. Due to efforts from the community, millions of dollars have gone back to the hospital to support enhanced clinical care.
The Carle BroMenn Resale Boutique, 1322-A S. Main St., Normal, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Visit carle.org/Giving/Ways-To-Give/Resale-Boutiques or call 309-556-7467 for more information.
Watch now: Relive the fun of the St. Jude Kentucky Derby Gala
Paul and Jackie Leahey enjoy the race
Marissa Uselton and Kim Schoenbein watch the derby
Gala Committee Members
Dancing the night away
Dan Adams
Karen DeAngelis and Tony DeAngelis, Cindy and Mark Segobiano, Barb and Dave Selzer
Tracy Patkunas, Kate Burcham
Christina Rogers with her amazing hats from Refine 309
Cindy Segobiano, Karen and Tony DeAngelis, Mark Segobiano
Thresa and Dave Schmitt
Suzi Nafziger, Kim Schoenbein
Josh and Sirena Brooks
Paul Leahey, Julie Dobski
Cheryl Magnuson, Cindy Segobiano, Julie Dobski, Katie Rife
Patty McBride, Katie Rife, Andrea Fallat
Dawn and Dave Urewicz
Vern McGinnis, Shirley Fonger
Sven and Dana Klauss
Tracy Patkunas, Kim Schoenbein, Kate Burcham
Laurel Kutash, Bruce and Carolyn Sutter, Lee Banham
Sarah and Michael Troman, Lori Troman, Steve Dubash
Adam and Alexa Buffington
Micki Mascha, Alexa Buffington
Trevor Curry, Adam Buffington
Karen Simnick, Susan Janasik
Gergely and Kyndra Bata
Tara Fleming, Dawn Mara
Kate Burcham, Tara Conklin
Peter and MaryEllen Falstad
Mary Bynum, Jhun Medina, Jackie Leahey
Bobby and Katie Reeder
Trever and Krista Kuipers
Marissa and Steve Uselton
Kevin and Michelle Rothwell, Shelley Mayberry-Pawlak
Laura and Tripper Phipps
Dr. Jason and McKenzi Dunn
Kristie and Stefanie Nelson
Tony and Jennifer Fleming, Debi Turner, David Page
Kelly and Jimmy Mapugay, Vivian and Redney Doctora
Vivian and Redney Doctora
Barry and Linda Slotky
Dr. Jack and Joan Capodice
Sarah and Scott Highfill
Naveen Miller
Melissa Isenburg-Tremper, Mark Tremper
Scott and Staci Riddle
Andi Whalen
Amanda Weissgerber Mellett
Susan and Dr. David Landess
Jeff and Julie Payne
Tim and Katie Norman
Beth and Bryan Caldwell
Nicole and Doug Barnett
Gary Strunk, Deb Smith
Trisha and Dr. Chad Tattini
Lara Combs, Jim Kroll
Jolene Aldus
Brian and Elizabeth Riddle
Elizabeth Riddle, Liz Riddle, Jessica Peterson
Narmin Nepomuceno, Sherina Karsan
Coleen and Charlie Moore
Carlos and Jennifer Bras
Brandon and Allison Beehmer
Trevor and Michelle Jurgelas, Marcie Miller, Seth Schumacher
April Steigerwald
Kate Burcham, Jill Libert, Tracy Patkunas
Christina Frye, Amit Chopra
Aimry Schieler, Shae Flairty
Gina Bianchi, Matt Kubsch
Justin and Amber Wilfley
Kari Henderson, Carol Carroll
Annie and Scott Swanson
Suzi Nafziger, Sam Hazleton
Cindy and Mark Segobiano
Kristin Kubsch, Jeff Flairty
Kristin Kubsch, Andrea Arduini
Jackie Leahey
Jan and Joe Francois
Ashley O’Leary
Jill Libert, Jonell Kehias, Kim Schoenbein, Annie Swanson
Mary Beth Lowery cheers on her horse
Kristie Nelson is excited
Ivan and Kim Schoenbein
Carlos and Jen Bras
Justin and Amber Wilfley
Annie Swanson, Kim Schoenbein, Andrea Arduini
Chef Melinda Cusick
Chef Thuan Nguyen
VisionPoint Eye Center guests
Mary Bynum, Kelly Mapugay, Jackie Leahey
Brad and Ronda Glenn
Barb and Dave Selzer
Christina Rogers, Connie Stanczak
Julie Dobski, Dawn and Dave Urewicz
Paul Leahey
Angela Donalson, Leah Wold, Todd Donalson
Kim Schoenbein, Karen DeAngelis
The crowd celebrates with streamers
Jonell Kehias, Melissa Isenburg Tremper, Christina Rogers
Evan and Lydia Nestel
Ketti Carter, Nephele Delis
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3240. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/carle-bromenn-medical-center-receives-240k-donation-for-surgical-equipment/article_c4fcdfb4-e828-11ec-8461-bf03a798e2a9.html | 2022-06-11T14:58:40 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/carle-bromenn-medical-center-receives-240k-donation-for-surgical-equipment/article_c4fcdfb4-e828-11ec-8461-bf03a798e2a9.html |
AUSTIN, Texas — A person is dead on Saturday morning after a crash in South Austin.
The crash happened around 2:20 a.m. on the southbound side of Interstate 35 near St. Edward’s University. An adult was pronounced dead on the scene.
The cause of the crash is not known at this time, but Austin-Travis County EMS said it was possibly a pedestrian that was struck. ATCEMS said “multiple incidents” occurred from approximately the 900 block to the 3500 block following that crash.
Around 3:20 a.m., motorists were asked to expect heavy delays and closures, as well as heavy presence of first responders and vehicles.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-crash-i35-st-edwards/269-707c15ad-f947-425f-b819-1256054fdb69 | 2022-06-11T15:26:58 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-crash-i35-st-edwards/269-707c15ad-f947-425f-b819-1256054fdb69 |
Vice President Kamala Harris talks gun control, economy at dinner for SC Democrats
During her keynote address at the South Carolina Democratic Party's 2022 Blue Palmetto Dinner, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the accomplishments of the Biden administration thus far, the current economic struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, and the ongoing fight for gun control.
"No 18-year-old should be able to buy a weapon of war," she said.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation this week hoping to accomplish that goal, but those bills will likely not pass in the Senate.
Gun safety:House votes to raise age to buy semi-automatic rifles after Uvalde, Buffalo families testify
Harris also referenced the recent mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket and the 2015 mass shooting at Charleston's Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, saying that older Americans should not fear going to the grocery store and church leaders should not fear welcoming strangers to bible study.
This year's Blue Palmetto Dinner, the first held in-person at the Columbia Convention Center since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, kicked off the South Carolina Democratic Party's Dem Weekend and honored former South Carolina governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley.
Harris commended Riley's work as a champion of education and diversity, saying that the Biden administration shares those same values.
She pointed to the administration's investment in historically Black colleges and universities across the country, saying that the federal government had given more than $112 million to HBCUs in South Carolina alone.
Previous reporting:President Joe Biden emphasizes investment in HBCUs during SC State commencement address
Pushing past the disparities:South Carolina's HBCUs are changing the narrative of their future
But the Vice President also acknowledged the current economic struggles.
"We have made progress," Harris said, "and we know people are still hurting."
Citing both supply chain shortages caused by the pandemic and what she called "Putin's war in Ukraine," Harris said she and President Joe Biden are using every tool at their disposal to help American families that are "feeling the pinch."
Harris blamed Republicans for these struggles and more, saying that since Biden has taken office, Republicans have refused to act on vital pieces of legislation that could have helped American families.
In response to Harris' visit, Republican National Convention Spokeswoman Savannah Viar said in a written statement that the Biden administration "could not be more out of touch with the American people."
"Inflation is up, real wages are down, and every day goods are becoming unattainably expensive," Viar said, "yet Kamala Harris is headed to Columbia for a fancy fundraiser."
Outside the convention center, a group of about 15 protested the event and Harris' appearance, waving Trump flags and other political signs.
Harris' appearance comes just a day after the first primetime hearing of the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Jan. 6 committee hearing schedule:Here's what we know about the upcoming Jan. 6 hearings
Harris said that far too many elected Republicans refuse to condemn the attack on the Capitol, which she said was an attack on the institutions and ideals that millions of Americans have fought for.
To end her keynote, Harris issued a call to action for all attendees.
"Everything we've discussed tonight is at stake," she said.
Harris urged the crowd to elect Democrats at all levels of government, saying that it was crucial to do so in order to keep making progress, both in South Carolina and beyond.
SC Democrats honor Dick Riley's work, legacy
After the Vice President's keynote, the focus shifted to honoring former Democratic governor and U.S Secretary of Education Dick Riley.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn was one of three speakers to commend Riley's work. Clyburn said the former governor continues to innovate, years after his time in office.
Before Riley spoke, he was introduced by his former Chief of Staff Dwight Drake followed by his Deputy Secretary of Education Frank Holleman. Both told stories of their time working with Riley and his progressive vision for both education and diversity.
"I felt like diversity is what we needed in South Carolina," Riley said of the work he did as governor.
He said that diversity is still crucial today.
Riley ended his speech by saying that there is still work to be done toward improving diversity and education access.
Tim Carlin covers county government, growth and development for The Greenville News. Follow him on Twitter @timcarlin_, and get in touch with him at TCarlin@gannett.com. You can support his work by subscribing to The Greenville News at greenvillenews.com/subscribe. | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/06/11/vice-president-kamala-harris-gun-control-economy-2022-blue-palmetto-dinner-south-carolina-democrats/10001288002/ | 2022-06-11T15:31:35 | 1 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/06/11/vice-president-kamala-harris-gun-control-economy-2022-blue-palmetto-dinner-south-carolina-democrats/10001288002/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/local/2022-philadelphia-flower-show-in-full-bloom/3268132/ | 2022-06-11T15:38:16 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/local/2022-philadelphia-flower-show-in-full-bloom/3268132/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Marine Corps on Friday identified Cpt. John Sax, from Placer County as one of the victims of an Osprey tiltrotor aircraft that crashed during training in the California desert Wednesday.
Capt. Sax is the son of former Los Angeles Dodger and five-time All Star Steve Sax.
Capt. Sax, a pilot was 33 years old.
Steve Sax said in a statement:
“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego.”
“For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.”
“Johnny Sax knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his Dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield. There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son! This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
John Sax served the Marine Corp for five years and eight months and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.
The U.S. Marine Corps identified the five servicemembers on Friday. The Marines died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon in the Southern California desert near Glamis in Imperial County.
All five Marines were based at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton.
Also killed were pilot Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire and three tiltrotor crew chiefs: Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois; Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
Steve Sax played baseball at high school in West Sacramento before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1978. He won two World Series with the Dodgers and made five All Star teams in his career. He also played for the White Sox, A's and Yankees.
WATCH MORE ABC10: Remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/john-sax-marine-helicopter-crash-steve-sax/103-12bbe103-e157-472a-965c-606489485416 | 2022-06-11T15:51:50 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/john-sax-marine-helicopter-crash-steve-sax/103-12bbe103-e157-472a-965c-606489485416 |
GLAMIS, Calif. — One of the five U.S. Marines killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed during a training flight near Glamis in Imperial County was identified on Friday as, Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B Pilot. Sax is also the the son of Steve Sax, 5x All Star, former Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A’s.
Steve Sax said in statement,
“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five (5) US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego” said Sax. “For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.” said Sax.
“Johnny Sax knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his Dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield. “There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son!” said Sax. “This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
John Sax served the Marine Corp for five years and eight months and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.
The U.S. Marine Corps identified the five servicemembers on Friday. The Marines died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon in the Southern California desert near Glamis in Imperial County.
All five marines were based at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
WATCH RELATED: Marine MV-22B Osprey crashes in Southern California desert. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 | 2022-06-11T15:51:57 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 |
Environmental groups are suing the U.S. government to stop insecticide spraying aimed at grasshoppers and Mormon crickets in 17 western states, including Oregon, California, Idaho and Wyoming.
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Portland-based Xerces Society have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service over the use of insecticide spraying on millions of acres of land.
The lawsuit focuses on Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, where there has been heavy spraying.
In 2021, Oregon had its worst outbreak of Mormon crickets and grasshoppers in 50 years with a record 10 million acres damaged, according to the state agriculture department.
The insects can have voracious and destructive appetites.
Erik Wenninger, a professor of entomology and extension specialist at the University of Idaho, said Mormon crickets and certain species of grasshoppers, while not the “most important pests of crops,” “can cause significant damage to crops grown in Idaho.”
Additionally, drought conditions can lead to outbreaks of the pests, which can “severely defoliate plants and decimate crop yields,” Wenninger said.
“Global climate change is making drought more widespread and severe in the West. Therefore, the threat posed by these pests to agricultural production in Idaho and the Western U.S. in general will almost certainly continue and increase,” Wenninger said.
Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets will feed on “hundreds of different plants,” with grasshoppers preferring grasses and Mormon crickets targeting broadleaves, according to Chanel Tewalt, Deputy Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
The lawsuit argues the federal agency failed to follow proper procedures and the spraying can hurt endangered wildlife and birds as well as other insects key to pollination and food chains.
“Over 80% of animals in rangelands are insects and they are the backbone of ecosystems; providing pollination, food for birds such as sage grouse and helping clean up waste from animals,” said Scott Black, executive director for the Xerces Society. “These broad-scale pesticide applications could have major negative impacts not only on the grasshoppers that are targeted but on wildlife broadly.”
The Oregon environmental and conservation group said government spraying programs — which rely on diflubenzuron — could hurt monarch butterflies, bee colonies and the greater sage grouse who eat grasshoppers.
Western lands are home as many 1,000 species of native bees essential to regional ecosystems.
Sage grouse populations are down 90% and runoff from insecticides can also adversely impact native fish, according to the groups. Diflubenzuron is also highly toxic to crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates, Wenninger said, which could lead to a “detrimental” trickle-down effect to animals that feed on those organisms.
“In APHIS‘s telling, its program magically affects only grasshoppers, and only as much as necessary,” said Andrew Missel, staff attorney at Advocates for the West, which is representing the groups in the federal lawsuit. “But that’s not how pesticides work; blanketing hundreds of thousands or even millions of acres of rangelands with broad-scale pesticides kills bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and other vital species, and threatens to further impair ecosystems already suffering from the effects of drought and climate change.”
A USDA spokesperson declined comment. “We do not comment on ongoing litigation,” the spokeswoman said.
The green groups said other insecticides approved by the feds for spraying include carbaryl, malathion and chlorantraniliprole.
The lawsuit was filed June 1 in U.S. District Court in Portland and challenges Biden administration spraying efforts.
There are more than 230 endangered species in the 17 states encompassing the spraying and legal challenge.
Those include yellow-billed cuckoos, black-footed ferrets, bull trout, Ute ladies’-tresses orchids, Oregon spotted frogs and Spalding’s catchflies.
In Oregon, the federal government is accepting bids to spray 30,000 acres of public lands.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is also accepting grant applications from farmers and ranchers to use diflubenzuron to curtail grasshoppers and Mormon crickets.
The Oregon Legislature allocated $4.6 million for insect mitigation after last year’s record damages. Farmers and other property owners can be reimbursed as much as 75% of those costs.
“This chemical is generally of low toxicity to humans, other mammals, birds, and honeybees,” the state agriculture agency said in a statement earlier his month. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/environmental-groups-sue-biden-administration-over-insecticide-spraying/article_95046c81-acf2-51ce-be5f-b012eabda71a.html | 2022-06-11T16:07:43 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/environmental-groups-sue-biden-administration-over-insecticide-spraying/article_95046c81-acf2-51ce-be5f-b012eabda71a.html |
Centier Bank has named a new assistant vice president of community relations.
Michael E. Schrage, chairman and CEO of Merrillville-based Centier Bank, appointed Dakita L. Jones to serve as assistant vice president and manager of the bank’s Community Relations division.
She first joined Centier Bank in 2003. She started at the Hoosier State's largest privately owned bank as a teller and was promoted to assistant branch manager in a year.
She became branch manager at Centier Bank’s Midtown Gary branch in 2008 and moved to the downtown Gary branch in 2015.
“I want to empower my colleagues to perpetuate our Servant Heart Culture at Centier,” Jones said. “I am excited to impact and enrich every community in which we serve across our footprint through philanthropic giving, volunteerism, and financial education. I love that my role allows me to connect to a purpose-built upon passion and perpetuity, connecting the heart of Centier to the hearts of others.”
Jones is a Purdue University alumnus who earned a Master of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and has worked for 20 years in business development. She's also served on the boards of several groups, leading fundraising and philanthropy efforts.
She for instance served on the boards of the Fuller Center for Housing Gary chapter and the Work Driven Strategies group in Merrillville. The Chesterton resident also volunteers for Junior Achievement of Northwest Indiana and Money Smart Financial Literacy Facilitator in Northwest Indiana.
“We are thrilled to have Dakita on the team,” Senior Vice President of Community Relations Anthony Contrucci said. “She has been an integral part of the Centier family for many years now, and I am proud to see her servant leadership take her to this area of the bank. I am proud to work alongside her and excited to see the wonderful changes she will bring.”
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Burger King reopens this month; Buffalo Wild Wings closes, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Parlor; Lucky Hatchet and Sunset Grille opening
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
The airport authority voted Wednesday to approve a separation agreement with Avports and its affiliate AFCO Gary, ending a "private-public partnership" that began to fanfare in 2014.
The new physicians that joined the Community Care Network, Inc. have specialties like allergy and immunology, anesthesia, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and radiation oncology. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/centier-names-new-vice-president-of-community-relations/article_8e680078-846d-5f1c-9259-0f4ab1880266.html | 2022-06-11T16:21:49 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/centier-names-new-vice-president-of-community-relations/article_8e680078-846d-5f1c-9259-0f4ab1880266.html |
MoviePass is dead, long live MoviePass.
The failed startup that allowed moviegoers to see several movies a month for a flat subscription fee has been replaced by a movie theater chain's own membership programs.
AMC, Regal and Cinemark all rolled out their own versions of the subscription service.
Cinemark, which operates the Cinemark at Valparaiso multiplex in the Porter's Vale shopping center in Valpo, recently reached the 1 million-member mark with its Cinemark Movie Club.
An average of 3,000 people per movie theater have signed up for the program, which costs $9.99 per month and covers a 2D ticket, additional tickets at $9.99 member prices, rollovers, 20% concession discounts and the ability to reserve seats and buy tickets in advance with no online fees.
Cinemark said guest satisfaction with the subscription program, which also has a platinum tier with more perks, has exceeded 90% in surveys.
“Cinemark developed Movie Club by listening closely to our movie fans, and we were the first exhibitor to launch an in-theater movie subscription offering in North America. Our unique program appeals to a broad range of moviegoers with rollover benefits and concession discounts that entice members to visit more frequently while boosting loyalty to Cinemark,” said Sean Gamble, Cinemark president and CEO. “Reaching the 1 million-member milestone reaffirms that our guests appreciate the exceptional benefits and incomparable value proposition that Movie Club membership provides.”
Cinemark Movie Club members have bought 80 million tickets and 23 million bags of popcorn so far.
Movie theaters have suffered during the coronavirus pandemic but have become more optimistic people are returning to the multiplexes for this summer blockbuster season after "Top Gun" grossed more than $600 million worldwide.
For more information, visit cinemark.com .
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Culver's, Cosmix Cereal + Ice Cream Mashup and Vita del Lago coming soon; It's My Party under new ownership
Coming soon
Culver's is going to serve up its famous butter burgers, cheese curds and custards in south Hammond soon.
The Terpstra family plans to open its sixth Culver's burger restaurant at 7905 Cabela’s Drive in Hammond on June 6. The fast food eatery, which emerged from Wisconsin and has been exploding in popularity, is located just off Indianapolis Boulevard just south of the Borman Expressway by the Cabela's and Walmart Supercenter.
Culver's founder Craig Culver will visit for an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 22.
"Our new restaurant will have 65 team members," franchise owner Fred Terpstra said. "It should draw from Hessville, south Hammond, Munster and people on the west side of Hammond. It should be a good restaurant."
The new Culver's also is expected to draw traffic from the busy interstate highway.
"We're going to have billboards on the interstate to attract traffic to get off the interstate," he said. "It should be a plus for south Hammond. There's also lots of traffic on Indianapolis Boulevard there — about 35,000 cars north and south a day. We've got a sign that's tall enough for people to see."
Joseph S. Pete
Opening June 6
Culver's is known for the slogan "Welcome to Delicious" and an Upper Midwestern menu that includes a lot of Wisconsin cheese and butter as well as a North American cod sandwich, a pork loin sandwich, a beef pot roast sandwich and a grilled Reuben melt.
The 4,200-square-foot restaurant will seat about 120 indoors and another 40 on the outdoor patio.
"That's required for all Culver's. They're popular in June, July and August," Terpstra said. "People come with their families, sit out there on the patio and enjoy their dinners."
The south Hammond location will have two drive-thrus to handle all the traffic.
"At first Culver's only really had a single drive-thru, but they changed their mind a little bit," he said. "The double drive-through capability will be helpful because it's situated in an area where 105,000 people live within five miles of that restaurant. We've been training staff for six months already so team members are ready when we open and it's nothing new."
Joseph S. Pete
Six Northwest Indiana locations
Culver's makes all its food fresh to order. When customers order, they're given a number and told to drive-up and wait for their food to be brought out to them to keep the line moving.
"Usually, from start to finish, when a guest comes in through the drive-thru it takes four or five minutes," Terpstra said. "Usually, it takes two minutes and 55 seconds to get their food."
Top sellers include butter burgers, cheeseburgers, cheese curds, onion rings and custards.
"About 22% of our business is just custard," Terpstra said. "We make it fresh eight or nine times a day. It tastes great. We get our dairy from Wisconsin, our burgers from Wisconsin and our buns from Wisconsin. The buns are delivered five times a week. They're always fresh and soft. You'll never get a bad bun from us. Our food is always fresh to order."
Joseph S. Pete
Butter burgers and cheese curds
The chain has been taking off in popularity, especially in the Midwest.
"It started in Wisconsin and now the state of Indiana has just about as many Culver's locations," Terpstra said. "It's a really good brand. Like the Terpstra name, it's associated with good service and honest. We believe in being honest and taking care of team members."
He opened his first Culver's franchise in 2006. Now he has six locations across the Calumet Region.
"The brand is really big. They now have 865 locations," he said. "I was just trying to do one to bring in a little bit of money. Never in my dreams did I think it would grow like this. Now I have family members from the next generation coming in to help run it. I don't have to work as much. It's a nice situation. The next generation is coming on and working hard."
He's looking to open another location in about a year.
"We're just really blessed," Terpstra said. "We're still busy. We're doing fine with good-volume restaurants because of God up above. It's a strong belief of our family that we owe it all to him."
The Hammond Culver's will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Cosmix Cereal + Ice Cream Mashup will cater to the public's sweet tooth in downtown Griffith.
The new business will share the old Twincade space at 106 N. Broad St. with True BBQ, which also has locations in Munster and Crown Point.
It's an ice cream shop and cereal bar where one will be able to customize a mix or order a specialty mix.
For more information, find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
New ownership
It's My Party, a long-running balloon store on U.S. 30 in Dyer, has new owners.
"Our family recently sold our beloved 13-year-old balloon shop in Dyer to two lovely couples," previous owner Amy Cullen said. "It’s My Party was the first balloon business in the Region. We opened in the fall of 2008. Many balloon shops have followed, but we are truly an original."
The business at 1514 Joliet St. offers balloon bouquets, balloon columns, balloon arches, balloon garlands and balloon art for all kinds of parties and special occasions.
Joseph S. Pete
'Staple in the community'
"Our mission has been to provide the best possible balloon experience and our business has grown leaps and bounds year after year," Cullen said. "Half of our customers on any given day are repeat clients and we have hundreds of people that we have served year after year for 13 years. It’s an amazing success story. It’s My Party serves many of the local businesses in the region like Hard Rock Casino, Albert's and Purdue University Northwest, and I believe we are a staple in the community."
Cullen is turning the business over to new owners Alicia Garrett and Michelle Bean Jabczynski.
Garrett was a customer for 12 years who went there last year to get a graduation gift for her daughter. Cullen asked her if she'd like to help out at the shop.
Joseph S. Pete
'You deliver one balloon cactus'
"You deliver one balloon cactus and then you become an owner at the store," she joked.
She worked with Jabczynski for 12 years at the Disney Store.
"My family knows and most of my friends know that celebrating life is my passion," Garrett said. "So I'm super-excited to be able to share that with everybody in the Region."
For more information, visit orderballoonsonline.com , call 219-322-7777 or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Relocated
Revolution Valparaiso moved to a new location at 5410 N. Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso.
It's an alternative merchandise store that sells vinyl records, clothes, smoking accessories, local art, blown glass art, incense, used books, home decor and detox products. It caters to "eccentric tastes."
It's the kind of place where one can find turntables, tie-dye scrunchies, hemp backpacks, gemstones and exotic oils.
For more information, call 219-464-2814 or find the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Che bello! One Italian restaurant leaves, another springs up to take its place.
The Taverna Tonelli space at 521 Franklin St. in downtown Michigan City won't stay vacant for long after the owners couldn't come to terms with the new building owners over a new lease.
A new Italian eatery, Vita del Lago, is moving in and planning to open soon not far from Michigan City's bustling Lake Michigan lakefront. The name translates in English to "Life of the Lake."
If you would like your business to be included in a future column, email joseph.pete@nwi.com .
Joseph S. Pete
WATCH NOW: Riding Shotgun with NWI Cops — Patrolling Lowell with Cpl. Aaron Crawford
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NWI Business Ins and Outs: Sonic, Royal Tea, Aldi, European Wax Center and Region Recovery opening
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Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/cinemark-movie-club-surpasses-1-million-members/article_9f81a49c-3bb2-5e0d-a648-302f048fcdde.html | 2022-06-11T16:21:55 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/cinemark-movie-club-surpasses-1-million-members/article_9f81a49c-3bb2-5e0d-a648-302f048fcdde.html |
U.S. steel mills shipped 7.62 million tons of steel in April, the most recent month for which data is available, according to Washington, D.C.-based trade association American Iron and Steel Institute.
That's a 2.7% decrease as compared to the 7.84 million tons shipped in April 2021 and a 2.6% decrease from the 7.83 million tons shipped the previous month.
Last year, steel mills in the United States shipped 94.71 million tons of steel, up 16.9% as compared to the 81 million tons of steel shipped the previous year.
So far this year, steel shipments have totaled 30.45 million, a 1.7% increase over the 29.95 million shipped during the first four months of last year.
Steel shipments are a key metric of the financial health of the steel industry, as they reflect the amount of steel actually sold to customers, such as automakers, appliance manufacturers, construction firms and service centers that process the steel for a wide variety of end uses.
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In the first four months of 2022, shipments of corrosion-resistant sheet and strip were unchanged, hot rolled sheet down 4%, and cold rolled sheet down 8%, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Steel prices fell after hot-rolled coil rose to more than $2,000 a ton last year but remain high relative to normal market conditions.
In the United States, the price of hot-rolled band recently fell 3% to $1,531 a ton and cold-rolled coil 4% to $1,929 a ton, according to the steel pricing website SteelBenchmarker. Standard plate fell 4% to $2,051 a ton. Shredded scrap fell 1% to $516 a ton, heavy melting scrap dropped 3% to $415 a ton and busheling scrap declined 1% to $678 a ton, reducing steelmakers' input costs. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/steel-shipments-fall-by-2-6/article_57e3f5cc-2c8f-53c9-bc21-3144bf868a42.html | 2022-06-11T16:22:01 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/steel-shipments-fall-by-2-6/article_57e3f5cc-2c8f-53c9-bc21-3144bf868a42.html |
The Diversey at AmeriPlex in Portage sold for $8.2 million to an undisclosed buyer from the West Coast in an all-cash purchase.
Greenstone Partners, a Chicago-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, brokered the sale of the newly built 52,798-square-foot Class-A flex-industrial building in the business park between Interstate 94 and the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.
Greenstone Partners’ managing partner Jason St. John represented the seller in the transaction.
“Indiana’s investment allure continues to rise with its low business costs with state income tax, worker’s compensation and unemployment costs all averaging 30% lower than those in Illinois,” said St. John.
South Bend-based Holladay Properties developed the property at 6340 Ameriplex Drive in Portage in the 385-acre business park about 30 miles from downtown Chicago.
Existing tenants of the Diversey building include Fagor Arrasate, Johnson Brothers, Shorebags and Dream Big Gymnastics.
“The sale of The Diversey at AmeriPlex exhibits the thriving industrial demand for this asset type, as shown by the property attaining full lease-up in less than 12 months of its construction completion. Industrial tenants seeking industrial space under 15,000 square feet, with 24-foot plus ceiling height and drive-in or recessed dock access to every space in Northwest Indiana are extremely limited,” St. John said.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Burger King reopens this month; Buffalo Wild Wings closes, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Parlor; Lucky Hatchet and Sunset Grille opening
Reopening soon
You will soon again be able to have a flame-grilled Whopper your way.
The Burger King in Crown Point will at long last reopen its doors this month. The fast-food restaurant at 1137 N. Main St. just north of downtown closed nearly two years ago after a fire. It's now hiring as it ramps up to reopen.
Manager Denise Marie said it should finally come back in a few weeks.
Joseph S. Pete
'Middle of June'
"We are optimistic middle of June," she said. "Possibly sooner."
A fire broke out in the early morning hours in October 2020. The Burger King has been shuttered since then and has been one of the most inquired about businesses in the history of this retail column. Construction work was long-delayed but Burger King has done extensive renovation work to the restaurant building, including a new exterior and signage that's both more modern and a throwback.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed since fire in Oct. 2020
A grand opening ceremony is planned, Marie said.
Burger King, the perennial Pepsi to McDonald's Coke, the Avis to its Hertz, has burgers, fries... you already know this.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Buffalo Wilds Wings closed in Michigan City.
The chain sit-down restaurant at 5000 Franklin St. by the Meijer superstore served chicken wings with a wide variety of sauces and seasonings in a sports bar environment.
Joseph S. Pete
Multiple locations remain
The chain has multiple other Region locations, including Merrillville, Portage, Hammond, Schererville, LaPorte, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Lansing and Calumet City.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
After a long delay, SerenDIPity is going to bring something sweet to downtown Griffith.
Shari Nowatzke and Andres Hernandez have been working to open the ice cream parlor and doughnut shop at 120 N. Griffith Boulevard since signing a lease to take over a former hair salon last July. Nowatzke, a former Baskin Robbins employee whose friends own Bubbles Ice Cream Parlor in Michigan City, has always wanted to have an ice cream shop of her own.
"It's always been a dream of mine to own an ice cream store," she said. "Ice cream makes everything better. I don't even eat it that much. It's just a fun environment to work at."
SerenDIPity will serve Hershey's ice cream, both soft-serve and hard dip. It will have chocolate, vanilla and swirl soft serves and 24 varieties of hard dip like Blue Moon, Superman, Cookies and Cream, Rainbow Sherbet and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
SeredDIPity also will have Dole Pineapple Whip.
"My friends in Michigan City sell a ton of it," she said. "It's nostalgic because Disney has it. The state fair has it."
Joseph S. Pete
Customizable doughnuts
Customers also can order cake doughnuts, which are customizable. They can pick the frosting, topping and drizzling. Eventually, SerenDIPity plans to offer concessions like burgers, dogs, Polish sausages and walking tacos. It also will have paninis, Pepsi products and ice cream floats.
The 1,400-square-foot store seats 25 people and will have an icre cream-themed bench and picnic table out back. It also has a life-sized camel statute as its mascot.
"The co-owner Andre works the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater where someone left a camel backstage," she said. "It was there for a few years and then they asked him if he wanted it. He took it as kind of a joke, driving a life-sized camel on a trailer. We knew we had to make it part of the store. We came up with a whimsical name. I've always loved the word serendipity. So we named the camel Mr. Dipity. We have a few items named after him, including a sundae that uses a cut-in-half donut instead of a banana. We call our little pup cup the Snoop Dipity Dog."
They decided to open in Griffith because they liked the town and all the growth downtown.
"We saw an empty corner spot," she said. "We love Griffith. I live three miles from Griffith. It's such a great community, one that patronizes locally owned places. That's not even mentioning all the festivals and markets."
Joseph S. Pete
'Who doesn't like ice cream?'
It's a family-run business where several family members work. It will employ around 20 overall.
The owners plan to focus on a single location but plan to eventually roll out a food truck.
"Who doesn't like ice cream, right?" she said. "We designed it to have a very whimsical feel. It's a fun place to bring kids they can take pictures with Mr. Dipity."
SerenDIPity will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
For more information, call 219-237-2372 or find SerenDIPity on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
The Lucky Hatchet in Michigan City has added a retro arcade section and expanded to a second location in Granger.
The ax-throwing and entertainment venue opened a few years ago at 2050 E. U.S. 20 in Michigan City. It recently added vintage arcade consoles like Ms. Pac Man, Donkey Kong and X-Men Vs. Street Fighter. It also added a large gaming section with board games like Settlers of Catan.
"These are our loves. We're big nerds," said Brandon Rector, one of the owners.
The business has boomed since opening about a half year before the coronavirus pandemic struck.
"It's an evening of super cheap fun and good times," he said.
Joseph S. Pete
Retro arcade games
The Lucky Hatchet is now opening a second location in a 4,600-square-foot space in a shopping center where TopGolf was located. It will offer hatchet, throwing, old-school video games and classic board games.
“We wanted to bring something for everyone to Granger Our gaming section will have arcade games like Pac-Man and The Simpsons as well as some of the old school Nintendo, Sega and GameCube games," said Jonah Stromer, one of the owners.
The second location will also include a full restaurant and a bar serving craft burgers, appetizers and beer. It's bigger and more immersive.
“We will have 13 total hatchet-throwing lanes that people can come and rent where everything is provided to them and throwing instructions are given in detail. We will have leagues running throughout the year as well as tournaments and our glow throw night is a can't-miss event that we do once a month," said Michael Domkowski, one of the owners.
It's now hiring for the Granger location. A grand opening is slated for June 10.
For more information, visit TheLuckyHatchet.com or TheLuckyHatchet@Gmail.com .
Joseph S. Pete
Open for the season
The Sunset Grille reopened for the season on the Washington Park beach in Michigan City.
It has a concession stand for beachgoers on the first floor and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Michigan on the second floor. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, Italian beef and ham and cheese sandwiches.
"It’s going to be the hottest place to be this summer," Manager Peter Djuvik said. "The sunsets are incredible."
Joseph S. Pete
Open through Labor Day
The Sunset Grill invested in improvements over the summer, including decorative wind sails and more lighting. It has a full bar with local craft beers like Zorn and Burn 'Em. It has live music on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
"It's one of the few places to eat on the beach," he said. "People just come to chill and relax and enjoy the sunsets. The view is beautiful. It's stunning. It's the best in the Region."
It's open 4-11 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
If you would like your business to be included in a future column, email joseph.pete@nwi.com .
Joseph S. Pete
The business news you need
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/the-diversey-at-ameriplex-in-portage-sells-for-8-2-million-to-west-coast-investor/article_e05c4592-1da0-5593-9500-ae71c5813bd3.html | 2022-06-11T16:22:07 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/the-diversey-at-ameriplex-in-portage-sells-for-8-2-million-to-west-coast-investor/article_e05c4592-1da0-5593-9500-ae71c5813bd3.html |
SAN ANTONIO — A man was found dead in his car after being shot in the face on the southwest side Friday night.
San Antonio Police responded to the 300 block of Whitewood Drive to the reports that a man had been shot. When police arrived, they found the victim in his car with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police said they are not sure why the man was shot, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect has not been identified and is currently at large, police say. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-found-dead-in-car-on-the-southwest-side-police-side-news/273-dc7b038d-ab16-4994-a9dd-18a84106d701 | 2022-06-11T16:23:13 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-found-dead-in-car-on-the-southwest-side-police-side-news/273-dc7b038d-ab16-4994-a9dd-18a84106d701 |
SAN ANTONIO — A mother and son were sent to the hospital after being shot in front of their east side home Friday night, officials say.
At 11:30 p.m., San Antonio Police and the San Antonio Fire Department responded to the 100 block of Nellina for a reported shooting.
Police say a vehicle drove up as the mother and her son were standing outside their home and started shooting.
The woman was hit multiple times by bullets in her lower back and the man was hit a bullet in his leg.
The woman was not responsive when police found her, and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The man was transported in stable condition.
Suspect information is limited at this time, but police say they are investigating this incident. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/mother-son-injured-after-being-shot-in-front-of-their-house/273-13142133-ffb3-4469-bf69-e27d55bcf4d4 | 2022-06-11T16:23:19 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/mother-son-injured-after-being-shot-in-front-of-their-house/273-13142133-ffb3-4469-bf69-e27d55bcf4d4 |
SAN ANTONIO — Looking for another place to get coffee on the north side? If so, you’re in luck. Summer Moon, an Austin-based coffee shop has opened a new location right here in San Antonio. This isn’t the first location here.
“We started being our own roaster a couple of years later. Then we came to San Antonio a little over five years ago --- our first location being at the St. Mary’s 281 tripoint location,” General Manager Dakotah Gettler. “And then we added two more. One in Leon Springs, the other in Alamo Ranch, and then now we have the Stone Oak one that just opened.”
There aren’t too many coffee shops to dabble in on the north side. So this location helped bridge the gap in the coffee shop desert.
“Well as most people know, this area hasn’t had much coffee. There’s not a whole lot of options in this area.” Gettler said. “So to bring some of our wood fire coffee in this area and give them more of an option. Not only to walk in, but also a drive through option. It’s a very fast-paced (and) as very tight knit community and we love being apart of it.”
So, how has the new location been received? The answer is great.
“Business has been awesome. This Stone Oak location has a great community around it that has just gotten behind us. We have multiple customers a day that come in and say how thankful they are that they don’t have to drive all the way to Leon Springs or downtown to get our coffee. They’re now coming in here,” Gettler said. “As you can tell, our décor makes it a very bright and energetic location for to come hang out, study, have a conversation and our baristas definitely stand behind that.”
Gettler added that this coffee shop has that cozy hometown coffee shop feel. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/popular-texas-based-coffee-shop-opens-location-in-san-antonio-latte/273-3fe51df0-e647-44f9-97c5-fd0fea1df15a | 2022-06-11T16:23:25 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/popular-texas-based-coffee-shop-opens-location-in-san-antonio-latte/273-3fe51df0-e647-44f9-97c5-fd0fea1df15a |
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.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 | 2022-06-11T16:23:31 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/judge-temporarily-blocks-texas-investigations-gender-affirming-care-trans-kids/269-f7c72103-6823-4f6b-a05e-3b2a826c1d09 |
The Oregon State University Extension Service’s is offering a wildfire training focused on issues relevant to agricultural producers and rural residents in Douglas County. Join them in Glide on Friday, June 17, for presentations (9 a.m. - noon) and afternoon field tours (1 - 4 p.m.)
Spring rains have been good for livestock forage, but a dry summer ahead promises more fire activity. This training will be an opportunity to meet frontline responders, learn about livestock evacuation procedures and discuss assistance programs for practices that reduce fire risk. Local residents who mobilized to respond to the Archie Creek Fire will have a chance to talk about lessons learned, and an afternoon field trip will take a look at some properties where the owners have been preparing for wildfire. For details and to register for this free training, go to : https://beav.es/wVS.
In addition, agricultural producers, livestock owners and rural residents in Douglas county can learn more through a separate online course, “Wildfire Preparedness in Agriculture,” which covers how to prepare an emergency action plan and fire prevention plan, steps to reduce the risk of fires caused by equipment, and designing fuelbreaks. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/extension-wildfire-training-to-focus-on-agricultural-producers/article_9f786f48-e75f-11ec-b78e-efdec85e721d.html | 2022-06-11T16:37:28 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/extension-wildfire-training-to-focus-on-agricultural-producers/article_9f786f48-e75f-11ec-b78e-efdec85e721d.html |
Multiple calls reporting shots fired near downtown Coos Bay on Sunday turned out to be no cause for concern.
Coos Bay police responded in an effort to find the location of the shots fired reports and apparently determined someone was target practicing on private property outside the city limits.
Police Chief Chris Chapanar said Monday he had received no reports on the incident, but he said discharging of firearms is illegal in the city under almost every circumstance.
"You can't discharge a firearm within the city limits on private property of public property," Chapanar said. "That actually extends to pellet guns, anything powered by a primer or by air."
The city of North Bend has a similar ordinance, making it illegal to shoot a gun inside the city, even on private property.
Chapanar said the city's ordinance related to firearms can be viewed on the city's website, but the bottom line is it is against city ordinance to shoot a gun in the city.
Chapanar said the police department gets very few calls related to guns being fired that turn out to be inside the city limits, but he said it is no uncommon to her gunshots.
"We get calls like that," he said. "If the nights are quiet and the wind is blowing in, you can hear them."
In addition, the police department has a firing range it uses where the shots can be heard in the Empire area.
While shooting a gun is illegal inside the city limits, it is allowed on private property outside of the city.
"The county does not have the same municipal ordinances or city codes," Chapanar said. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/shooting-a-gun-illegal-inside-coos-bay-north-bend/article_95f255be-e896-11ec-8500-fbc79748ff08.html | 2022-06-11T16:37:35 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/shooting-a-gun-illegal-inside-coos-bay-north-bend/article_95f255be-e896-11ec-8500-fbc79748ff08.html |
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Imagine you are at work or school and get a notification that there is active shooter.
Are you prepared? Do you have a plan in place?
These are questions that the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department wanted answers to, along with many more.
"We want to be well prepared and more than prepared in the event that it happens," said Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods.
Recent mass shootings across the country have left so many on edge wondering how to stay safe when the unthinkable happens.
"A plan is not a good plan unless it has been tested," Woods said.
It's an emergency plan that Woods said his department has had in place since 2019. The goal is to make it as realistic as possible
"The best way to test that is a real-life scenario, at least presentation on seeing whether or not we can kind of gauge and grade the response of those employees," Woods described.
That's something they put into practice as deputies and the SWAT Team recently entered the Jefferson County Courthouse to reenact an active shooter situation.
"Much of what we were testing is to make sure that individuals [are] following protocols based on our emergency management plan as it relates to evacuation [and] notification," Woods said.
He considered the demonstration a success.
According to Woods, the average response time for police to respond to a scene is roughly three minutes.
That three minutes is extremely crucial for both those in danger and the officers.
"Most times when these extreme events occur and have stopped, they occur long before law enforcement arrives," Woods said.
It's an effort that others are practicing too. Cabot Police Department is considering a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training (CRASE) if they get enough public support.
Back in Pine Bluff though, Woods said Jefferson County has had the program for years.
"That can save a life because ultimately, if they're not prepared they would be seriously injured or even killed while they're waiting on law enforcement," Woods said.
For him, watching the recent massacres happen across the country is shocking but he's hopeful more organizations get involved in the effort of preparedness.
"We hope that we get more calls about the training. We certainly have the capacity," Woods said.
Any organization or person that's interested can contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for more information on the trainings.
Sheriff Woods said plans are in the works for another drill in the coming weeks at the courthouse. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-active-shooter-training-inside-look/91-0e454862-079a-4a08-bc52-c91a0493077a | 2022-06-11T16:42:30 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/arkansas-active-shooter-training-inside-look/91-0e454862-079a-4a08-bc52-c91a0493077a |
MINNEAPOLIS — Inflation has now hit a 40-year high.
That's according to the latest Consumer Price Index released Friday morning.
Mark Bergen, a University of Minnesota marketing and pricing professor, says the one-year inflation rate has now hit 8.6% the highest rate since 1981.
"It's happening in all the categories,” Bergen says.
"The big sectors were the ones we've been seeing, energy, food and shelter."
The latest numbers show the food at home index rose 11.9% over the last 12 months.
In May alone, dairy went up 2.9% last month, grains and bakery products up 1.5%, meat went up 1.1% and eggs went up 5% in just one month.
Bergen says this inflation is driven by the high gas prices, supply chain issues, the fact that many countries are still dealing with COVID, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has had a big impact on grain production in that part of Europe.
"That's the bread basket of Europe and it's a global food network we live in now,” Bergen says.
The worldwide supply has gone down for many products, but people still need to eat, so the demand hasn't changed.
Bergen says shoppers can still save money by changing their eating habits.
Some categories like fruits and vegetables are seeing smaller increases, around 0.6% last month.
"Instead of ‘what do I want to eat this week,’ it's ‘I'm going to go and look at what has gone up in price’ and then I'm going to adjust and do my meal planning and shopping around that.”
Even though these price increases are so wide spread, Bergen says shoppers can still save money by shopping around and buying in bulk when you see a good deal.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/food-prices-continue-to-rise-according-to-latest-inflation-report/89-037af215-e78b-4f74-bfca-dba7f50c7fb7 | 2022-06-11T17:03:47 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/food-prices-continue-to-rise-according-to-latest-inflation-report/89-037af215-e78b-4f74-bfca-dba7f50c7fb7 |
GLAMIS, Calif. — One of the five U.S. Marines killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed during a training flight near Glamis in Imperial County was identified on Friday as, Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B Pilot. Sax is also the the son of Steve Sax, 5x All Star, former Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A’s.
Steve Sax said in statement,
“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five (5) US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego” said Sax. “For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.” said Sax.
“Johnny Sax knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his Dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield. “There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son!” said Sax. “This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
John Sax served the Marine Corp for five years and eight months and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.
The U.S. Marine Corps identified the five servicemembers on Friday. The Marines died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon in the Southern California desert near Glamis in Imperial County.
All five marines were based at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
WATCH RELATED: Marine MV-22B Osprey crashes in Southern California desert. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 | 2022-06-11T17:03:53 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 |
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late March, Chad McKinley is out for lunch with his older sister, Cheri Peterson.
McKinley is partial to Chipotle, where he asks for a little bit of everything in his bowl — but today he and Peterson are at a Tucson favorite, Truland Burgers & Greens, where McKinley’s just finished a spinach salad with apples and chicken, the same as Peterson. The two get together most every Sunday at a restaurant or Peterson’s home.
Peterson feels like she’s constantly trying to get her brother out of his own house, a modest, stuccoed town home in a quiet subdivision in northwest Tucson where he’s lived for several years with a roommate, another man with Down syndrome.
She’s not always successful — and lately, it’s gotten worse.
It’s not just because of the pandemic. Yes, the last two years have been made more difficult by COVID-19, Peterson says, but that only exacerbated challenges that already existed for her brother.
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McKinley once had dreams of falling in love and getting married. He loved to cook. Sitting by his side on a Facetime call, Peterson mentions how much her brother enjoys dancing to country music. He nods, looking wistful.
Mostly, McKinley wants to talk about his birthday. He recalls the date, May 17, but struggles to remember his age. Peterson reminds him gently that he’ll be 48. With a round face, faint mustache and slight wrinkle between his brows, McKinley looks far younger in his baseball cap and tie-dyed T-shirt in shades of green.
But he’s fading.
Peterson worries that McKinley spends too much time in his bedroom on his computer, isolated from the world even as pandemic restrictions lift.
On this Sunday, she has additional concerns. In between picking McKinley up for breakfast, getting him to the restaurant and bringing him back home, Peterson has been texting her brother’s caregivers and their supervisors, in a dayslong quest to figure out why 11 pills are missing from McKinley’s supply of blood thinners.
The week before the blood pressure medication went missing, Peterson was focused on a sore on McKinley’s leg that wasn’t healing properly. Previously, Peterson learned that staff hadn’t changed the filter on McKinley’s CPAP machine for almost a year. Even after that was discovered and instructions clarified, it happened again. Peterson has noted missed medical appointments, a lack of attention to her brother’s high blood pressure and missing or inaccurate documentation of just about everything.
Peterson loves her younger brother, and she was happy to take over his care from their mother, who died in 2014. But keeping McKinley safe and fulfilled requires far more than Sunday lunches. It’s practically become a 24/7 job that has left Peterson unable to pay much attention to her own grown children. If she wasn’t focused on her brother, she thinks she might want to pick up her former job as a substitute teacher.
“I haven’t had a chance to think about what I’d like to do for a really long time,” she says.
Peterson spends a lot of time wondering what will happen to McKinley when she isn’t around anymore.
Before their mother died, McKinley lived on his own, in an apartment. He took public transportation all over Tucson, held down jobs and traveled to Washington, D.C., and Phoenix to lobby for the rights of other people with intellectual disabilities.
But in the last several years, McKinley’s world has gotten smaller.
The Arizona Daily Star has followed Chad McKinley and Cheri Peterson since summer 2021, interviewing them several times in person and on Zoom, exchanging emails and texts on a near-daily basis. Peterson, who is McKinley’s medical power of attorney, provided hundreds of pages of records that document the care provided to him by state contractors.
In those seven months, McKinley’s demeanor has gone from cheery and engaged to melancholy and forgetful.
Many people with Down syndrome develop early onset dementia, and Peterson has noticed memory challenges for a while now. McKinley also has congestive heart failure and diabetes. He’s struggled for years with depression. Still, Peterson insists, McKinley can have a good quality of life. Better than he has now. She believes substandard care and related stress has directly contributed to McKinley’s unhappiness.
For several weeks, McKinley has been talking about taking his life.
From a recent text message Peterson received from a caregiver:
“I asked Chad if he wanted to go into the garage and watch the rain he asked if there were any guns outside so he could kill himself … . I asked why he felt like that and he said, because of his diet. That he doesn’t get as much food as he wants.”
Her brother has made similar statements in the past, Peterson says, but it’s been many years.
“Basically, he’s overwhelmed, sad, lonely, feels like no one will help him with things he needs, and wants his stability back,” Peterson texted the Star in March. “The staff doesn’t talk to him, engage with him, or help hm. He feels alone in his own house with strangers. He doesn’t even get told their names when they come in.”
She doesn’t just worry about her brother.
“What happens to somebody who doesn’t have a sister who goes and spends their entire day doing that?” Peterson asks. “I don't know. They go without it. And no one knows.”
A sister's concerns
Chad McKinley is one of an estimated 45,000 Arizonans with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive government services. Help can range from a support coordinator who offers advice to a spot in a group home, medical insurance and funding for daily activities. The group home model was developed largely in response to a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision that says people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should live in the least restrictive setting possible.
Citing federal privacy laws, the state of Arizona shares very few details regarding what life is really like for a person with intellectual disabilities who gets government services; pretty much the only way to know what is really going on is to rely on the word of residents and their family members. Documentation is hard to come by; Peterson and McKinley offer a rare, detailed glimpse of what life can be like for someone in his position.
Peterson reached out to the Star in the summer of 2021, frustrated by conditions in McKinley’s house and what she considered insufficient responses from the company contracted to provide his care, as well as the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities. McKinley gave his consent for his sister to share documents about his care and medical condition, as well as permission to share his description of his feelings, including his thoughts about suicide.
Each individual’s experience is unique — and there are certainly Arizonans living their best lives in group homes — but Chad McKinley is not alone. Observers cite low pay for caregivers, limited training and a lack of oversight for poor conditions.
McKinley lives in a housing model called an “individually designed living arrangement,” or IDLA, which essentially means he is in a nonlicensed residence (in his case, it is a rented house).
In an IDLA setting, the Division of Developmental Disabilities holds DDD members (and their guardians/family) responsible for paying rent, utilities and any other bills, managing a lease and finding and getting along with roommates. Because the location is not licensed, it is not monitored by the state.
But the support staff hired by the agency that contracts with the state to provide care for people like McKinley are supposed to be monitored; they are required to document everything from medication to activities on a daily basis. If something goes wrong, that must be detailed in an “incident report.”
The IDLA model is designed to offer a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as much autonomy and freedom of choice as possible.
There’s no guarantee that any of it will work.
The danger with any living situation, experts say, comes when a person with IDD has limited or no contact with the community. This is likely to happen in a large institution, but it can occur in smaller settings, too. The group home model (IDLA or not) is designed to allow people with IDD to interact with their neighbors, find jobs in their community and make all kinds of outings from grocery shopping to seeing live music. This provides enrichment. And it’s an opportunity for community members to get to know a person with IDD rather than having that person’s only interaction be with paid caregivers and others with IDD, which can create an environment ripe for poor living conditions — and worse.
Even as pandemic restrictions are lifted, McKinley’s seclusion continues, his sister says, as do conditions she’s complained about for years now.
Among the concerns Peterson has documented:
- Medication irregularities, including missing blood thinner pills, extra antidepressants and one night of no medications dispensed at all.
- Continuous failure to properly clean and maintain McKinley’s CPAP machine, resulting in two eight-month stints with no filter change and an infection.
- Lack of treatment to an open wound on McKinley’s leg.
- Concerns about mismanaged funds, missed doctor appointments and staff not engaging with McKinley or taking him out into the community.
- Poor (or no) communication or documentation from McKinley’s direct support providers and management.
For example, Peterson says she has repeatedly asked that she be informed immediately any time her brother’s blood pressure is out of range. She’s also asked to be informed when his oxygen levels are unsafe and supplemental oxygen is given to McKinley. In a March 27 email, she wrote to state officials:
“If Chad's blood pressure is out of the prescribed range, I am to be contacted immediately. If it is consistently out of range, the doctor is to be contacted immediately. If she cannot be reached, he should go to the ER immediately.”
In many instances, Peterson hasn’t been able to get any kind of documentation of significant events — despite efforts up and down the chain of command.
In early May, a DDD records manager emailed Peterson the following in response to her query about medication errors:
“The Incident Report you are seeking is not currently in Mr. McKinley's file. I am not sure why it has not been submitted, and I cannot speculate as to why it has not been submitted, but I can tell you for sure it is not in his current DDD file. I have reached out to Mr. McKinley's Support Coordination team multiple times to make sure his files are current and up-to-date, and yet the Incident Report you are seeking has still not appeared.”
Brett Bezio, spokesman for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, operated by the state’s Department of Economic Security, declined comment on Chad McKinley’s case.
“DES is unable to comment on individual cases due to privacy laws prohibiting the disclosure of our members' health-care information.”
Generally speaking, Bezio wrote in an email to the Star, “The DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its members, and the quality of their care. DDD’s process is to review all reported incidents and investigate those that are quality of care concerns through its Quality Management Unit. It also works with providers to correct identified issues. Members, guardians, service providers or a member of the community can report concerns or issues regarding DDD services, to the member’s Support Coordinator, supervisor, area or district manager. Concerns can also be reported directly to DDD Customer Service.”
“That’s what I thought they were supposed to do,” Peterson says. “It’s what I think my brother deserves. But that’s not what’s happening. That’s not what’s happening at all.”
Meagan Kramer, a staff attorney at the Arizona Center for Disability Law in Phoenix, says her office hears often from families who have concerns similar to Peterson’s.
Low pay for direct service providers and high turnover contribute to many challenges people with developmental disabilities face, Kramer says, adding that getting the state to respond to concerns can be difficult.
She adds, “It’s difficult for folks to get someone on the phone and get it fixed.”
From advocate to recluse
For much of his adult life, Chad McKinley was a prominent advocate in Tucson’s Down syndrome community. As a board member with the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome (SANDS), he participated in local events, such as the Buddy Walk, and traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby members of Congress.
“He was at the forefront” of starting advocacy groups in Tucson, says Steve Freeman, the community relations liaison for the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council who previously worked with McKinley through SANDS.
McKinley was a founding member of People First of Arizona, another local disability advocacy group.
“They all knew Chad,” Freeman says.
Freeman accompanied McKinley to the Washington, D.C., Buddy Walk. While there, McKinley spoke to then-Rep. Martha McSally about rights for people with disabilities. Freeman described Chad as a strong advocate who had his own “things he wanted to talk about.”
McKinley recalls that he did all his own laundry, shopped by himself and rode the bus all over town, especially to the library. He also loved to cook.
“He was very independent,” Freeman says. “He was everywhere. If something was going on, Chad was there, all the time.”
And then he wasn’t.
After their mother’s death, Peterson, who took over as medical power of attorney, decided her brother needed more oversight. She says her mother expected McKinley to be independent, and sometimes those expectations were too high, particularly as he aged and his health began to falter.
About six years ago, McKinley moved into his current living situation.
The truth is, he does need greater care now. Along with his intellectual disability, McKinley is in stage 4 congestive heart failure. That condition was made worse after he contracted a severe respiratory illness in December 2019, which his family believes could have been COVID-19 before the pandemic had been fully realized.
To combat the lasting impact of the illness, McKinley’s doctor prescribed supplemental oxygen, eventually downgrading in April 2020 to a CPAP machine to be used overnight. That’s when McKinley really started to decline, Peterson recalls. And the level of care he received didn’t adjust to match his needs.
“He wasn’t able to do a lot of things that he’d been doing,” she says. “I think it started there, being told that he needed more help with things and maybe not having the staffing to do it, and then things started getting missed.”
Many months later, in January 2021, Peterson became aware that the CPAP machine’s filter, which should have been changed monthly, had yet to be changed.
A manager assured Peterson she had set it up with the CPAP supplier company that the required parts, including new filters and tubing, would be sent to the home monthly from then on.
But Peterson says the manager later admitted that the filter, face mask and tubing had not been changed since January 2021.
That means it was changed once — and not changed again for another eight months.
In April 2021, McKinley developed a sore beneath his nose. After Peterson took him to the doctor, it was revealed that the piece fitted around his nose had not been cleaned since it was prescribed a year earlier and likely resulted in that infection.
That summer, Peterson began documenting instances of missing doctor’s appointments, managerial deficiencies, staff shortcomings and failures to follow medical directives, among others.
For example:
- A manager refused to commit to taking McKinley to a medical appointment when the assigned staff member couldn’t.
- McKinley missed a different medical appointment because management failed to inform Peterson or his direct care providers it had been made.
- In the first 18 days of March, Peterson saw McKinley’s blood pressure had been recorded outside of the doctor’s prescribed range 15 times, while another 15 times (at least) it was not recorded at all.
- An incident report filed on July 8, 2021, documents that a staff manager missed a monthly ledgers meeting. The DDD report states: “team is concern SIC with missing funds and use of funds in a correct manner.”
- McKinley was unable to attend church one Sunday — a long-scheduled and important event for him — because staff arrived late to transport him.
This spring, things have gone from bad to worse where potential health crises are concerned.
Along with 11 missing blood thinner pills noted in April, Peterson has spent weeks trying to track how four extra antidepressants were recorded on the medication count tracker. And in early May she learned of a potential third incident involving staff not providing McKinley his nighttime medications — including Colace, Simvastatin and Divalproex — one evening.
Weekly, doctor-directed medical trackers were consistently not submitted on time. And pill counts, meant to be completed daily, were not being documented properly, leading to the incident involving the 11 missing pills.
As a result, Peterson has asked Walgreens pharmacy staff to print a prescription report for each of McKinley’s medications as they are refilled, so she can compare that to staff counts.
In an email to state officials, Peterson wrote that “the medical trackers are missing multiple items, including entire shifts with nothing documented.” She also mentioned the trackers are still not being sent consistently to the parties that should be receiving them.
“I am sure you are all sick and tired of my emails informing you of these lapses in Chad's medical care,” Peterson wrote. “Rest assured that I am also very tired of verifying, documenting and sending this information to people who do nothing about it.”
On the same day in a different email, Peterson expressed concerns that a wound on McKinley’s leg that appeared in late February had gone without the doctor-prescribed care, including being left uncovered or improperly wrapped. Care of the wound was discontinued after one week though it had not healed, and Peterson had not been notified, she wrote.
When she contacted DDD about the incident, she got no response, she says.
Two months later in late April, McKinley had two sores, the slow-healing original one and a new one. The staff is now following doctor directives, Peterson says.
“You're fighting that fight every day, every day. And it's just exhausting,” she adds. “And I've told DDD over and over again, because I feel like they've done nothing to support us in this. Nothing.”
In the days leading up to publication, McKinley had two incidents involving self-harm, likely because Peterson had to be away for a bit. She’s concerned by that, and frustrated that DDD has finally seemed to take notice of McKinley’s situation — and asked Peterson to resend materials she’s been sending for two years.
She says DDD is now holding weekly meetings to determine how to improve McKinley’s care; she was told this happened because she complained for so long. She hates that, doesn’t think the system should work that way.
After all this, the question has to be asked: Wouldn’t it be easier for Peterson to have McKinley come home with her to live?
“I have considered it, but cannot for many reasons,” she wrote in an email. “I have two sons that still come and go from our home. Chad would not have his own space here. We have two young dogs that are active and jump on him. He could easily get pushed down by them. We have a pool and right now behaviorally that’s is a danger to Chad.
“Chad currently needs 24-hour care and I don’t feel I can adequately provide that, try to get back to a career of my own after raising my own children, and enjoy my brother as a brother.”
A chat with Chad
On a spring morning, McKinley and Peterson sit on the back patio of his house. Birds chirp and wind chimes ring in the background, as Peterson talks to her brother about the story that will soon be published about him.
She explains what it means to be an advocate. Does McKinley know what that means? After a few false starts, he says, “Don’t use the r-word,” a message his sister says he’s been repeating for years.
McKinley says he is OK with people knowing that he has medical challenges, that he gets sad, that he has thought about taking his life. Is there anything else he wants them to know?
Throughout the conversation answers have come slowly — but not this one.
“I have a big heart.” | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/once-a-disability-advocate-chads-will-to-live-fades-before-his-sisters-eyes/article_851c7fde-e356-11ec-bdc0-9307e2e93510.html | 2022-06-11T17:04:05 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/once-a-disability-advocate-chads-will-to-live-fades-before-his-sisters-eyes/article_851c7fde-e356-11ec-bdc0-9307e2e93510.html |
BATH, Maine — An investigation is underway after a "suspicious" fire broke out at an elementary school in Bath Friday night.
The Fire Marshal’s office got a call about a fire at Dike Newell School, located on Wright Street, around 11:30 p.m., according to an email by Maine Department of Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss. Multiple crews responded to the scene.
Firefighters were able to put out the fire at the school, which serves children from Kindergarten to second grade. However, two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment, Moss said.
The fire caused "extensive damage" to Dike Newell School.
Viewer William Rankis sent pictures of the scene to NEWS CENTER Maine around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. He said he lives several houses away from the school and heard the alarm going off. He said he saw "at least 15 fire engines" on the scene. The images he shared show thick smoke coming out of the building.
Dike Newell Elementary fire in Bath
The fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshal’s office with help from the Bath Police Department. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bath-brunswick/fire-at-dike-newell-school-bath-maine-causes-extensive-damage-to-building-according-to-times-record/97-26288ff5-bc4a-45fe-bb27-2117d106107c | 2022-06-11T17:05:19 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/bath-brunswick/fire-at-dike-newell-school-bath-maine-causes-extensive-damage-to-building-according-to-times-record/97-26288ff5-bc4a-45fe-bb27-2117d106107c |
On the agenda: Decision on microshelter site returns to Salem City Council
After a legal complaint and court intervention, the decision on whether to approve a microshelter site in downtown Salem is back before Salem City Council Monday.
The council first approved creating a homeless microshelter village at 1280 Center Street NE across from Safeway in February.
Microshelters give occupants a location to secure their belongings and a safe, warm place to sleep. Advocates say this allows people experiencing homelessness to stabilize, get treatment and connect to more permanent housing solutions.
Trash services, meals, showers, portable toilets and connection to health services are provided on-site. The villages are staffed 24 hours a day and have security.
The microshelter buildings are already funded. A community effort has raised more than $770,000 in donations — enough for at least 154 shelters. Despite having enough funds, the city has struggled to find land to host the villages.
After the city selected the Center Street site, Riches Property Management, Inc., the owner of the Forum Apartments at 350 13th St. NE, filed a petition with Marion County Circuit Court. The complex is less than 100 feet from the proposed microshelter village.
In the petition, the attorney for the property management company, which is owned by John Riches, said they objected to using the site as a microshelter location, citing concerns over criminal activity, foot traffic and public health risks.
More:Work begins on new Salem microshelter location despite ongoing legal challenge
The legal action stopped all preparation work on the site for more than a month.
On Wednesday, Hart remanded the issue back to the council and ordered them to make a decision after reviewing evidence on whether the site will present an "unreasonable risk to health and safety." The order specifically asks the council to consider:
- How the site will impact foot traffic approaching the site and in the immediate surrounding areas.
- How the site will impact vehicular traffic approaching the location.
- How the village will interact with the police to ensure any additional foot and vehicular traffic to the site will not exacerbate criminal activity.
- How any such exacerbation or impact will be mitigated by police or security response.
- Whether and how the village will attract unmanaged encampments and how that can be stopped.
- How management will maintain the sobriety and the mental health treatment compliance of its residents.
- How management will address criminal activity engaged in by its residents.
In a report, city staff recommended re-affirming the decision to create a microshelter village on Center Street and said they provided substantial evidence that the village will not create an unreasonable risk to public health and safety.
Evidence includes reports that the site will not substantially increase foot traffic, will be a closed campus and will only provide services to residents. The city said it plans to address any unmanaged camping concerns if they do occur.
A memo from the city's Public Works Department said the village is not expected to have a significant impact on vehicular traffic.
A Salem police and city manager memorandum said there is not expected to be a significant increase in crime rates attributable to the village and increased patrols would be added to mitigate any increase in crime.
Church at the Park, a nonprofit that will manage the village, said residents will receive wrap-around services addressing mental health, addiction and recovery, and housing.
"Village residents will be required to comply with a code of conduct, addressing potential behavioral issues," city staff said. "Further, the Village prohibits possession of alcohol or drugs at the site. Village residents will be provided transportation options as appropriate for access to commercial, mental health and medical providers and other services that occur off-site."
More:$600K donated. Homeless now wait for city of Salem to find land for micro shelters
Other agenda items include:
- A public hearing on Our Salem, the City’s proposed plan for addressing community growth and development.
- Public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2023 budgets for the Salem Urban Renewal Agency and City of Salem.
- Public Works Day and Juneteenth proclamations.
- Proposed 2023 fee schedule.
- Acquisition of property for Lancaster Drive NE/Watson Ave. NE pedestrian crossing.
- Extending the emergency declaration related to unsheltered residents through Dec. 31, 2022.
- Second reading of an amendment to Salem revised code allowing approved street paintings.
- Information on the Salem Public Library's plan to go "fine free".
Explainer: What are the rules around public meetings and public comment in Oregon?
The meeting is at 6 p.m. It is virtual and can be watched at Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish.
Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net. Or pre-register between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-Council-Meeting.aspx to speak during the meeting via Zoom.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/11/microshelter-salem-oregon-homelessness-city-council/65360131007/ | 2022-06-11T17:47:06 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2022/06/11/microshelter-salem-oregon-homelessness-city-council/65360131007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — Officials are searching for a New Braunfels woman who has not been seen 3 p.m. Friday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
82-year-old Erma Williams was last seen in 1600 block of Sunnycrest Cir in New Braunfels Friday. She is described as being 5'4 weighing 170 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair.
She was also last seen wearing a dark blue shirt, black pants, a blue purse and had a red walker.
Her vehicle is a 2017 Red Ford Edge with Texas license JMP7889.
If you have seen her, you are asked the call the New Braunfels Police Department at (830) 221-4560. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/officials-searching-for-missing-new-braunfels-woman/273-98216423-2331-4854-a4b6-b548978c995c | 2022-06-11T18:08:41 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/officials-searching-for-missing-new-braunfels-woman/273-98216423-2331-4854-a4b6-b548978c995c |
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Imagine attending thirteen years of school with perfect attendance. In this Zevely Zone, I met the Ironwoman of students at San Marcos High School.
I want to run a number by you; 2,353 days of school without missing a single class. "Thirteen years in the making," said 18-year-old Lindsey Frost. She is a senior at San Marcos High School who has never missed a day of school.
As a young student, Lindsey was surprised to learn they'd give you an award just for showing up. "In kindergarten I got the perfect attendance award first and I really liked the idea of it just because all you had to do was show up to get it," said Lindsey.
First, second, third, fourth and fifth grades followed without missing a single day. "Then I thought to myself it would be a neat story to tell my kids one day that I was able to do it every year throughout high school," said Lindsey. I stopped the interview to ask. "Wait hold on, you were ten years old and thinking this was something you would tell your children someday?' I asked. "Yes!!" laughed Lindsey.
"It is very rare," said San Marcos High School Principal Adam Dawson who says who wouldn't hire ironwoman like Lindsey. "What employer doesn't want someone who is there every day?" said Mr. Dawson. Lindsey is also a stand-out student with 4.31 GPA. "She is an impressive student and having her in class was really a joy," said Tara Razi who was Lindsey's U.S. History teacher last year during virtual learning. "Throw in a pandemic on that, and online learning on that and Lindsey taking classes at the same time at the college," said Ms. Razi.
Did we mention Lindsey also completed five college courses without a single sick day? What do people say when they hear about her streak? "They are mostly kind of shocked. They are kind of like whoa!!" said Lindsey.
During our interview, Congressman Scott Peters was touring the school. He had to shake the hand of a student who never missed a day of school in 13 years.
A streak like that has upper office written all over it. "I was pretty good at school, but I can't imagine being there every day, that is pretty impressive," said Congressman Scott Peters.
"She loves learning," said Lindsey's mother Alison who is a software engineer. Lindsey's dad Tom works in employee benefits. "Would you hire your daughter?" I asked. Tom responded, "In a heartbeat." Maybe because they know their daughter's secret to success. "She is very creative about her alarms. She sets a couple in the morning," said Alison.
Lindsey will graduate in a few days from high school and then it is off to college. "I am going to Rice University," she told me. I asked her if she will miss any days of school at Rice? "Um, probably not," said Lindsey with a laugh. Something tells me, Lindsey Frost is just getting warmed up. "Well, I am not going to be absent. ha, ha, ha," she said.
Lindsey plans on double majoring at Rice University by studying math and film.
Watch more Zevely Zone content below: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/san-marcos-senior-finishes-2353-days-of-school-with-perfect-attendance/509-daa6a887-c66b-44a7-ba60-bcfeffb75664 | 2022-06-11T18:08:47 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/san-marcos-senior-finishes-2353-days-of-school-with-perfect-attendance/509-daa6a887-c66b-44a7-ba60-bcfeffb75664 |
GLAMIS, Calif. — One of the five U.S. Marines killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed during a training flight near Glamis in Imperial County was identified on Friday as, Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B Pilot. Sax is also the the son of Steve Sax, 5x All Star, former Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A’s.
Steve Sax said in statement,
“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five (5) US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego” said Sax. “For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.” said Sax.
“Johnny Sax knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his Dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield. “There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son!” said Sax. “This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
John Sax served the Marine Corp for five years and eight months and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.
The U.S. Marine Corps identified the five servicemembers on Friday. The Marines died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon in the Southern California desert near Glamis in Imperial County.
All five marines were based at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
WATCH RELATED: Marine MV-22B Osprey crashes in Southern California desert. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 | 2022-06-11T18:08:53 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/son-of-former-la-dodger-among-marines-killed/509-bf358167-b56c-432b-88ae-a6f27eb917e0 |
EAST CHICAGO — Residents living near the former West Calumet Housing Complex wrote in comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it would be endorsing the permanent destruction of a once-vital community if it approves plans for a logistics center at the lead- and arsenic-contaminated site.
The loss of residential character in the Calumet neighborhoods likely would result in significant decreases in remaining residents' property values over time, according to the East Chicago Calumet Coalition Community Advisory Group.
The addition of a new industrial use in the area likely would negatively affect human health and the environment and further decrease the desirability of the Calumet and East Calumet neighborhoods as places to live, the group said.
The site, which EPA now calls "modified Zone 1," includes land once occupied by the now-demolished public housing complex, Goodman Park and a utilities corridor.
The West Calumet Housing Complex was built in the early 1970s atop the former Anaconda lead factory site at East 151st Street and McCook Avenue. Modified Zone 1 is within the U.S. Lead Superfund site, which is named after a different lead smelter that once operated nearby.
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In summer 2016, the East Chicago Housing Authority ordered the evacuation of up to 1,200 residents — about two-thirds of them children — after EPA discovered lead and arsenic contamination in the soil at the public housing complex was far greater than expected.
"The site included more than 100 residential structures, where more than 1,000 people lived and raised families," the community group said. "It included an elementary school and playgrounds. This is the kind of neighborhood that should be allowed to rebuild and thrive again at this site."
EPA wants to enter a prospective purchaser agreement with Industrial Development Advantage, which has been working with East Chicago since 2019 to develop a campus that includes plans for a 500,000-square-foot warehouse and logistics center.
East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland signed a letter of intent in December 2019 to sell the site to IDA. He later told The Times any housing development there would be doomed from the start because of the extent of the contamination and a state law that governs housing standards.
The East Chicago Common Council voted in May 2020 to rezone the site for light industrial use, and IDA was expected to take title to modified Zone 1 this summer, EPA said.
The proposed agreement would require IDA to remove lead- and arsenic-contaminated soil to a depth of 1 foot, dispose of it off-site and backfill and cover excavated areas. The site would be cleaned to a lead standard of 800 parts per million.
EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management would oversee the cleanup and ensure it meets EPA requirements, EPA said.
A public comment period closed earlier this month for the prospective purchaser agreement; a proposed explanation of significant differences, which would officially select a commercial/industrial remedy for the site; and a proposed administrative settlement agreement and order on consent.
The draft agreement and order on consent would require five companies, all of which owned and operated lead-processing facilities in the area, to provide financial assurances totaling $13.5 million for future cleanup efforts. The companies also would agree to reimburse EPA $18 million in past cleanup costs.
EPA said it planned to release a document in response to public comments. It will release its decision on the proposals after conferring with the state and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The prospective purchaser agreement requires IDA to notify EPA when it obtains title to the site prior to finalization of that agreement, EPA said.
"EPA has not been notified that IDA has obtained title to the former housing complex property," the agency said Friday.
Residents have long advocated for an excavation down to native sand, and they still think such a cleanup is appropriate, the Community Advisory Group's comments said.
However, the group is now advocating for excavation to a depth of at least 2 feet with a standard for lead of 400 parts per million. That's the residential standard EPA used when it cleaned up soil in nearby areas referred to as Zones 2 and 3.
"The contamination from lead and arsenic goes deep into the ground in this area, thus requiring remediation to further depths," the group said.
Digging to just 1 foot with a standard of 800 ppm would leave some of the most highly contaminated soil at the site, posing a risk to residents' homes in the event of a flood or during construction and any future sewer or utility work, the group said.
Residents also fear contamination could seep into groundwater, which in turn seeps into their homes and poses health risks when they use their basements.
Residents asked EPA to immediately disclose information about IDA's remedial design and action work plan, who IDA plans to hire as a contractor for the cleanup and what steps will be taken to protect residents' health during excavation work.
EPA told The Times it doesn't plan to publicly release draft work plans.
"EPA plans to hold a public meeting before construction begins to discuss the cleanup approach, including methods that will be used to ensure the cleanup is done correctly and safely," the agency said.
IDA designated Verdantas, of Columbus, Ohio, as its design contractor's point of contact, EPA said.
The agency said it had not observed widespread concentrations of lead or arsenic in shallow groundwater above maximum contaminant levels.
"The placement of clean soil coupled with the construction of hardscapes such as buildings and paved areas will prevent infiltration of rainfall to underlying soils and reduce the potential for future groundwater contamination," EPA said.
EPA will require IDA to implement controls requiring workers to follow certain safety measures when sewer or utility work is conducted after construction of the logistics center, the agency said.
EPA doesn't have the authority to address residents' concerns about increased air pollution from truck exhaust, noise, traffic or other issues related to the planned logistics center.
"EPA is ensuring that Zone 1 is cleaned up in accordance with the protective selected remedy, and that the construction does not interfere with the remedy or release any contamination into the community," the agency said.
The city will be responsible for enforcing local ordinances, EPA said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/east-chicago/residents-epa-would-endorse-permanent-destruction-of-neighborhood-by-approving-plans-for-logistics-center/article_1994e7f1-cb32-5230-a7ff-1d8646136e29.html | 2022-06-11T18:14:56 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/east-chicago/residents-epa-would-endorse-permanent-destruction-of-neighborhood-by-approving-plans-for-logistics-center/article_1994e7f1-cb32-5230-a7ff-1d8646136e29.html |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s highest court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence for a man who was 16 years old when he fatally struck a Baltimore County police officer with a vehicle.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Harris, now 20, was driving a stolen Jeep when Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio blocked its path with her patrol car and ordered him to stop. She fired her weapon once before he struck her with the car.
Harris and three other teenagers had been burglarizing homes before the confrontation.
Defense attorney Megan Coleman argued that Harris had been too young to “appreciate the risks and consequences” of his actions.
In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences without parole were unconstitutional for children convicted of homicides The Maryland appeals court said that ruling didn’t apply in Harris’ case since he will be eligible for parole after 15 years. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-high-court-upholds-conviction-in-officers-killing/2022/06/11/2dd2891c-e9a5-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html | 2022-06-11T18:15:09 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-high-court-upholds-conviction-in-officers-killing/2022/06/11/2dd2891c-e9a5-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |
Originally published June 8 on IdahoEdNews.org.
An improving economy and nixed paperwork requirements helped cause the number of Idaho children who qualify for government food subsidies to drop by nearly half in recent years.
The average number of Idaho students who qualify for federally funded free and reduced-price meals fell from around 50% to just over 27% since 2015-16, state numbers show.
But that doesn’t mean actual need for the popular subsidy — given to children in households that meet certain income requirements — has diminished by that much.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided all students, regardless of their family’s financial status, with free meals during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years — a response to COVID-19. The change put free food in front of students across Idaho and the nation during the health crisis, but complicated the picture because schools weren’t required to collect applications or income surveys tied to the federal program.
The lack of requirements during two school years lowered the numbers, State Department of Education spokesperson Maggie Reynolds told EdNews.
Also fueling the decline over the last half decade: an improving economy.
“It is a direct correlation when income rises, the free-and-reduced rate drops,” said Bonneville School District Child Nutrition Director Heather Plain.
Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals is important because it’s a key measure of poverty in public schools. Here’s a closer look at Idaho’s decline in recent years, and what leaders are saying about it.
A steady — then sharp — drop
The number of eligible students for subsidized school meals in Idaho fell from 49.33% in 2015-16 to just 27.26% in 2020-21, a more than 22 percentage point decline.
The drop was steady from 2015-16 to 2019-20, falling just over six percentage points before the pandemic had its heaviest impacts on schools in 2020-21 — a possible indicator of a steadily improving economy’s positive impacts on income levels, which rose between 25% and 32% since 2015, the Idaho Press reported in January.
But then the number dropped sharply while schools grappled with the pandemic and eligibility requirements eased, the numbers show. From 2019-20 to 2020-21, the rate saw its sharpest two-year decline, falling from around 43% to roughly 27%.
The following graph captures the trend over the past seven years, including the more recent, sharper declines:
Similar trends played out locally. Here’s a closer look at what happened in Idaho’s five largest districts, beginning in 2015-16:
‘A variety of factors’
Leaders in Bonneville, Boise and Nampa pointed to an improving economy and nixed federal paperwork requirements as a key driving force behind declines in local eligibility.
But other district-level realities could also be playing a part, to varying degrees, they said.
“A variety of factors” have likely changed Boise’s eligibility landscape, said district spokesman Dan Hollar. He pointed to enrollment declines that have plagued the district in recent years, despite statewide enrollment growth in K-12.
Decreasing enrollment drives “fewer total numbers” of students who qualify, Hollar pointed out. And demographics tied to local population changes are a whole other factor, he added, referencing an increase in the number of “lower income families” he says are moving out of Boise amid local push for gentrification.
An open campus at Nampa High School, which gives students the option to visit fast food restaurants near the school, has impacted the district’s numbers in recent years, said Nampa nutritional service director Michelle Eggers. “This … has resulted in lower free-and-reduced percentages at our largest facilities, which impacts the entire district.”
Reynolds said the State Department is still working with the State Board of Education for a better read out on eligibility for 2020-21.
She expects better numbers next school year — maybe.
“We expect to have better numbers when we return to standard application collection next school year — that is unless congress decides to provide free meals again,” she said, adding that state eligibility rates for the 2022-23 school year will be updated in April of next year. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/eligibility-for-subsidized-school-meals-fell-by-almost-half-in-idaho-since-2015/article_75e26186-74d2-5d1b-ad7e-46798c8755b8.html | 2022-06-11T18:18:11 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/eligibility-for-subsidized-school-meals-fell-by-almost-half-in-idaho-since-2015/article_75e26186-74d2-5d1b-ad7e-46798c8755b8.html |
The man shot dead inside a Bronx pharmacy Thursday afternoon during an attempted robbery has been identified by senior police officials as Los Angeles-based drill rapper Avanti Frowner.
The 27-year-old man was reportedly in the area scouting music venues with a friend before Frowner stopped by Amazing Pharmacy on East Tremont Avenue around 2 p.m., two senior police officials said.
His friend told investigators that Frowner paid a visit to the store to pickup eye drops after a visit to a local eye doctor, officials said. It was then that the duo were approached by a group of men trying to sell marijuana.
The sellers were part of four men, who when speaking with Frowner outside the pharmacy, allegedly began to rob the man of his gold chain, wallet and phone. The rapper moved inside the store, but was followed in by the group.
One of the men pulled out a gun, firing four or five times, a pharmacy employee told News 4. Some of the employees ran to the basement, she added, while she and others hid behind the pharmacy counter.
Local
Frowner was shot multiple times in the chest and pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital, police said.
Before the victim moved inside, the employee said there was some sort of fight outside the store, and she believes Frowner was trying to save himself.
"They look like they fighting or arguing, I don't know," said the employee, who did not wish to be identified. "I saw that one of them had a gun."
That's when she began to panic, she said.
"I went back there to the pharmacist screaming 'We have to move, have to move, because he have a gun, he have a gun!'" said the worker.
The worker said she heard man begging for his life.
"He said 'Please, please we can talk, we can talk," according to the worker.
According to the preliminary investigation, four suspects fled the scene on foot. Three were last seen wearing white shorts and black shirts. One had on orange shorts and a Yankees hat, police said.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/la-drill-rapper-identified-in-nyc-pharmacy-robbery-turned-murder-sources/3730279/ | 2022-06-11T18:24:41 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/la-drill-rapper-identified-in-nyc-pharmacy-robbery-turned-murder-sources/3730279/ |
Rudy Giuliani, one of Donald Trump’s primary lawyers during the then-president's failed efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, must now answer to professional ethics charges, the latest career slap after law license suspensions in New York and the District of Columbia.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the disciplinary branch of the District of Columbia Bar, filed the charges against the former federal prosecutor and New York mayor alleging that he promoted unsubstantiated voter fraud claims in Pennsylvania. The action was filed June 6 and became public Friday.
At issue are claims Giuliani made in supporting a Trump campaign lawsuit seeking to overturn the election results in Pennsylvania. That suit, which sought to invalidate as many as 1.5 million mail-in ballots, was dismissed by courts.
The counsel's office said Giuliani’s conduct violated Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct “in that he brought a proceeding and asserted issues therein without a non-frivolous basis in law and fact for doing so” and “that he engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.”
The counsel asked that the D.C. Court of Appeals Board on Professional Responsibility take up the matter. Giuliani has 20 days to respond, according to the filing. An attempt Saturday to reach a lawyer for Giuliani was unsuccessful.
The step is the latest against Giuliani for his role in Trump’s debunked claims that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent.
Last June, an appeals court suspended him from practicing law in New York because he made false statements while trying to get courts to overturn Trump’s loss. An attorney disciplinary committee had asked the court to suspend his license on the grounds that he had violated professional conduct rules as he promoted theories that the election was stolen through fraud.
News
The D.C. Bar temporarily suspended him last July although the practical implication of that action is questionable, given that Giuliani’s law license in Washington has been inactive since 2002.
News of the counsel's action follows the first public hearing by the House committee investigating the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Giuliani met for hours with the committee last month. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/rudy-giuliani-faces-ethics-charges-over-trump-election-role/3730313/ | 2022-06-11T18:24:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/rudy-giuliani-faces-ethics-charges-over-trump-election-role/3730313/ |
Nearly two weeks after a fiery crash on Lincoln's O Street killed two women and injured 20 bystanders May 29, the city has made little, if any, progress on its pledge to curb the erratic driving behavior that contributed to the crash and remains prevalent on the roadway.
The morning after the crash, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Police Chief Teresa Ewins offered condolences and detailed the events that led to the crash at a news conference, during which Ewins promised "things will change" on the corridor.
"We'll be changing a lot of things in regards to people coming to Lincoln to cause havoc like that. It's not acceptable," she said, later adding: "We're gonna be out there and we're gonna take action, and hopefully implement some new policies."
Ewins, who joined the department in August after a decades with the San Francisco Police Department, pointed to worsening behavior on Bay Area roads that prompted extreme police response in recent years. In some cases, Ewins said, law enforcement confiscated vehicles used in "sideshows" or street races.
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"To the degree that it was in the Bay Area, we don't have that here," she told reporters on Memorial Day. "But we need to be strong. People are not gonna come to Lincoln and have this behavior."
At a Tuesday news conference where Ewins announced the arrest of the 18-year-old driver in the O Street crash, who she said had been driving 90 mph in a 40 mph zone moments before the collision, the police chief largely pointed to increases in traditional enforcement methods and appealed to the personal responsibilities of motorists.
"We've been doing enforcement on O Street for a period of time because of complaints from the public, but really, it's — people need to slow down," Ewins said. "We have issues in general in regards to collisions in Lincoln, and so how are we gonna address that? And the city is very serious about addressing it and really getting down to a better plan, whether it's reengineering streets or additional enforcement, additional education.
"It's really, it sounds simple but it's actually a little more difficult to do."
Traffic enforcement efforts — which Ewins said have been reduced city-wide as the department battles chronic staffing shortages — have been in place along the O Street corridor for decades, former Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady said.
Casady, who served as police chief from 1994 to 2011 and was the city's public safety director until 2019, said the department has poured immeasurable resources into policing the street, but acknowledged those efforts "have not solved the problem."
"If I were not retired, and I was scratching my head about this as a police commander, I'd be thinking 'What can we do that's radically different that might improve this?'" Casady told the Journal Star. "And that's why I keep thinking about, 'Are there engineering things that could be done to reduce the risk?"
He is no longer the police chief, nor is he an engineer. But Casady has some ideas.
"We have a problem with street racing on all the long street arterial roadways at the city's fringe," he said, listing a handful of cruising hotspots that border or direct the city, including 84th, 56th and North 14th streets, along with Fletcher Avenue and Arbor Road.
But, Casady said, newly engineered roads along the city's growing southern edge, including Rokeby and Yankee Hill roads, are not plagued by street racing or burnouts.
The reason: "Roundabouts," he said.
Casady, who acknowledged the absurdity — if not impossibility — of installing a series of roundabouts on O Street, maintained that a focus on "traffic calming strategies that involve engineering more than enforcement" is the city's best — if not only — route forward.
Dan Carpenter, the city's traffic engineering manager, seems less convinced of that route.
Carpenter, who has worked as a traffic engineer in Nebraska since 2012 after earning a civil engineering degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, described the city's strategy to creating safer roads as a three-pronged approach that relies as much on enforcement and education as it does engineering.
"The topic of safety on the roadways is something that we take extremely seriously, and I'll admit it keeps me and my staff up at night," he said. "We want to strive to create a safer environment for everybody on Lincoln's roadways — whether they're a resident or someone driving through town.
"And the best way to do that is through uniform design and a systematic approach to safety," said Carpenter, who later added: "Anything that we can do to reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes is worthy of consideration."
Carpenter said installation of a roundabout at 48th and O, for instance, wouldn't be an effective tool in reducing speed due to the size and volume of the intersection. The section of the O Street corridor saw about 41,000 cars a day in 2019, he said.
Further complicating speed issues on O Street are the timed lights along the roadway, which were retimed in 2017 and are designed for optimal traffic flow — a blueprint that can also enable speeding. Carpenter said reversing that design for overnight traffic or summer holiday evenings — causing more stops at traffic lights and interrupting traffic flow — would likely cause an increase collisions.
Carpenter described a knee-jerk reaction to the O Street crash as antithetical to his department's nature, where engineers derive safety improvements from broad studies performed over time. The city monitors crash hotspots, he said, but its focus remains on a systematic view of Lincoln's traffic grid.
"Fatalities are rare, as are crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians," he said.
Issues of cruising, burnouts or street racing are not unique to Lincoln. In Ewins' native Bay Area, the San Jose City Council last year passed an ordinance making it illegal to promote races or sideshows on social media.
In Sacramento, cruising in cars — regardless of speed or risky driving behaviors — has been prohibited for three decades.
And in the last week alone, officials in Cleveland, Ohio, and Austin and Dallas in Texas have installed elongated speed bumps, instituted wide-ranging speed limit reductions and launched multi-year campaigns to reduce traffic fatalities.
"I don't know of a city in the United States that has a great answer to street racing or bad behavior drivers along primary corridors," Carpenter said.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/two-weeks-removed-from-o-street-crash-potential-solutions-unclear/article_2177fc88-4a43-53b0-930e-98d664ddfa03.html | 2022-06-11T18:30:26 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/two-weeks-removed-from-o-street-crash-potential-solutions-unclear/article_2177fc88-4a43-53b0-930e-98d664ddfa03.html |
Ohio farmers have been faced with a trifecta of challenges this planting season — skyrocketing fuel prices, overseas turmoil in Ukraine and heavy spring rains — that are impacting their bottom line and could trickle down to consumers
Diesel fuel prices have nearly doubled from last year, the Russian attack on Ukraine has increased fertilizer prices by more than 230% and constant rain has delayed corn and soybean plant across the state.
“Ohio farmers are trying to navigate through the circumstances they are facing with rising costs,” said Ty Higgins of the Ohio Farm Bureau. “It’s going to be a challenge for farmers to watch the bottom line with prices for seed, labor, diesel fuel and equipment keep going up.”
At this point, Higgins said farmers are seeing higher commodity futures and if that continues along with a successful harvest, they will be able to pay their bills. Corn, for example, has climbed from $4.07 per bushel in November 2020 to $7.70 per bushel this month, according to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
However, if the commodities go down, farmers could lose money because of increased expenses, Higgins said, and consumers could see higher costs for food. The food price index in May increased 10.1 percent compared to the same time last year. That’s the first increase of more than 10 percent since 1981, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Prices for food at home increased 11.9 percent in May year-over-year. Within that category, chicken prices were up 17.4 percent, the largest increase ever recorded. Pork prices increased 13.3 percent; bacon, 15 percent; milk, 15.9 percent; coffee, 15.3 percent; and fruits and vegetables, 8.2 percent.
Driving the concern for farmers is the expenses to get their crops in the ground.
Higgins said diesel prices for farmers have gone from about $350 a day to $700-$800 a day to operate their equipment. On Friday, a gallon of diesel in the region was $5.93 compared to $5.50 a week ago and $3.29 a year ago.
And he said the turmoil in Ukraine is having an effect as the country is a supplier of natural gas that is used to manufacture fertilizer. In addition, Higgins said farmers may be asked to plant more wheat to make up the difference for production losses due to the war in Ukraine.
The sticker price for anhydrous ammonia is up 235% compared to a year ago; the nitrogen fertilizer urea rose 149%; and liquid nitrogen is up 192%.
Fertilizer is 30% of the average farmer’s expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Finally, the weather has been another challenge.
“You can hear it in their voices that farmers are frustrated because they feel Mother Nature dealt them a bad hand,” Higgins said.
He said farmers are becoming very good at mitigating the shorter planting and harvesting windows by using technological improvements and larger equipment.
“We still have a lot of farmers trying to finish their planting,” Higgins said. “They want to be done by early June, but April and May were cold and rainy in 2022. So far, 29% of the state’s soybean crop and 15% of the corn crop have yet to be planted as of Wednesday.”
He said farmers are resilient, resourceful and are ingenious because they always seem to figure it out. Higgins said they’ve been good at this for generations despite Mother Nature, policies and prices.
Land costs an issue
While higher fuel costs cut into his bottom line, Craig Corry said land cost is his biggest expense. He said fertilizer and higher energy costs are up there as well. Other costs of doing business at his farm in north central Greene County include the price of seed and machinery.
“An acre is an acre,” Corry said. “It’s hard to cut corners on fertilizer and inputs. I’ve seen higher grain prices (futures), but you still have to produce it.”
He said the unknown factor is weather but he was able to complete planting his corn and soybean crops. Corry said sunny weather and moist ground has resulted in good early growth. He farms 500 acres, growing corn, soybeans wheat, and hay in addition to raising beef cattle.
“One more window of dry weather should help,” Corry said. “But everybody’s situation is different.”
He believes in 2022, farmers will be spending more per crop/per acre than ever before.
As for Ukraine, Corry said its “disturbing” to watch what is happening there. “Agriculture is a major part of their economy, similar to our ‘I’ state (Indiana, Illinois and Iowa). Corn is king in the U.S., followed by soybeans, but wheat is a world crop.”
Busy planting season due to rain
Brian Harbage of Clark County said he’s been “busy, busy, busy as we’re not done planting soybeans.”
Harbage said Wednesday he had another 180 acres to plant and was hoping to dodge the rain coming in. He owns a mid-sized farm. With his wife and two sons, they grow soybean, corn, wheat, hay and raise cattle.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
“It doesn’t take long to plant when you have the window,” Harbage said.
This year, he said fuel prices are more than double and input (seed, fertilizer, etc.) prices are up as well.
Harbage said the Ukraine situation have pushed the markets higher for corn, soybean and wheat a bit higher. He said, “the market will offset but other things will take money away from the farmer.”
“Farmers buy retail, sell wholesale, and can’t pass on the costs to anyone else,” he said. “We’re stuck. People assume farmers are getting more. But that’s not the case. It’s the middle man.”
Dean Thompson of Darke County has farmed 1,400 acres with his brother for the past several years. This year was different as his brother opted to retire leaving Thompson to transition the operation to his one of his two grandsons who will be taking over in the next two years.
Despite the wet weather, Thompson said they were lucky to nearly have 90% of their crops planted.
“Last year was not as wet as this one when three to four weeks of rain put us behind,” Thompson said.
He said the uncertainty about Ukraine will help keep commodity prices up. While Thompson said farmers are used to seeing the commodity prices go up and down, he said the prices for machinery, inputs, parts and repairs will continue to go up.
“When you’re not making money, it’s tough to be a farmer,” he said
Dealing with expenses
Gail Lierer said she ordered off-road diesel fuel last month for $4.61 a gallon for her 900-acre family farm in southwest Butler County. Thirty days later, the price went up 30 cents a gallon and is still going up.
“At $5.40 a gallon, you can’t be loyal to the people you’ve been buying from for years,” she said. “You have to shop around and you need to be price savvy.”
Lierer said her parents moved here in 1945 and she and her husband David took it over in 1983 during a drought. In 2019, they finished planting June 20, the deadline to purchase crop insurance. The family farms soybeans, hay and corn.
She said the span to to plant crops is becoming shorter and knows of some farmers who have acres of soybeans yet to plant. Lierer said she sells crop insurance and has been receiving calls of possible scenarios.
“It’s not good,” she said. “It’s a bad year all the way around. Fertilizer prices are through the roof and the costs for parts and transportation are outrageous. It’s a continuation of problems and last year didn’t help.”
Another Butler County farmer, Tim Hesselbrock agreed: “It’s bad this season. We’re three to four weeks behind.”
While wet weather has been a major problem, Hesselbrock said the costs of phosphorus fertilizer went from $385 to $1,500 a ton long before the war in Ukraine began. He said it’s the new normal -- create a shortage, then run the price up. Other inputs into the soil have seen similar drastic increases.
Hesselbrock, who is president of the Butler County Farm Bureau, said his family operates a 3,500-acre farm where they grow corn, soybeans, beans and hay.
“We’re hoping the market stays up and helps us,” he said. “We’re hoping to get through this year. Everyone is disappointed about the weather. The later you plant, the less the yield.”
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohio-farmers-face-tough-growing-season/ASIUOOXBORABLJURRXAUKHMTCI/ | 2022-06-11T18:39:20 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ohio-farmers-face-tough-growing-season/ASIUOOXBORABLJURRXAUKHMTCI/ |
WASHINGTON — Federal officials last week declared the Arizona eryngo, a rare wildflower, an endangered species, a move advocates hope will also help boost efforts to save the San Pedro River where the plant is found.
The action Thursday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows years of efforts by conservation groups to save the eryngo, a cream-colored flowering wetland plant native to Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.
But the plant only grows in cienegas, a type of wetland created by natural springs, and those are being depleted by over-pumping of groundwater in the region, the service and environmental groups said.
“I’m so glad these big, beautiful plants and the rare cienega habitats where they live are getting these badly needed protections,” Robin Silver, a cofounder of the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “The eryngo gives us one more reason to save the San Pedro River.”
In addition to declaring the plant endangered, the government designated a total of 12.7 acres of critical habitat for it, at sites in Pima and Cochise counties. The endangered species designation takes effect July 11.
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The Arizona eryngo is a member of the carrot family that can grow to 5 feet tall and live for up to 10 years. It reproduces through pollination and is frequented by a range of pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
It has historically been found at six sites — three in Arizona and one each in New Mexico and the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. It is currently only found at the two Mexican sites and at two locations in Arizona.
The service designated critical habitat for the eryngo in Arizona at Lewis Springs in Cochise County and La Cebadilla in Pima County. La Cebadilla Cienega is adjacent to the Tanque Verde Wash and Lewis Springs Cienega is just east of the San Pedro River.
But groundwater levels in the San Pedro River Basin have been dropping for decades due to excessive pumping in the Upper San Pedro River Basin by residents living around Fort Huachuca, Silver said.
The eryngo relies on water from the springs that are fed by the deep aquifers in the San Pedro River Basin. But the Center for Biological Diversity said there is currently a groundwater overdraft of more than 5,000 acre-feet per year in the Fort Huachuca-Sierra Vista area, and studies predict the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area will disappear if current practices continue.
Advocates hope the endangered species designation for the eryngo will give added impetus to larger efforts to save the San Pedro.
“The San Pedro is one of the last undammed, free-flowing rivers in the desert southwest,” said Emily Thomas, president of the Maricopa Audubon Society. “That’s why it is … so imperative.”
Silver called the endangered species designation a “game changer … for San Pedro protection,” since it could lead to reductions in pumping in the basin.
“Protection of the plant offers protection against the lowering of the water tables from groundwater pumping,” Silver said.
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Maricopa Audubon Society first petitioned for endangered species status for the Arizona eryngo in April 2018. The groups, along with Earthjustice, sued the Trump administration in March 2020 after the service’s consideration of the petition stalled.
This week’s announcement did not include Agua Caliente, a one-time home to the Arizona eryngo, after on-going efforts to reintroduce the species there failed. The Fish and Wildlife Service said Thursday that it, the Bureau of Land Management, the Desert Botanical Gardens and Pima County “have begun conservation efforts to establish additional populations.”
Thomas is worried that with just two areas designated as critical habitat, the government is “not giving room for the species to recover.” But government officials said they are committed to continuing to work toward the plant’s preservation.
“The Service looks forward to continuing our work with conservation partners in Arizona to protect and recover this rare native plant,” Amy Lueders, the Fish and Wildlife Service regional director, said in a statement. “Partnerships will be central to addressing the threats to the Arizona eryngo and putting it on the path to recovery.”
In the meantime, Silver said, the center plans to continue fighting to protect the San Pedro River; it currently has three active lawsuits related to the river. | https://tucson.com/news/local/rare-wildflower-could-boost-efforts-to-preserve-san-pedro-river/article_8ddaf3be-e921-11ec-b039-a327c3b1e33b.html | 2022-06-11T18:43:51 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/rare-wildflower-could-boost-efforts-to-preserve-san-pedro-river/article_8ddaf3be-e921-11ec-b039-a327c3b1e33b.html |
Justice Clarence Thomas and the U.S. Supreme Court majority have bought the border hype.
Residents of Southern Arizona and the rest of America's borderlands could pay the price.
Thomas wrote the opinion of a 6-3 majority released last week concluding, essentially, that U.S. Border Patrol agents are immune from federal lawsuits even when they violate Americans' constitutional rights on their own private property. This further weakens residents' constitutional rights in border zones where they're already degraded.
The reasoning of Thomas and that majority will be familiar to people who have followed the Border Patrol's attempt to transform itself since 9/11/2001. Essentially, no matter what they are doing, Border Patrol agents are performing a "national security" function, the court ruled. Therefore they must be protected from lawsuits even when they violate Americans' rights.
That's true even when an agent like Erik Egbert is throwing an American citizen like Robert Boule to the ground on his American property, the incident that prompted this suit. Although Egbert followed up that abuse by siccing the IRS on the American, the court ruled, agents are too important to our security to be threatened with lawsuits for their misbehavior.
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"Permitting suit against a Border Patrol agent presents national security concerns that foreclose Bivens relief," the majority wrote, citing the 1971 case, Bivens, that establishes limited conditions to sue federal agents who violate people's rights.
Wednesday's ruling goes on: "We ask here whether a court is competent to authorize a damages action not just against Agent Egbert but against Border Patrol agents generally. The answer, plainly, is no."
The ruling expands on logic from the court's 2020 ruling in Hernandez v. Mesa, a case in which an agent shot and killed a Mexican teen standing on the Mexican side of the border. The court ruled then the teen's family in Mexico couldn't sue the agent who shot him; this ruling says even Americans on American soil can't sue agents for violating their constitutional rights.
That immunity from lawsuits will undoubtedly add to the impunity available to many agents who misbehave. The agency's internal discipline is opaque to outsiders, so it's usually unclear if agents are ever internally reprimanded for abusing members of the public. In this case, Egbert was not internally disciplined.
And prosecutors are reticent to bring criminal cases against agents for shootings or abuse because they so rarely win convictions. (They do win convictions against agents accused of corruption and sometimes sexual assault.)
In other words, people who live in the communities where Border Patrol is omnipresent have little remaining ability to ensure that agents who abuse their power face justice.
Immune from consequences
Justice Sonia Sotomayor recognized this in her dissenting opinion.
"The consequences of the Court’s drive-by, categorical assertion will be severe," she wrote. "Absent intervention by Congress, CBP agents are now absolutely immunized from liability in any Bivens action for damages, no matter how egregious the misconduct or resultant injury."
The justices in Washington, D.C., undoubtedly have little understanding of the everyday experience of residents or agents in Southern Arizona, where the Border Patrol is the largest law-enforcement agency.
Despite the hype about border crises, which has been going on with little let-up since I started covering events along the international line in 1997, life in the borderlands is largely mundane in most places on most days. An agent's given shift may be demanding or dangerous, but it may also be so boring as to literally put the agent to sleep. Anyone who has walked up to enough Border Patrol vehicles parked in the hinterlands can attest to that.
Now, I should point out that the Border Patrol is welcomed by many people in the places where it operates. That's in part because agents are around to help out with emergencies unrelated to their federal duties in areas like rural Pima County where sheriff's deputies may be an hour away.
But that doesn't mean they should be immune from consequences for violating residents' rights.
Constitution only lightly applies
In the case that gave rise to last week's ruling, Boule, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast in Blaine, Washington, had tipped off agents that a Turkish man was flying into the United States at New York City, flying across the country to Seattle, then coming up to his inn.
Boule himself is sketchy: He had apparently played both sides of the fence, charging people to be driven to his property on the Canadian border, but also tipping off agents to who was coming, so they could be arrested, and making money as a federal informant. He's also been convicted of human smuggling in Canada.
When the Turkish man arrived, Egbert drove his Border Patrol vehicle onto the bed-and-breakfast's property. Boule asked the agent to leave. The agent declined and as the confrontation escalated, Egbert picked Boule up and threw him against the vehicle, then onto the ground.
The agent then checked the Turkish man's documents, found he was legally in the country, and departed. The Turk later walked into Canada from the property.
Boule filed a complaint against Egbert with the Border Patrol, but the complaint was determined to be unfounded. Then Egbert tipped off state and federal tax authorities, who audited Boule.
Truth be told, the agent was not breaking any law when he went onto Boule's property along the Canadian border. Federal law allows Border Patrol agents to enter private land — but not private residences — without a warrant if they are within 25 miles of an international border. Long-established federal rules allow agents to stop vehicles within 100 miles of a border if they have reasonable suspicion an immigration violation has occurred.
They also may operate checkpoints in that 100-mile zone, but can only search vehicles if they have probable cause a crime has been committed.
These factors are the foundation of what makes the borderlands what many people call a "Constitution-free zone," or at minimum a place where the Constitution only lightly applies.
Accountability needed
Congress has the ability to correct this injustice. The problem is that our representatives are also deeply in the thrall of the border hype machine. The Tucson-based union for Border Patrol agents, the National Border Patrol Council, was so powerful during the Trump administration that the union president had direct access to the president himself.
That union regularly works to protect agents from accountability and to oppose politicians it disagrees with. In this case, the union submitted a friend-of-the-court brief arguing that Border Patrol agents should not be subject to lawsuits, as previously ruled in this case by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, because it will potentially harm the country.
"Border Patrol agents need to retain confidence in their ability to act decisively while operating alone, often in remote parts of the country and while, at times, being grossly outnumbered," Tucson attorneys Jim Calle and Amy Krauss wrote.
"The decision of the court of appeals will undermine the Agency’s mission by causing agents to hesitate and second guess their daily decisions about whether and how to investigate suspicious activities near the border, paralyzing their mandate to keep the border secure."
I don't know about you, but I think if agents like Egbert second-guess whether they should throw residents of the borderlands to the ground, that's a good thing.
Thanks to Thomas and the court majority, though, agents who mistreat borderland residents can feel confident of their immunity.
Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-court-gives-border-agents-immunity-when-violating-americans-rights/article_9c2c27b6-e80f-11ec-94ef-e356cbb6b9c2.html | 2022-06-11T18:43:57 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-court-gives-border-agents-immunity-when-violating-americans-rights/article_9c2c27b6-e80f-11ec-94ef-e356cbb6b9c2.html |
Five years ago, Saul Moreno was living large as one of Tucson auto dealer Jim Click's top car salesmen. He worked long hours, but was handsomely compensated and treated well. He was happy.
But when Moreno's 10-year-old son, Saul Jr., told him he needed to see more of his dad, Moreno walked away. He started a business that would give him flexibility in his work hours and dove headfirst into his son's favorite hobby: bicycle motocross, or BMX.
Now, the 39-year-old Moreno has become the unofficial champion of Tucson's youth BMX scene. Not only does he shepherd his two sons along in their burgeoning freestyle careers, but he also supports his two soon-to-be stepdaughters and countless other Tucson kids who are lacking the guidance, means or opportunity to take their BMX game to the next level.
Genuine passion
Moreno, who owns and operates Kall Saul Mobile Carwash and Detailing, is trying to increase ridership among local kids. It starts, he says, with local schools.
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"BMX is too discreet. It doesn't get the publicity or help from the community to grow it more like other sports," Moreno said.
He's worked hard in recent years to bring training into Tucson's schools, teaching kids to both ride bikes and fix them. Simply riding a bike isn't the rite of childhood that it used to be, he said.
"Lots of kids have never put their hands on handlebars," he said. "And going over an obstacle, like a hump, is brand new even for seasoned kids."
He's donated bikes to local kids for the last several years, finding kids at the parks and skate parks that didn't have bikes of their own. And last year, he started a toy and bike drive for the community, giving away 10 bikes to local schools.
Moreno also owns the clothing brand Genuine BMX, and he uses some of the profits to help local kids pay for camp and race entry fees.
He's not living as large as he was at Jim Click, but "we learned to adapt to not needing the things we think we need."
Plus he said, "time, you can't get back."
Genuine BMX started out several years ago as something totally different. Moreno would print outdoor racing track Tucson BMX's logo and his Kall Saul branding on the back of T-shirts, and pay the entry fees of any rider who wanted to wear them.
That effort turned into Support Local BMX, with Moreno handing out stickers and appearing at one of Tucson's longstanding holiday traditions, the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival. Moreno built a ramp that he'd pick up and drop between vehicles on the route; his sons and other local riders would perform tricks for the crowd.
While at a national BMX competition in Las Vegas, Moreno posted up next to a Tucson BMX trailer. He marveled at the quality of the competition's bikes compared to the "(expletive)boxes" that accompanied Moreno's crew from Tucson.
Moreno said it was the best feeling to see his T-shirts or stickers on bikes at parks and tracks across town.
"Only 1% of people will do this for a living. But it teaches you life skills for the future," Moreno said. "I felt it was my duty to get other kids involved."
In October 2020, Moreno rebranded Support Local BMX as Genuine BMX, saying the name fits because, "I genuinely love this thing."
These days, Moreno sets his work schedule around his kids and BMX, traveling frequently with his sons and stepdaughters for camps and competitions.
"My youngest, this is his life," Moreno said of 9-year-old Samuelle. "He learned how to walk with a bike instead of a walker."
As Moreno talked with the Star on a recent Tuesday evening, Samuelle was tearing up the course at Premises Park, an indoor BMX, skateboard and scooter park south of downtown.
While Samuelle and Saul Jr., 16, are both climbing the ranks in the freestyle BMX scene, Moreno's stepdaughters are making names for themselves in BMX racing.
A place to play
Tucson is no stranger to accomplished BMX riders. Last month, Tucsonans Daleny Vaughn and Corben Sharrah took home first place honors in USA Cycling's Elite BMX National Championships.
Longtime BMX freestyle competitor Kevin Peraza, who was born and raised in Tucson, has represented Mexico and the United States internationally. Peraza competed in four X Games, winning gold medals in X Games Austin 2016 and X Games Minneapolis 2017. In 2019, Peraza won multiple events in the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup and qualified for the Olympics.
He also made history as the namesake of Vans' first pair of BMX shoes.
"He's trying to be the father figure of Tucson BMX," Moreno said of pro Peraza, who Samuelle Moreno calls his "bestie."
At the center of today's BMX scene is the nonprofit Premises Park, owned and operated by Ian Abbott since 2010. It has become a hub for Tucson's skating, riding and scooting community.
With lessons, memberships, hourly pricing and discount nights, Premises Park fits most budgets. It offers a summer special that includes all-day pricing complete with supervision and the option to have meals delivered via DoorDash. ("Kind of like daycare, but we don't do diapers," the slogan reads).
The 32,000-square-foot park is also hoping to appeal to parents looking for daytime activities for their kids. The walls of the multi-level structure are adorned with local street art; there are step-ups, boxes, ramps and coping, some donated from local riders and skaters' personal collections.
Abbott, a BMX rider, got back into the sport in 2006 after finishing graduate school.
He and Peraza "used to talk about how cool would it be to have our own place," Abbott said. "I went past one day and saw the old sofa factory had a sign out front that it was for rent."
Located at the corner of Speedway and Main, Abbott figured the building would be prime real estate, but the rent was only $1,200 a month. He figured he could charge admission, and as long as the rent was paid, the business could survive.
"It exploded. The demand was incredible," he said. "The building wasn't big enough."
So Abbott leased on a 10,000-square-foot location in 2011, and moved again a few years later when the opportunity for more space for less rent came about. Abbott just signed another five year-lease.
"I used to dream about being one of these large skate parks, and now I'm one of the 1% left in the U.S. and one of the biggest indoor skate parks in the country," he Abbott said. "But it's a dying business. Every couple of months, there's another indoor, privately-owned skate park that closes."
As long as there are people like Moreno around, Premises Park will survive and thrive, Abbott says.
"Saul is one of those parents that's die-hard with his kids. He's going to support them and not shove it down their throat because they're good at it," Abbott said, adding that Saul Jr. has been riding at Premises Park since it was in its previous spot over on Toole Avenue.
"(Saul) has found his niche in what evolved into Genuine BMX. It doesn't reflect a physical product; it's just a clothing line that's genuine," Abbott said. "The money funds his kids going across the country or going to events or sends other kids to (camp) or helps buy bikes for kids who need bikes."
Abbott said the region's BMX family has grown, and Moreno is tapping into that expanding market.
"He's got a good brand started and a good mission going," Abbott said.
On the road
Moreno and his son's love of all things BMX hasn't only changed the lives of local kids, but also those of their own family.
Monique Robles said she had no idea what BMX was she first met Moreno, her fiancé, several years ago.
"It's my life now," she said. "My kids love it. We get to see different places and meet people and it's helped my girls so much."
Before meeting Moreno, Robles' daughters had dabbled with mountain bikes, but had never raced or done any kind of tricks. Now, they're both all-in on racing.
Robles' daughter, Yoselyn Bueno, 14, came around pretty quickly, but her now 10-year-old, Alessia Bueno, took a little more time.
Moreno bought Alessia a bike at the start of the pandemic, which he sold six months later after she failed to use it. Alessia was upset when she found out, so Moreno built her a "skeleton bike" out of spare parts.
"It was the worst bike made of all the junkyard parts that we had," he said. "But she got on and overcame that fear. Then she chased that feeling of winning and getting better. She grew confidence through bikes."
Now, Alessia — who Moreno calls the Kim Kardashian of the family — is the first one to ask to go to the track.
Moreno said the family is super-supportive of each other, but his efforts show that support extends to members of their extended BMX family.
The last several summers, Moreno and Robles have helped raise funds for Moreno's sons and other local kids to attend Woodward West summer camp in Tehachapi, California. The camp is world-renowned for its action sports, including BMX, and while the price is steep, the rewards are also rich.
The past four summers, Moreno and Robles have packed their van and trailer full of bikes, kids and teens, making the nine-hour road trip to drop the kids off at camp, driving back to Tucson, and doing it all over again at the end of the week.
Last year, he brought 10 other kids along for the ride, and they regularly have other kids with them when they travel to out-of-town races and events.
This summer, Moreno changed the plan, packing up the family for a five-week road trip to Woodward, Pennsylvania, home of the original Woodward Camp.
Moreno called the trip the "Chasing the Dream BMX Tour," splitting up the 34-hour drive with stops at a covered BMX track in Albuquerque, a Tulsa skate shop, USA BMX headquarters and more. They arrived in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
When they return next month, it's back to business and spreading their love of BMX as far as they can.
"If I help one person in a positive way, that's so much better than sitting back and doing nothing," Moreno said.
Contact Star reporter Caitlin Schmidt at 573-4191 or cschmidt@tucson.com. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt | https://tucson.com/sports/local/tucson-family-shares-love-of-bmx-with-local-kids-teens/article_a12223c2-e1d6-11ec-95e9-c711fd76cb6d.html | 2022-06-11T18:44:03 | 1 | https://tucson.com/sports/local/tucson-family-shares-love-of-bmx-with-local-kids-teens/article_a12223c2-e1d6-11ec-95e9-c711fd76cb6d.html |
BLOOMINGTON — With a job that takes him on the road across the state, Erik Filipiak is often in a position to watch the numbers at the gas pump go up — and up, and up.
Filling up half the tank of his pickup truck now costs over $50. He's almost afraid to calculate how high his bills have gotten.
“You almost don’t want to track it, but you have to,” said Filipiak, of Normal, whose work involves traveling to conduct golf demonstrations.
Filipiak is far from alone in feeling the pain. The nationwide average price for a gallon of gasoline has topped $5 for the first time ever, auto club AAA said Saturday. The rapidly rising prices are having an impact across the economy, from people driving for work or recreation to businesses and nonprofits that must grapple with how to cover the higher costs.
The Illinois average was $5.56 per gallon on Saturday, and AAA reported that the McLean County average was below that at $5.24. It's a better position than some: California had the highest average price, at $6.43, while the lowest was $4.52 in Mississippi.
The national average price has jumped 19 cents in just the past week, and it's up $1.93 from this time last year.
There are several reasons for the surge in gasoline prices.
Americans typically drive more starting around Memorial Day, so demand is up. Global oil prices are rising, compounded by sanctions against Russia, a leading oil producer, because of its war against Ukraine. And there are limits on refining capacity in the United States because some refineries shut down during the pandemic.
Add it all up, and the cost of filling up is draining money from Americans who are facing the highest rate of inflation in 40 years.
"People think fuel prices start and stop at the price of the pump," said Moe Davis, owner of Tobin's Pizza, 1513 N. Main St., Bloomington. "That’s just one of many elements. ... Most of the products we stay in contact with, a lot of times fuel will touch those products eight to 12 times before people have a chance to buy it."
Rising gas prices make everything cost more, from planting and harvesting crops to manufacturing and delivering goods, Davis said. Inevitably, businesses are forced to pass their own rising costs along to consumers. He said Tobin's has already adjusted its delivery fee once and may need to do so again.
But some entities don't have that option, like the nonprofit Faith in Action of Bloomington-Normal. The organization relies on volunteers who use their own cars and gas to drive senior citizens around for essential services such as medical appointments and grocery shopping.
Higher gas prices have left some seniors waiting for rides or scrambling to find a ride which, in some cases, leads to rescheduling medical appointments, Faith in Action Executive Director Pamela Sweetwood said.
“We have been hearing lately some feedback from them (volunteers) as far as them being choosy about which rides they do or how many rides they do for our seniors,” Sweetwood said. “They’re choosing rides that are shorter or closer to where they live.”
Faith in Action receives some gas cards and money through donations, which the organization doles out to its volunteers, particularly those who drive longer distances. Most trips are contained to the Bloomington-Normal area, but some people may need rides to medical specialists as far as Chicago or St. Louis.
Faith in Action’s biggest need right now is more drivers, she added. The organization had 132 volunteers provide 712 rides for 140 people in May, but it has lost some volunteers since 2020 due to the pandemic, and others have drawn back services because of gas prices.
“I expect the gas situation is only going to get worse, so we will likely see an impact more and more during the summer, and we’re going to have to figure out how to deal with that,” Sweetwood said.
As the Bloomington Public Library undergoes construction on its $25 million expansion and renovation project, parking might be tighter and activity more hectic at 205 E. Olive St. That makes the role of the traveling Bookmobile even more crucial, said library circulation and outreach manager Colleen Shaw.
At the same time, fuel prices are having an impact. The Bookmobile travels an average of 110 miles per week. Its average diesel cost per month is $347.97 — $87 more than the monthly average last year, Shaw said. While the library has been able to absorb the increase so far, money may need to be reallocated from another budget line if the increases continue, she said. There are no plans to cut service.
“The Bookmobile is such an essential service as part of the library that we really need to keep a flexible fuel budget for it,” Shaw said. “We need to make sure that we are providing this service for our community because we have so many patrons that live out in the northeast areas of Bloomington and others we serve through the Golden Prairie Public Library District,” which includes residents of the Arrowsmith, Bloomington, Dale, Dawson and Old Town townships.
Illinois State University's gasoline contract expired June 4, but the university filled up right before then, said Mike Gebeke, associate vice president of facility services. The university had been paying $2.75 a gallon.
Now, there are plans to wait a few months before seeking a new contract in hopes that prices will come down. In the meantime, the university will buy at market rates — but buying about 8,300 gallons at a time means the university tends to pay about 25 cents less than the price at gas stations, he said.
The university normally goes through around 90,000 gallons a year. It also has to buy diesel fuel for other uses, like generators and farm equipment.
Gebeke said university officials are studying the possibility of changing some of the ISU fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles. Recent advancements in electric vehicles, like those made by Rivian Automotive or the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup, make it more reasonable to use the trucks for the maintenance fleet.
The university would need to get the infrastructure for electric vehicles in place first, but Gebeke is hopeful he could get that process rolling soon.
He noted, however, that gas prices aren't the only ones going up. While its natural gas rate is set through 2024 by contract, the university is bracing for higher energy costs — as are downstate residents. Ameren Illinois officials announced earlier this year that prices would spike this month due to a variety of factors, including supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures.
“You’re going to see triple the price for your electricity, and so are we,” Gebeke said.
Kade Heather, Mateusz Janik, Brendan Denison, Connor Wood, Olivia Jacobs and The Associated Press contributed reporting.
Tobin's Pizza originated in 1963 and was owned by Jim and Mary Tobin. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/watch-now-pain-at-the-pump-extends-to-central-illinois-drivers-nonprofits-and-businesses/article_bdb10eb2-e97a-11ec-b649-6317a55b5110.html | 2022-06-11T18:46:01 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/watch-now-pain-at-the-pump-extends-to-central-illinois-drivers-nonprofits-and-businesses/article_bdb10eb2-e97a-11ec-b649-6317a55b5110.html |
I have always loved nature, but I only began to feel an intimate connection when I had to stay in one spot outside for hours, mostly alone, and found myself sketching.
I was a biology graduate student studying bumblebees. For my thesis I needed to capture bumblebee queens to photograph, mark and release them. This meant I had to stake out a place with a lot of flowers and wait for the queens to show up. And wait. One day I noticed an orange and black bird with spots on its back singing and posing atop a manzanita bush.
His song was loud, jubilant and challenging. His orange eyes blazed. Who was he, I wondered? I made a quick diagram in my field notebook to try to capture the notes and rhythms of his song. I tried to sketch him. Though my drawing was a disappointing scrawl, I had noted enough information to be able to find him in a field guide. He was a male Spotted Towhee.
I decided to learn to draw birds, animals and plants so that I could record what I saw in a more satisfying way. I found a book on drawing birds by John Muir Laws and learned that my nature notes were what many people call a nature journal.
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Nature journaling is observing nature and recording what you see using words, drawings, and numbers. Journaling has been an essential tool of scientists for hundreds of years, from the famous notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci to the observations Charles Darwin recorded in journals. In recent years Laws has started and inspired nature journal clubs around the country, including one here in Flagstaff.
As a child, Laws was frustrated in school because of his dyslexia, but he enjoyed outings in nature with his parents. On one of these outings, his attention was captivated by watching a friend of his mother, who was sitting on the ground drawing a plant. He followed her all afternoon as she went from plant to plant, drawing each one. He just knew he had to do this.
On the next outing his mother presented him with his own journal. From then on, Laws filled his journal with drawings of lizards, squirrels, whatever he saw that interested him, even robots and racecars. But it was the process of drawing outside that opened-up the natural world to him and drew him in.
Scientific studies have shown connecting with nature can improve our mental, emotional, and physical health. That’s a common experience for people who take time to sketch in nature. Longtime nature journaler Fran Manos found that journaling changed her.
“As I observe nature and record what I see, I have come to love our natural world as never before,” Manos said. “It’s infinitely complex, and we are part of it, along with the smallest gnat or the most fragile wildflower. Every time I look closely, I find something amazing! I love nature journaling; it has become a part of my everyday life.”
Nature journaling has become part of my life as well. Years have passed since I tried to draw the Spotted Towhee. I’ve learned that to make an accurate drawing, I must look closely and notice details. The more I look, the more the natural world opens to me and the deeper a connection I feel to nature, from dandelions to the stars in the night sky to my fellow human beings. As the poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Attention is the beginning of devotion.”
I want to help bring other people closer to nature, so I’m starting a Nature Journal Club. The first meeting is Saturday, June 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Museum of Northern Arizona Discovery Village.
Nature journaling is a great activity for families, elders, teenagers – everyone. You don’t need to be able to draw. Just come see what this activity is all about and what it can do for you.
Here is one of Fran Manos’ nature journal pages to inspire you:
Liz Blaker is an artist and biologist who teaches nature sketching classes at the Museum of Northern Arizona Discovery Village. She is starting a Nature Journal Club, which will be free and open to all ages. The first meeting is Saturday, June 11, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Email elizabethblaker1@gmail.com for more information.
Nature journaling has become part of my life as well. Years have passed since I tried to draw the Spotted Towhee. I’ve learned that to make an accurate drawing, I must look closely and notice details. The more I look, the more the natural world opens to me and the deeper a connection I feel to nature, from dandelions to the stars in the night sky to my fellow human beings. As the poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/mna-column-connecting-to-nature-through-journaling/article_33f3f2f0-e8f5-11ec-a6be-171b6c6cb2a4.html | 2022-06-11T19:06:00 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/mna-column-connecting-to-nature-through-journaling/article_33f3f2f0-e8f5-11ec-a6be-171b6c6cb2a4.html |
HOUSTON — Family, friends and a community said goodbye to four boys and their grandfather who investigators say were killed by an escaped inmate in Centerville earlier this month.
Mark Collins, 66, along with 18-year-old Waylon Collins, 16-year-old Carson Collins, 11-year-old Hudson Collins and 11-year-old Bryson Collins were remembered during a funeral service at Champion Forest Baptist Church on Saturday morning.
The family burial will be private.
Last night, the Collins family was honored at a visitation at Houston Northwest Church. Mourners wore blue ribbons to show their support.
Family of faith
The Collins family is known for their strong ties to the church and their "unrelenting faith."
The brother of Mark Collins said family members remain strong and unwavering during this time.
"My short message is: God is still God and we're not -- and there's a purpose in this, no doubt," Glenn Collins said.
Mark and his grandsons headed to Centerville to spend time at a ranch they used as a weekend home for hunting, fishing and other activities. They were believed to be murdered the same day they arrived at the home.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. If you want to help, here is the link. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/collins-family-funeral/285-7adf7569-5fe4-4ac7-bdd3-014923ad51d1 | 2022-06-11T19:10:15 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/collins-family-funeral/285-7adf7569-5fe4-4ac7-bdd3-014923ad51d1 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Marine Corps on Friday identified Cpt. John Sax, from Placer County as one of the victims of an Osprey tiltrotor aircraft that crashed during training in the California desert Wednesday.
Capt. Sax is the son of former Los Angeles Dodger and five-time All Star Steve Sax.
Capt. Sax, a pilot was 33 years old.
Steve Sax said in a statement:
“It is with complete devastation that I announce that my precious son, Johnny was one of the five US Marines that perished on Wednesday, June 8 in the Osprey Military crash near San Diego.”
“For those of you that knew Johnny, you saw his huge smile, bright light, his love for his family, the Marines, the joy of flying airplanes and defending our country! He was my hero and the best man I know, there was no better person to defend our country.”
“Johnny Sax knew he wanted to be a pilot since his young years and would tell his Dad what types of planes were flying overhead while playing little league baseball in the outfield. There was never any doubt from a young age that Johnny would be a pilot and his passion was to fly! I am so proud of the man he became and so proud to call him my son! This loss will change my life forever and is a loss to not only the Marines but this world!”
John Sax served the Marine Corp for five years and eight months and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.
The U.S. Marine Corps identified the five servicemembers on Friday. The Marines died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon in the Southern California desert near Glamis in Imperial County.
All five Marines were based at Marine Corps Air Station in Camp Pendleton.
Also killed were pilot Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire and three tiltrotor crew chiefs: Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois; Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364.
“This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
Steve Sax played baseball at high school in West Sacramento before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1978. He won two World Series with the Dodgers and made five All Star teams in his career. He also played for the White Sox, A's and Yankees.
WATCH MORE ABC10: Remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/john-sax-marine-helicopter-crash-steve-sax/103-12bbe103-e157-472a-965c-606489485416 | 2022-06-11T19:10:28 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/john-sax-marine-helicopter-crash-steve-sax/103-12bbe103-e157-472a-965c-606489485416 |
SAN ANTONIO — Officials are searching for a New Braunfels woman who has not been seen 3 p.m. Friday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
82-year-old Erma Williams was last seen in 1600 block of Sunnycrest Cir in New Braunfels Friday. She is described as being 5'4 weighing 170 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair.
She was also last seen wearing a dark blue shirt, black pants, a blue purse and had a red walker.
Her vehicle is a 2017 Red Ford Edge with Texas license JMP7889.
If you have seen her, you are asked the call the New Braunfels Police Department at (830) 221-4560. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/officials-searching-for-missing-new-braunfels-woman/273-98216423-2331-4854-a4b6-b548978c995c | 2022-06-11T19:21:39 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/officials-searching-for-missing-new-braunfels-woman/273-98216423-2331-4854-a4b6-b548978c995c |
SAN ANTONIO — A man and a woman are dead after being ran over by a boat in Comal County Friday evening, officials say.
Just before 4:45 p.m., the Comal County Sheriff's Office responded to a cove just north of the Canyon Lake Marina. Officials say a 54-year-old male and a 22-year-old female got into the water while there were still people on the boat.
Somehow the boat ran over the victims. The boat's propeller fatally injuring the victims, officials say.
The victims were removed from the water and given CPR, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens and CCSO is investigating.
This is a developing story and will be updated if more information is received. Please check back for updates. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/two-dead-following-after-being-hit-by-boat-comal-county/273-f23a17b6-81dd-4f37-ad4b-e367e3a84495 | 2022-06-11T19:21:45 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/two-dead-following-after-being-hit-by-boat-comal-county/273-f23a17b6-81dd-4f37-ad4b-e367e3a84495 |
The Kenosha Police Department responded to the area of Jefferson Elementary School for reports of an armed person in crisis Friday morning.
Police took the subject into custody with no reported injuries according to reports.
Kenosha Police Sgt, Joseph Nosalik said no other information would be released due to the mental health aspect of the incident.
Mugshots: Racine County criminal complaints, June 7, 2022
Today's mugshots: June 7
These are images of people charged with a crime in Racine County. Booking photos are provided by Racine County law enforcement officials. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted.
Antonio Wilder-Lackey Jr.
Antonio Wilder-Lackey Jr., 2300 block of Monroe Avenue, Racine, misdemeanor theft, misdemeanor bail jumping, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, possession of cocaine, stalking.
Ariel D. Graves
Ariel D. Graves, 900 block of Center Street, Racine, contributing to the delinquency of a child, disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer, misdemeanor bail jumping.
Paris L. Schreiber
Paris L. Schreiber, Saukville, Wisconsin, resisting an officer, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jesus Alvarez
Jesus Alvarez, 2000 block of Quincy Avenue, Racine, possession of THC, felony bail jumping.
Paul J. Burdick
Paul J. Burdick, 2000 block of Green Street, Racine, substantial battery, disorderly conduct.
Keith Griffin Jr.
Keith Griffin Jr., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, possession of cocaine, possession of THC, operate motor vehicle while revoked, failure to install ignition interlock device.
Daniel E. Haumersen
Daniel E. Haumersen, 7200 block of Mariner Drive, Mount Pleasant, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ashley L. Hawley
Ashley (aka Amber Cutsforth) L. Hawley, 1800 block of Marquette Street, Racine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony bail jumping.
Evan M. Leimbach
Evan M. Leimbach, 4700 block of Indian Hills Drive, Mount Pleasant, theft (movable property between $10,000-$100,000).
Alberto A. Martinez
Alberto A. Martinez, Homeless, Racine, burglary of a building or dwelling, theft (movable property, special facts).
Maquan D. McAllister
Maquan D. McAllister, 3500 block of Spring Street, Racine, possession of narcotic drugs, felony bail jumping. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/armed-person-near-jefferson-elementary-taken-into-custody/article_c1a83f10-e991-11ec-989b-071f73f91ba6.html | 2022-06-11T19:25:02 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/armed-person-near-jefferson-elementary-taken-into-custody/article_c1a83f10-e991-11ec-989b-071f73f91ba6.html |
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Firefighters with the Sullivan County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) spent Saturday beating down a house fire.
According to a post from the department’s Facebook page, units responded to a fire that was seen billowing out of a building on Seneker Lane.
Crew members moved inside the building to continue fighting the blaze, stopping the spread of flames throughout the building.
The house was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported at the scene.
In the post, SCVFD officials thanked the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance.
“Without our neighboring departments,” the post reads. “We would not be able to have such an effective operation like this one this morning.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-vfd-crews-battle-blaze-inside-of-home/ | 2022-06-11T19:26:12 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sullivan-co-vfd-crews-battle-blaze-inside-of-home/ |
Two of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's most wanted were taken down this week, ending years of dodged tolls from a pair of motorists that collectively owed more than $100,000 in fees.
The MTA announced that "two of the agency’s top persistent toll violators" responsible for racking up several hundred toll violations each were stopped and had their vehicles impounded. Bridge and Tunnel officers busted the motorists at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Officers caught the first violator on Wednesday, a driver whose violations exceeded 600 in the span of a few years and came out to almost $69,000. The MTA said the driver was stopped for a suspended registration, and received summonses.
The second toll evader was stopped by officers the next day, also for a suspended registration. Their violations topped out at 440 and ran shy of $50,000, according to the MTA.
Officers from the Bridge and Tunnel division have specialized tech to read license plates and determine if the motorist has dodged toll fares. Over 1,300 drivers were busted last year for evading tolls. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-drivers-rack-up-over-1000-toll-violations-get-cars-impounded-by-mta/3730244/ | 2022-06-11T19:26:14 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-drivers-rack-up-over-1000-toll-violations-get-cars-impounded-by-mta/3730244/ |
After a 62 year career at Metalcraft, I’m stepping away from the Mason City, Iowa-based company where I started as an assistant controller, climbing through roles to become company president and owner. Reflecting on that time offers lessons for sustaining leadership in uncertain times.
When I think about Metalcraft’s success, it boils down to keeping the company locally owned, developing leaders and working as a team.
Ownership requires leaders, and you have to have education going on that engages your members. It's like a boiling pot, where people keep learning and people are ready to move up. In 2006, two longtime Metalcraft employees, Doug Peterson and Steve Doerfler led a buyout of Metalcraft, subsequently transitioning the business to an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) and have successfully led the company the past 16 years
It was an amazing run – working with all those team members, customers, suppliers and our community. In a small local company, you are looking all these people in their eyes on a regular basis. Every day, you say to yourself: successful growth is the only option, especially in the face of tough challenges.
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The path to making Metalcraft a global provider of property identification solutions required frequent adjustment to economic cycles. During the late 70s and early 80s, adding new team members was a tough challenge; you would be lucky to have one person show up for an interview. In the late 90s and early 2000s, our RFID business was ramping up just as an economic downturn cooled everything off.
Through the ups and downs, Metalcraft invested heavily in training for teamwork and skill development – education that continues today.
What's really important is you have to respect everybody in the organization. You need to understand and accept their differences. That way, you come up with a lot of ideas from everybody, and you have to understand that some people can easily speak up, but others can’t. You give them that opportunity, and it generates good ideas.
Metalcraft’s product line evolved significantly, changing to stay ahead of customer needs for property identification solutions. We pioneered the use of barcodes and supported major RFID investment – both extremely important to Metalcraft’s growth.
We also recognized that marketing and sales needed to be a strength. You must know your customers and their needs and how those needs are transitioning.
As an early example, I attended a trade show exhibiting our products in the 80s and learned our products were becoming obsolete. Prospects didn't spend much time with me as they were looking for bar codes and thinner materials. So, we learned quickly to integrate new technologies into our product line. Interacting with your customers allows that to happen.
Today, Metalcraft designs, engineers and manufactures custom RFID and barcode tags and labels for almost any tagging need, especially asset tracking, access control and OEM applications. Metalcraft also provides a wide range of services including RFID prototyping and pilot projects. The company added key business units: Ark Business Systems providing an out of the box asset tracking, SaaS solution, and Inlay Innovation in Ames, Iowa producing HF and UHF RFID inlays. Metalcraft nearly tripled revenues since 2006.
It was my great pleasure to help build a business culture recognized for elevating future leadership, seeing the rewards of this internal work as the company grew to serve global customers while staying locally owned, especially as it continues to thrive.
Waldo Smeby retired from the Board of Directors in May, concluding a career of more than 60 years building talent within Metalcraft to help preserve locally-ownership of the international business | https://globegazette.com/business/local/column-smeby-announces-retirement-from-metalcraft/article_2924d9b7-4b48-55fb-bf39-743f2d2ff400.html | 2022-06-11T19:32:48 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/business/local/column-smeby-announces-retirement-from-metalcraft/article_2924d9b7-4b48-55fb-bf39-743f2d2ff400.html |
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