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NORFOLK, Va. — (AP) — John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight Wednesday, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals.
“After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!,” he wrote on Twitter shortly after 12 p.m.
The lifting of all restrictions had been expected since late September. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman in Washington said he'd free Hinckley on June 15 if he continued to remain mentally stable in the community in Virginia where he has lived since 2016.
Hinckley, who was acquitted by reason of insanity, spent the decades before that in a Washington mental hospital.
Freedom for Hinckley will include giving a concert — he plays guitar and sings — in Brooklyn, New York, that's scheduled for July. He's already gained nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and YouTube in recent months as the judge loosened Hinckley's restrictions before fully lifting all of them.
But the graying 67-year-old is far from being the household name that he became after shooting and wounding the 40th U.S. president — and several others — outside a Washington hotel. Today, historians say Hinckley is at best a question on a quiz show and someone who unintentionally helped build the Reagan legend and inspire a push for stricter gun control.
“If Hinckley had succeeded in killing Reagan, then he would have been a pivotal historical figure,” H.W. Brands, a historian and Reagan biographer, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “As it is, he is a misguided soul whom history has already forgotten.”
Barbara A. Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, said that Hinckley "would be maybe a Jeopardy question.”
But his impact remains tangible in Reagan's legacy.
“For the president himself to have been so seriously wounded, and to come back from that — that actually made Ronald Reagan the legend that he became ... like the movie hero that he was,” Perry said.
Friedman, the federal judge overseeing Hinckley's case, said on June 1 that Hinckley has shown no signs of active mental illness since the mid-1980s and has exhibited no violent behavior or interest in weapons.
“I am confident that Mr. Hinckley will do well in the years remaining to him,” the judge said during the hearing earlier this month.
He noted that lawyers for the government and Hinckley have fought for years over whether Hinckley should be given increasing amounts of freedom.
“It took us a long time to get here,” he said, adding that there is now unanimous agreement: “This is the time to let John Hinckley move on with his life, so we will.” | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a | 2022-06-15T20:31:27 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a |
TEXAS, USA — This story will be updated as more events are announced.
Many families across North Texas will be celebrating July Fourth over the federal holiday weekend. Most major cities in the area will be hosting city-run and city-organized celebrations and fireworks shows.
Here is what is going for the public holiday across North Texas.
Addison - Kaboom Town
Addison will be holding its Addison Kaboom Town! event on Sunday, July 3 at Addison Circle Park from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This will include a fireworks show that is considered as one of the top in the nation. Fireworks will be launched around 9:30 p.m.
The fireworks show can be seen from anywhere in Addison. The city's restaurant and hotel community host special watch parties offering spectators a unique viewing experience with live music and food specials as well.
Tickets are required to attend the event. Tickets will be available online to the general public at 10 a.m. on June 22. People can also book an Addison Kaboom Town! hotel package and receive accommodations, a complimentary blanket and guaranteed admission for up to 6.
City of Arlington Fireworks Display
The City of Arlington's fireworks display will take place on Saturday, July 3 beginning at 9:50 p.m.
The radio station 95.9 The Ranch will provide patriotic music to accompany the display, which listeners can tune in to from their vehicles or The Ranch mobile streaming app.
Fireworks will be shot from the roof of City Tower, which is located east of City Hall.
Access to and from the 101 Center Parking Garage and parking spots immediately surrounding the building will be strictly prohibited beginning at 6 p.m. until about 11 p.m. Any vehicles in the parking garage or in the parking spots surrounding the building will not be allowed to leave once the event has started.
Bedford
The City of Bedford will have a fireworks show on July 4th starting at 9:30 p.m. The entire event, which will also include live music, lawn games and food trucks, will take place from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The fireworks will be shot off from Generations Park at Boys Ranch. However, there will not be any designated place to view them since the park is still under construction and not open to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Instead, crews will be shooting the fireworks 200 feet higher so residents can view them from further away.
Parking will be available for the general public in the grass lot across from Bedford City Hall beginning at 4 p.m. Parking is $10 per car, cash only. There will be no shuttle service available.
Carrollton
Carrollton has will hold its annual Fourth of July community fireworks display over Josey Ranch Lake on Saturday, July 2 starting at 9:30 p.m.
The show will also be available via live stream on the city of Carrollton's Facebook page.
Should there be weather issues, a rainout date of July 5 at 9:30 p.m. has been scheduled.
Dallas
After two years off, Fair Park Fourth is returning to Fair Park on July 4 from 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. This event will be free and open to the public.
In 2020, officials canceled the Fourth of July celebration, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of public safety as to why that decision was made. Fair Park leaders gave similar reasoning in 2021, saying that they "will focus on hosting the event in 2022."
Fair Park Fourth will feature hands-on activities for kids, local market vendors, live music from the United States Air Force Band, entertainment, food trucks, and other concession offerings.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will offer patriotic performances, “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, food trucks and concessions, and a fireworks show beginning around 9:45 p.m.
Flower Mound
During the Fourth of July weekend, Flower Mound will have two events.
The city will hold its first event on Saturday, July 3 with the Children’s Parade at 10 a.m. at Leonard and Helen Johns Park. Attendees will be able to enjoy free hot dogs, drinks, children’s activities and live entertainment.
Then on Monday, July 4, Independence Fest will begin at 5 p.m. at Bakersfield Park. Independence Fest 2021 will include live music, concessions, a kid’s zone, a car show, and a fireworks show around 9:50 p.m.
Fort Worth's Fourth
Fort Worth will be celebrating the holiday with one of the largest fireworks show in North Texas at Fort Worth’s Fourth. This event will be held Monday, July 4 at Panther Island Pavilion. Gates open at 5 p.m.
The celebration includes festival food, drinks, kid activities, live music and a fireworks show.
Frisco Freedom Fest
The Frisco Freedom Fest is Monday, July 4, and will be a celebration with food, music and fireworks.
Featured events include the Party in the Plaza, which begins at 4 p.m., and the Children’s Expo. The Taste of Frisco also returns, with Frisco restaurants serving some of their most popular menu items.
Fireworks begin approximately at 10 p.m., after the conclusion of the FC Dallas match at Toyota Stadium.
Check out all the full schedule of activities.
Garland
The City of Garland is hosting Star Spangled Spectacular on Sunday, July 3, from 4 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the Firewheel Town Center. There will be kid-friendly fun, food, live entertainment, a flag ceremony and fireworks.
Click here for the full schedule of activities.
Grand Prairie - Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration
Lone Star Park and the City of Grand Prairie will be putting on the Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration on July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This event starts with horse races at the Lone Star Park race track.
This also includes live music, a petting zoo and a 20-minute fireworks show choreographed to music.
General admission tickets are $10.
Irving
The City of Irving will host its annual Independence Day celebration on Monday, July 4. The parade starts at 9 a.m. in the Heritage District and then Josh Gilbert will be performing live at Heritage Park where attendees can also get free watermelon slices.
The Sparks & Stripes even begins at Levy Event Plaza at 6 p.m. where there will be live music and fireworks.
McKinney - Red, White and BOOM
McKinney is putting on its Red, White and BOOM event on Monday, July 4. This includes free family activities, live entertainment and a fireworks show.
There will also be a hometown parade and the Yankee Doodle block party.
The fireworks show will be happening at McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch.
All Red, White and BOOM! activities are free and open to the public.
Free parking will also be available.
Plano - All American 4th and Fireworks Show
Plano will hold the All American 4th and Fireworks Show at its normal location on Monday, July 4.
The in-person event begins at 6 p.m. on the north side of the Collin College parking lot.
City officials say they have received permission from Collin College to have music, five to six food vendors and 20 market vendors onsite at the College.
There will be a vendor market, static parade floats from Rotary Clubs of Plano, and a free kid zone.
Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m., and music will be simulcast on 97.5 KLAK.
Richardson
The City of Richardson will be holding its annual Family 4th Celebration on Monday, July 4, at Breckinridge Park. This event will be free and open to the public. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening. All grills brought to the park must remain on a hard surface.
In 2021, Richardson didn't have a fireworks due to COVID-19 related budget cuts, according to city officials.
Rowlett
The City of Rowlett is hosting Fireworks on Main Street on Monday, July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, food and fireworks.
Click here for a full schedule of activities.
Sachse
The City of Sachse will be hosting Red, White and Blue Blast on Sunday, July 3 at Heritage Park beginning at 6 p.m. This event will be free and open to the public.
The event will include live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, a splashdown provided by the fire department and fireworks.
Attendees are encourage to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray!
Wichita Falls - Fourth in the Falls
Wichita Falls will be hosting Fourth in the Falls on Monday, July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10:05 p.m., when the fireworks display will be happening.
The event is free for anyone to attend and will also include face painting, a cake walk and bounce houses.
In addition to the live music, the 80th Flying Training Wing from Sheppard Air Force Base will conduct a flyover during the national anthem. Sheppard will also have a tent located in the center of the event with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstration, photo opportunities, kids’ activities and more. There will also be personnel from the local recruiting office standing by to answer any questions about joining the Air Force.
Get ready to have a blast as we jam our way through the evening! We are proud to announce this year’s headliner is Jason Boland & the Stragglers. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/july-fourth-2022-fireworks-shows-events-happening-north-texas/287-2ac93a07-86ac-4961-a654-9272a5f52fa0 | 2022-06-15T20:31:33 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/july-fourth-2022-fireworks-shows-events-happening-north-texas/287-2ac93a07-86ac-4961-a654-9272a5f52fa0 |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Sometimes quality time together is the best gift to give someone, especially on Father’s Day.
In Oregon, there are several activities to do with Dad. From whiskey tasting to baseball games, there’s something for most dads to enjoy.
Free outdoor performance and tastings at Mercato Grove
Mercato Grove is hosting the swing band Boy and Bean Harmonic Duo on its patio on Sunday June 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature complimentary spirits, wine and beer tastings from Fracture Brewing. Open seating is available and all ages are welcome.
Vineyard ATV tour
Durant at Red Ridge Farms in Dayton is inviting guests to take their dads on an ATV tour of the vineyard. Guests will cruise down the hillside and make stops along the way to enjoy Durant Vineyards estate wines. The ATV tour ends at the barrel room for a walking tour and more wine tasting. Guests can make reservations online.
Durant Vineyards is also hosting birdhouse building workshops on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests can also check out the Father’s Day Classic Car Show outside the vineyard’s tasting room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 19.
Live music and wine tasting in West Linn
Pete’s Mountain Vineyard in West Linn is hosting a Father’s Day event from 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. Guests can enjoy wine tasting with a view of Mt. Hood from the tasting room or patio. Indoor and outdoor reservations are required. There will also be food carts at the vineyard serving guests.
Free sips for dads at Benton-Lane Winery
Dads can enjoy complimentary tasting flights at Benton-Lane Winery in Monroe on June 18 and 19. Reservations are required.
Golf getaway at Brasada Ranch
Central Oregon’s Brasada Ranch offers both adventure and relaxation to dads on Father’s Day weekend. Guests can tee off at Brasada Canyons and enjoy the views from the golf course or attend the Father’s Day barbecue at the Range Restaurant and Bar patio. The band Silverton Devils will be performing for guests. The barbecue will also feature complimentary tastings from Double Circle Whiskey. Reservations are required.
Father’s Day event at Oregon Humane Society
Sure, hugs are great on Father’s Day, but so is cuddling with puppies and kittens. The Oregon Humane Society is inviting all fathers and father-figures to enjoy a catered lunch at the humane society followed by snuggle time with puppies, kittens and rabbits on Saturday, June 18. The event features a photo booth, raffle and an inside look at the work at OHS. Tickets are $75 per person. Proceeds from the day support shelter programs. The event is for people ages 8 and older.
Portland Pickles game
Take your dad out to the ball game and cheer on the Portland Pickles. The team will be honoring fathers on Sunday night with a dad parade and a “wet t-shirt dad bod contest.” Dads will also be allowed to play catch on the field after the game.
Father’s Day hike with Vive Northwest
Vive Northwest is hosting a free Father’s Day hike around Portland’s Washington Park and the International Rose Test garden on Saturday, June 18. The free community event includes a Latino-style picnic lunch. The event meets at Pioneer Square in downtown Portland at 9 a.m. The group will take a MAX ride to Washington Park. Participants can also meet in Washington Park.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and Wings and Waves Waterpark
Whether it’s an educational or adrenaline-pumping experience your dad seeks, you can find both in McMinnville. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is celebrating 75 years since the Spruce Goose’s one and only flight and at the water park, guests can take a trip down a waterslide from the fuselage of a Boeing 747.
Silent flight over the Willamette Valley
Head to North Plains for a unique flying experience with dad. The Willamette Valley Soaring Club has engineless sailplanes people can ride in. The planes get towed up into the air and coast quietly through the sky over the beautiful valley. The flights are open to kids age 10 and older.
Father’s Day whiskey tour
Branch Point Distillery is offering rare behind-the-scenes tours that include a guided tasting and barrel sample for Father’s Day only. The tour explains how distillers create authentic Oregon whiskeys from local grains. Tours will be offered at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 19.
Oysters and wine at Cooper Mountain Vineyards
Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Beaverton is inviting dads to celebrate their day with oysters and wine. The experience includes six Hama Hama oysters and a flight of wine. Guests can relax under the oak trees overlooking the vineyard. The experience costs $40 per person.
Venardos Circus
This animal-free circus is coming to the Vancouver Mall. It’s a Broadway musical-style circus dubbed “The American circus with the heart of a Broadway show.” Guests will be transported back in time to a circus ring that’s reinvented for the next generation. The event features aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy and magic. | https://www.koin.com/local/list-fathers-day-events-in-portland-and-beyond/ | 2022-06-15T20:33:58 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/list-fathers-day-events-in-portland-and-beyond/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Authorities say a man suspected of killing a Coos Bay woman was fatally shot by law enforcement.
The Coos Bay district attorney’s office announced Matthew Tyler Mikel was shot and killed after a Coos County Sheriff’s deputy and a Coos Bay police officer fired their handguns just after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Global Inn in Coos Bay.
The 37-year-old Coos Bay resident was taken to Bay Area Hospital by emergency medical personnel, where he was declared deceased.
Mikel was suspected in the deadly shooting of Amber Townsend, a 34-year-old woman who was walking along Cape Argo Highway Saturday morning when she was gunned down, according to investigators.
Authorities say investigators learned Mikel had been staying at the Global Inn.
The district attorney’s office says the county’s Major Crime Team was activated, and law enforcement officers from the North Bend, Coquille, Myrtle Point and Bandon police departments, along with the Confederate Tribal Police, Coquille Tribal Police, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement and the Oregon State Police responded. State police have been asked to be the lead agency on the case. | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/man-suspected-in-coos-bay-womans-slaying-shot-killed-by-authorities/ | 2022-06-15T20:34:04 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-coast/man-suspected-in-coos-bay-womans-slaying-shot-killed-by-authorities/ |
AUBURN, Calif. — Power was restored to about 2,755 PG&E customers in Auburn who were without power on Wednesday morning.
Some of the customers that were dealing with an outage have circuits with Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, according to the outage map. These circuits allow power to turn off quickly such as when a hazard, like a tree branch, falls on the line.
According to PG&E power in the area was estimated to be restored by 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
The cause of the outage is under investigation.
An outage map from PG&E can be viewed below.
Watch more from ABC10: Natomas Fire burns homes under construction in Sacramento | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/auburn-grass-valley/auburn-power-outage-wednesday-morning/103-b92c185f-e171-442c-b3c7-9f6ec594a65e | 2022-06-15T20:38:09 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/auburn-grass-valley/auburn-power-outage-wednesday-morning/103-b92c185f-e171-442c-b3c7-9f6ec594a65e |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Nearly 96% of U.S. wildfires so far in 2022 have been human-caused, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The report highlighted active wildfires across the nation and shed light on the impact of fires so far this year.
California is one of five states including Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida that have seen the most wildfires caused by humans so far this year, according to the report.
On Tuesday, five large, new fires were reported across the nation including two in California, the NIFC report says. In total, 38 large fires, considered active, have burned 1,217,213 acres across four states.
According to Cal Fire, in California alone, 2,703 wildfires have burned 13,077 acres and resulted in one structure being damaged or destroyed so far in 2022.
At least six fires being fought by Cal Fire in the state were not fully contained as of Wednesday.
In total, firefighters in several states have fought 29,966 fires which have burned a combined total of 2,790,609 acres — or roughly 44 times the size of the city of Sacramento.
The 2.7 million acres burned so far this year in the U.S. is a stark contrast to where the nation stood one year ago to date. By June 15, 2021, a total of 27,732 fires had burned 981,356 acres of land.
The increase of land burned so far in 2022 comes after a previous 2021 wildfire season that Cal Fire reported as having started earlier than in previous years.
By the end of 2021, 2.5 million acres of land in the Golden State were burned by 8,835 fires, according to Cal Fire.
Wildfire Preps
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
Watch More from ABC10: 'Safe and Sane' Fireworks encouraged as illegal fireworks spark Sacramento fires | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfires-human-caused-california/103-4ffb82f9-bc8d-48b7-a6cb-ad4d56ff7196 | 2022-06-15T20:38:15 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfires-human-caused-california/103-4ffb82f9-bc8d-48b7-a6cb-ad4d56ff7196 |
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. — Some Siloam Springs residents and business owners say they are frustrated and fear improvements and additions to the Illinois River Bridge on Highway 59 will cut through or completely remove their homes and businesses.
Siloam Springs residents who spoke with 5NEWS say the Illinois River Bridge on Highway 59 needs to be repaired, but not at their expense.
The main thing those residents say what they want to get across is they want to be heard and their voices considered. However, as of now, they don't feel like that's happening.
Myers General Store Owner Jacqueline Myers says owning a store has always been a dream of hers. A dream that might be short-lived because of this project.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is planning to make repairs to the Illinois River Bridge on Highway 59, cutting through her front porch— with construction expected to block parts of the area.
“It’s impacting the revenue of my store,” Myers said.
For Melanie Taylor and her husband’s business Illinois River RV And Campground, this could take out their entire business.
“For this all to be gone is very devastating,” Taylor said.
"We're not happy," said farmer Matt Goforth. “We're pretty upset about it."
Goforth is a fifth-generation farmer who has tended to a barn that’s been with his family for nearly 110 years.
“Built it in 1913,” Goforth said. “So, there’s a lot of sentimental value there.”
This project would cut through his barn, ending the family tradition.
“It’s disappointing,” Goforth said.
This plan to rebuild the Illinois River Bridge on Highway 59 has been in the works for more than a year.
ARDOT encourages everyone to show up at next week’s public hearing on June 23 at the Holiday Inn in Siloam Springs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/bridge-project-siloam-springs-residents-businesses/527-20539da2-1306-480b-a268-d3d0b59e1b1c | 2022-06-15T20:40:16 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/bridge-project-siloam-springs-residents-businesses/527-20539da2-1306-480b-a268-d3d0b59e1b1c |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union urged a federal appeals court Wednesday to continue blocking Arkansas's ban on gender confirming treatments or surgery for children, saying reinstating the restriction would create uncertainty for families around the state.
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in the state's appeal of the preliminary injunction issued last year against ban, which was enacted by the majority-Republican Legislature.
ACLU attorney Chase Strangio said allowing the law to be enforced would cause unnecessary disruption since a trial over it is scheduled to begin in October before the judge who issued the injunction.
“If the injunction were lifted now, these families would have to leave their homes, their communities, their jobs, travel to another state just to potentially return" months later, said Strangio, who is deputy director of transgender justice for the ACLU's LGBTQ and HIV Project.
Arkansas was the first state to enact such a ban, which also prohibits doctors from referring youths elsewhere for such medical care.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed the ban but was overridden by the Legislature.
Multiple medical groups, including the American Medical Association, oppose the ban and have said the care is safe if properly administered.
The Justice Department has also opposed the ban as unconstitutional. Gender confirming surgery is not performed on minors in Arkansas.
Arkansas has argued that the restriction is within the state's authority to regulate medical practices.
“These gender transition procedures can be set apart from many of these long existing practices like cleft palate surgery because they are a very emerging area of medicine," Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs told the court.
The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of four transgender youths and their families, as well as two doctors who provide gender confirming treatments.
The appellate judges did not indicate when they rule.
The hearing came days after a Texas judge blocked the state from investigating families of transgender youth over gender medical confirming care they've received. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/court-hears-arguments-on-arkansas-trans-youth-treatment-ban/91-6f79ce46-ba7f-41ed-a61e-11e6608be4e0 | 2022-06-15T20:40:22 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/court-hears-arguments-on-arkansas-trans-youth-treatment-ban/91-6f79ce46-ba7f-41ed-a61e-11e6608be4e0 |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The new gift is one of several Parton has made to the center over the years, including a $1 million gift in April 2020 for COVID vaccine research. That gift helped Vanderbilt researchers test an array of drugs aimed at reducing the life-threatening symptoms associated with COVID-19, the center said in a news release. Researchers are also looking at entirely new therapies to both treat COVID-19 and prevent infection.
Parton’s new gift will support a variety of ongoing research at the medical center, including understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing antibiotic resistance, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer, and gauging the impact of childhood infections throughout the world, according to the news release.
“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole.”
Parton said she supports the work because she loves children.
“No child should ever have to suffer,” Parton said in a news release. “I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.” | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/dolly-parton-east-tennessee-knoxville-vanderbilt-medical-center-research/51-a2051553-b362-49c1-9b24-b4a76fe7226b | 2022-06-15T20:40:25 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/dolly-parton-east-tennessee-knoxville-vanderbilt-medical-center-research/51-a2051553-b362-49c1-9b24-b4a76fe7226b |
PLEASANTVILLE — The city Board of Education voted Tuesday night to conclude an investigation into Superintendent Natakie Chestnut-Lee.
Chestnut-Lee was put on leave by the school board in October, setting off months of caustic board meetings and meandering controversy that has derailed how business is done in the district.
The board originally voted to put Chestnut-Lee on leave over allegations that she had lied about why she left her previous job as chief school administrator of Principle Academy Charter School in Egg Harbor Township. Karin Farkas was appointed acting superintendent in her stead.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chestnut-Lee said she had no comment on the meeting.
J&J Investigations was appointed by the board in January to conduct the investigation at a rate of $150 per hour for a total amount not to exceed $15,000.
How much to pay investigators had been a matter of dispute before the appointment of J&J and became the subject of controversy again Tuesday.
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The resolution to conclude the investigation stipulated that the district pay J&J an additional $13,887.50 for its work — leading some residents and members of the board to question why further work had been completed before the firm had obtained board authorization.
“Yes, we approved $15,000, but part of the agreement was that before they exceeded $15,000 they need to come back and ask for permission to be granted more money to do further investigation,” board member Julio Sanchez said. “That never happened.”
Board President Jerome Page questioned whether Sanchez’s interpretation was correct. Although board member Doris Rowell agreed, she said it was the responsibility of investigators to have returned to the board before doing the additional work.
Board Solicitor Jim Carroll said the question partially turned on whether the board was satisfied with the work that investigators had done.
A similar dispute was held about paying an additional $7,600 to Lou DiJoseph Associate for the conclusion of the investigation.
Chestnut-Lee has maintained she was not dishonest when applying to be superintendent and argued that the board members targeting her were driven by ulterior motives. She filed a complaint against some members of the board with the state School Ethics Commission shortly after being put on leave, arguing she had not been properly sent a Rice notice before action was taken against her. The commission dismissed her complaint in May, saying the issues at hand would “fall well beyond the scope, authority, and jurisdiction of the Commission” — although it clarified that Chestnut-Lee may be able to have her complaints adjudicated in an “appropriate tribunal.” It also denied a claim filed by Page asking that the commission sanction Chestnut-Lee’s complaint as frivolous.
Another complaint Chestnut-Lee filed centered on a January meeting that ended prematurely due to lack of quorum when several members left before a motion to adjourn. The complaint alleges some members were directed to leave by a third party so they could unduly stop a motion to reinstate Chestnut-Lee from being considered and acted on. Page, among the members accused, has argued that there was already a lack of quorum when he left, because the live feed of a member attending virtually had cut out.
That School Ethics Commission transferred that complaint to the Office of Administrative Law, while reserving judgement on a request to have the complaint sanctioned as frivolous.
The board did work to deal with substantive issues at several points in the four-hour meeting. It voted to submit a proposal in conjunction with the city government to apply for a school safety grant that could total $500,000 with the district matching a quarter of those funds. School safety has been an issue raised by concerned parents and teachers in recent months, leading to the appointment of two Class III officers from the Pleasantville Police Department to help patrol the city's schools.
Farkas said in a May 27 letter that the district would be stationing two additional school resource officers on school grounds starting in the 2022-23 school year. She added the district would be enhancing security equipment by September and expressed condolences for the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 21 people on May 24.
Priscilla Noel, a resident who frequently speaks at board meetings, admonished the board for setting a bad example for students. She added the board needs to handle issues like improving material conditions for the district’s student drama clubs.
“The discord that’s up here is creating an environment that will cultivate more burdensome citizens to society, so y’all need to figure that out,” Noel said. “You want to have your personal vendettas and attacks and leave the children suffering when we’re supposed to be developing them into beneficial citizens for society.”
The strife on the board the past few months is the latest in a sequence of tumultuous turnover for a school district that has had 14 superintendents in the past 13 years. The state had assigned fiscal monitors to supervise the district from 2007 until last fall. Several days after the tenure of the final fiscal monitor came to an end, the controversy around Chestnut-Lee ignited.
Contact Chris Doyle | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/pleasantville-school-board-votes-for-conclusion-of-superintendent-investigation-while-disputing-costs/article_b936f684-ecc8-11ec-b89b-5bf55b4ba99c.html | 2022-06-15T20:43:39 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/pleasantville-school-board-votes-for-conclusion-of-superintendent-investigation-while-disputing-costs/article_b936f684-ecc8-11ec-b89b-5bf55b4ba99c.html |
LOWER TOWNSHIP — The Wings & Things Arts and Crafts Festival at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum will return for its third year June 25, the museum said Wednesday.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the museum at the Cape May County Airport. It will feature live music, classic cars, face painting and more than 20 vendors selling handmade and homemade goods. The museum also will have a beer and wine garden for anyone 21 or older.
Funding is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage, the museum said.
PHOTOS from Christmas at the Hangar at Naval Air Station Wildwood
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On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. Nicole Bove of West Cape May poses for a picture with the Mandalorian.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. William Brennan, 9, of Pennsylvania, sits in a cockpit of a fighter, waiting for take-off.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
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Kate Robleto, 7, of Cape May Court House, meets a Star Wars stormtrooper in a festive mood at the second annual Christmas at the Hangar event at Naval Air Station Wildwood in Lower Township on Saturday.
MATTHEW STRABUK photos, FOR THE PRESS
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Jessica Casalunovo, 6, of Leesboro, has a chat with Santa in the hangar.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. (l-r) Kilian and Autumn Raykovitz, 2 and 4, from Cape May, pay a visit to Santa.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. A stormtrooper decked out in holiday spirit helps direct dancers to their staging area before the show.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. (l-r) A Death Star gunner from the 501st and Gavyn Price, 8, of Egg Harbor Twp. write their letters to the North Pole.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
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Messiah Godwin, 2, of Cape May, takes a closer look at the tailpipes of an F-14 outside the hangar.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
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From left, Marietta Young, 18, Harlow Halliday, 10, and Ella Osmundsen, 13, pose for a pic before their dance number starts at the Christmas at the Hangar event.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. Dave Hunsicker of Cape May Court House giving his wife Shannon a lift to better see the dance number being performed.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. Tommy Havern, 5, of Bucks County, sits in the cockpit of a visiting USCG helicopter.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe. (l-r) As Tommy Havern, 5, of Bucks County, looks over the cockpit controls of the USCG helicopter, Aviation Maintenance Technician Robert Hentkowski, stationed in Atlantic City, talks over the in and out of search and rescue.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES
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On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
112821-pac-nws-hangar
On November 27 2021, in Lower Township, Naval Air Station Wildwood hosts it's second annual Christmas at the Hangar event. Festivities included a meet-and-greet with Santa, live music, face painting, Cape May Dancers, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit from members of the 501st Star Wars cosplay troupe.
MATTHEW STRABUK FOR THE PRESS
Contact Eric Conklin:
609-272-7261
econklin@pressofac.com
Twitter @ACPressConklin
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/wings-things-festival-returning-to-naval-air-station-wildwood/article_5efc51f6-ecdb-11ec-ad0f-af31a1e1507c.html | 2022-06-15T20:43:45 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/wings-things-festival-returning-to-naval-air-station-wildwood/article_5efc51f6-ecdb-11ec-ad0f-af31a1e1507c.html |
The Bismarck City Commission on Tuesday night voted down a proposed hate crimes ordinance after three hours of public input from a nearly equal number of opponents and supporters.
The commission in a 4-1 vote approved a motion to deny the ordinance. Commissioner Nancy Guy stood alone in voting against the motion.
Guy supported the proposed Ordinance 6501, which would have broadened existing ordinances that address simple assault, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. It would not have elevated punishment for the offenses but would have enabled city officials to report hate crimes to the FBI for data collection and possible federal prosecution.
Had it passed, Bismarck would have joined Fargo and Grand Forks as cities to have hate crimes ordinances on the books. State Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, called the proposal “a foolish attempt to legislate people into being moral.”
“You can’t stop someone from being hateful,” he said, adding that the ordinance would perpetuate a victim culture, expand identity politics, and be “a nightmare for enforcement.”
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He said it would be wrong for the commission to vote for the measure simply because two other cities have done so.
“I think what you have before you, commissioners, is something that is wholly unnecessary,” Becker said. “It further divides the community. I would ask that you don’t be pressured into voting for appearances' sake.”
Breanna Iron Road spoke in favor of the ordinance, saying it’s more about action than speech. Certain acts such as the removal of Indigenous tobacco ties, or prayer ties, from trees might be considered harmless to some, but that's because the significance of the symbols isn’t understood, or worse, is joked about, she said. Iron Road believes the ordinance might have helped address the issue of understanding, and that the thought of continuing without understanding “makes it pretty damn hard to live here.”
“One thing I notice is these same people pushing hard for this opposition are the first ones to leave,” she said, motioning to a thinned crowd behind her. “You oppose it so badly, why not help us fix it? Why not give us solutions?”
The proposal drew opposition from others who called it vague or who echoed Becker’s thoughts that it might further divide the community. Andrew Varvel asked the commission to make sure, if the ordinance was passed, that it was enforced equally.
“Does this actually protect against hate or does it create a different class?” Varvel said. “That’s up to you to decide.”
Others in favor spoke about the message the ordinance would send to people relocating to Bismarck.
Murray Sagsveen said he gained a better insight when he heard friends of his daughter listing safe places for them to go as members of the LGBTQ community. He asked his daughter to explain, and she told him that as a straight, privileged, older white male "you simply do not understand."
"The same may be true for our community," he said, adding that the ordinance would "proclaim to all residents, visitors and guests of Bismarck that this is a safe community that will not tolerate discrimination or hate crimes."
The commission’s vote followed input from 20 people who spoke in favor of the ordinance, either for themselves or as representatives of organizations. Eighteen people spoke against it. In letters sent to the commission before the meeting, 43 people or groups supported passage and nine asked the board to vote against the proposal.
Commissioner Mark Splonskowski made the motion to deny the ordinance.
Such laws “start off with a good intent” but can be abused or weaponized, he said, and “What they’re used to accomplish in the long run end up doing so much damage to the communities that they’re in that people end up leaving them.”
Commissioner Greg Zenker said anyone who thinks discrimination doesn’t happen in Bismarck is “sorely mistaken,” but he added “I don’t think we can arrest our way out of a scenario like this.”
“It takes the dinner table and it takes faith to get through a people issue,” he said, a reference to parents guiding their children in what’s right or wrong.
“We can’t have an ordinance define our moral compass,” Zenker said.
Guy pushed the commission to pass the ordinance as a way to foster community discussion on social issues and urge families to address such issues at home. Having the ordinance on the books would demonstrate to people who are relocating that “we care what happens to them,” she said.
“If we want people to come here and fill these jobs, we’ve got to make sure Bismarck is perceived and is a safe community for everybody,” Guy said. Basic human rights, she said, aren’t divided like a pie -- even if one group gets a full portion, “That doesn’t mean others don’t."
Guy agreed that working with the faith community to help families address social issues at home should be part of a strategic plan moving forward. For the commission, however, “The time for having more meetings about it is past,” she said.
“We should just square our shoulders and be courageous enough to go ahead and pass the ordinance,” Guy said.
The Bismarck Police Department did not comment on the proposal when contacted by the Tribune in mid-May.
Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/bismarck-city-commission-votes-down-proposed-hate-crimes-ordinance/article_d9ca93d2-ecce-11ec-b0b1-4733d376d53d.html | 2022-06-15T20:48:35 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/bismarck-city-commission-votes-down-proposed-hate-crimes-ordinance/article_d9ca93d2-ecce-11ec-b0b1-4733d376d53d.html |
Here's a daily map of coronavirus cases in Arizona, broken down by county.
The numbers were updated June 15.
Gallery: A year of the Pandemic in Tucson
Photos: A Year of the Pandemic in Tucson
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Pop Cycle, 422 N 4th Ave. March 20, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Roxanne Lee, manager of the Tucson Medical Center cath lab, stands with nurses and other colleagues in Lifegain Park during a memorial ceremony to remember those who have died of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), on Jan. 19, 2021.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Most of the students are learning remotely (screen at the back of the room) in Alyssa Keri's math class at Catalina Foothills High School in the Catalina Foothills School District, Tucson, on Feb. 4, 2021.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Costco shoppers line up early at the Tucson Marketplace at The Bridges in Tucson on March 14, 2020.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Volunteer Bill Rauch loads food supplies into the trunk of a car at the Community Food Bank at 3003 S. Country Club Road, on March 18, 2020. The food bank started a drive through pick up service to allow for social distancing in response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A pedestrian walks by the shuttered doors and windows of the Surly Wench Pub, the day after the city's drinking establishments were shut down due to COVID-19 distancing measures, March 18, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Victor Sanchez, a cook at Robert's Restaurant, holds a sign up to let to let passing drivers know they are still open at 3301 E Grant Road, on March 19, 2020. Restaurants and other small businesses are taking huge losses as people self quarantine and self distance to diminish the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19.)
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Banner UMC’s drive up system is for emergency room triage for a variety of illnesses and is not for random testing for COVID-19. It has been put in place to keep crowds from the ER and protect the health of patients and staff.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A line grows outside the doors to Trader Joe's at Swan and Grant as an employee limits customers entering the store to one-out one-in, March 20, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A group of friends from St. Louis enjoy their lunch along Sentinel Peak after a 40-mile bike ride on March 20, 2020. The cycling friends planned their trip to Tucson months ago and decided to keep their vacation plans. They arrived on March 1st and leave this weekend. For the past three weeks they've been cycling through Saguaro National Park, up Mt. Lemmon, Kitt Peak and The Loop. On Friday they got takeout from Seis Kitchen and their bicycle touring company set up tables and chairs for them. They felt they self-quaratined with just the six of them during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Madelyn Hardy takes a phone-in order behind the locked doors at Renee's Organic Oven, March 20, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. The restaurant is now taking no cash, doesn't allow customers into the building and leaves bagged orders on an outside table for diners to pick up.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A largely closed and nearly empty Park Place Mall early in the afternoon following COVID-19 restrictions, March 20, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Sarah Lang views responses from her fifth-grade students while teaching remotely on Google classroom at Centennial Elementary School in the Flowing Wells School District, Tucson, on March 20, 2020, after the shutdown of schools due to the pandemic.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Marina Cornelius, owner of Floor Polish Dance + Fitness, teaches her Cardio Party-o class via Periscope to her students on March 20, 2020. Cornelius says this is the first time she's trying to livestream classes and is learning as she goes.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Jo Schneider stands in the empty outdoor seating area of La Cocina located at 201 N. Court Avenue, on March 26, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A woman walks along a nearly empty street in downtown Nogales, Arizona, on March 24, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Dana Reed-Kane, co-owner of Reed's Compounding Pharmacy, 2729 E Speedway Blvd., pours a finished batch of hand sanitizer into a bottle at her store on March 27, 2020. Kane is making gallons of hand sanitizer and selling it to the public each day as part of a movement among such pharmacies to help out with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Michelle Don Carlos, founder of Mending Souls, sews masks in her home on Tucson's west side, on March 25, 2020. She and other volunteers are producing masks for emergency responders using anti-viral fabric donated by local hospitals.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Vanessa Richards, 18, left, and Ella Dotson, 17, take a selfie as their friend, Camilla Hamilton, 17, gets her photo taken by Vanessa's mother, Chrissi, along Scott Ave. in downtown Tucson on March 31, 2020. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the rest of the schoolyear has been canceled. Richards, Dotson and Hamilton are seniors at Marana High School and will not have a formal graduation ceremony. The trio came to downtown to get photos of themselves in their caps and gowns.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A dinosaur statue over the doors of MATS Dojo at 5929 E. 22nd St., sports an athletic cup for a face mask in the second week of COVID-19 restrictions, March 31, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Raj Paudel hands a bag of food to a customer at Govinda's to-go-tent located at 711 E. Blacklidge Drive, on April 1, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Angel Perez and Dan Hawk perform from Perez's balcony, giving the neighborhood a COVID-19-isolation style concert from his balcony, April 1, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Tessa DeConcini, senior at University High School, poses for a portrait with her prom dress and graduation cap at University High School, 421 N. Arcadia Ave., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 1, 2020. DeConcini, along with many other high school students, will miss out on prom festivities as well as their graduation ceremony due Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Dr. Liz Almil chats with one of her group from afar as members of the Tucson Cancer Conquerors distribute exercise gear, apparel, citrus and coffee during a handout at Brandy Fenton Park, April 11, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. The group is trying to find ways to keep their members exercising despite being forced into isolation by COVID-19 restrictions.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Rachel Huante greets her son Zeddicus Atherton as he trots out the door ahead of Lanee Pender carrying his sister Xena Atherton, part of the the new procedure of no parents inside the building at Kids First Preschool, April 15, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Cheri Carr grimaces as she receives a nasal swab while getting tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a drive-thru testing site at Escalera Health & Wellness, 2224 N. Craycroft Rd., on April 17, 2020. Patients can receive a COVID-19 and an antibody test.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Dalia Meshirer waves to a friend as the Golder Ranch Fire District trucks begin to roll by as dozens drive by her home to wish her a happy eighth birthday, April 2, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A sign strapped to the median at 6th Street and Campbell Avenue gives southbound motorists a little pep-talk in the COVID-19 times, April 23, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Kitchen manger Koa Hoffmann tosses dough while working up a crust for a call-in order as he and few others keep cooking at Bear Canyon Pizza despite COVID-19 restrictions, April 22, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Jesse James Tucker, owner and trainer at Tucson Rising Phoenix Fitness and Defense, records a video response on techniques for one of his members outside his home in Tucson, Ariz., on April 14, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Kyria Sabin Waugaman, right, pilates instructor at Body Works in Tucson, and one of her teachers, Alessangra Lima, host an online workout class at Body Works, 1980 E. River Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 17, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Homer Cass, left, talks to his son, Richard, middle, and grandson, Jason, 22, through a window at Tucson Medical Center on April 27, 2020. The hospital is making adjustments during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to now allow visitors. Upon entry everyone's temperature is taken and then friends and family members can use their cell phones to talk to their loved ones through a window for 15 minutes.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Emily Wolfgang, manager at Little Anthony's Diner, talks with a customer during the first day of Little Anthony's Diner Carhop at Little Anthony's Diner, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on April 28, 2020. Little Anthony's Diner, in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), started an old fashioned 1950's carhop. "It's been a long time since we had a carhop," said Tony Terry, president and owner of Little Anthony's Diner and The Gaslight Theater. "It fits our life right not." Little Anthony's Diner Carhop runs from 11am to 8pm Monday through Sunday. Customers can park in designated parking spots and order and pay for their food from the safety of their car, said Terry. Employees, dressed in 1950's attire with masks and gloves, will come out to check on customers and deliver drinks and food on trays, which resemble trays used in the 1950's that can attach to car windows. There is a Carhop menu, which include burgers, salads and shakes, but customers can order other items off the menu. DJ Phil, Little Anthony's Diner DJ, will play music that can be heard though speakers outside. "We may keep it after the virus," added Terry.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Alex Swain, a member of Beloved in the Desert - Tucson's chapter of the Episcopal Service Corps, carries bags of groceries to the home of an elderly man, on April 3, 2020. Swain and his housemates have volunteered to shop for elderly and at risk populations as people quarantine and stay at home during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Mike Pfander, left, and his wife Jeanne talk with Mike's mother Margaret Pfander from the service driveway just outside Margaret's apartment in Villa Hermosa, April 25, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. With the COVID19 lockdowns relatives have to meet without breaking isolation protocols, through windows or over walls.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Ralph Acosta, valedictorian of the Amphitheater High School senior class, is greeted at his home near 22nd Street and 12th Avenue by principal Jon Lansa in Tucson on May 1, 2020. Acosta will speak during Amphi's video graduation ceremony.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Detective Mary Pekas and Lt. Michelle Pickrom carry trays of food as they deliver meals with Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, on April 29, 2020. Police officers with Tucson Police Department are volunteering while off duty with the program to allow for elderly volunteers to stay at home during the epidemic.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Stylist Rahnay Curtis, left, and owner Jennifer Ball at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in Tucson.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A nurse sporting a "Save Lives" mask takes part in a car procession honk-a-thon driving by Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital after departing from the Safeway across the street, on Jan. 12, 2021.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Tucson Fire paramedics roll a gurney through a tent setup outside the Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital's emergency room, on April 14, 2020. The tents are used to screen staff and patients for potential Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) before entering the hospital.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Catalina Foothills High School graduates throw their hats in the air as they are videoed on the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Lunchtime is normally standing room only at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana. But it was sparsely attended on May 11, 2020, as the state allowed restaurants to re-open their dining rooms. Owner Linda Molitor carefully spaced tables to maintain social distancing for dining-in.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Jordan Wentzel works on a customer's return at DSW located at 7191 E. Broadway, on May 12, 2020. Shoes tried on and returned by customers are cleaned with disinfectant and then stored for three days before being put back on the floor.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Dr. Susan McMahon, left, lifts a healthy Camille Keicher as mother Audrey gives a reassuring nudge during Camille's six-month well-visit at Mesquite Pediatrics, 2350 N. Kibler Place, Tucson, on May 15, 2020.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Carolina Castillo, house keeping staff member, wipes down a chair and table in the food court at Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on May 19, 2020. Malls reopened today under CDC guidelines and Gov. Ducey's new rules for businesses due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Park Place Mall has signs throughout the mall reminding customers to keep a six feet distance as well as hand sanitizer stations near each entrance. About half of the tables in the food court have been removed to allow for social distances as well as less than half of the stores have opened with new guidelines. Of the stores open, only 10 customers are allowed to shop in each store at a time.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
The B Gates are largely empty on the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day, less than a dozen people waiting for flights at Tucson International Airport, May 22, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Brian McKinley carts out the extra chairs for temporary storage after the seating had been rearranged to meet COVID19 restrictions at Rincon Presbyterian Church, May 21, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. Houses of worship are searching for ways to adapt to the new reality.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Ernie Villalobos, general manger of Roadhouse Cinemas, talks with returning employees about some of the new safety measures at Roadhouse Cinemas, 4811 E. Grant Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on June 9, 2020. Roadhouse Cinemas will reopen on Wednesday June 10 at 3:15 p.m. with new safety measures in place due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The new safety measures include plexiglass set up in front of cashier stations, informational signs placed through out the theater as well as signs on the floor indicating 6-feet distances. Each of the nine theaters will be at 50% capacity to allow for distancing between seats.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Fatuma Mohamud, employee, walk past two plexiglass stands infant of registers at Funtasticks, 221 E. Wetmore Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on June 17, 2020. Funtasticks has reopened with new safety procedures in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. All attractions are open with equipment being cleaned after ever use, social distancing signs and plexiglass placed in front of registers.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Students in the "Let's Spin" class ride their stationary bikes outdoors at Let's Sweat, 439 N 6th Ave., on August 19, 2020. Soleil Chiquette, owner of the fitness studio and gym, says she moved her classes outdoors and limited class sizes in order to adhere to coronavirus disease guidelines. She's had to cancel some classes that involve students to be indoors. Chiquette says an app was created for her business when the pandemic first started so that members can have access to fitness classes and challenges.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Cafeteria worker Francis Fontes sorts chicken nuggets into bags for grab-and-go distribution use at the Tucson Unified School District-Food Services building located at 2150 E. 15th Street, on Sept. 23, 2020. The TUSD Food Services Department has continued to provide services for students and families throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by distributing thousands of meals a week for students. In addition to the daily grab-and-go distribution throughout the city, the district has implemented an alternative weekly pickup of a week’s worth of meals (including breakfast, lunch, and five days of snacks) at the TUSD Food Services Department Central Facility off of 15th street.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Alyssa Cossey, conductor and director of the University Community Chorus (UCC), sets up for a webinar series she is directing from her home on September 8, 2020. The webinar takes place twice a month for the school semester. Cossey wanted to create something for people to participate in during this lack of physical choir performances and rehearsals due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. The series is free and open to the public.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Music director Eric Holtan leads the True Concord Choir during rehearsal for their upcoming performance, "The Nurturer – Brahms Requiem," at Dove of Peace Lutheran Church, 665 W. Rollercoaster Road, on Oct. 19, 2020.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Eli Hyland, left, 78, starts to form a heart with her hands while watching her daughter Karen Shea form a heart during their outdoor visit at Elderhaven Assisted Living, 2501 N. Soldier Trail, in Tucson, Ariz., on October 22, 2020. They started making hearts with their hands during their window visits and it has stuck, said Shea. Shea was able to visit her mother through window visits during the pandemic but recently Shea was able to visit her mom in an outdoor setting under strict protocols. They were required to wear masks, get their temps taken, maintain a six-foot distance at all times and were not allowed to touch each other.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Tiana Hair, PCC psychology clinical instructor, grabs a filled COVID-19 saliva test tube during a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site at Pima Community College East Campus, 8181 E. Irvington Rd., in Tucson, Ariz. on Dec. 11, 2020. Arizona State University in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services is now offering appointment only drive-thru COVID-19 testing, via a saliva test, at three Pima Community College campuses.
Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Second-grade students make gingerbread cookies while a warm fire burns on the Smart board at Mesa Verde Elementary School, 1661 W. Sage St. on Dec. 17, 2020.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Marcos Moreno, a volunteer for 15 years with Miracle en el Barrio, writes the number of children on the front of a mini-van as he welcomes families to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds for the 18th year of the event, on Dec. 18, 2020. As a precaution against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the annual event used a drive-thru style format to handout toys, gift cards and other items to children and families
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Five-year old Antonio Moreno reaches out to Santa Claus, getting as close to him as the COVID-19 protective snow-globe bubble will allow during the Tucson Parks and Recreation's drive-thru Cookies With Santa at Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, Tucson, Ariz., December 16, 2020. It was slow at the drive-thru and when there were no others around, a few kids like Antonio got a chance to almost touch the Big Guy.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
A playground structure closed due to the coronavirus pandemic at Arthur Pack Regional Park north of Tucson on May 8, 2020.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Kris Green stands with hands over heart as students pass by on her last day as a teacher at Manzanita Elementary School on Oct. 23, 2020. After nearly 40 years, she decided to retire before in-person instruction begins on Oct. 26. Green was a district teacher of the year.
Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Elana Bloom: It was very shocking. Everything I had planned for, my whole business was canceled over a two day period. Bloom owns Solstice, a textile business and would make most of her money in the Spring to help with the slower months of the summer. April 14, 2020
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Sgt. Michael Moseley receives the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine during the administration of the vaccination to members of the public who meet the 1B priority eligibility of at Tucson Medical Center's Marshal Center, on Jan. 15, 2021.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
People are directed into the line at the University of Arizona's COVID19 drive-thru vaccination facilities on the school's mall, Tucson, Ariz., February 5, 2021.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Coronavirus Pandemic in Tucson
Resident Victor Braun laughs with a CVS Pharmacy health care worker after getting his first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Hacienda at the Canyon, Tucson, Ariz., January 27, 2021. The facility's residents and staff were part of a two day vaccination program in conjunction with CVS Pharmacy and monitored by the in-house personnel from TMCOne clinic.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Concerned about COVID-19?
Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. | https://tucson.com/news/local/coronavirus-cases-in-arizona-mapped-by-county-june-15/article_741ebbfc-ecde-11ec-9aac-b7578b90f454.html | 2022-06-15T20:52:22 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/coronavirus-cases-in-arizona-mapped-by-county-june-15/article_741ebbfc-ecde-11ec-9aac-b7578b90f454.html |
Phoenix heat warning comes before rainy cooldown, I-10 closures over the weekend
Dangerous heat is returning for the Valley on Wednesday and Thursday, but temperatures are forecast drop over the weekend and even come with a chance of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Excessive heat is on the horizon, as Wednesday’s highs are expected to climb to between 103 and 106 degrees. The weather service issued an excessive heat warning for Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach or pass 110 degrees.
“Most of the general population will need to take the proper heat precautions to avoid any heat-related illnesses,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
However, going into the weekend, there is a possibility for thunderstorms, with the highest chance of rain being between 40% and 60% on Saturday, according to the weather service.
Isaac Smith, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said the Valley can expect about one-tenth of an inch of rain this weekend, while higher elevations in eastern Arizona could see about a half an inch.
Smith also noted the typical hazards that come with thunderstorms, most notably lightning, which could spark more wildfires, and strong gusts of wind.
“You don’t want to be outdoors when a thunderstorm is going on,” Smith said.
The cloud cover and rain is expected to cool off the desert to its normal temperatures for this time of year, with highs between 100 and 105 degrees, according to Smith.
Weekend road closures and slow downs
Due to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, Interstate 10 will have another set of scheduled closures and narrowing of lanes going into this weekend, according to ADOT.
For subscribers:Construction is about to start on one of the Phoenix area's busiest stretches of I-10
From 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday, eastbound I-10 will be closed between U.S. 60 and Loop 202. Westbound I-10 will also be closed between U.S. 60 and Loop 202 from 8 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday.
Additionally, westbound I-10 between Elliot and Baseline roads will be narrowed to two lanes from noon Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday.
Guadalupe Road will also be closed in both directions between Point Parkway and Calle Sahuaro from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The road will be closed to all, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-weather/2022/06/15/phoenix-heat-rain-lightning-cooldown-interstate-closures-weekend/7637331001/ | 2022-06-15T21:00:47 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-weather/2022/06/15/phoenix-heat-rain-lightning-cooldown-interstate-closures-weekend/7637331001/ |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — With temperatures fluctuating above 90 degrees, the risk of heat-related illness increases, especially when children are home from school during summer break and want to play outside.
Experts told News Channel 11 that more vulnerable populations such as kids or the elderly are more likely to experience heat-induced issues as the heatwave persists.
“Children are more prone to any sort of temperature-related injury, just because they’re smaller and the amount of volume their body has compared to their surface area,” said Dr. Sam Delaune, medical director at Niswonger Children’s Hospital’s emergency department. “It just changes the way that the heat exchanges so they’re going to be less tolerant of heat just like they would be less tolerant to cold.”
Certain signs and symptoms may present themselves as a hint of excessive sun exposure in children. Parents are advised to look out for symptoms of sweating profusely, red in the face, elevated heart rate, and panting – almost like a dog – in younger kids who may not be able to express how they feel.
“Sweating profusely, if they’re starting to get a lot of redness, if they’re starting to feel maybe even a little nausea, that means their body is getting too hot,” said Barry Brickey, Kingsport Fire Department’s public information officer. “Now if they quit sweating, that’s not a good sign. That means they could be having a heat stroke. If they start vomiting a lot, if they lose consciousness, you need to get them cooled off, you need to call 911 immediately because we need to get them some really special care.”
Leaving anyone, let alone a child or pet, alone in a vehicle with the windows rolled up and the engine off could prove deadly, but in a heatwave, like the Tri-Cities is experiencing, it could be deadly within minutes.
“In just 10 minutes on a day like today it can go from 95 to almost 120 or so in 10 to 15 minutes, and you can cause some major medical problems for anybody who may be inside that car,” Brickey advised.
The Niswonger Children’s Hospital pediatric emergency room reported an elevation in heat-related illness, which is normal during heatwaves.
“They’ll go from running and playing and all of a sudden to seeming very tired, wanting to stop wanting to lie down or even lethargic,” Delaune said. “Those are going to be the big signs that you’re going to see immediately.”
He said summer sports and even band could also lead to illness. He advised maximum hydration and if signs of excessive heat exposure begin to show, he advised drinking cool water or drinks with salt in them.
“We definitely see it a lot in kids as they become more active when it is hot outside. So this is kind of the perfect storm this time of year with everyone being fresh out of school everyone wanting to get out and do things with COVID restrictions being lower everyone being outside trying to do more things combined with this heat wave and not just the heat but the humidity as well,” Delaune said.
Splashing around in the water or even playing in the shade may save a life, Brickey said.
“If the children are outside today playing, we’ve got a couple of places where they can go to, the splash pad, where there’s water or at a swimming pool, maybe a little sprinkler set up in the yard at the house or a little kiddie pool, something like that where they’re getting cooled off,” Brickey said.
“As they’re out in the heat make sure they do drink a lot. And if it’s something where they’re not, you know getting water sprayed on them or something, get them in the shade or bring them in the house frequently. That way they don’t get too overheated.”
Delaune advised keeping an eye out for sun exposure to the skin as well.
“Especially anything more than a minor sunburn, it essentially is still a burn. So you’re going to lose more fluid and be more prone to dehydration,” he said.
Brickey advised that people check on their neighbors who do not have air conditioning, as the weather could be stifling indoors as well. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/experts-make-sure-kids-catch-a-break-from-the-heatwave-on-summer-vacay/ | 2022-06-15T21:19:01 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/experts-make-sure-kids-catch-a-break-from-the-heatwave-on-summer-vacay/ |
SHOSHONE COUNTY, Idaho — One way or another, a new face is set to take the helm of the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in 2024. Mike Gunderson recently announced his plans to step down later this year, as reported by our news partners, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
"I would like to take this opportunity to announce that after 32 years of public service in law enforcement to the citizens of Shoshone County, I will be retiring," Gunderson stated on social media last Friday.
After being diagnosed with a "personal medical condition" three years ago, he explained to the Shoshone News-Press that his doctor strongly recommended he reduce his stress levels — this largely meant retiring from law enforcement. Being a workaholic, this was not an easy decision, but he decided that it was the right one after consulting with those closest to him.
"It's going to be a challenge, but I'm not going to completely retire," he said. "Obviously I'll be working with the public and I'll probably be at the store with Mark and Anna Burger at Ace Hardware again. That's where I was before I decided to come back to law enforcement."
With his term not ending until January 2025, a temporary replacement must be selected until an election can be held.
When Gunderson puts in his final date, which he anticipates will be in November, he will then submit a three-person list to the Shoshone County Democratic Committee, who will then rank those names by order of their preference. This ranked list will then be submitted to the Shoshone County Board of County Commissioners for the selection of an interim sheriff.
Gunderson is free to select any three names he wishes - internal sheriff's office candidates or external, but the BOCC is not bound to the three names submitted to them if they find none of the candidates are qualified.
The selected interim sheriff will serve out the remainder of Gunderson's term and then have the option of seeking election to be sheriff for another full term.
The primary election for the position of Shoshone County Sheriff will be in May 2024 and the general election in November of that same year.
When selecting the names of the interim sheriff to submit to the Democratic Committee, Gunderson wants someone who will keep the office moving forward.
"The biggest thing is to be able to work on the foundations that we have already laid in the last six years," he said. "I think we've done well working with and listening to the community. I want to make sure that they can continue with that."
Gunderson also believes that his successor, whether that person is temporary or not, should play an active role and lead from the front.
"In big agencies, this position is really a political one,” he said. “They don't go out and work. I've kind of changed that by being out there just as much as the staff, so I want to make sure that we find somebody who's willing to be a working sheriff, be out there for the community, and look after their best interests."
Gunderson plans to start working in a limited capacity starting in July, then fully retire sometime in November.
"It has been a pleasure to have your confidence all these years and I hope to continue serving you, the citizens, in other ways in the future. Together, we did do better."
The Coeur d'Alene Press is a KREM 2 news partner. For more from our partners, click here. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/long-time-shoshone-county-sheriff-to-retire-after-32-years-of-public-service/293-6377f356-b905-4f8b-ba2e-04b1210b486b | 2022-06-15T21:22:11 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/long-time-shoshone-county-sheriff-to-retire-after-32-years-of-public-service/293-6377f356-b905-4f8b-ba2e-04b1210b486b |
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Update: The missing teenage boy has been found, the Twin Falls Police Department said.
The Twin Falls Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a runaway teenage boy.
Tristan Bomsta, 15, of Twin Falls was last seen on Monday, June 13, wearing a black champion hoodie, black sweatpants and a black and grey long sleeve shirt. He is blonde, 5'9" tall and weighs about 140 pounds.
The department has assigned him as a runaway, citing his family's concern about his safety and mental well-being.
Anyone with information about Tristan's location is asked to call the Twin Falls Police Department at 208-735-4357 or contact their local law enforcement agency immediately.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/twin-falls-police-department-looking-for-runaway-teen-boy/277-c7fba82f-d67f-4830-a697-f476d691d6c1 | 2022-06-15T21:22:17 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/twin-falls-police-department-looking-for-runaway-teen-boy/277-c7fba82f-d67f-4830-a697-f476d691d6c1 |
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The vast majority of wildfires are caused by humans.
“I feel like I’m selling iceboxes to Eskimos, the way the weather is out there right now, but believe me, no matter how good it looks in the spring — and this is about as wet as it gets this time of year, in all my years in Idaho — but believe me, we’ll always have a fire season," Gov. Brad Little said during a visit Tuesday to Coeur d'Alene.
“A big part of Idaho is enjoying our incredible outdoors," he said. "But a big part of that is everybody’s individual responsibility to be safe so we can have a healthy forest for this generation and the next."
Little and his team toured the Coeur d'Alene Interagency Fire Cache as part of a wildfire preparedness review, as reported by our news partners, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
The cache, on Industrial Loop, stocks and maintains wildland firefighting equipment and supplies for a force of up to 1,500 firefighters at one time. The cache is staffed with employees from the Idaho Department of Lands and the U.S. Forest Service. Their efforts are primarily directed toward wildland fire suppression, but also support local and interagency regional efforts during natural disasters and large projects such as prescribed burning.
"I do want to thank all the wildland firefighters and IDL employees that are here,” Little said. "This is a nice time of year, because probably the next time I’ll be here it’ll be helter-skelter, trucks rolling in and out of here, and it’ll be what looks like chaos, but it’s actually very organized chaos. That’s what these people do here every day, is prepare for chaos.”
During the tour, Little announced the new web-based Wildfire Alert System.
The Department of Lands previously relied on social media and its website to share information about wildfires with the public. Now Idahoans can visit www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/alerts to sign up for text or email alerts about wildfires on department-protected lands.
The new alert system supports Little's Leading Idaho initiative to enhance public safety.
When a fire under Department of Lands protection exceeds 10 acres or threatens structures, the department sends incident updates to local officials, fire agencies and the media. Under the new Wildfire Alert System, Idahoans can sign up to receive these same updates.
The system covers all 6.3 million acres in the Department of Lands' 12 forest protective districts.
"Not everyone uses social media, so it is important to provide the public with additional options to stay apprised of wildfires that may affect them," Little said. "The new Wildfire Alert System allows Idahoans, especially those who live in the wildland urban interface, a new and convenient option for obtaining timely and relevant information about wildfires."
The main Coeur d'Alene Fire Cache building was built in 1975 with more facilities constructed later. Coeur d'Alene was selected for the site after the Forest Service closed three Spokane caches around 1973.
Last year was one of the most challenging wildfire seasons for the Department of Lands Forest Protective Districts and Timber Protective Associations. Some of the statistics include:
• 413 wildfires fought by IDL's Forest Protective Districts and Timber Protective Associations
• 10 fires required incident management teams
• 88% of fires were held to less than 10 acres
• Approximately 142,000 total acres of Department of Lands-protected land burned
• 262 human-caused fires
Little said the department is better prepared for the upcoming wildfire season than ever.
Despite national firefighter leadership shortages, the agency has filled many new engine boss positions the governor authorized when he signed the agency's budget into law.
The Department of Lands has found it easier to hire and retain firefighters thanks to the new $15 an hour starting wage and 25% increase for hazard pay on the fireline, signed into law by Little. The agency also now offers firefighters paid rest and recovery because of a policy change by the Governor's Division of Human Resources.
"Our firefighters are prepared," Idaho Department of Lands director Dustin Miller said. "By the end of this week, Fire Bureau staff will have completed Wildfire Preparedness Evaluations at each of our Forest Protective Districts and Timber Protective Associations."
The moisture received this spring throughout the state makes a difference in fire conditions, easing late-winter concerns about low snowpacks. Warmer and dryer than average temperatures July through September are still expected. Larger, problematic fires aren't anticipated until late July or early August.
The Coeur d'Alene Press is a KREM 2 news partner. For more from our partners, click here. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/our-firefighters-are-prepared-north-idaho-firefighters-prepare-for-potentially-high-wildfire-season/293-02304787-6924-4b94-84d1-c1163f9b4ef9 | 2022-06-15T21:22:23 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/our-firefighters-are-prepared-north-idaho-firefighters-prepare-for-potentially-high-wildfire-season/293-02304787-6924-4b94-84d1-c1163f9b4ef9 |
It's harder to get kids to spend time outdoors these days. Electronics have beat out so many of the activities we did as kids.
The Mesquite ISD is fighting back with a class aimed at making the outdoors great again.
"This class is so cool,10 out of 10 I would recommend," said Alison Terry, who says the Outdoor Adventures course at Poteet High School is the first PE class she ever really loved.
For kids who stay buried in their phones and don't get outdoors much, this class was a game-changer.
"We went fishing one time. I love learning to fish it was very fun. And we cook a lot in this class which is great because I love food," said Terry.
It's hard not to love the smells and the science behind Coach Brian Wester's course.
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April Jones has camped before and she loves PE but found the class invaluable.
The class covers everything from what to do in a plane crash to the right way to handle all that bacon grease.
"At least three or four students in every one of my classes have never gotten on a bike," Wester said. "I teach them that and then the other group once we get more experienced I take them on the trails behind the school."
While some may have come to get out of running laps, they've walked away with a new appreciation for mother nature. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/school-offers-outdoors-class-as-alternative-to-gym-class/2993232/ | 2022-06-15T21:24:55 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/school-offers-outdoors-class-as-alternative-to-gym-class/2993232/ |
Managers of the Tarrant Regional Water District allowed a former employee to take over this year’s Oktoberfest festival but later reneged after she contracted for 1,000 kegs of German beer and other items, the former employee claims in a lawsuit.
Shanna Granger filed the claim this week in Tarrant County District Court. It seeks up to $1 million.
Granger is married to J.D. Granger who oversaw the development of the district’s Panther Island flood control project before leaving in April.
According to the lawsuit, Shanna Granger’s last day at the district was Nov. 19, 2021.
Less than two weeks later, on Dec. 1, she applied to rent part of the Panther Island Pavilion for an Oktoberfest festival planned for this September.
Granger previously managed the event as a district employee.
The application was approved in March and TRWD managers were “overwhelmingly supportive” of the switch and no longer wanted to manage the event themselves, Granger said in the lawsuit.
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But last week, TRWD managers informed her they were rescinding the permit because of “concerns that it would appear too much like the Oktoberfest event that TRWD produced in 2021,” the lawsuit said.
Granger claimed she already had established relationships with a beer brewery, a beer distributor, a beer concessionaire, and nine German bands. She said she contracted to receive 1,000 kegs of beer from Germany that, “cannot be sold in this market without this event.”
The lawsuit names the Tarrant Regional Water District and three board members.
Chad Lorance, a TRWD spokesman, said the district had no immediate comment but might have a statement later after reviewing the lawsuit. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/former-tarrant-water-district-official-sues-over-rescinded-oktoberfest-permit/2993091/ | 2022-06-15T21:25:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/former-tarrant-water-district-official-sues-over-rescinded-oktoberfest-permit/2993091/ |
Incumbent Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott leads Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke by just five points after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.
The poll finds that Abbott gets the support of 48% of registered voters while O'Rourke gets 43% -- down from Abbott's 15-point, 52%-37% lead in December.
Quinnipiac finds that women and young voters are helping to boost O'Rourke.
However, other poll numbers suggest that Abbott and the GOP likely still have the support of most Texans.
Voters were asked who would do a better job handling six key issues. Polls show that Abbott leads by wide margins on all but two issues: gun policy and abortion.
Abbott has a net-positive favorable/unfavorable rating (46% positive, 45% negative), while O'Rourke's is net-negative (38% positive, 43% negative). President Joe Biden's approval rating in the state (33%) is much lower than Abbott's rating as governor (46%).
The poll still finds that the Uvalde shooting has affected the feelings of Texas voters where 61% of parents with school-aged children say they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned that there will be a shooting at their child's school while 58% say they support stricter gun laws.
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Quinnipiac polled 1,257 registered voters from June 9-13 and it has a margin of error of plus-minus 2.8 percentage points. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/poll-suggests-uvalde-shooting-tightening-abbott-orourke-race/2993255/ | 2022-06-15T21:25:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/poll-suggests-uvalde-shooting-tightening-abbott-orourke-race/2993255/ |
SOMERS — A Kenosha man is facing more than a dozen felony charges for allegedly entering a convenience store and threatening to shoot and kill people on Monday afternoon.
Jonathan James Petersen, 19, was charged with 16 counts of making terrorist threats with a dangerous weapon and one misdemeanor count of harassment with a weapon Wednesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court.
Petersen is being held on a $500,000 cash bond. He faces decades in prison if convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, dispatch reportedly received multiple calls from different callers regarding the incident at the Kwik Trip store, 5800 31st St. One caller reported there was a male pointing a gun at an employee saying “I’m done, I’m done.” Another reported that the male with the gun threatened to kill people or himself.
As one responding deputy reportedly proceeded to the main entrance a customer exited the store and advised that there was still a male inside with what appeared to be a firearm. As deputies entered the store they reportedly gave verbal commands to the male, later identified as Petersen. Petersen was reportedly armed with what appeared to be a firearm and nine inch knife. A female employee was reportedly sitting just a few feet from Jonathan Petersen when deputies made contact with him.
According to the complaint, Petersen yelled “shoot me, shoot me” over and over. Deputies reportedly told Jonathan Petersen they were not there to shoot him and ordered him to drop his weapons. The defendant continued to say “please shoot me” and “do you know how much time I will have to serve in prison.”
Petersen then tossed his firearm on the counter and backed away from it, but then proceeded to take the knife in his right hand and press it into the right side of his neck, according to the complaint. Petersen repeatedly stated he wanted to die and told deputies to shoot him.
A deputy stunned Petersen with a Taser, but he reportedly continued yelling. The deputy deployed his Taser a second time and was then able to handcuff Petersen.
Another deputy located several employees that appeared very frightened hiding in a closet, and others hiding in other parts of the building. One employee reportedly stated he was “fearful for his safety in light of the number of mass shootings in the country.”
While on scene, a deputy was approached by a middle aged man “who appeared visibly distraught and was shaking.”
The man told the deputy that when he entered the store, he saw Jonathan Petersen with what appeared to be a rifle standing near a female Kwik Trip employee. According to the witness, Jonathan Petersen stated things to the effect of “I’m going to (expletive) commit suicide” and “I’m going to shoot someone.” The witness then stated Jonathan Petersen leaned in his direction, so he ran out of the store and called 911.
According to the complaint, some store employees hid in a freezer while others hid in the office before law enforcement arrived and apprehended Jonathan Petersen. Some employees interviewed by investigators said they feared for their lives.
When investigators examined the weapons they determined the firearm was a Crossman Full Auto A4-P BB gun.
“The gun was black and made from stamped metal, and appeared to be a legitimate rifle with no bright colored end cap on the barrel and a removable metal magazine,” according to the complaint.
Jonathan Petersen later agreed to speak with investigators and reportedly stated he had gone to Kwik Trip with an airsoft gun and a knife and walked up to someone he had “had an issue with in the past.”
“The defendant stated he knew she worked at the Kwik Trip and that he wanted to scare her and others. The defendant was aware that there was an active protection order against him with (the woman), referring to it multiple times throughout the interview. The defendant stated that he planned to go do the same thing at the Pick n’ Save he worked at after he left Kwik Trip to confront another co-worker he had problems with,” according to the complaint.
The woman allegedly harassed by Jonathan Petersen told deputies “he had been planning this for months, ever since the restraining order hearing” and “was scared to death that the defendant might shoot her and thought back to the restraining order hearing.”
No deputies, employees or customers were reportedly physically harmed during the incident.
A preliminary hearing is set for June 23.
The Senate gun deal: What's in and what's out?
Intro
A strengthening, narrowly, of background checks
Other measured curbs
Addressing broader problems
Hurdles ahead
What's out?
Prospects ahead?
More restrictions?
Ethical Life podcast: What do hunters say about increased gun regulations? | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/breaking-kenosha-man-charged-with-making-terrorist-threats-at-a-kwik-trip-held-on-500/article_2d8c88be-ecdd-11ec-b544-a354efc5b4db.html | 2022-06-15T21:31:15 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/breaking-kenosha-man-charged-with-making-terrorist-threats-at-a-kwik-trip-held-on-500/article_2d8c88be-ecdd-11ec-b544-a354efc5b4db.html |
Health officials identified a second probable case of monkeypox in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
"The Philadelphia Department of Public Health was informed yesterday morning of a Philadelphia resident who has tested positive for the orthopoxvirus," a spokesperson wrote Wednesday. "Pending CDC confirmation, this is being considered a probable case of monkeypox based on preliminary testing at the Philadelphia Department of Health’s Bureau of Laboratories."
The CDC also listed two total cases of monkeypox in Pennsylvania as of Tuesday.
"Please note that the CDC has not yet confirmed the case as monkeypox," the health department spokesperson wrote. "So far, it is still classified as probable."
Nationally, 72 cases have been reported in 17 states and Washington, DC, as of Tuesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The first case in the city and state was reported back on June 2.
"This individual, although a Philadelphia resident, was seen at a clinic outside the city," the health department spokesperson said Wednesday. "Therefore, its report and testing are being coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. So far, there is no known connection between this case and the earlier known case of monkeypox in Philadelphia. And, to protect the resident’s privacy, no information will be given that would aid in their identification."
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Within one to three days of developing a fever, an infected person then "develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body." The infection usually lasts two to four weeks.
"In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion," the CDC says on its website. "The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not."
The disease has been spreading across the globe in an unusual pattern, according to the CDC, which has led the agency to begin a heightened monitoring of its spread.
"CDC is closely tracking cases of monkeypox that have been recently reported in several countries that don’t normally have monkeypox activity, including the United States," the federal agency says on its webpage dedicated to the disease.
Monkeypox Stories
In Africa, the disease "has been shown" to cause death in as many as one in 10 patients, the CDC says.
“The threat to Philadelphians from monkeypox is extremely low,” Philadelphia Health Department Acute Communicable Disease Program Manager Dana Perella said in a statement earlier this month. “Monkeypox is much less contagious than COVID-19 and is containable particularly when prompt care is sought for symptoms. Vaccine to prevent or lessen the severity of illness is available through the CDC for high-risk contacts of persons infected with monkeypox, as is antiviral treatment for patients with monkeypox. I believe that residents and visitors should feel safe to do all the fun things Philadelphia has to offer, with the proper precautions.”
The current global outbreak was first confirmed in a British citizen on May 6, the city said in its statement. Since then, cases have been confirmed in 29 other countries.
"The Health Department strongly recommends that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of an unexplained rash on their face, palms, arms, legs, genitals, or perianal region that may be accompanied by flu-like illness should contact their regular healthcare provider as soon as possible," the city said in its statement. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/officials-id-2nd-probable-case-of-monkeypox-in-philly/3272111/ | 2022-06-15T21:33:38 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/officials-id-2nd-probable-case-of-monkeypox-in-philly/3272111/ |
After years of lobbying, Philadelphia will finally learn whether it gets to host men’s FIFA World Cup games as the single biggest sports tournament in the world makes its way back to the United States.
The City of Brotherly Love will learn Thursday whether it’s selected as one of the host cities for the 2026 iteration of the global soccer tournament, with games taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The games in Philadelphia would play out at Lincoln Financial Field, the 69,000-seat home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Linc is no stranger to hosting major soccer games or tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America Centenario.
The city began bidding to host games back in 2019 as part of a consortium of businesses and other partners including the Eagles and local MLS team Philadelphia Union.
As part of the bid, Philadelphia has touted its experience hosting large events, including a 2015 papal visit, the 2016 Democratic National Convention and 2017 NFL Draft, all of which drew throngs of visitors to the city.
While Philadelphia is known for its professional American football, basketball, baseball and hockey teams, the city in recent years has also seen growth in both professional and grassroots soccer interest.
The Union, though yet to lift an MLS Cup, won its first Supporters’ Shield for the best regular season record in 2020 and has become one of the most consistently good and eye-catching teams in the league under the stewardship of coach Jim Curtin.
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In addition, club captain and former U.S. Men’s National Team player Alejandro Bedoya served as an honorary co-chair of the Philadelphia 2026 Bid Committee, which worked to bring the World Cup to the city.
South Jersey native Carli Lloyd, who has two Women’s World Cup and Olympic gold medals to her name, also helped raise the profile of the sport in the region. So too did Julie Ertz, another two-time World Cup winner who is married to former Super Bowl-winning Eagles player Zach Ertz.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia International Unity Cup has been played every year since 2016, barring a 2020 cancelation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Cup-style tournament includes neighborhood teams made up of people representing their country of origin.
The U.S. last hosted a men’s World Cup in 1994. Since then, the sport has seen tremendous growth in the country. Once a rarity, many American players now ply their trade at some of the top clubs in the world, including Christian Pulisic at Chelsea in the English Premier League, Weston McKennie at Juventus in the Italian Serie A and Tyler Adams at RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga.
Though the U.S. missed out on the 2018 World Cup, it qualified in 2022 and is guaranteed a place in the 2026 edition as one of the host countries.
NBC10 sister station Telemundo62 will air games for the 2022 tournament, which this year kicks off in November. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-maintains-2026-world-cup-hopes-with-fifa-set-to-pick-host-cities/3272142/ | 2022-06-15T21:33:44 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-maintains-2026-world-cup-hopes-with-fifa-set-to-pick-host-cities/3272142/ |
OLD FORGE, Pa. — A closed sign now hangs in the window of Agostini Bakery in Old Forge.
"I wish I didn't have to end it like this. I wish I could keep impacting, but it is just too much," said Bob Agostini.
The bakery opened in 1907, delivering freshly baked rolls and pizza shells to local eateries.
Bob Agostini took over the family business more than a decade ago. He says the decision to close is due to a combination of things like rising prices and not enough workers.
"Especially the gas prices, flour doubled in the last two years, so it was pretty much impossible to keep going, as a business with five trucks on the road, to deliver all of the stuff it just got too hard to sustain."
Businesses like Berlew's Hoagies in Moosic rely on Agostini's for rolls which owner Buddy Prusinski says have been a staple at his shop since the 1940s.
"We are sad, sad for the Agostinis and sad for us. We'll get through it, find something, and hope the customers stick with us. We'll try to get the freshest buns we can," said Prusinski.
Berlew's serves upwards of 300 hoagies every day. Prusinski says customers have grown to love the rolls from Agostini's just as they have grown to love the local partnership.
"They are two blocks down the road from us. If we are running short, we could always run down, and there was never an issue of, 'That's too many.' They always delivered, and we are going to miss them," Prusinski said.
Agostini says word got around quickly of the decision to close. He didn't even have the chance to call all his customers before they started calling him.
"I was surprised at the phone calls that I got. I was trying to make a lot of the phone calls myself, but I truly didn't realize how many customers we had. A lot of people cried on the phone. I was taken aback by that," Agostini said.
Agostini said there is interest in someone else taking over the business, but nothing has been decided just yet.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/agostini-bakery-closes-after-115-years-hoagies-pizza-rolls-bread-old-forge/523-b5597103-839d-4dfd-9bca-d1b18afaea8d | 2022-06-15T21:42:14 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/agostini-bakery-closes-after-115-years-hoagies-pizza-rolls-bread-old-forge/523-b5597103-839d-4dfd-9bca-d1b18afaea8d |
SCRANTON, Pa. — It takes a village to get people back into the workforce in Lackawanna County.
"We help job seekers. You have positions; let's do a job fair right here in Scranton at Community Outreach," said Jennifer Shoemaker, LEAD Center program manager at Outreach.
The LEAD Center at Outreach in Scranton held a job fair Wednesday with CANPACK, an aluminum beverage can manufacturer based in Olyphant. The company is looking to fill several positions for machine technicians, forklift operators, and quality-control specialists.
"We are set to go live with our fourth and final production line by the end of this year, so we are going to need 600 employees to operate these lines, and we are at 430 right now, so it is an absolute necessity for us to get to that number to meet our demand," said Carrie Krott, human resource manager for CANPACK.
The center is connecting job seekers with various employers across the area.
As the worker shortage continues, LEAD Outreach staff members say those looking for work don't know how to dive back into the job market or change careers.
"Coming to Outreach, we can help them with their resumes. We can help them find that opportunity. Some folks just need a little bit of assistance, a little bit of encouragement to say, 'You know what? I can do this!'" Shoemaker said.
One of those job seekers is Paul Syerandy. He tells Newswatch 16 that he's been working with the Outreach Center to prepare him to enter the workforce on a more regular basis.
"Since I moved here about three years ago, it's been all temporary positions, temp agencies, contracted work for different periods of time, but nothing long term," Syerandy said.
He tells Newswatch 16 that the search for work can be stressful, and the help he received from the staff at the Outreach Center prepared him for an interview with CANPACK.
"I wish I had visited much earlier, not necessarily for my own job search efforts, but for others to spread the word, which is something that I've been doing a lot more of recently."
Outreach plans to host more job fairs like this one in the near future with a variety of employers.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/nonprofit-in-scranton-connects-employers-with-job-seekers-outreach-lead-center-canpack-jobs-positions/523-782b4147-3a1c-46af-a239-f6ca5eafa7e3 | 2022-06-15T21:42:20 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/nonprofit-in-scranton-connects-employers-with-job-seekers-outreach-lead-center-canpack-jobs-positions/523-782b4147-3a1c-46af-a239-f6ca5eafa7e3 |
LYCOMING COUNTY, Pa. — The Old Lycoming Township Recycling Center is a busy place. People who live in this community bring all kinds of products to recycle. But officials say for several years there were problems here with illegal dumping.
"Something they thought was recyclable or want to recycle, even though it's not, they decided to leave it here anyway, and the other is just plain trash," Megan Lehman said.
Illegal dumping was not only a messy problem but can cause other issues.
"Items that get into our recycling that we don't want can cause issues to the equipment, to the employees, and also contaminates the load," Lauren Strausser said.
"They got to the point where they were considering closing the drop-off center because it really was a strain on the township's resources," Lehman said.
With the help of grant money from the Department of Environmental Protection, improvements were made at the recycling center. Old Lycoming Township installed motorized gates, security cameras, and guardrails.
"The county has changed the containers and we made smaller openings to eliminate unwanted items. So, unfortunately, you can no longer just have a big tote and empty that material into the container. Now you have to put one at a time or put a small bag in and take the bag with you," Strausser said.
Officials believe this created a more secure and efficient site for recycling and a deterrent for illegal dumping.
"Once they opened that up with all those cameras and everything, they were able to catch some people who were doing illegal dumping here and prosecute that, and so that was an opportunity to get the word out, you really don't want to do this, it's not worth it," Lehman said.
Officials tell Newswatch 16 that since the improvements were made there has been significantly less illegal dumping at this site.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/recycling-center-improvements-old-lycoming-township-illegal-dumping/523-6f428992-77c4-4739-9042-d4fc98ee4f4e | 2022-06-15T21:42:26 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/recycling-center-improvements-old-lycoming-township-illegal-dumping/523-6f428992-77c4-4739-9042-d4fc98ee4f4e |
STROUDSBURG, Pa. — It's a sight no business owner ever wants to see — a vehicle through the front of their store, but for Frank Micele, the nightmare came true when a car smashed into his antique shop on Main Street in Stroudsburg.
"I had crystal. I had antique chairs, all kinds of beautiful stuff. It's about a $15,000 loss, but not a big deal," Micele said.
The crash happened just before midnight at The Eclectic Home & Antique Shop.
"I'm glad it wasn't 8 or 9 at night because sometimes I sit in the window when there's no Yankee game on and just relax, and I would have been sitting there if it was earlier in the evening. I wouldn't be talking to you guys," Micele said.
The Stroudsburg Fire Department says the driver was driving down Lower Main Street when they jumped the curb, hit two light posts, a garbage can, and then crashed into the shop.
"The meter was gone; it was a double meter on top. The pole was out," Micele said. "I mean, it could have been a lot worse."
The Stroud Area police chief tells Newswatch 16 that one car went to turn left, causing the other to crash into the building.
No one was hurt.
Micele says he's grateful for the help he's received with cleaning up the mess.
"It's not something I looked forward to today doing this, but it happens," Micele said. "I've got a good crew of men. Clear Choice came down right away. Frank Scaltrito, the electrician, took care of all the power, and it's just a bump in the road, and we move forward."
The owner says after he's done cleaning up the shop, he'll be back open for business.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/car-smashes-into-poconos-antique-shop-main-street-stroudsburg-vehicle-into-building/523-5603bd76-933a-46ee-ae3b-6c7309e06526 | 2022-06-15T21:42:32 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/car-smashes-into-poconos-antique-shop-main-street-stroudsburg-vehicle-into-building/523-5603bd76-933a-46ee-ae3b-6c7309e06526 |
SMITHFIELD, Pa. — While it may not look like it now, the campsites at Camp Out Mt. Nebo near East Stroudsburg are booking up fast.
"Our season is booking up already, and we see the booking increasing as we go further into the summer already. It's pretty crazy. For our first season, it's pretty good," said owner Steven Louden.
This isn't your typical campground. Camp Out Mt. Nebo is the newest adult camping resort catering to the LGBTQ+ community.
Louden is the owner of the camping resort that just opened in April. He says he wants the campground to be a space where those in the LGBTQ+ community can feel included and be themselves.
"One thing they'll realize is they're not alone, and they can meet other people and share stories, and hopefully relate, and hopefully their transition will be easier in their coming-out process," Louden said.
For the past two years, the owners say they've been looking for the right spot to open Camp Out. That's when they came across the former Foxwood family campground in Smithfield Township.
"This is one of our favorite areas. We love being right by the Delaware Water Gap," said Louden. "We love being close to downtown Stroudsburg. It kind of diversified things a little bit where we are at a campground, but we're not in the middle of nowhere. We have things to do besides just our campground."
The property offers a variety of options — you can camp in a tent, stay in one of the resort's cottages or cabins, or bring your RV.
There's a pool, pavilion with barbecues, and a piano bar.
"We bring in some of the best pianists from Manhattan, some of the best drag from the Lehigh Valley area, and our DJs are some of the best in the area as well," Louden said. "So aside from just a great camping experience, we really have a great entertainment experience as well."
For more information on Camp Out Mt.Nebo, click here.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/lgbtq-campground-opens-in-the-poconos-camp-out-mt-nebo-adult-camping/523-a2517815-f82d-49e5-ba00-778d68df2745 | 2022-06-15T21:42:38 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/lgbtq-campground-opens-in-the-poconos-camp-out-mt-nebo-adult-camping/523-a2517815-f82d-49e5-ba00-778d68df2745 |
POTTSVILLE, Pa. — The increase of tractor-trailers using roads throughout Schuylkill County is bringing road safety concerns to city officials.
Now, council members of Pottsville are banning trucks weighing more than 10 tons from traveling on Cressona Road, Hillside Road, and Calvary Street.
"Since we got a bunch of distribution centers north of us on (Interstate) 81, the truck traffic has increased in the Pottsville area. Whether it's on (Route) 61 or on Gordon Nagle Trail, and sometimes drivers because of their GPS system they're using, they can get off on roads that trucks of their size weren't made for," said Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews.
Truck drivers are being directed to small side streets throughout Pottsville, causing their vehicles to become stuck while encountering these roads in the mountain.
"There's consumer navigation and trucker navigation. It's about twice as expensive for the trucker version than the consumer. But it points out narrow roads, overheads, weight limits, where the consumer version doesn't," said Mayor Clews.
Because these roads aren't wide enough to support tractor-trailers, truck drivers have been damaging personal and city property while delaying on-coming traffic.
"The problem is size; these roads were built for consumer products. If you even have a wider-body car, going down Hillside Road where there's opposing traffic can be frightening," added Mayor Clews.
Accommodating larger vehicles on these roads has become a growing problem in Pottsville. In a recent report from Pottsville Police Capt. John Morrow, 13 incidents involving tractor-trailers have already occurred in this area throughout 2022.
"When these accidents occur, there's a 3-to 4-hour delay while trying to clear three streets. It's definitely better for our local consumer drivers, our residential drivers. They'll have more space if we keep them off," Mayor Clews said.
With the new ordinance being adopted, the city of Pottsville plans to install appropriate road signage for alternative truck routes to keep residential drivers safe.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/alternative-routes-for-trucks-in-schuylkill-county-truckers-gps-side-streets-pottsville-ordinance/523-1b3a71c5-e021-4929-b628-6cf77565a1b3 | 2022-06-15T21:42:44 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/alternative-routes-for-trucks-in-schuylkill-county-truckers-gps-side-streets-pottsville-ordinance/523-1b3a71c5-e021-4929-b628-6cf77565a1b3 |
NOXEN, Pa. — The food stands and carnival rides are set up for the Noxen Volunteer Fire Company's biggest fundraiser — the annual Rattlesnake Round Up.
"This is the one that counts," said Noxen Assistant Fire Chief Matthew McCormack. "This is the one that keeps us open, puts the gas in the trucks, and lets us put the wet stuff on the red stuff."
"Typically, just a fireman's bizarre with a twist," added Assistant Chief Jonny Headman.
On Saturday and Sunday, there's a competition for who can catch the biggest rattlesnake in a 50-mile radius. When the Rattlesnake Round Up is over, the snakes are returned to where they were found.
"Pretty much any species of snakes in Pennsylvania on display Saturday and Sunday for educational purposes," explained Headman. "But really, what we are is just a good old fireman's bazaar — food, music, family atmosphere, and fun."
Organizers tell Newswatch 16 that, like everywhere else, attendees might see an increase in prices at the Round-Up.
"A lot of our food's going to go up a little bit, maybe 50 cents to $1, depending on what it is," said McCormack. "That's the biggest expense. That's the biggest increase that we can see. We try to keep it where it's affordable for the whole family to come, and it's just tough. I mean, we're forced to raise our prices on some stuff. We're trying to hold the line as much as we can."
"To just raise funds for our fire department to keep us going for lifesaving equipment," added Headman.
Despite that slight increase, firefighters hope this year's event will be as successful as last year.
"We hope to see everybody here. We hope everyone has a good time. You know, it's great for kids. It's great for adults. Plenty of food, plenty of fun," added Headman.
The Noxen Volunteer Fire Company Rattlesnake Round Up kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m., continues Friday at 6 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/noxen-is-ready-for-the-rattlesnake-round-up-volunteer-fire-company-fundraiser-bazaar-carnival/523-7001135a-489a-4da8-8bdc-d12daedb38b2 | 2022-06-15T21:42:50 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/noxen-is-ready-for-the-rattlesnake-round-up-volunteer-fire-company-fundraiser-bazaar-carnival/523-7001135a-489a-4da8-8bdc-d12daedb38b2 |
TEXAS, USA — With the recent addition of a well-known construction equipment company, there will now be 54 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas, according to the global media organization FORTUNE.
The Fortune 500 is the latest ranking of companies by their annual revenue. Walmart topped the 2022 list.
Many corporations have been moving to Texas of late, including three of Elon Musk's companies.
Caterpillar Inc., which makes a variety of equipment including excavators, dozers and loaders, announced it will be moving its headquarters from Deerfield, Ill., to Irving, where it already has offices.
And many major oil and energy companies, such as ExxonMobil, have long been headquartered in Texas.
The governor’s office announced in May that Texas leads all other states in the number of "headquartered" Fortune 500 companies. On average in 2021, about every six days another company from somewhere else relocated a headquarters to Texas.
According to FORTUNE, here are the Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas, in order of revenue:
- Exxon Mobil (The Woodlands, previously Irving)
- McKesson (Irving)
- AT&T (Dallas)
- Phillips 66 (Houston)
- Valero Energy (San Antonio)
- Dell Technologies (Round Rock)
- Energy Transfer (Dallas)
- Tesla (Austin)
- Sysco (Houston)
- Caterpillar (coming to Irving)
- ConocoPhillips (Houston)
- Plains GP Holdings (Houston)
- Enterprise Products Partners (Houston)
- Oracle (Austin)
- USAA (San Antonio)
- American Airlines (Fort Worth)
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Houston)
- D.R. Horton (Arlington)
- CBRE Group (Dallas)
- NRG Energy (Houston)
- Occidental Petroleum (Houston)
- Baker Hughes (Houston)
- Builders FirstSource (Dallas)
- Tenet Healthcare (Dallas)
- Kimberly-Clark (Irving)
- Charles Schwab (Westlake)
- EOG Resources (Houston)
- HF Sinclair (Dallas)
- Texas Instruments (Dallas)
- Waste Management (Houston)
- Targa Resources (Houston)
- Kinder Morgan (Houston)
- Cheniere Energy (Houston)
- Southwest Airlines (Dallas)
- Halliburton (Houston)
- Pioneer Natural Resources (Irving)
- Fluour (Irving)
- AECOM (Irving)
- Jacobs Engineering Group (Dallas)
- Group 1 Automotive (Houston)
- Quanta Services (Houston)
- Vistra (Irving)
- Westlake (Houston)
- Yum China Holdings (Plano)
- Celanese (Irving)
- Huntsman (The Woodlands)
- CenterPoint Energy (Houston)
- APA (Houston)
- KBR (Houston)
- Diamondback Energy (Midland)
- Academy Sports and Outdoors (Katy)
- Commercial Metals (Irving)
- Enlink Midstream (Dallas)
- Southwestern Energy (Spring)
Many corporate executives have said in the past that Texas is more affordable and business friendly. Critics have complained that the program amounts to expensive corporate welfare and that it burdens ordinary taxpayers. But supporters of Chapter 313 insist it has been very beneficial to Texas, bringing a lot of jobs to the Lone Star State. They argue that the reduced taxes a company pays are better than no taxes paid if the company doesn’t come here in the first place.
Bloomberg charted how many applications there have been for this big money incentive each year. In the first five months of this year, the state has gotten at least 132 applications. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/fortune-500-companies-in-texas-dfw-caterpillar-exxon-mobil-att-mckesson-tesla-oil-gas/287-ddce9682-46e8-4868-8eb5-9896f15f9ea4 | 2022-06-15T21:45:08 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/fortune-500-companies-in-texas-dfw-caterpillar-exxon-mobil-att-mckesson-tesla-oil-gas/287-ddce9682-46e8-4868-8eb5-9896f15f9ea4 |
NORFOLK, Va. — (AP) — John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight Wednesday, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals.
“After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!,” he wrote on Twitter shortly after 12 p.m.
The lifting of all restrictions had been expected since late September. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman in Washington said he'd free Hinckley on June 15 if he continued to remain mentally stable in the community in Virginia where he has lived since 2016.
Hinckley, who was acquitted by reason of insanity, spent the decades before that in a Washington mental hospital.
Freedom for Hinckley will include giving a concert — he plays guitar and sings — in Brooklyn, New York, that's scheduled for July. He's already gained nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and YouTube in recent months as the judge loosened Hinckley's restrictions before fully lifting all of them.
But the graying 67-year-old is far from being the household name that he became after shooting and wounding the 40th U.S. president — and several others — outside a Washington hotel. Today, historians say Hinckley is at best a question on a quiz show and someone who unintentionally helped build the Reagan legend and inspire a push for stricter gun control.
“If Hinckley had succeeded in killing Reagan, then he would have been a pivotal historical figure,” H.W. Brands, a historian and Reagan biographer, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “As it is, he is a misguided soul whom history has already forgotten.”
Barbara A. Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, said that Hinckley "would be maybe a Jeopardy question.”
But his impact remains tangible in Reagan's legacy.
“For the president himself to have been so seriously wounded, and to come back from that — that actually made Ronald Reagan the legend that he became ... like the movie hero that he was,” Perry said.
Friedman, the federal judge overseeing Hinckley's case, said on June 1 that Hinckley has shown no signs of active mental illness since the mid-1980s and has exhibited no violent behavior or interest in weapons.
“I am confident that Mr. Hinckley will do well in the years remaining to him,” the judge said during the hearing earlier this month.
He noted that lawyers for the government and Hinckley have fought for years over whether Hinckley should be given increasing amounts of freedom.
“It took us a long time to get here,” he said, adding that there is now unanimous agreement: “This is the time to let John Hinckley move on with his life, so we will.” | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a | 2022-06-15T21:45:14 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a |
TYLER, Texas — Police documents show a Tyler man accused of causing a house fire that killed his half-brother with special needs blamed “spirits” for leaving the home when officials say his lit cigarette started the blaze.
Robert Harrison Johnson IV, 32, is charged with murder in connection with the May 18 death of his half-brother Jack McKenzie Ross, 35. He remains in the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The Smith County Fire Marshal's Office said Ross, who is physically and mentally disabled, died following the house fire in the 11300 block of County Road 1113 in southwestern Smith County. Johnson was able to escape the fire before fire departments arrived.
Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said further investigation led officials to believe Johnson intentionally set the fire in a bedroom and left the property as the fire overtook the home. Johnson was later arrested at a home in Desoto.
According to an arrest affidavit, when investigators found Johnson on June 2 he said he didn’t tell anyone what really happened the day of the fire because his family doesn’t like him. Johnson told the detective that he was smoking a cigarette around 5 p.m. in his bedroom, which is next to Ross’ room.
Johnson said while he was smoking the embers fell out of the cigarette and landed between his feet on a towel that was on the floor. He was walking toward the door when he smelled the embers burning, the affidavit read.
As the towel began to smoke, he told the detective that he felt the need to leave, saying that a “ghost” prevented him from putting the flames out. He added spirits made him leave the house while his brother was on the other side of the wall, the document explained.
When asked if he helped Ross, Johnson said, “No, they forced me out." After leaving the house, Johnson said he went to get a cigarette and go for a walk. When he came back to the house, their mother was yelling and crying, according to the affidavit.
Brooks’ body camera footage from the night of the fire showed Johnson had “absolutely no emotion or remorse” over the loss of his brother. That video also shows that Johnson initially said a fan caused the fire, not mentioning his cigarette igniting a towel, the affidavit read.
Johnson made no attempt to extinguish or report the fire or save his brother’s life, the document stated.
On May 24, roughly a week after the fire, Ross’ older brother, who does not live at the Tyler residence, said he felt Johnson had something to do with Ross’ death. He told the detective that Johnson was violent toward their mother when she wouldn’t give him money or buy him cigarettes, according to the document.
He believed Johnson’s drug use and jealousy toward Ross factored into Ross’ death. The older brother said when he confronted Johnson he shouted, "I didn't mean to kill him, I didn't mean to kill him." He added that Johnson left Tyler once investigators knew he wanted to speak to him, the affidavit detailed.
Their mother told the fire marshal’s office that Ross had a stroke at 2 years old, causing him to not be self-reliant, including an inability to walk, speak or dress himself. She said Ross could not use his legs from the knee down and he had the mindset of a young child, the detective wrote in the affidavit.
After she fed Ross that night, she saw Johnson outside staring at the house, which she thought was weird and unusual. A nearby friend notified her of an “orange glow” and heavy smoke coming from the house. She and her friend ran and began screaming for her baby, but the friend couldn’t get past the back door because the house was fully engulfed with flames and smoke. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-east-texas-man-blames-spirits-for-causing-fire-killed-his-half-brother-with-special-needs/501-a9e0be76-1094-43aa-aef4-f0591dc64ccc | 2022-06-15T21:45:20 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-east-texas-man-blames-spirits-for-causing-fire-killed-his-half-brother-with-special-needs/501-a9e0be76-1094-43aa-aef4-f0591dc64ccc |
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department is searching for a missing 15-year-old last seen on the city's southeast side.
Justyne Renae Molina was last seen in the 600 block of Avondale.
Police said Molina is 5'1" and weighs around 125 pounds. She has brown wavy hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing stud earrings, pink Kendra Scott necklace, grey leggings, yellow long sleeve shirt and black Crocs. He was also carrying a black duffel bag.
If you have any information as to where Molina may be, you are urged to contact the SAPD Missing Person's Unit at (210) 207-7660. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-search-for-missing-15-year-old-last-seen-in-southeast-san-antonio/273-c42d6a97-dfbf-472f-9d79-ce03deb0b95b | 2022-06-15T21:45:26 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/police-search-for-missing-15-year-old-last-seen-in-southeast-san-antonio/273-c42d6a97-dfbf-472f-9d79-ce03deb0b95b |
ODESSA, Texas — The City of Odessa Water Treatment Plant has officially been restarted and is in the recharging phase according to an Ector County Utility District official.
The recharging process can take anywhere from 12-14 hours. The workers will be taking their time with the process to make sure they are making safe progress and no leaks are found.
At this time, the boil water notices in the city and county have both not been lifted yet.
There will be one water distribution site today. That will be at the Ector County Coliseum from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each vehicle will be limited to two cases each.
We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/the-city-of-odessa-water-treatment-plant-has-restarted/513-f798eeed-4441-4f2a-ac7e-11e2c3d33954 | 2022-06-15T21:45:33 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/the-city-of-odessa-water-treatment-plant-has-restarted/513-f798eeed-4441-4f2a-ac7e-11e2c3d33954 |
TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — A 47-year-old woman who tried to save her granddaughter in a drowning accident over the weekend is still in the hospital, according to her family. As Stephanie Walker remains in critical condition, her family is mourning the loss of 13-year-old Makayla (Kayla) Prather who died in the incident.
Kayla's mom, Shawanda Prather, said she's still in shock about what happened. It was Shawanda's mother - Stephanie - who tried to save her child.
Shawanda said her daughter enjoyed adventures. It didn’t surprise her when her daughter and mom decide to take a trip to West Point Lake. What did surprise her- was a phone call.
“Turn around and come back because there’s been an incident in West Point, possibly involving my mom and my daughter," she recalls being told.
Her mom was already at the hospital, but Kayla was still missing.
The Troup County Sheriff's Office said deputies were sent to the lake, near Lower Glass Bridge Road, just before 2 p.m. Saturday, along with Troup County Fire Department and Troup County AMR in regards to a possible drowning involving two people. Once there, they said they found the unresponsive woman and she was taken to the hospital.
Deputies said they searched for the 13-year-old by a boat, along with the Department of Natural Resources. Eventually, a dive team from Columbus Fire and Rescue was brought in around 5 p.m. to assist. Two and a half hours later, the teen's body was recovered by the dive teams, according to deputies.
Deputies also described the circumstances as "a tragic accident." It was first responders, who told Shawanda that her mother tried to save Kayla.
“My mom can’t swim. So, the fact that if she jumped in the water, trying to save my daughter, I know she was brave," she said.
Stephanie's kidneys are shutting down and the family said she is also "brain dead.”
It’s a lot to lose her daughter - and possibly her mother. Travis, Kayla’s stepfather, is still trying to wrap his head around it all.
"She was my world. She was my heart. And it hurt me so bad but I know God has a plan," he said.
As they prepare to bury Kayla, Shawanda’s three other young children remain the reason she’s coping with her pain.
The family is preparing to decide if they will take Kayla’s grandmother off of life support. An online fundraiser has already been set up for the teen's funeral expenses.
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The 11Alive Speed Feed offers a curated experience of top local stories we’re following right now on all our platforms, delivered right to your inbox every day at noon. Our goal is to help you feel informed, even if you only have five minutes. Sign up here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/west-point-lake-drowning-troup-county/85-143ec606-4952-477b-8568-ca6f759b8eb9 | 2022-06-15T21:45:39 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/west-point-lake-drowning-troup-county/85-143ec606-4952-477b-8568-ca6f759b8eb9 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ first wildlife movie is coming to local cinemas on Friday.
Deep in the Heart will premiere in East Texas theaters honor the Lone Star State's natural wonders.
"Deep in the Heart is a visually stunning celebration of what makes Texas unique — its diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife behavior that cannot be found anywhere else in the world," the movie's website states. "Told through the eyes of wildlife species ranging from the mysterious blind catfish to the elusive mountain lion, the story follows our ever-changing relationship with the natural world and showcases our ability to destroy, conserve, and recover wildlife and the habitat we mutually depend on. Narrated by Matthew McConaughey and featuring state-of-the-art cinematography, this family-friendly film journeys from the highest peaks in West Texas, through our aquifers, rivers, and bays, and deep into the Gulf of Mexico. Deep in the Heart aims to conserve our remaining wild places, to show the connectivity of water and wildlife, and to recognize Texas’ conservation importance on a continental scale."
The movie will be shown at the following locations in the Pineywoods:
- Longview - Regal Theater (Click here to get tickets)
- Nacogdoches - Fredonia Hotel (Debuting June 9, tickets will be on sale soon)
- Palestine - Pint and Barrel (Debuting June 25; Click here to get tickets)
- Tyler - Regal Tyler Rose (Click here to get tickets)
Deep in the Heart has partnered with Texan by Nature (TxN) to bring this exquisite look at Texas to theaters
"Founded in 2011 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature (TxN) unites landowners, business, conservation, and civic leaders who believe Texas' prosperity is dependent on the conservation of its natural resources. In Texas, our natural resources are finite, but our ingenuity is infinite," the movie's website says. "At TxN, we harness that can-do spirit to take care of the land, water, and wildlife that sustain our state’s people, prosperity, and natural resources. We do this by activating new investments in Texan-led conservation, amplifying and accelerating innovations, and connecting partners to the resources they need to succeed. TxN achieves mission goals through the Texan by Nature Certification program, Conservation Wrangler program, Symposia series, and TxN 20." | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-wildlife-film-to-be-shown-in-east-texas-theaters/501-4594f519-06d1-40b2-a88d-0748fef9f735 | 2022-06-15T21:47:29 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas-wildlife-film-to-be-shown-in-east-texas-theaters/501-4594f519-06d1-40b2-a88d-0748fef9f735 |
RALEIGH — A city and two law enforcement agencies in Alamance County will pay $336,000 to a group of plaintiffs to settle a lawsuit stemming from a 2020 protest in which demonstrators were pepper-sprayed during a voting rally.
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and a Chicago-based law firm announced the agreement in a news release on Wednesday. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in November 2020 and named as defendants the city of Graham and Police Chief Kristi Cole, 15 police officers, Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and 15 deputies.
“It is outrageous that people marching to the polls to cast their ballot were met with police brutality. The right to gather and march in support of a shared cause is at the core of the First Amendment,” Chantal Stevens, executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina, said in the news release. “This agreement is a step in the right direction, but it’s insufficient to reckon with the violence and trauma that these community members endured at the hands of police.”
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Neither Graham Town Manager Megan Garner nor acting Alamance County Attorney Debra Bechtel immediately returned calls seeking comment Wednesday.
The three groups represented 17 individuals as well as community groups that had organized with hopes of bringing racial justice and ending police violence and other forms of racial oppression, the news release said.
Police had said participants in the Oct. 31, 2020, rally were pepper-sprayed and arrested because they were blocking a street without permission.
Graham police said at the time they issued several warnings to the crowd at Alamance County’s courthouse to move from the street before releasing pepper spray and later making eight arrests.
A police department press release said the Rev. Greg Drumwright initially asked police and the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office if authorities could block the street for the demonstrators, but the request was never completed because Drumwright “missed the deadline,” Graham police said.
Police said protesters stopped in the street for about nine minutes, creating traffic backups “in all directions around court square.” At the time, Drumwright said the group was permitted to stand in the courthouse square and was escorted through the streets by police. He also said that the group had “no intention” of having the rally in the street.
Later, police asked the crowd to disperse, giving them a five-minute warning to leave the roadway. After the time passed, police said, they released the spray toward the ground, not “directly” toward any participant. They have said there were small children also present.
In addition to the financial settlement, Cole agreed to have an on-the-record meeting with any of the plaintiffs who would like to join within 60 days in the final resolution of the lawsuit. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/civil-rights-group-to-get-336-000-over-graham-pepper-spray-incident/article_acc62f32-ecf0-11ec-86a0-0fe44b189e72.html | 2022-06-15T21:51:01 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/civil-rights-group-to-get-336-000-over-graham-pepper-spray-incident/article_acc62f32-ecf0-11ec-86a0-0fe44b189e72.html |
Guilford County Schools is conducting a survey to find out what people are looking for in the district's next superintendent.
The survey is available in seven different languages on the district's website. The Guilford County Board of Education wants to learn what qualifications and characteristics students, families, staff and community members want to see in the district's next leader.
The school board has contracted with Summit Search Solutions to conduct a nationwide search for the next superintendent for the district, and the survey is part of that process.
Sharon Contreras, the district's superintendent since 2016, is leaving for another job later this summer. Whitney Oakley, the district's deputy superintendent, is expected to take the helm as acting superintendent on July 11.
Contact Jessie Pounds at 336-373-7002 and follow @JessiePounds on Twitter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/guilford-county-schools-conducting-survey-on-key-attributes-for-next-superintendent/article_af93f500-ece1-11ec-8c50-6bec3975a7df.html | 2022-06-15T21:51:07 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/guilford-county-schools-conducting-survey-on-key-attributes-for-next-superintendent/article_af93f500-ece1-11ec-8c50-6bec3975a7df.html |
GREENSBORO — Guilford County commissioners haven't given up on the idea of getting voters to approve a sales tax increase, even after voters rejected one in May's election.
At the request of the commissioners, local legislators are trying again to pass a bill — for Guilford County only — that might make an increase more appealing to voters by allowing the county to specify that the increase would be used for schools. The sales tax increase that failed in May was intended to help pay for $1.7 billion in bonds for school construction that voters approved that same election.
Melvin "Skip" Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, said that if the bill passes, commissioners would seek a sales tax referendum in 2023.
Alston said he favors a sales tax increase as a way to spread out the burden of paying for school construction. Only property owners pay property taxes, but other county residents and people who come to the county to make purchases also pay sales tax, he said.
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He said that if voters would approve a sales tax increase, he would support decreasing property taxes by the same amount.
Local leaders have long theorized that voters would be more likely to agree to a sales tax increase to help pay for school construction debt if they could say on the ballot that it would go to the schools.
Right now that's not legally possible, despite repeated attempts by local legislators of both parties to get bills passed in the North Carolina legislature to allow it.
N.C. Sen. Michael Garrett, D-Greensboro, is trying again this session, with a bill co-sponsored by fellow Greensboro Democrat, Sen. Gladys Robinson. Senate Bill 913 would allow the county to bind itself to use money from a potential future quarter-cent sales tax increase solely for the purpose of capital outlay for public schools. Capital outlay is money spent on assets like buildings or equipment.
If the commissioners chose to do so, the ballot language would specify the use as for "only public school capital outlay purposes."
In that circumstance, the bill would also require the county to maintain at least the level of capital outlay expenditures for public schools as it had in the fiscal year prior to the referendum.
Garrett's bill also includes a provision that the General Assembly give $25,000 to Guilford County to prepare for a referendum. He said he included that because he said every bill has to be a budget item for the legislature's summer short session.
He said he assumed that if the bill passed, commissioners would forward the money to the Guilford County Board of Elections, to be used for expenses like printing sample ballots.
Garrett said that he filed the bill at the request of the county commissioners and that he supports the measure because he thinks it would bring better transparency to voters.
A similar bill, House Bill 120, filed by Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Whitsett, passed the House last year but has remained stuck in the Senate since.
Garrett said that he and other members of Guilford County's delegation have been working to try to persuade other lawmakers to support the measure. He said one of the previous issues the bill has faced is some legislators thinking that the bill itself is a tax increase. He said they are trying to do a better job of educating lawmakers about that this time around, and to share their motivation about supporting transparency.
Since 2020, Guilford County commissioners have twice placed school bond referendums and sales tax increases on the same ballot. The first was when Republicans had the majority of the board and the second was after Democrats became the dominant party on the board.
In both circumstances, the school bond referendums passed while the sales tax meant to help pay for them did not, despite efforts in both cases by county commissioners and others to let people know that the commissioners planned to use the money to pay for the school bonds.
Contact Jessie Pounds at 336-373-7002 and follow @JessiePounds on Twitter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/more-appealing-to-guilford-voters-bill-would-allow-ballot-to-specify-sales-tax-to-be/article_63fbee64-ec04-11ec-8ec8-cfbc4fc7a41d.html | 2022-06-15T21:51:13 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/more-appealing-to-guilford-voters-bill-would-allow-ballot-to-specify-sales-tax-to-be/article_63fbee64-ec04-11ec-8ec8-cfbc4fc7a41d.html |
City Harvest is back with it's annual tasting event "Summer in the City" this Wednesday -- all with the goal of raising money for those who are facing food insecurity.
The 18th annual event features some of New York chefs, restaurants, and mixologists including Aquavit, Big Gay Ice Cream, Caffe Panna, COTE Korean Steakhouse, Eitan Productions, and more.
This year's theme is "summer camp" -- a theme that will bring you back to your childhood summers with camp favorites like s'mores to refreshing drinks.
The waterfront event will feature music, interactive activities, and performances all evening.
Camp City Harvest will kick off at The Lighthouse on Pier 61, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a premium tasting hour, followed by general admission opening at 7:30 p.m.
The event is organized as a way to raise money for City Harvest, a food rescue organization that has helped to feed more than 1.5 million of New Yorkers facing food insecurity.
For more information about the event or City Harvest itself, click here. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/camp-city-harvest-kicks-off-this-evening-at-pier-61-in-nyc/3735532/ | 2022-06-15T21:53:10 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/camp-city-harvest-kicks-off-this-evening-at-pier-61-in-nyc/3735532/ |
U.S. Steel is offering grants via the Legacy Foundation to nonprofits serving the city of Gary.
Nonprofits can apply for up to $100,000 for programs, activities or projects serving Gary residents through the donor-advised funds of U.S. Steel and the John and James L. Knight Foundation.
“We are thankful to the Knight Foundation and U. S. Steel for investing in the Gary community. These grants will provide the opportunity to invest in nonprofits and people that are working to empower and enhance their community” Legacy Foundation Vice President Kelly Anoe said.
The U.S. Steel/City of Gary Indiana Charitable Fund was established at the Legacy Foundation this year to help fund community development in Gary, which U.S. Steel founded as a company town more than a century ago.
“U. S. Steel is pleased to partner with the city of Gary and participating organizations to positively impact and improve the quality of life in the communities that U. S. Steel calls home. Being good neighbors is important to U.S. Steel and our nearly 4,000 employees at our flagship facility, Gary Works,” said Gary Works Vice President Daniel Killeen.
2 teen brothers in caps and gowns returned fire at shooter outside graduation, court records say
Intoxicated driver asleep at busy intersection was on way to work, Porter County police say
Gary mayor orders immediate closure of night club where six people were shot, including two who died
Law enforcement officials arrest 46, clear 58 arrest warrants during Operation Washout, authorities say
Veteran Sin City Deciples member pleads guilty to drug, racketeering charges
Woman sentenced to 11 years for hiding gun used to kill 2 teenagers
Man accused of stealing from appliance store customers close to accepting plea, attorney says
Man airlifted following injury at Chesterton Urschel plant, firefighters say
Vehicle smashes through Schererville home in hit-and-run crash; police seeking suspect
Kohl's puts up a for-sale sign
Pavilion Grill & Restaurant brings lakefront dining, rooftop libations to Indiana Dunes
3 in custody after SWAT, Hobart police search home in drug investigation, police say
Giant, life-sized dinosaurs, volcano to come to Harvest Tyme Family Farm in Lowell
Woman, 12-year-old girl identified as 2 killed in U.S. 41 crash
14-year-old charged in Region store shooting; Hobart police laud public's help
The Legacy Foundation will accept applications through July 13. The grant program is open to nonprofits, government agencies like schools and hospitals. The projects should be focused on the city of Gary specifically.
The Legacy Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants to Lake County nonprofits and people since it was founded in 1992. It manages $90 million in assets.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Basecamp Fitness, Northwest Health doctor's office opening; Fresh to Order closed
Coming soon
Nothing Bundt Cake will soon open its second Northwest Indiana location on U.S. 30 by the Southlake Mall in Hobart.
The bakery focusing on bundt cakes opened its location in Shops on Main in Schererville a few years ago. Now it's looking to bring something sweet to the former Helzberg Diamonds at 2871 E. 81st Ave., in a strip mall next to Hassleless Mattress.
"Right now we're looking to open in the first week of July," said Tammy Oliver, who owns the local franchise along with Valerie Warnell.
The building required extensive renovation to turn it from a jewelry store into a bakery. While most of the interior construction is complete, not all of the equipment has arrived because of shipping delays.
The new bakery will be about 2,500 square feet or about 1,000 square feet bigger than the current Schererville location. It will employ about 25 to 30 people.
"There will be more room for baking and frosting," Oliver said. "We'll be able to have more staff. Our location here is so tiny in the back. We'll be able to work there with a larger staff."
Joseph S. Pete
Closer to customers
Nothing Bundt Cake specializes in cakes ranging from bite-sized to tiered.
"We sell bundt cakes in four different sizes," she said. "We have a different seasonal flavor each month. This month is blueberry. Next month it will be completely new and you'll just have to wait and see. Most of the seasonal flavors are regular like pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint chocolate around Christmas. We just had strawberry, which was huge."
The Las Vegas-based chain was started in 1997 and has grown to 400 locations worldwide.
"I would attribute our success to the product," Oliver said. "It's moist, flavorful and high-quality. Anyone who tastes our cake knows."
The Nothing Bundt Cake in Schererville draws customers from as far away as Valparaiso and Michigan City. The franchisees decided to put a second location closer to some of their more far-flung customers.
"We've had so many requests for another location," she said. "Customers coming in from further, from Valparaiso and Hobart, have had so many requests. It's finally time to open in that area, so customers don't have to travel 30 or 40 minutes."
Joseph S. Pete
'A lot of visibility'
Nothing Bundt Cake searched for some time for a new location in Hobart or Merrillville and finally found one along a highly trafficked stretch of U.S. 30.
"It has a lot of visibility off U.S. 30," Oliver said. "Not everyone has tried our cakes so that visibility helps. It's a busy route."
Nothing Bundt Cakes makes cakes for birthdays, weddings, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and other holidays. It's especially popular around Thanksgiving and Christmas both as gifts and for people cooking at home who want one less thing to worry about, Oliver said.
All of the cakes are baked fresh on-site daily.
"We make homemade cakes. People like the quality of the cake and the taste of the cake," she said. "People who sample our cake are never disappointed. It's the richness, the moisture and the flavor. It's all handmade in our bakery."
For more information, visit nothingbundtcakes.com , call (219) 300-8570 or follow the business on Facebook.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Fresh to Order recently closed after a run of a few years on U.S. 30 near Broadway in Merrillville.
The "fine-fast" restaurant merged the convenience of a fast-casual restaurant like Panera Bread or Chipotle with the chef-driven culinary experience normally offered at a white tablecloth restaurant.
The menu featured prime steak medallions, flame-grilled shrimp, salmon, ahi tuna, crispy calamari, salads and paninis. It dramatically showcased open flames in its open kitchen to emphasize its food was flame-grilled.
A South African native of Greek descent started the small chain in Johannesburg. It now mostly has locations in the Atlanta metro, including at the CNN Center, the Cumberland Mall and the Atlanta Airport, which is the busiest in the United States.
Fresh to Order opened in 2018 at 540 81st Ave. in Merrillville, in a strip mall shared with Planet Fitness and Catch Table and Tap.
Joseph S. Pete
Coming soon
Northwest Health broke ground on the construction of a new Northwest Medical Group office in Valparaiso.
The health care provider is investing $8.3 million in the new medical facility by the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Vale Park Road in Valparaiso. It will house primary care physicians with the Northwest Medical Group.
"Northwest Health is implementing a multi-phase strategic investment to enhance patient care and address the need for access to health services throughout the Region," the health care system said in a news release. "The strategy will result in integrated electronic medical records, convenient locations, the addition of more physicians and other caregivers, and easier access to providers."
The new medical office should open in Valparaiso early next year.
"The new location in Valparaiso marks the culmination of the first phase of the investment," Northwest Health said in a press release. "Other projects in phase one, totaling more than $38 million, are new patient access points in LaPorte, Michigan City and Portage."
Joseph S. Pete
Now open
Basecamp Fitness recently opened its new Schererville studio near the IHOP at the Crossroads of America intersection.
The gym at 1906 U.S. 41 offers High-intensity Interval Training that mixes core, cardio and strength training. Coaches lead group classes that "push you from start to finish, helping you reach your personal best through a 35-minute hyper-efficient program."
The workouts are frequently switched up to ensure they remain challenging so people don't get stuck in the rut of a fitness plateau.
Joseph S. Pete
First Indiana location
The Schererville location is Basecamp's first in Indiana. It also has gyms in Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
For more information, call 219-301-2111, email schererville_IN@basecampfitness.com or visit basecampfitness.com .
Joseph S. Pete
Under renovation
The White Castle at 800 W. Lincoln Highway at the Crossroads of America intersection in Schererville has been undergoing interior renovations.
The dining room has been temporarily closed during the construction but the drive-thru has remained open for anyone craving a sack full of sliders.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Nicky's Gyros permanently closed at 5455 US-6 in Portage earlier this year after the property was sold.
The long-running fast-food restaurant sold gyros, hot dogs, rib tops, tacos, tortas, burritos and dinner plates.
The owners sold the building, which is now Deep Blue Seafood and Chicken. The new restaurant offers seafood boils, fish, lobster tails, sandwiches, tacos and southern sides.
Joseph S. Pete
Closed
Bibi's Bites Wood Fired Pizza closed late last year at 302 Melton Road in Burns Harbor after the owners opted to pursue another opportunity that came along.
Joseph S. Pete
Available for rent
The restaurant opened shortly before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020 and specialized in gourmet pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. It also had smash burgers, Philly steaks, Italian beef and other sandwiches.
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
alert top story urgent topical
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Burger King reopens this month; Buffalo Wild Wings closes, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Parlor; Lucky Hatchet …
The business news you need
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/u-s-steel-offering-grants-to-nonprofits-serving-gary/article_21f59507-f90a-5832-9327-f8b2811a7f0d.html | 2022-06-15T21:57:29 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/u-s-steel-offering-grants-to-nonprofits-serving-gary/article_21f59507-f90a-5832-9327-f8b2811a7f0d.html |
LAPORTE — The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office continued with its monthly sharing of mug shots of those arrested on allegations of intoxicated driving.
The May list includes 12 people, the department said.
"Undoubtedly, there were others who simply didn’t have the opportunity to meet a deputy or were arrested by other agencies in LaPorte County," the sheriff's department said.
The department introduced the sharing of mug shots earlier this year in light of a growing number of intoxicated driving cases.
The county experienced a 213% increase in alcohol-related crashes in 2020 as compared to the year prior, the department said earlier this year.
"Meanwhile, deputies will continue to diligently work to identify and remove impaired drivers from all roadways to improve traffic safety," the department has said.
Motorists are encouraged by police to help by calling 911 and reporting any suspected intoxicated drivers.
- 2 teen brothers in caps and gowns returned fire at shooter outside graduation, court records say
- Intoxicated driver asleep at busy intersection was on way to work, Porter County police say
- Gary mayor orders immediate closure of night club where six people were shot, including two who died
- Law enforcement officials arrest 46, clear 58 arrest warrants during Operation Washout, authorities say
- Veteran Sin City Deciples member pleads guilty to drug, racketeering charges
- Woman sentenced to 11 years for hiding gun used to kill 2 teenagers
- Man accused of stealing from appliance store customers close to accepting plea, attorney says
- Man airlifted following injury at Chesterton Urschel plant, firefighters say
- Vehicle smashes through Schererville home in hit-and-run crash; police seeking suspect
- Kohl's puts up a for-sale sign
- Pavilion Grill & Restaurant brings lakefront dining, rooftop libations to Indiana Dunes
- 3 in custody after SWAT, Hobart police search home in drug investigation, police say
- Giant, life-sized dinosaurs, volcano to come to Harvest Tyme Family Farm in Lowell
- Woman, 12-year-old girl identified as 2 killed in U.S. 41 crash
- 14-year-old charged in Region store shooting; Hobart police laud public's help
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/county-cops-release-mugs-of-all-owi-arrests-in-may/article_641ddda2-a3ba-5715-bdcd-81618397dba7.html | 2022-06-15T21:57:53 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/county-cops-release-mugs-of-all-owi-arrests-in-may/article_641ddda2-a3ba-5715-bdcd-81618397dba7.html |
BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host a campfire sing and marshmallow roast in celebration of The Great American Campout.
The event will take place Tuesday, June 28 from 7-9 p.m.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend the evening of fire-roasted treats and regional music around the campfire.
The park encourages musicians and storytellers to attend the event for a “round robin” and informal setup. Beginning performers are welcome to participate.
“Those who simply want to enjoy the summer weather, atmosphere and fire-roasted treats are also welcome to attend,” the park said in a release.
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical Park is located at 10 West First Street North in Big Stone Gap. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/swva-museum-to-host-campfire-sing-marshmallow-roast/ | 2022-06-15T21:59:56 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/swva-museum-to-host-campfire-sing-marshmallow-roast/ |
BLOOMINGTON — When the lead singer of punk rock group Tiger Sex invited two audience members onstage to dance out the end of their Friday Punkfest set at nightshop, it was two-thirds of Twin Cities indie band Great Value Jesus that rose to the occasion.
Drummer Nick Saathoff and bassist Doug Cook rejoiced in abstemious twists and shakes twice on the outdoor stage that evening, with the latter just doing what he does best to maintain an energetic bass line.
“I keep my hips going, ya know?” said Cook in an interview with The Pantagraph. “Can’t be shy as a bassist.”
The three-member indie rock band from Bloomington opened up the 45-act Punkfest last weekend. That same day, they also released their first full-length album, “Is Propaganda Art?”.
Although they may not be name-brand “saviors,” the trio has developed heavenly authentic and rich compositions since forming months before a global pandemic. Guitarist Noah Renken-Kapatos’ grungy, distorted blues riffs will deliver you back to the Northwest music scene that made Nirvana famous. In fact, Great Value Jesus' guitarist once called Portland home in that region.
Since putting out a seven-track EP titled “Disassociation Nation," Great Value Jesus is continuing their conversation on dealing with mental health problems, while at the same time honing in on more harmonious sounds and lyrical themes of disillusionment.
While not specifically designed as a concept album, Renken-Kapatos said each track of “Is Propaganda Art?” introduces a societal issue in a different lens.
The guitarist previously explained to The Pantagraph that Great Value Jesus was a nickname he earned for his long-haired and bearded style. As for the new album’s name, he said that derived from receiving eight daily spam emails from Donald Trump organizations.
Realizing that the former U.S. president “really knew how to use propaganda,” Renken-Kapatos then questioned if art can convey both emotions and agendas.
The new album kicks off on a upbeat song titled "Blush," which Renken-Kapatas said is about a Hallmark love story that turns into a psychedelic breakdown.
The track’s lyrics illustrate the plastic love of a relationship failing and melting into an unrecognizable, heartbreaking blob of a burned Barbie doll.
It’s a smooth ride through the first half of the album, coached by entrancing psychedelic blues songs like “Electric Coyote Man” and a cover of the James Bond movie theme. In “Mindless Complexities,” Cook blends in layers of cello strumming. That’s an instrument that earned him a scholarship at Illinois Wesleyan University, he noted.
The album then takes a sharp vibe shift, heading into “Dear God” with prophetic shouts toward a higher power.
Cook’s favorite song on the album is "Breakdown 43." He said that’s because it reminds him of Led Zeppelin’s bass player, John Paul Jones. Saathoff said he and Cook took the “Good Times Bad Times” groove “and just went to town on it.”
Renken-Kapatos said the album’s themes culminate with the last two songs, “Breaking Lies” and “Gen Z the Great Society.”
The former track includes more cello playing by Cook and lyrics that Renken-Kapatos said tune into the “inner monologue of falsehoods we tell ourselves, to not listen to the toxic voice in your head.”
He succinctly establishes that point early on with the line: “How we live our lives / Determines reality.”
The final song, Renken-Kapatos said, shows a clear picture of a world in disarray, declaring, “this isn’t a world we were told we’d have.”
Musing on that thought, he sung one good piece of advice: “Don’t stray from imagination / Be the apple that brought creation.”
2022 Pulse Nightclub Memorial Observance
Attendees standing in hearts on the street holding names of 49 victims
Laura O'Connor holds a placard with the name of a victim in the Pulse Nightclub shooting
Rebecca Grant, Unitarian Universalist Church of B/N offers words of hope
Mike Matejka, Frankie Pelusi
Michael and Laura O’Connor
Christina, Sandra, Sophia and Juan Rivera
Karla Bailey-Smith, Donna Walley, Karen Irvin
Aiden, Lisa and Andy Novinska
Crowds gathered to remember and pay tribute
Tammy Peasley, Gaylen Bourland
Jon and Tracy Perkins
Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence were one of the sponsors of the event
Amy Arkell, Kate Waggoner
Rev. Rebecca Grant
Donna Walley
Jan Lancaster, Lennox Martin
Christine Breeden performs “Violent Music” a piece composed in honor of the Pulse Nightclub shooting
Kerri Johnson holds a sign honoring one of the Pulse Nightclub victims
Karla Bailey-Smith holds a sign honoring Joel Rayon Paniagua
Jessika Jones holds a sign remembering Deonka Deidra Drayton
Marcos Mendez tears up after reading the victim names
David Bentlin
Jessika Jones, Jeremy Brunk, Sgt. Kiel Nowers
Rhonda Dover, Stacy Trowbridge
Samantha Nussbaum, Mike Gaines
Amanda and Sarah Breeden, Sheri Strohl
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/watch-now-great-value-jesus-releases-new-album-is-propaganda-art/article_1e675fbc-ece2-11ec-9a21-63a48044a73a.html | 2022-06-15T22:09:57 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/watch-now-great-value-jesus-releases-new-album-is-propaganda-art/article_1e675fbc-ece2-11ec-9a21-63a48044a73a.html |
NORMAL — Drivers on Wednesday afternoon were temporarily detoured off of Veterans Parkway in Normal because of downed utility lines.
Normal Police Department Lt. Michael Chiesi told The Pantagraph that a vehicle with crane equipment pulled a line down around 3:40 p.m. Wednesday. As a result, he said, the Normal Fire Department requested the closure of southbound Veterans Parkway from Parkway Plaza Drive to College Avenue.
He said traffic backups were occurring on Veterans Parkway shortly before 4 p.m.
At 4:09 p.m., Chiesi said the road was back open again.
Chiesi said no injuries were reported.
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/veterans-parkway-reopens-after-brief-closure-in-normal/article_d4be49ba-ecec-11ec-8ec5-2ff7e00e0487.html | 2022-06-15T22:10:03 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/veterans-parkway-reopens-after-brief-closure-in-normal/article_d4be49ba-ecec-11ec-8ec5-2ff7e00e0487.html |
HUDSON — Central Illinois Scouts are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the W. D. Boyce Council by kicking off an 18-month celebration filled with events, activities and trips for kids to enjoy in the outdoors.
“We know that the traditional skills and values, character and citizenship and fitness that scouting promotes and really drives through all of its programs are great for all kids,” said W. D. Boyce Council Scout Executive Ben Blumenberg, 44. “If we can help instill those values now in kids, it’s probably more important than it has ever been.”
Over 100 children were in attendance for the Crossroads District Cub Scout Day Camp at Comlara Park, 13001 Recreation Area Dr., in Hudson, for a week filled with archery, cooking, fishing, STEM-based learning, and other skill-based activities that will help them later on in life.
For the next 18 months, the W. D. Boyce Council will be hosting a plethora of events including campouts, hiking trips, community service opportunities, a Klondike derby during the winter, and much more while encouraging scouts to each do a service in a quantity of 50, Blumenberg said.
“Those traditional values are important and parents are really the ones who want to pass those on to the kids, but really there's so much fun to be had,” said Eric Hoadley, 61, volunteer and longtime scout. “That’s what we're trying to bring to every level of the scouting program and they’re started here at 5 years old to when they are just about to turn 18.”
Hoadley, who has three children who have all been in scouts, said over the last 50 years they have offered over 1.7 million hours of service to various communities and served over 200,000 scouts. About 6,300 of those scouts have also become Eagle Scouts, which is the highest achievable rank in scouting for a youth member.
The celebration will run from now until fall 2023.
The W. D. Boyce Council was started in 1973. It is named after William D. Boyce, who lived in Ottawa, Illinois, and founded the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. The council serves nearly 5,000 youth members and covers much of Central Illinois, from Lincoln to Ottawa and Peoria to Bloomington.
“I really liked the archery. It made me feel like I learned something new and I liked swimming in the lake. It was really fun and exciting and I was kind of scared but it felt like a good time in the end,” said Ryker Nolan, 9, from Scout Pack #3955, based out of Corpus Christi Catholic School, in Bloomington.
Cooper Hill, 10, from the same scout pack, said he was excited to get some swimming practice in the lake before his family trip to visit his grandparents in the Ozarks.
Noah Cyphers, 9, said he enjoys making new friends and seeing old ones that he has not talked with for almost a year because it gives him time to catch up and learn more about them.
“At first I thought it was going to be a regular pool, but there was actually a beach and we were able to play and build sand castles,” said Matthew Stanko, 10, whose father Mike is the pack leader.
“I love watching them improve each day at the things like archery,” Mike Stanko said. “They so much and they’ve gotten so much better and just watching how they get better really brings a smile to my face. It’s awesome.”
Program Director Amy Rich, 40, said she has two sons in scouts and has loved to see how the program has contributed to their growth as individuals who pay attention to those around them and eventually become leaders helping younger scouts.
“My oldest can step up in front of a group of 8, 9 and 10-year-olds and teach them something new while getting them to follow directions,” Rich said. “I also really enjoy that it’s not competitive. You don’t have to throw a certain way or run a certain speed, anybody can be a scout.”
Anyone interested in joining the scouts can learn more and register at BeAScout.org.
Who do you know? Photos from the 2021 W.D. Boyce Boy Scout Lawn Social
Good Scout honorees Carole and Jerry Ringer with event chairs Dr. Kathy Bohn and Dr. Tom Nielsen
Tom Krieger, Jorgi Naples
Carole Ringer, Marilyn Freese
Good Scout honorees Jerry and Carole Ringer
Finish line
Inspecting the cars
Ready to start the race
Terry Reid, Marlene Woodruff, David Braun
Cathy and Reid Richards, State Rep. Dan Brady
Hannah Lefler, Bob Tennis
Julie Dobski
Bob and Julie Dobski, Shelleigh and Kevin Birlingmair
Dr. Tom Nielsen and Dr. Kathy Bohn, Bob and Julie Dobski, Marlene and Larry Dietz
Former Sen. Bill Brady, Chuck Erickson, David Schultz
Mitch Stebel, Dean Messinger
Dave Hiltabrand, Karen Shepherd
Musicians
Byron Blotky, J. Phillips, Mike O’Grady, Kristen Rae
Stephany Joslin, Gayle Dustman
Steve and Susan Kern, Kim and Jack North
Barbara and John Meek, Paula and John Pratt
Byron Blotky, Jonell Kehias
Nancy Brady, Xandra Lee
Nate Hinch, Dr. Robert Lee, Tony and Stephanie Morstatter
Michael and Sandi Remmes
Ryan and Sarah Frye
Chuck Erickson shows off his axe throwing skills
Larry Eggan, Theresa and Scott Lage
Jon Williams, Board of Directors Council President
Jerry and Carole Ringer
Eagle Scout Joe Matthews
Event chairs Dr. Kathy Bohn and Dr. Tom Nielsen
Lee Shaw, Jr, W.D. Boyce Council Scout Executive
Drs. Kathy Bohn and Tom Nielsen, Lee Shaw Jr.
Drs. Kathy Bohn and Tom Nielsen applauding Good Scout honorees Jerry and Carole Ringer
Dr. Kathy Bohn presenting the Good Scout award to Jerry and Carole Ringer
Good Scout honorees Jerry and Carole Ringer
Honorees Jerry and Carole Ringer with family
Kevin Birlingmair, Mary Bennett and Scott Henrichs | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/w-d-boyce-council-scouts-celebrate-50th-anniversary-with-the-outdoors/article_138364e8-ece6-11ec-a91f-3b300cb230d9.html | 2022-06-15T22:10:09 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/w-d-boyce-council-scouts-celebrate-50th-anniversary-with-the-outdoors/article_138364e8-ece6-11ec-a91f-3b300cb230d9.html |
The City of Binghamton is looking to make its streets and sidewalks safer for pedestrians.
An $885,000 project is focusing on high-trafficked crosswalks across Binghamton.
The upgrades include new paint, signage, and handicap accessible curbs. For certain locations, crosswalks will become elevated, plus the addition on rapid-flashing signage.
There are twenty-one locations that will be receiving improvements.
The New York State Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration will cover $780,000 and the City will pay the difference. The project is expected to be completed in the Fall.
Here is a list of the locations that will be receiving work:
- Bevier Street and Brownson Street intersection
- UHS Binghamton General Hospital (two locations)
- Clinton Street between Matis Street and Holland Avenue (three locations)
- Riverside Drive and Chestnut Street intersection
- West Middle School (six locations)
- Woodrow Wilson Elementary School
- East Middle School (three locations)
- Vestal Avenue and Rush Avenue intersection
- Hawley Street between Fayette Street and Stuyvesant Street (two locations)
- Liberty Street and Pearne Street intersections | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/local/binghamton-pedestrian-safety-improvement-project/ | 2022-06-15T22:14:06 | 0 | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/local/binghamton-pedestrian-safety-improvement-project/ |
GAINESVILLE, Texas — An elephant that nearly drowned in a Texas flood more than 40 years ago recently allowed her caregivers to give her a bath despite her previous signs of fear of water.
Sissy, an elephant born in 1968, nearly drowned in record flooding in Gainesville, Texas in 1981. Known as Gerry II at the time, she survived being submerged underwater with only her trunk above water allowing her to breathe. More than 40 of the zoo's animals died the night of that flood.
Last week, Sissy allowed her caregivers with the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee to give her a bath, which was the first bath on record since she arrived at the sanctuary in 2000.
On Sissy's bio page on the sanctuary's website, it said Sissy was initially captured in Thailand as a calf before appearing in the United States on exhibit at Six Flags Over Texas in 1969.
That same year, the amusement park sold Sissy to the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville to replace the zoo’s most recent elephant, Gerry, that died. This is when Sissy was known as "Gerry II" for a period of time.
Sissy spent the next three decades at this Texas zoo.
The Gainesville zoo eventually moved Sissy to a Houston Zoo and later to an El Paso Zoo. Sissy’s harsh treatment at the hands of her keepers was videotaped and leaked to the local press, according to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The decision was eventually made for Sissy to be retired to The Elephant Sanctuary.
Sissy arrived in Tennessee in January 2000. The sanctuary said Sissy was reserved and cautious at first. However, Sissy soon began to go farther out into the habitat and socialize with the other elephants, the sanctuary said. After several weeks, employees saw Sissy lying down in the habitat, which they said is "incredible news" because Sissy’s previous keepers had not seen her lying down on her own in years.
After a year of treatment for tuberculosis and another year of follow-up, the sanctuary’s vet and husbandry teams made the decision that Sissy would return to her long-time companions and social group in the sanctuary's Asia Habitat, which provides distance learning opportunities to schools and groups around the world. She returned in October 2019.
In contrast to the elephant the sanctuary said was reported to show signs of anxiety and fear when around water because of her experience with the Gainesville flood, the sanctuary's care staff said it frequently saw Sissy splashing and swimming in the ponds.
Sissy does not have full use and range of motion of her trunk, according to the sanctuary. Even with a partially paralyzed trunk, Sissy can feed and water herself. She uses the end of her trunk to throw a hose up to her mouth and to crimp the hose to stop water flow if she is not ready to drink.
Sissy has a unique way of communicating by flipping the end of her trunk back and forth to make a “popping” sound, the sanctuary said. These “pops” are commonly heard when she is socializing or when there is a new device to interact with. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/elephant-fearful-of-water-survived-texas-flooding-allows-caregivers-to-give-her-bath-first-time/287-abdbbd1e-10fc-4b48-b228-29fe4f3429e8 | 2022-06-15T22:15:51 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/elephant-fearful-of-water-survived-texas-flooding-allows-caregivers-to-give-her-bath-first-time/287-abdbbd1e-10fc-4b48-b228-29fe4f3429e8 |
DALLAS — There's a new way to watch WFAA on your streaming device.
It's our new WFAA+ app -- and it's now available on both Roku and Amazon Fire, offering our audience a free option to watch all of WFAA's content.
WFAA+ will feature all WFAA newscasts -- from our Daybreak team in the morning to our 10 p.m. news at night, and everything in between.
Viewers will also get to see live breaking news coverage outside of our traditional broadcast timeslots, plus as WFAA original content -- like this deep dive into the mystery surrounding a stolen $160 million painting.
Here's how you can start watching WFAA+ today:
- Go to the app store on your Roku or Amazon Fire device.
- Search for "WFAA"
- Select the WFAA+ app.
- Download the app to your device for free.
- Start watching WFAA around the clock!
When you open up the WFAA+ app, you'll first see an option to view our 24/7 stream, which will air all WFAA newscasts and breaking coverage, along with newscast replays, in case you missed a show.
Beyond the 24/7 stream, viewers will also have access to various additional content sections featuring WFFA properties such as Investigates, Originals and Right on the Money.
Need to know today's forecast? You can get it on demand on the WFAA+ app, too.
Miss this week's Right on the Money? Catch up on the WFAA+ app.
Trying to catch up on the news of the day or learn more about the happenings across North Texas? The WFAA+ app has you covered -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/how-to-watch-the-wfaa-plus-app-on-your-streaming-device/287-43077fdb-6b62-454f-be5e-6b596128f1e0 | 2022-06-15T22:15:57 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/how-to-watch-the-wfaa-plus-app-on-your-streaming-device/287-43077fdb-6b62-454f-be5e-6b596128f1e0 |
DALLAS — Editor's note: The video published above is a separate WFAA report about Southwest Airlines' efforts to recruit Black pilots through programs at HBCU's.
Love might not be in the air with Southwest Airlines, it seems.
In response to a tongue-and-cheek Twitter jab at competitor American Airlines, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association fired back at its own employer.
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines tweeted an article reporting that American Airlines would be bringing back change fees for international flights. In the tweet, Southwest Airlines said "Not our cup of tea, but you do you @americanair."
For context, Southwest Airlines has historically never had change fees. Other major U.S. airlines eliminated change fees when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association then decided to "enter themselves into the chat" as the kids would say nowadays.
"Neither is selling more than 4,000 flights a day in June when you were only staffed for 3,800. But you do you @southwestair," the pilots association tweeted.
WFAA spoke with a Southwest Airlines spokesperson over the phone, who said the average flights sold per day in June was 3,800, not the 4,000 flights referenced in the SAPA tweet.
A spokesperson for the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association said when the schedule was posted in February, there were 4,046 flights sold, which had to be later scaled back due to staffing issues. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/southwest-airlines-pilots-association-tweet/287-53a2406e-373a-4fe1-bf24-b4549caf9134 | 2022-06-15T22:16:03 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/southwest-airlines-pilots-association-tweet/287-53a2406e-373a-4fe1-bf24-b4549caf9134 |
ATLANTIC CITY — The city will run free summer camps and other programs for youth, seniors, the LGBTQ community and others using state and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority grants, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said Wednesday during a news conference.
There is no guarantee the grants will continue, Small said, as he stood surrounded by more than 20 staff members working on the new programs.
If they don't, the city will find other funds to continue the programs, Small said.
It’s all being run by four divisions of the city's Health and Human Services Department: Recreation, Senior Services, Multicultural Affairs and Youth/Antiviolence Services, according to the city. They are reinstating and expanding programs cut when the city faced possible bankruptcy in 2015-16 and had to drastically slash its budget.
“This has been a two-year battle to get our staffing levels where they are,” said Small. “Every administration … budgets to its priorities, and clearly this is a priority."
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Before the Recreation Department was cut by a previous mayor facing the city’s possible financial ruin, Atlantic City summer camps were held in neighborhood playgrounds, Small said.
ATLANTIC CITY — City Council finally received a detailed 2022 city budget that includes how …
The summer camps will be held in schools, with a variety of programming, in a partnership with the school district, Small said. Small's wife, La'Quetta, is the superintendent of the city's public schools.
The mayor did not say how much the summer programs will cost, but the two grants are a $1.5 million violence prevention grant and a $650,000 CRDA grant. Some of those funds, however, are used for programming the rest of the year.
That's a small slice of the city's $219 million budget, Small said. The budget is about $236 million including all grant spending.
Small also introduced some new staff members who will be running the programs but said overall the city has only added three employees to its total this year.
"Someone said we hired 23 in the Recreation Department," Small said. "No, we didn't. We hired seven."
Small said the city is being responsible and has moved people from other city jobs into jobs with the new division.
ATLANTIC CITY — Uncertainty about the outcome of a county lawsuit against the state over the…
In 2013-14 the city had 1,439 full-time employees, according to Small, and at the end of 2021 had 850. Since then, it has hired 26, including a new councilperson, and 23 people left full-time jobs.
"That's three new people overall," Small said. "Give that a round of applause."
He stressed that those hired are well qualified and have ties to the city.
New Recreation Director Harold Bentley, for example, who holds a master's degree in sports management, formerly ran recreation programs at the University of Maryland and University of Connecticut.
Bentley described some of the Recreation Department programs: an All Sports camp Monday through Thursday June 27 to July 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in four schools for grades K-8; and the Whelan's Whales program to teach swimming and water safety Tuesday through Thursday from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. school complex.
There also will be a co-ed NFL flag football program for grades 3-8 at Dolphins Field in Venice Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday.
ATLANTIC CITY — Property owners will pay less in 2022 to run local government, and the state…
Recreation Department information and signups are available at acnj.gov/Departments/recreation.
Rashidah Nelson, director of senior and multicultural services, said her department is also running a multicultural camp and senior programs in nine senior buildings in the city.
This summer, new programs for seniors include photography classes, smartphone assistance classes, Zumba classes and four senior-day boat rides from Gardner's Basin. Call 609-347-5458 for more information.
The multicultural camp for ages 5 to 13 will be held at the Sovereign Avenue School from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 27 to July 28. Call 609-347-6492 for more information on multicultural affairs programming. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-brings-back-recreation-senior-programs-with-grants-this-summer/article_20bc1008-ecdf-11ec-a137-739780b19d5d.html | 2022-06-15T22:19:10 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-brings-back-recreation-senior-programs-with-grants-this-summer/article_20bc1008-ecdf-11ec-a137-739780b19d5d.html |
BRIGANTINE — A North Jersey man accused of stealing money from an island church has been arrested, police said Wednesday.
Warrants for Quentin Hunt, of South Orange, Essex County, were issued earlier this week in connection to an investigation that found he allegedly stole money from St. Thomas Parish in January 2020 and again last month.
Hunt is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft and one count of criminal mischief.
It's unclear where Hunt was taken into custody.
On May 23, police were called to the church in the 300 block of Eighth Street South following witness reports that during the previous day, a person threw a rock through a church window and took cash. Investigators found Hunt to be the suspect in that incident as well as one Jan. 12, 2020, in which cash was also stolen from the church, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/fugitive-accused-of-robbing-brigantine-church-taken-into-custody-police-say/article_e81f8136-ecf1-11ec-af33-d3db2810e8b5.html | 2022-06-15T22:19:12 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/fugitive-accused-of-robbing-brigantine-church-taken-into-custody-police-say/article_e81f8136-ecf1-11ec-af33-d3db2810e8b5.html |
CAMDEN — A Galloway Township tax preparer will spend a year and a day in prison after admitting to falsifying tax information and filing her own false tax returns, U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Rodriguez ruled Wednesday.
Michele Griffin, 42, pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return in January in federal court. She was arrested in June 2020.
Rodriguez also ordered Griffin to undergo one year of supervised release and pay $135,063 in restitution, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release.
Griffin confessed to preparing false tax returns for clients, fabricating their education, dependent expenses, business and unemployment incomes, and dependent information, Sellinger said. Her clients’ returns requested higher tax credits and higher refunds than that to which they were entitled.
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Griffin prepared 19 fraudulent tax returns for six clients for tax years 2013 through 2016, Sellinger said. She also filed fraudulent returns for herself for tax years 2013 through 2015.
She also admitted causing $135,000 in tax losses, Sellinger said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/galloway-woman-sentenced-for-falsifying-tax-return-information/article_0f912350-ece8-11ec-a7e5-4f5dcf3b0e7e.html | 2022-06-15T22:19:15 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/galloway-woman-sentenced-for-falsifying-tax-return-information/article_0f912350-ece8-11ec-a7e5-4f5dcf3b0e7e.html |
POINT PLEASANT, WV (WOWK) – A West Virginia man has been sentenced for DUI offenses in Mason County.
According to the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Seth Gaskins’ Office, Trenton Tolliver, 41, of Point Pleasant was convicted for a felony count of “DUI Third or Subsequent Offense” in Mason County Circuit Court.
Gaskins says Tolliver was sentenced to two to five years in prison, the maximum sentence allowable in West Virginia State Code. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-prison-after-multiple-duis/ | 2022-06-15T22:19:39 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-prison-after-multiple-duis/ |
NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Nicholas County Sheriff William Nunley is sharing his thanks to the community that rallied around his officers and their families over the course of a difficult month and continue to support them through the grief of losing two of their own.
Nunley shared a letter of appreciation one week following the funeral for fallen Nicholas County Deputy Tom Baker, who was killed in the line of duty during a shootout incident on Friday, June 3, 2022. Just weeks before Baker’s death, the sheriff’s office lost another one of their own, Nicholas County Deputy Travis Lawson, who was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
In his letter, Nunley said the circumstance of losing both deputies to tragedy in such a short timespan was “unbearable.” He also adds that the support they continue to receive strengthens their spirits as they “press on and continue to serve” their community.
“We are truly blessed by your kindness and the way your actions have brought honor and respect to the memory of two fine public servants Please continue to keep us and the families of our fallen heros in your prayers in the days to come,” Nunley said closing out his letter. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/nicholas-county-sheriff-thanks-community-for-support-after-deputies-deaths/ | 2022-06-15T22:19:45 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/nicholas-county-sheriff-thanks-community-for-support-after-deputies-deaths/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Two Charleston residents received a “quack” of a surprise this morning.
Meg and Todd Stallard were welcomed home by several ducks on their lawn.
They weren’t real ducks, but they were part of United Way of Central West Virginia’s Great Rubber Duck Race.
“We came home and all of a sudden there’s this big duck that’s in our yard, and we got flocked,” said the homeowner, Todd Stallard.
The United Way’s second annual race and fundraiser won’t happen until September, but you can still “flock” other people all summer long by adopting a flock of 25 ducks for a friend.
Once the ducks are adopted, United Way will come and put temporary ducks on their lawn for 48 hours.
“It’ll be this way all summer. All you have to do is reach out to us at the United Way,” said Margaret O’Neal, President of United Way of Central West Virginia. “We’re happy to help you flock someone or buy ducks on your own.”
The Stallards were the first of many to be flocked, but they won’t be the last.
“The good news is now we get to flock someone else, and we’re really excited about that. It’s a fantastic fundraiser for the United Way,” Stallard said.
O’Neil said a total of 6,000 ducks will race to win in the Kanawha River on Sept. 3.
All proceeds from the Great Rubber Duck Race will benefit individuals and families in West Virginia.
“At the end of the day our goal at the United Way is just to try to make families whole so people can work and play and live their best life here in central West Virginia,” O’Neal said. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/the-great-charleston-rubber-duck-race-returns/ | 2022-06-15T22:19:51 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/the-great-charleston-rubber-duck-race-returns/ |
GRANT COUNTY, Ind. — A Florida man died in a crash early Wednesday morning in Grant County.
The crash happened around 4:15 a.m. on State Road 22 near County Road 800 West. There was only one car involved.
Alian Izquierdo, 29, of Kissimmee Florida, was driving a 2011 Dodge Dakota eastbound on State Road 22 when he went off the north side of the road and hit a tree.
Izquierdo was pronounced dead at the scene. The Grant County Sheriff's Department is still investigating the crash, but drugs and alcohol are not suspected of being involved.
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- State Police preparing troopers for what they can and can't ask with new gun law | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/florida-man-dies-in-grant-county-indina-crash/531-3d1a2b4b-a9f5-4e8c-932c-f5bc93748569 | 2022-06-15T22:20:19 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/florida-man-dies-in-grant-county-indina-crash/531-3d1a2b4b-a9f5-4e8c-932c-f5bc93748569 |
A Philadelphia man is accused of using Instagram to advertise and sell THC-laced cereal snacks directly to children and teens throughout Montgomery County.
Quashon Rice, 20, was arrested and charged with solicitation of minors to traffic drugs, possession with intent to deliver and other related offenses.
The investigation began on May 10 when a police resource officer responded to the East Norriton Middle School cafeteria. Officials believed a sick student at the school had been given an edible marijuana snack without his knowledge.
The student told officials he had eaten a rainbow-colored Rice Krispy treat that had been given to him by another student. Investigators determined the second student was selling drug-laced edibles they had bought from the Instagram account “top2treats.” The purchased treats had been delivered to that student’s home, a local park or in the neighborhood after the student paid for them in cash.
Through a search warrant, investigators determined Rice was the person behind the “top2treats” account. Rice allegedly communicated with the student dealer and several other children. Rice quoted specific prices and delivery fees, investigators said. He also allegedly sold a variety of edible THC products, including Fruity Pebbles bars, cookies, brownies and Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars.
After Instagram disabled the “top2treats” account, Rice created a new account called, “toptreatz4,” investigators said. Rice sold the edibles to teens and children as young as 11 at public middle schools, high schools, public parks, a trampoline park, and homes throughout Montgomery County, including Ambler, Bala Cynwyd, Bridgeport, Cheltenham, King of Prussia, Norristown and Willow Grove, according to officials.
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Rice also allegedly solicited some of the children to help him sell the edibles and even asked buyers to repost and tag his Instagram sales post advertising his products in exchange for a discount.
Rice was arrested in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Officials said they also recovered a ghost gun, materials Rice used to make the edibles, around 40 individually packaged homemade edibles and around 10 bags of marijuana.
“This defendant was targeting children as young as 11 years old to sell his drugs to, imbedding drugs in cereals and snack products that appeal to children. He then sold them where children are—on social media, specifically Instagram, where he would show the product as well as provide step-by-step instructions for how the kids could order the edibles and have them delivered,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “This defendant’s illegal drug trafficking business supplying drugs to children and encouraging children to be drug dealers is an egregious case. We will be seeking a long state prison sentence so that he will be in a place where he won’t be able to harm any more children.”
Rice was arraigned and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail that was set at $95,000 cash. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 27. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-man-accused-of-selling-thc-edibles-to-kids-in-montco/3272233/ | 2022-06-15T22:21:30 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philly-man-accused-of-selling-thc-edibles-to-kids-in-montco/3272233/ |
Court convicts man accused of murdering brother of former ASU basketball star
A man accused of murdering the younger brother of former ASU basketball star Zylan Cheatham in 2018 was convicted on Tuesday.
The Maricopa County Superior Court convicted Dantreil Griffin, 28, for the December 2018 murder of Wanyaa Stewart, 22, in Tempe.
A grand jury indicted Griffin for premeditated murder in the first degree, along with assisting a criminal street gang, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm within Tempe city limits, according to Maricopa County Superior Court records.
Stewart was shot to death on Dec. 29, 2018, at a gas station in Tempe by then 25-year-old Griffin, the court found.
Stewart had been adding air into a flat tire when he was shot, according to the probable cause statement from police. Griffin then fled the scene in a vehicle driven by another man.
Police reported in early 2019 that Griffin and Stewart had already had conflicts in the past.
Griffin still awaits sentencing at this time, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Griffin’s lawyer, Ashley Traher, did not respond to a request for comment. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/15/court-convicts-man-2018-tempe-murder-zylan-cheathams-brother/7639769001/ | 2022-06-15T22:23:28 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/15/court-convicts-man-2018-tempe-murder-zylan-cheathams-brother/7639769001/ |
Deadline looms for Detroiters to apply for COVID emergency rental assistance
Detroit residents facing eviction and in immediate need of housing will get same-day placement in emergency shelters or other housing as the deadline to apply for emergency rental assistance in Michigan looms, city officials said Wednesday.
The deadline to apply for the state's COVID emergency rental assistance program is June 30. The state will continue to provide aid to approved applicants until Sept. 30 or until the funding runs out.
The city estimates that 82% of Detroit's residents are low-income and 52% are renters.
Through the CERA program $159 million in rent assistance has been allocated to more than 19,000 Detroit residents since March 2021, with around 10,000 more families' requests still pending approval, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said. The city will also provide free legal aid to tenants who claim they were wrongfully evicted and employment through the rapid job placement program.
"Anybody who's being evicted and is on the verge of being homeless, the city is going to step in immediately so you don't spend a single night on the street," Duggan said.
For residents who find themselves homeless, Duggan said the city has the capacity to provide same-day housing through CAM Detroit, an organization that connects residents with community partners that provide housing opportunities.
"So there is no reason for somebody to stay out involuntarily, you might be at a shelter, you might be in a temporary hotel," Duggan said.
Lakeshore Legal Services, United Community Housing Coalition and Michigan Legal Services provide all Detroit tenants facing eviction with advice and representation if residents choose to accept it.
"Every single day, between these three organizations, our lawyers are in court on these virtual dockets representing tenants, so every time someone goes to court there is a legal aid lawyer there to represent them," said Ashley Lowe, an attorney with Lakeshore Legal Services.
Nearly 30,000 eviction cases go through Detroit's 36th district court every year, according to a report by the University of Michigan's Poverty Solutions. The same report found that tenants were significantly more likely — about 18 times more — to keep their housing when they had legal representation.
Earlier this month evicted tenants that the city had put up in hotels using federal assistance demanded more help in finding permanent housing from City Hall.
Detroit Eviction Defense Attorney Joe McGuire said that while the city does have the resources to ensure that residents are not homeless in emergency situations, the infrastructure for more permanent solutions than hotels and shelters is lacking. He added that there are plenty of funds from COVID relief aid and the American Rescue Plan Act to support more permanent solutions.
"A lot of the infrastructure has not been built out like it should have been... the counselors that are necessary, the connections to existing housing, and obviously the construction of new housing, as well as the rehabilitation of housing that the city already owns," McGuire said.
The mayor said "We are committed that nobody is living on the streets involuntarily. There are some individuals who choose to be outside but we have the capacity to respond on an emergency basis." So they can house anyone who needs it in an emergency, either in a shelter or hotel, he said.
Increasing rent prices over the past year have forced many Detroit residents to move to avoid falling behind or getting evicted, an issue Duggan said he hears most about from residents.
Lakeshore Legal Services, Michigan Legal Services and the housing coalition have been flooded with requests for help since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's federal eviction moratorium in August 2021.
The agencies helped craft the Right to Counsel Proposal that was approved by the city council last month. The ordinance means the city will provide free legal assistance to any resident who meets low-income guidelines. The program is funded with a combination of federal COVID relief funds and philanthropic donations.
Dana Williams, director of Detroit At Work, the city's workforce agency, said they can support residents in job searches immediately.
"If you feel that you're on the verge of not having enough income, we can work with you to get you connected to an opportunity that may even be part time... until you figure out what your next move is," Williams said.
Duggan stressed the number of vacant positions in the city currently, saying there are over 12,000 jobs that need to be filled.
The CERA program is still accepting applications for rental assistance and Director of Housing and Revitalization Julie Schneider encouraged anyone who has experienced COVID-related hardships and is struggling to pay rent to apply in the next two weeks. Anyone who had already applied for CERA assistance should have received an email with an update on the status of their application during the week of May 30, Schneider said.
"Applications that have been submitted in the portal will continue to be reviewed and processed, so if you've received a status that it's in progress, know that we are still processing it," Schneider said. "And we will continue to do so until all funds are spent and we anticipate that happening towards the end of this year."
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/15/detroit-emergency-rental-assistance-eviction-housing-legal-help-job-services/7635994001/ | 2022-06-15T22:30:24 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/15/detroit-emergency-rental-assistance-eviction-housing-legal-help-job-services/7635994001/ |
Suspect in Pontiac murder in custody, Oakland Co. sheriff says
A Pontiac man sought in connection with a fatal shooting last week is in custody, Oakland County Sheriff's officials announced Wednesday.
Tony Fong Woo III was arrested after turning himself in to Detroit police, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
The 22-year-old's arrest came a day after authorities announced a $2,000 reward for tips to find Woo, who they named as a suspect in the death of Jaquan Garrett, 29.
The Pontiac man was found shot once in the head around 10:30 p.m. Friday near Firelite Lane and Cherry Hill Drive. Witnesses identified the shooter as Woo, who fled, investigators reported.
Sheriff's deputies rushed Garrett to the hospital, where he later died.
Police believe he and Woo argued gunshots erupted.
Woo initially was charged with assault with intent to murder but that has been amended to open murder, officials said Wednesday.
Woo, who has two prior convictions for domestic violence and one for driving while unlicensed, according to police, also is charged with possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony.
He remains in the Oakland County Jail and is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Pontiac’s 50th District Court. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/06/15/pontiac-murder-tony-fong-woo-custody-open-murder-jaquan-garrett/7640541001/ | 2022-06-15T22:30:36 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/06/15/pontiac-murder-tony-fong-woo-custody-open-murder-jaquan-garrett/7640541001/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — In his new book, “The Midcoast,” Adam White followed the advice often given to aspiring novelists: Write what you know.
The story is set in Damariscotta, where White grew up, and draws from his experience as a high school student working among lobstermen at the South Bristol Fishermen’s Co-op.
“I was surrounded by this world I’d never been around before,” he recalls. “I was kind of in awe of everything they did, how hard they were working.”
Years later, in graduate school and struggling to come up with an idea for a story, White’s thoughts drifted back to Lincoln County.
What would it take, he wondered, to jump from a lobstering career to a life of wealth and power?
That question drives the story that, after ten years of writing and rewriting, became “The Midcoast,” a tale of a lobsterman who turns to crime to give his wife the life he thinks she deserves.
For Mainers, the title of the novel immediately brings to mind a sense of place, the stretch of communities running roughly from Bath to Belfast.
At first White didn’t like the title because, when he lived in Damariscotta, the term was one he saw around him virtually every day of his life.
“’Midcoast’ was the name of all these businesses,” he says with a slight smile. “It was sort of mundane in a way. That’s not an interesting, sexy title—to me. But I think for other people there’s a little more intrigue there, and at the end of the day it just felt like the right fit for the novel.” | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/a-new-novel-set-in-maine-was-inspired-in-part-by-the-lobstermen-of-lincoln-county-reading-author-midcoast/97-858cfd2a-a116-453b-b658-dc264d7408e8 | 2022-06-15T22:41:03 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/a-new-novel-set-in-maine-was-inspired-in-part-by-the-lobstermen-of-lincoln-county-reading-author-midcoast/97-858cfd2a-a116-453b-b658-dc264d7408e8 |
DALLAS (KDAF) — When you think of a group of NFL players playing together you picture them on the gridiron facing off against another team in full pads and thousands of fans in the stands.
However, this group looks a little different, their field is the stage of America’s Got Talent. A group of NFL players came together and found their passion for singing and creat the Players Choir.
On Tuesday night’s (June 14) episode of America’s Got Talent, the group was able to sit down with host Terry Crews before their audition to talk about their journey in not only creating the group but their passion behind it. Shortly after they took the stage and blew the socks off of the judges and the audience with their rendition of Lean on Me by Bill Withers.
Their performance was able to garner three yes’s from judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara; Cowell even prompted the group to sing acapella and they didn’t disappoint.
Fast forward just 24 hours after the airing of their AGT audition, the group will be performing at Project Unity’s Together We Sing at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center at 7:30 p.m. “For the first time, this year’s signature fundraiser event will not only celebrate the harmonious sounds that unite us through music, but will honor and pay tribute to partners who continue to foster racial unity in North Texas and beyond.”
For more information about the event, click here. Watch the NFL Players Choir audition on AGT here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/nfl-players-choir-performing-in-dallas-wednesday-night-after-americas-got-talent-audition-airing/ | 2022-06-15T22:41:06 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/nfl-players-choir-performing-in-dallas-wednesday-night-after-americas-got-talent-audition-airing/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — This weekend the Maine Blues Festival will return after a hiatus during the pandemic.
This year, the event will be in Lisbon Falls on Saturday. There will be 25 performances across five stages in the town. The event begins at 12 p.m. and will go until 10 p.m.
Kevin Kimball runs the event and is also the lead singer for Blue Steel Express. They joined 207 to perform a couple of their songs and talk about this year’s event.
Blue Steel Express "Rock Me" | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maine-blues-festival-returns-in-new-location-music-community/97-806342d0-9306-4803-ad10-4c1c3afa8f58 | 2022-06-15T22:41:09 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/maine-blues-festival-returns-in-new-location-music-community/97-806342d0-9306-4803-ad10-4c1c3afa8f58 |
DALLAS (KDAF) — “Pokémon, gotta catch ’em all!”
That’s exactly what U.S. Customs and Border Protection did while inspecting some cargo at DFW Airport on Wednesday! Director of Field Operations Jud Murdock shared a great victory on Twitter involving some counterfeit Pokémon figures trying to make their way into Dallas.
“Counterfeit Pokémon figures were discovered by @CBP officers while inspecting cargo @DFWAirport. The packages arrived from China & #CBP officers seized the goods. On a typical day in FY2021 #CBP seized $9M worth of products w/IPR violations,” Murdock said.
Of course, DFW Airport had to have some fun this on social media:
“‣A wild FORGERY appeared!‣@CBP used Inspect!
‣It’s super effective!
‣FORGERY fainted!”
DFW Airport | https://cw33.com/news/local/pokemon-gotta-catch-em-all-u-s-customs-captures-counterfeit-pokemon-figures-at-dfw-airport/ | 2022-06-15T22:41:13 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/pokemon-gotta-catch-em-all-u-s-customs-captures-counterfeit-pokemon-figures-at-dfw-airport/ |
BATH, Maine — Law enforcement agencies in Sagadahoc County say a new piece of technology will help them locate missing people much more quickly.
"Our goal is under half an hour to find them," Cpl. Ian Alexander with the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office said. "Bring the loved ones home to their family."
The new tool, Project Lifesaver, is designed to help locate individuals with cognitive disabilities that are more prone to wandering off. Alexander says after police in Brunswick had success using the new tech, he wanted to bring it to Sagadahoc County, too.
This spring, officers in Bath, Topsham, Richmond, and deputies with the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office were trained to use Project Lifesaver.
Project Lifesaver is designed for individuals that may have a diagnosis like Alzheimer's, dementia, Down syndrome, or are on the autism spectrum.
Individuals that take part in the program wear a small transmitter on their wrist or ankle that's about the size of a watch. That transmitter sends a radio frequency to a receiver that is used by trained law enforcement. The receiver plays audible beeps, which become louder or higher pitched the closer an officer gets to the individual wearing a transmitter.
When an individual wearing a transmitter goes missing or wanders off, their caregiver can notify the Sagadahoc County Communications Center and officers can begin their search.
"It's a real lifesaver," Topsham Police Officer Jose Gomez said.
According to Alexander, just two people in Sagadahoc County are wearing a transmitter, and the officers have not had to use Project Lifesaver yet. Despite that, Bath Police Officer Brett McIntire tells NEWS CENTER Maine that it's already giving one family peace of mind.
"His wife goes to work every day and she doesn't have that stress and worry about her husband being home alone and something bad happening to him," McIntire said.
Alexander says the program was funded through grants. He says the yearly cost per individual is roughly $352 a year. However, thanks to donations, it costs nothing for families of individuals at risk of wandering to enroll.
If someone you know might be a good fit for Project Lifesaver, you can contact Cpl. Ian Alexander at the Sagadahoc County Commutations Center at 207-443-9711 or email him at ialexander@sagadahoccountyme.gov. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/new-tool-helps-sagadahoc-county-law-enforcement-locate-individuals-at-risk-of-wandering-maine/97-eab3bdb1-79e4-4756-87a2-fcdfce32abd0 | 2022-06-15T22:41:14 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/new-tool-helps-sagadahoc-county-law-enforcement-locate-individuals-at-risk-of-wandering-maine/97-eab3bdb1-79e4-4756-87a2-fcdfce32abd0 |
HALLOWELL, Maine — The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved delivery rate decreases for Central Maine Power and Versant Power companies on Tuesday.
Utilities that operate in Maine must request permission of the commission to make rate changes, up or down, with evidence to back it up.
The new rates take effect July 1, with CMP dropping transmission prices by 5.5% (averaging $3.40 per month). Versant Power-Bangor Hydro district residential customers will see a 3.8% drop, and 3.5% for Versant Power-Maine Public District residential customers.
"This is not the complete answer but we are certainly pleased that we can provide some relief as we head into the second half of the year," said PUC Chair Phil Bartlett.
Bartlett; Dan Burgess, who runs Governor Janet Mills' energy office; and the public advocate’s office all attributed the rate decrease directly to Maine’s investment in renewable energy – including large-scale solar and wind projects.
Bill Harwood is Maine's public advocate. He serves a four-year term and his duty is to sit in on PUC meetings and speak on behalf of the rate payer.
Even if state leaders did not care about the fight against climate change, Harwood said, increased, "smart" investment in renewables will be good for Mainers' utility bills long term.
The legislature and the PUC choose the sources of power for the state, then the utility companies sign contracts to deliver that power. With the state legislature and governor committing to 80% renewable energy by 2030, they’ve chosen more and more renewable projects, which are getting cheaper to run as technology advances.
But Maine still uses a lot of fossil fuels, including the highest rate of heating oil in the U.S. Harwood, warned utility users that a rate decrease today comes with likely increases later.
"With the war in Ukraine and the need for natural gas in Europe, our natural gas prices are gonna stay very high for the next year or two, and that’s not good news for rate payers," he explained.
Indeed, it appears this summer's price dip will rebound significantly.
On May 26, CMP notified the public utilities commission it intends to request a rate increase, beginning July 2023, that could gradually raise the average price by $10 per month over the next three years.
"This decrease is welcome news and God knows the rate payers need it now," Harwood said. "We’re all struggling with high inflation and high energy prices, but we shouldn’t get to comfortable or too complacent."
"The storm clouds are on the horizon." | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/utility-rate-drop-coming-in-july-while-cmp-to-request-rate-hike-for-july-2023-energy-fuel-markets-cost/97-ce17a0c0-3dc2-4c55-aef9-d4ca669d08b7 | 2022-06-15T22:41:14 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/utility-rate-drop-coming-in-july-while-cmp-to-request-rate-hike-for-july-2023-energy-fuel-markets-cost/97-ce17a0c0-3dc2-4c55-aef9-d4ca669d08b7 |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It looks like Shaquille O’Neal is now a homeowner in the Dallas area.
According to an Instagram post from DFW Real Estate Specialist Zac Gideo, the former NBA player, philanthropist and self-proclaimed “The Big Aristotle” has found his new home in Dallas.
The Instagram post reads, “Shaq & Zac has a nice ring to it 🏀 it was a pleasure and an awesome opportunity to help you find your new home in Dallas. Who’s next?”
This isn’t his only move to Texas, Shaq’s chicken chain Big Chicken announced it will be opening locations in the Lone Star State.
And back in February, Shaq spoke to more than 1,200 people at the St. Philips Destiny Award Luncheon, sharing his “Aristotelian” philosophy. | https://cw33.com/news/local/shaq-has-bought-a-home-in-dallas-real-estate-agent-shares-on-instagram/ | 2022-06-15T22:41:19 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/shaq-has-bought-a-home-in-dallas-real-estate-agent-shares-on-instagram/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) — North Texas saw temperatures either flirt with or reach into the triple digits on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday will be more of the same however, it’ll be accompanied by some haze.
The National Weather Service center in Fort Worth reports Thursday afternoon will see some winds from the south, mostly clear skies, and temperatures in the high 90s reaching into the triple-digits in some places, and some hazy conditions.
NWS Fort Worth says, “Thursday afternoon will be hazy thanks to the presence of Saharan dust overhead. Otherwise, highs will be in the 90s to around 101, with heat indices in the mid 90s to around 102.”
Before the hazy Thursday afternoon, Wednesday night into the morning, according to the center, will be, “…warm and humid with south winds 10-15 mph under partly to mostly cloudy skies. Morning lows will be in the 70s region-wide.” | https://cw33.com/news/local/why-it-will-be-hazy-in-north-texas-on-thursday/ | 2022-06-15T22:41:25 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/why-it-will-be-hazy-in-north-texas-on-thursday/ |
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired dedicated their newly renovated distribution center which is now called the Kenneth C Thayer Production and Distribution Center. Ken Thayer spent over 60 years volunteering for CABVI, and was given a lifetime achievement award by the Utica/Rome Chamber of Commerce. Senator Joseph Griffo, (R) 47th District attended the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
"The greatest gift you can give is to give a portion of yourself back to your community, and to know that as a result of your work, you’re interaction with people and your community, it’s a better place and they’re better off. Ken you’ve done that throughout your entire life, and God bless you for that."
CABVI President/CEO Ed Welsh said Ken played a pivotal role in developing employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
"As you may know to this day 7 out of 10 people who are blind or visually impaired do not have jobs."
Welsh is working to make sure those who are blind or visually impaired have employment opportunities. The $1.7 million invested in expanding the facility will help to achieve that.
"75% of all the labor and production are blind people. So we keep a ratio of 25/75 with 75% being blind. So this facility really was designed from a production standpoint to offer more opportunities and to expand our employment."
Dennis Webster is the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. He said this expansion project will not only help with employment, but will increase profits, and where do those profits go?
"The factory employs the blind, but also makes a profit, and that profit goes back into the mission of the agency of which we do things like camps for blind children, enhanced services for the blind, tech training, and you name it. Anything a person’s blind or visually impaired needs we provide."
CABVI provided Adam King with a promotion to Production Supervisor. Adam’s been with CABVI for 14 years, and says If you need something for your vision they’ll get it for you. That’s something you don’t experience in the regular workforce.
"We come here every day because we enjoy it, and I really…I can’t imagine working anywhere else at this point in my life." | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/production-facility-at-cabvi-expands-with-diversity/article_ad338dbe-ece8-11ec-8be2-eb73572d51f9.html | 2022-06-15T22:45:24 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/production-facility-at-cabvi-expands-with-diversity/article_ad338dbe-ece8-11ec-8be2-eb73572d51f9.html |
HARRIS, Minnesota — A crew from the Animal Humane Society (AHS) helped rescue 47 cats from what they called "sweltering heat" inside a vehicle at a rest stop in Harris, Minnesota Tuesday.
The Chisago County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol deputies asked for help from AHS after finding a SUV full of cats at the rest area, with temperatures hovering in the mid-90s.
The owner of the 47 cats gave the animals to AHS employees. That person had been living with cats in the vehicle "for some time," according a news release from AHS.
Before Tuesday's incident, the owner had already surrendered 14 additional cats that had been living in the car to a local rescue organization.
Paramedics checked the health of the cat owner on the scene, and provided medical resources to that person.
The cats rescued by the AHS range in age from under one year to more than twelve years old.
"Despite the extreme heat and unsanitary conditions inside the vehicle, most of the cats seem to have only minor medical issues," the news release stated.
All the animals rescued will be examined, evaluated and cared for by AHS veterinary and animal behavior staff.
After the evaluation period, the cats will be sterilized and made available for adoption at AHS or other animal rescue organizations.
If you would like to adopt an animal at AHS just click on this link. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/47-cats-rescued-from-sweltering-suv-at-minnesota-rest-stop-harris/89-f1e6729e-2195-485b-af04-f5828bb3a543 | 2022-06-15T22:45:43 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/47-cats-rescued-from-sweltering-suv-at-minnesota-rest-stop-harris/89-f1e6729e-2195-485b-af04-f5828bb3a543 |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The new gift is one of several Parton has made to the center over the years, including a $1 million gift in April 2020 for COVID vaccine research. That gift helped Vanderbilt researchers test an array of drugs aimed at reducing the life-threatening symptoms associated with COVID-19, the center said in a news release. Researchers are also looking at entirely new therapies to both treat COVID-19 and prevent infection.
Parton’s new gift will support a variety of ongoing research at the medical center, including understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing antibiotic resistance, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer, and gauging the impact of childhood infections throughout the world, according to the news release.
“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole.”
Parton said she supports the work because she loves children.
“No child should ever have to suffer,” Parton said in a news release. “I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.” | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/dolly-parton-east-tennessee-knoxville-vanderbilt-medical-center-research/51-a2051553-b362-49c1-9b24-b4a76fe7226b | 2022-06-15T22:45:49 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/dolly-parton-east-tennessee-knoxville-vanderbilt-medical-center-research/51-a2051553-b362-49c1-9b24-b4a76fe7226b |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Pops on the River is back for its 38th year! This special celebration is being presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and sponsored by Orion Federal Credit Union. It will be happening on Monday, July 4 in downtown Little Rock in the River Market.
The festival begins at 3:00p.m. and will offer plenty of fun and free family entertainment, including a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and it will end with a fantastic fireworks finale.
People are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy in the festivities but they are offering limited seating within the amphitheater.
The gates to the First Security Amphitheater will be open for various musical performances, including Nicky Parrish featuring the group Kemistri, followed by Rodney Block who will be taking the stage prior to the Symphony’s performance.
The public can reserve amphitheater seating for $10 through the Pops on the River website.
The event will also be having giveaways for the first 100 military members that check in with their military ID at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette booth.
By entering in the giveaway you could also earn free reserved seating in the amphitheater.
“We are giving all military members, active, reserved or retired, who check in with us at the event a discount card that can be used at many of the food and drink vendors and marketplace merchants as a way of saying how much we appreciate what they do for us and our country,” said Amanda Copley, marketing and events director at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
For the little ones, the festival will have children's train rides, as well as games, and they will even have John Deering, cartoonist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette there to do fun caricatures.
There will also be plenty of fun activities for the adults which include various food trucks, vehicles on display, locally brewed beers and so much more.
The night will wrap up with a fantastic 4th of July fireworks celebration which will blast off from the Main Street Bridge beginning at approximately 9:20p.m.
Fireworks, outside food and drinks, coolers or pets will not be allowed into the park.
For more information regarding this event, reach out to Amanda Copley at (501) 918- 4539 or visit the Pops on the River website here. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/pops-on-the-river-returns-downtown-little-rock/91-df472bee-203f-4dca-b928-73f15579954a | 2022-06-15T22:45:56 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/pops-on-the-river-returns-downtown-little-rock/91-df472bee-203f-4dca-b928-73f15579954a |
MINNEAPOLIS — We all know that running the air conditioner in your home can be expensive during the hot months of summer, but you might not think of the AC in your car.
In many vehicles, the air conditioning system uses gasoline to cool you down.
With gas prices the way they are right now your AC may be costing you more money this summer.
"Especially when gas is almost five bucks a gallon,” Dunwoody College of Technology automotive instructor Steve Reinarts says.
"A lot of things can affect the efficiency of your AC, your driving habits, how you drive, the model of the vehicle, the make, the engine."
Reinarts says there are so many factors that can affect how much gas your air conditioner uses.
He says some studies suggest that newer AC systems in newer vehicles will drop your fuel economy by 3% to 12%.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy says running your AC in high heat can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 25%.
For a car that typically gets 30 miles to the gallon, that's like losing seven and a half miles.
For a 16-gallon tank it's like losing four gallons of gas, which these days could cost you nearly $20.
"If you're trying to save mileage, you're giving up a little bit of comfort,” Reinarts says.
That’s the tradeoff drivers will have to make this summer.
Reinarts says the best way to save gas with your AC is to just not use it, or not use it as much, or at least not use it in low efficiency situations like being stuck in stop and go traffic.
"Stop and go traffic there is a lot of underhood temperature that takes place from sitting behind another car that has exhaust dispelling a lot of heat. Also, you have a black pavement that's giving off a lot of heat,” Reinarts says.
Sitting idle will also put more strain on your AC, because the AC system works by drawing in clean air to help cool your vehicle.
When your vehicle is moving there’s a natural flow of air that takes some of the pressure off the AC system.
“When your vehicle is stopped the AC has to draw that air in on its own and that requires more energy,” Reinarts says.
That clean air also has to pass through a filter, and depending on how clean or dirty your filter is that can also affect the efficiency of your AC.
"Just like your furnace in your house, you have a furnace filter, you're going to have a cabin air filter inside your car,” Reinarts explains.
Changing that filter out twice a year will keep your AC running smoothly and will save you some money.
Reinarts also recommends that classic tip of parking your car in the shade when you can, it really makes a difference, so does a sun shade you can attach to your windshield.
"The sun shades work really well, because that's where your biggest sun load is on your windshield. That sun is bearing down on your windshield and it heats that car up pretty quick,” Reinarts says.
And when you turn on your AC, do it gradually.
Let's say you crank it down to 60 degrees and it gets too cold.
Well, then you have to dial it back up to something like 68 or 70 degrees, but if you do that, Reinarts says your vehicle will turn on the heater to warm things up.
Switching back and forth like that uses a lot of energy.
So, it's better to just cool it down gradually.
Reinarts says his best piece of advice is to fight the urge to turn on your AC the moment you step into your vehicle.
Instead, he recommends opening all the windows and driving your vehicle for a few miles to kick out the hot air that has been lingering in your vehicle all day.
Once that hot air has a minute or two to get out of your vehicle, then you should close the windows and turn on your AC.
If you use this technique, Reinarts says your AC won’t have to work as hard to cool your vehicle and you won’t have to spend as much money on gas. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/the-ac-in-your-car-may-be-using-more-gas-than-you-think/89-b44ada20-bb6f-41ad-b447-af4fe6f7fb46 | 2022-06-15T22:46:02 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/the-ac-in-your-car-may-be-using-more-gas-than-you-think/89-b44ada20-bb6f-41ad-b447-af4fe6f7fb46 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Nearly 96% of U.S. wildfires so far in 2022 have been human-caused, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The report highlighted active wildfires across the nation and shed light on the impact of fires so far this year.
California is one of five states including Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida that have seen the most wildfires caused by humans so far this year, according to the report.
On Tuesday, five large, new fires were reported across the nation including two in California, the NIFC report says. In total, 38 large fires, considered active, have burned 1,217,213 acres across four states.
According to Cal Fire, in California alone, 2,703 wildfires have burned 13,077 acres and resulted in one structure being damaged or destroyed so far in 2022.
At least six fires being fought by Cal Fire in the state were not fully contained as of Wednesday.
In total, firefighters in several states have fought 29,966 fires which have burned a combined total of 2,790,609 acres — or roughly 44 times the size of the city of Sacramento.
The 2.7 million acres burned so far this year in the U.S. is a stark contrast to where the nation stood one year ago to date. By June 15, 2021, a total of 27,732 fires had burned 981,356 acres of land.
The increase of land burned so far in 2022 comes after a previous 2021 wildfire season that Cal Fire reported as having started earlier than in previous years.
By the end of 2021, 2.5 million acres of land in the Golden State were burned by 8,835 fires, according to Cal Fire.
Wildfire Preps
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
Watch More from ABC10: 'Safe and Sane' Fireworks encouraged as illegal fireworks spark Sacramento fires | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/wildfires-human-caused-california/103-4ffb82f9-bc8d-48b7-a6cb-ad4d56ff7196 | 2022-06-15T22:46:08 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/wildfires-human-caused-california/103-4ffb82f9-bc8d-48b7-a6cb-ad4d56ff7196 |
GREENSBORO — Two Guilford County-based programs are getting nearly $800,000 each from the state to help fight opioid abuse and help those addicted to the drug.
The North Carolina Survivors Union (NCSU) and Caring Services Inc. will receive the grants as part of the state's share of a multi-state settlement with McKinsey & Co. over the the company’s role in advising companies on how to promote the drugs and profit from the opioid epidemic, state health officials said.
According a news release from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, grants totaling nearly $16 million will go to 20 agencies statewide. Oxford House, a worldwide organization which lists 36 locations in Guilford County, also received an $800,000 grant.
Money for the nonprofit NCSU, 1116 Grove St., will be used to expand access to treatment and support for opioid use disorder, according to NCDHHS spokeswoman Bailey Pennington. It will build on a collaboration between NCSU and Duke University Health System.
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NCSU aims to create "a 'health hub' where people who use drugs can access a wide range of services, including safe consumption supplies, medication for opioid use disorder, health education information and referrals for care and support in a nonjudgmental and trusting environment, Pennington said in an email. The program uses peer community health workers, whose shared experience and community expertise will mitigate typical barriers to treatment.
Caring Services Inc., 102 Chestnut Drive in High Point, offers transitional housing and outpatient treatment for men and women in recovery, including homeless veterans and women who are pregnant or have children, according to its website.
Oxford House is an umbrella organization that serves more than 3,000 individual houses where people in recovery can live and support each other while working outside jobs to pay the home's bills. The nonprofit will use the money to expand it's NC Reentry Program, which assists people being released from incarceration into an Oxford House, Pennington said.
Accidental drug overdose is the number one cause of accidental deaths in North Carolina and nationwide, NCDHHS said. In North Carolina, from 2000 to 2020, more than 28,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdose, according to the release.
"The opioid epidemic has taken the lives of far too many North Carolinians," Deepa Avula, director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, said in the release. "These funds will help communities build strong, comprehensive approaches to addressing the opioid crisis and will save lives. To treat this disease, we must help support the other areas of someone’s life — gainful employment, stable housing and reliable transportation can massively help someone stay on the path of recovery."
Contact Kenwyn Caranna at 336-373-7082 and follow @kcaranna on Twitter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/2-guilford-county-programs-get-state-grants-to-help-fight-opioid-abuse/article_1b0bc35c-ece8-11ec-8e5e-73d9306b5369.html | 2022-06-15T22:47:24 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/2-guilford-county-programs-get-state-grants-to-help-fight-opioid-abuse/article_1b0bc35c-ece8-11ec-8e5e-73d9306b5369.html |
RALEIGH — A city and two law enforcement agencies in Alamance County will pay $336,000 to a group of plaintiffs to settle a lawsuit stemming from a 2020 protest in which demonstrators were pepper-sprayed during a voting rally.
The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and a Chicago-based law firm announced the agreement in a news release on Wednesday. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in November 2020 and named as defendants the city of Graham and Police Chief Kristi Cole, 15 police officers, Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and 15 deputies.
“It is outrageous that people marching to the polls to cast their ballot were met with police brutality. The right to gather and march in support of a shared cause is at the core of the First Amendment,” Chantal Stevens, executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina, said in the news release. “This agreement is a step in the right direction, but it’s insufficient to reckon with the violence and trauma that these community members endured at the hands of police.”
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Neither Graham Town Manager Megan Garner nor acting Alamance County Attorney Debra Bechtel immediately returned calls seeking comment Wednesday.
The three groups represented 17 individuals as well as community groups that had organized with hopes of bringing racial justice and ending police violence and other forms of racial oppression, the news release said.
Police had said participants in the Oct. 31, 2020, rally were pepper-sprayed and arrested because they were blocking a street without permission.
Graham police said at the time they issued several warnings to the crowd at Alamance County’s courthouse to move from the street before releasing pepper spray and later making eight arrests.
A police department press release said the Rev. Greg Drumwright initially asked police and the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office if authorities could block the street for the demonstrators, but the request was never completed because Drumwright “missed the deadline,” Graham police said.
Police said protesters stopped in the street for about nine minutes, creating traffic backups “in all directions around court square.” At the time, Drumwright said the group was permitted to stand in the courthouse square and was escorted through the streets by police. He also said that the group had “no intention” of having the rally in the street.
Later, police asked the crowd to disperse, giving them a five-minute warning to leave the roadway. After the time passed, police said, they released the spray toward the ground, not “directly” toward any participant. They have said there were small children also present.
In addition to the financial settlement, Cole agreed to have an on-the-record meeting with any of the plaintiffs who would like to join within 60 days in the final resolution of the lawsuit. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/outrageous-pepper-spray-incident-in-graham-will-cost-city-county-336-000/article_acc62f32-ecf0-11ec-86a0-0fe44b189e72.html | 2022-06-15T22:47:30 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/outrageous-pepper-spray-incident-in-graham-will-cost-city-county-336-000/article_acc62f32-ecf0-11ec-86a0-0fe44b189e72.html |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — For the first time in Harrisburg, the city will celebrate Juneteenth this Saturday. A recently federally and state-recognized holiday, the day aims to highlight Black culture, heritage, and unity across the state.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, alongside other county commissioners, announced the Juneteenth celebration will be held June 18, in front of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center. This is the first jointly sponsored event between the city of Harrisburg and the county.
"Juneteenth is a holiday about love and freedom, and we can’t wait to show everyone what that is all about Saturday," Mayor Wanda Williams said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Sixty artisan vendors are expected to attend the celebration, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of live performances will be held, ranging from hip-hop to jazz.
"The City of Harrisburg is majority African-American. We are proud to be a Black city and I am proud to be a Black mayor,” Mayor Williams said. “We want everyone to share that pride and know that this is no place for hate. No place for racism and bigotry.
There will also be numerous food trucks participating in the event.
Second Street in Harrisburg will remain closed between Market and Walnut between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the event
The celebration comes two years after President Joe Biden formally made Juneteenth a federal holiday. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/juneteenth-celebration-harrisburg-mayor-williams/521-4a443c81-ba97-4e4c-a727-9d009ffdc436 | 2022-06-15T22:52:42 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/juneteenth-celebration-harrisburg-mayor-williams/521-4a443c81-ba97-4e4c-a727-9d009ffdc436 |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, State Senator and GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano is planning to introduce legislation that would allow teachers to be armed on school grounds.
According to a statement by Mastriano, teachers who already have concealed carry permits would be allowed to bring their guns onto campus. Any staff members who want to carry a gun must complete a rigorous firearms course from a certified instructor.
The proposed bill comes days after Ohio passed similar legislation.
Rich Askey with the Pennsylvania State Education Association says Mastriano’s proposal won’t do anything to address school safety. He argues that allowing school staff to bring more guns into school is a dangerous proposition.
“This proposed legislation is nothing short of outrageous," said Askey. “The concept of bringing more guns to solve this crisis is totally off base. What you’re doing is putting students, staff, and first responders into a very dangerous situation.”
Craig Ollivier is a high school social studies teacher at the Pottstown School District. He says he’s dealt with at least 30 lockdowns due to school threats in his eight years of teaching.
Ollivier says he’s on the fence with allowing teachers to carry guns in school but leans slightly in favor of the proposal.
“I’m for it, as long as there’s training and measures that are taken to make sure we have the best people in place to keep us safe," said Ollivier.
He says more action needs to be taken to ensure the safety of students and teachers in Pennsylvania.
“Whether it’s more security outside the school buildings, whether it’s metal detectors, whether a police officer is walking the building, or maybe all three is what we need," suggested Ollivier. "Something needs to be done.”
Mastriano’s gubernatorial opponent Josh Shapiro released a statement regarding his plans to address gun safety and schools.
Shapiro says he wants to put mental health counselors in every school, implement universal background checks, and stronger red flag laws in Pennsylvania. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mastriano-legislation-teachers-firearms-school-harrisburg/521-6bce8586-8e10-4d9f-8258-8d8196f9b706 | 2022-06-15T22:52:45 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/mastriano-legislation-teachers-firearms-school-harrisburg/521-6bce8586-8e10-4d9f-8258-8d8196f9b706 |
HOUSTON — President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on U.S. oil refiners to produce more gasoline and diesel, saying their profits have tripled during a time of war between Russia and Ukraine as Americans struggle with record high prices at the pump.
“The crunch that families are facing deserves immediate action,” Biden wrote in a letter to seven oil refiners. “Your companies need to work with my Administration to bring forward concrete, near-term solutions that address the crisis.”
Gas prices nationwide are averaging roughly $5 a gallon, an economic burden for many Americans and a political threat for the president's fellow Democrats going into the midterm elections. Broader inflation began to rise last year as the U.S. economy recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, but it accelerated in recent months as energy and food prices climbed after Russia invaded Ukraine in February and disrupted global commodity markets.
The government reported on Friday that consumer prices had jumped 8.6% from a year ago, the worst increase in more than 40 years.
The letter notes that gas prices were averaging $4.25 a gallon when oil was last near the current price of $120 a barrel in March. That 75-cent difference in average gas prices in a matter of just a few months reflects both a shortage of refinery capacity and profits that “are currently at their highest levels ever recorded," the letter states.
As Biden sees it, refineries are capitalizing on the uncertainties caused by “a time of war.” His message that corporate greed is contributing to higher prices has been controversial among many economists, yet the claim may have some resonance with voters.
Some liberal lawmakers have proposed cracking down on corporate profits amid the higher inflation. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, in March proposed a 95% tax on profits in excess of companies' pre-pandemic averages.
The president has harshly criticized what he views as profiteering amid a global crisis that could potentially push Europe and other parts of the world into a recession, saying after a speech Friday that ExxonMobil “made more money than God this year.” ExxonMobil responded by saying it has already informed the administration of its planned investments to increase oil production and refining capacity.
“There is no question that (Russian President) Vladimir Putin is principally responsible for the intense financial pain the American people and their families are bearing,” Biden's letter says. “But amid a war that has raised gasoline prices more than $1.70 per gallon, historically high refinery profit margins are worsening that pain.”
The letter says the administration is ready to “use all reasonable and appropriate Federal Government tools and emergency authorities to increase refinery capacity and output in the near term, and to ensure that every region of this country is appropriately supplied." It notes that Biden has already released oil from the U.S. strategic reserve and increased ethanol blending standards, though neither action put a lasting downward pressure on prices.
The president is sending the letter to Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy, ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, Chevron, BP and Shell.
He also has directed Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to convene an emergency meeting and consult with the National Petroleum Council, a federal advisory group that is drawn from the energy sector.
Biden is asking each company to explain to Granholm any drop in refining capacity since 2020, when the pandemic began. He also wants the companies to provide “any concrete ideas that would address the immediate inventory, price, and refining capacity issues in the coming months -- including transportation measures to get refined product to market.”
There may be limits on how much more capacity can be added. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Friday released estimates that “refinery utilization will reach a monthly average level of 96% twice this summer, near the upper limits of what refiners can consistently maintain.”
The letter says that roughly 3 million barrels a day of refining capacity around the world have gone offline since the pandemic began. In the U.S., refining capacity fell by more than 800,000 barrels a day in 2020. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/joe-biden-oil-companies/285-10ba10c3-3b39-4aa5-b895-3c7ce661426d | 2022-06-15T22:53:29 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/joe-biden-oil-companies/285-10ba10c3-3b39-4aa5-b895-3c7ce661426d |
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT /11 AM CDT/ TO 8 PM EDT
/7 PM CDT/ THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, south central and
southwest Georgia and Big Bend and Panhandle Florida.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon EDT /11
AM CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
Weather Alert
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS
EVENING...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT /11 AM CDT/ TO 8 PM EDT
/7 PM CDT/ THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, south central and
southwest Georgia and Big Bend and Panhandle Florida.
* WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/
this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon EDT /11
AM CDT/ to 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
Georgia recently lost one of our oldest first ladies, Betty Foy Sanders.
Mrs. Sanders grew up in and around Statesboro, attending Georgia Southern College and the University of Georgia, and she is remembered today at Georgia Southern University through its Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art.
Mrs. Sanders saw a lot of changes for the better in Georgia over her long life.
When her husband, Carl Sanders, became Georgia’s governor in 1963, state-sanctioned segregation was in place. Gov. Sanders, with Betty by his side, led our state during a tumultuous time when court decisions and legal changes continued to dismantle segregationist “Jim Crow” laws.
These efforts would continue for years to come. For many of Georgia’s past leaders, the Georgia of today would be scarcely recognizable with international businesses providing jobs for thousands across the state and legal immigrants to our state from around the country and around the world seeking to take advantage of the opportunities Georgia provides.
The state’s population has more than doubled since Carl Sanders was governor — a reflection of the opportunities so many have sought and found here.
Georgia has grown and changed significantly since Betty Foy Sanders was first lady. Georgia is the best place in the country in which to do business, and the General Assembly has continued to encourage job growth and opportunity in Georgia through tax cuts, a predictable regulatory environment, and great training for Georgians itching for career advancement.
And with the announcement of recent projects across our state, including in Statesboro, Savannah, Effingham County, Hart County, Bryan County and LaGrange, it is clear that the legislature wants opportunity for all Georgians — not just those in Atlanta.
I will continue to support legislative efforts to assist our state, providing growth opportunities while ensuring that no Georgians are left behind in our 21st-century world.
As always, do not hesitate to call (404 656-9210) or email me @Gerald.greene@house.ga.gov if I can be of service.
In a Wednesday change of command ceremony on Wednesday at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany, Col. Wilfred Rivera relinquished command of Marine Depot Maintenance Command to Col Kirk Spangenberg. Rivera had served as the commander for three years. Prior to his current command Spangenberg ser… Click for more.
Gerald Greene represents state House District 154 in the Georgia General Assembly, where he serves as the chairman of State Properties Committee.
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accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/gerald-greene-former-first-lady-helped-bring-changes-to-georgia/article_83f5c274-ecb0-11ec-abc1-bb2ef734dae9.html | 2022-06-15T22:54:24 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/gerald-greene-former-first-lady-helped-bring-changes-to-georgia/article_83f5c274-ecb0-11ec-abc1-bb2ef734dae9.html |
UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — With temperatures approaching record levels, local animal shelter staff say there are a couple of steps pet owners need to take to keep their animals safe.
Kevin King, director of the Unicoi County Animal Shelter, said pets really should be kept inside amid the heatwave.
“But if you’re not going to let them inside, they need to have access to shade, a way to cool off, you need to make sure they have water,” King said.
On Wednesday, at Johnson City’s Robinson Animal Hospital, Dr. Andrew Pisacano said he had not seen any heat stroke cases over the past few days thankfully, but they do happen.
“Their temperatures can go up to 108 I’ve seen, and they can die from that,” Pisacano said.
He also said short-faced dogs like pugs and English bulldogs are especially prone to overheating. Panting and exhaustion are the first signs.
“Moving air, lots of water, keep in the shade if you’re outside, those are some of the common sense things that are going to help them make it through the heat wave,” Pisacano said.
King told News Channel 11 that animal shelter staff often get called out to animals chained outdoors without water, but there isn’t much they can do about it.
“Right now, there’s no laws about it, there’s nothing that says anything about temperature. You really need to talk to your politicians, we really need to change the laws,” King said.
With temperatures reaching into the 90s, heat index values have ranged from 100 to 105 degrees in recent days. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/animal-shelter-staff-offer-tips-for-keeping-pets-safe-amid-heatwave/ | 2022-06-15T22:57:29 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/animal-shelter-staff-offer-tips-for-keeping-pets-safe-amid-heatwave/ |
6:35 p.m. Update: Kingsport police say the crash has been cleared.
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — A crash is causing traffic delays along a section of Interstate 26 in Kingsport.
According to the Kingsport Police Department, officers are currently working a “crash with injuries” around mile marker four.
The crash is causing delays both eastbound and westbound, with eastbound traffic backed up to the Wilcox Drive exit and westbound traffic backed up to the Rock Springs exit, according to TDOT’s Smartway map.
Drivers are asked to use caution in the area. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/crash-causing-delays-on-i-26-in-kingsport/ | 2022-06-15T22:57:35 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/crash-causing-delays-on-i-26-in-kingsport/ |
BEAVERDALE, Iowa — Fareway's second meat market in Iowa opened in Beaverdale today.
At 7,800 square feet, the meat market is essentially a smaller Fareway store that specializes in meats. It also sells produce, cheese, snacks, alcohol and has a 20-foott long seasonings and sauce section.
Assistant meat manager for Fareway Bryan Bartsch said that the storefront offers everything customers expect from a grocery store alongside expanded meat options.
"We have a smoker here built into the store so that we can smoke up ribs and brisket and all that good stuff here every day and provide a nice fresh — either hot sandwich or a cold deli sandwich for them — on the spot," Bartsch said.
Bartsch said that the community reaction has been extremely positive so far and he is excited to see how the new store will impact the city.
"We're just really excited to be here in Beaverdale, finally opened up," Bartsch said. "We're welcoming everybody into the doors so that they can finally get a firsthand look at their neighborhood meat market." | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/fareway-meat-market-opens-new-location-in-beaverdale-grocery-opening-iowa/524-3073dfe9-4b6c-426d-8a20-7bbf6d9c62d6 | 2022-06-15T22:58:23 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/fareway-meat-market-opens-new-location-in-beaverdale-grocery-opening-iowa/524-3073dfe9-4b6c-426d-8a20-7bbf6d9c62d6 |
ELDRIDGE, Iowa — A former Eldridge officer accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl while on duty pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree sexual abuse Tuesday.
Andrew Denoyer, 24, was arrested on Sept. 28, 2021, after he admitted to having performed a sexual act while he was on duty as an Eldridge police officer. Court records say the alleged abuse happened on or around May 1, 2021.
Another court document says Denoyer admitted to having sexual contact with the teen between five and six times in the spring of 2021 at the teen's residence. The document alleges all of these instances happened while Denoyer was on duty.
The document says Denoyer told his wife that he had sexual contact with the teen twice within a two-week span in May 2021.
Denoyer previously pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial during a preliminary hearing on Oct. 14, 2021. His jury trial was supposed to begin on June 27.
Denoyer is facing a Class C felony which enforces a max sentence of 10 years with a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.
The court affidavit says Denoyer admitted to performing a sexual act while he was employed and on duty as an Eldridge police officer. Denoyer previously served in the Davenport Police Department and graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in December 2018.
Denoyer's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 29. He is not listed on the Iowa Department of Correction's list of inmates or on the Scott County Sheriff's inmate roster as of Wednesday morning.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/former-eldridge-police-officer-sexual-abuse-teen-iowa/526-5dc05df5-131d-422b-91ce-9b9662f655d6 | 2022-06-15T22:58:29 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/former-eldridge-police-officer-sexual-abuse-teen-iowa/526-5dc05df5-131d-422b-91ce-9b9662f655d6 |
NORFOLK, Va. — (AP) — John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight Wednesday, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals.
“After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!,” he wrote on Twitter shortly after 12 p.m.
The lifting of all restrictions had been expected since late September. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman in Washington said he'd free Hinckley on June 15 if he continued to remain mentally stable in the community in Virginia where he has lived since 2016.
Hinckley, who was acquitted by reason of insanity, spent the decades before that in a Washington mental hospital.
Freedom for Hinckley will include giving a concert — he plays guitar and sings — in Brooklyn, New York, that's scheduled for July. He's already gained nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and YouTube in recent months as the judge loosened Hinckley's restrictions before fully lifting all of them.
But the graying 67-year-old is far from being the household name that he became after shooting and wounding the 40th U.S. president — and several others — outside a Washington hotel. Today, historians say Hinckley is at best a question on a quiz show and someone who unintentionally helped build the Reagan legend and inspire a push for stricter gun control.
“If Hinckley had succeeded in killing Reagan, then he would have been a pivotal historical figure,” H.W. Brands, a historian and Reagan biographer, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “As it is, he is a misguided soul whom history has already forgotten.”
Barbara A. Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, said that Hinckley "would be maybe a Jeopardy question.”
But his impact remains tangible in Reagan's legacy.
“For the president himself to have been so seriously wounded, and to come back from that — that actually made Ronald Reagan the legend that he became ... like the movie hero that he was,” Perry said.
Friedman, the federal judge overseeing Hinckley's case, said on June 1 that Hinckley has shown no signs of active mental illness since the mid-1980s and has exhibited no violent behavior or interest in weapons.
“I am confident that Mr. Hinckley will do well in the years remaining to him,” the judge said during the hearing earlier this month.
He noted that lawyers for the government and Hinckley have fought for years over whether Hinckley should be given increasing amounts of freedom.
“It took us a long time to get here,” he said, adding that there is now unanimous agreement: “This is the time to let John Hinckley move on with his life, so we will.” | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a | 2022-06-15T22:58:31 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/john-hinckley-ronald-reagan-freed/287-ca7284ba-4521-4bbd-be66-407c119c787a |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Rising prices at the pump are already hurting plenty of Iowans, but what about people who need to keep their tanks filled up for work?
Gas in Iowa is averaging $4.76/gallon as of June 15. That's the highest ever for the Hawkeye State, according to AAA. It's also making budgets a lot tighter for local rideshare drivers.
When Lane Richtsmeier first started out as a rideshare driver, it was just a part-time gig. But it was one that paid him pretty well.
"Easily on a Friday, Saturday night, total of $400 or $500," he said.
Three years later, driving has become his full-time job. He takes passengers for both Uber and Lyft. But as gas prices continue to rise, fueling up is taking a pretty big bite out of those paydays.
"When the gas bill has doubled in six months and our rate of pay has not, it makes it very hard still to justify being a full time guy out here," Richtsmeier said.
He's not the only one who's struggling. A survey from the Rideshare Guy, a website with resources for rideshare drivers, found that almost 40% of drivers were cutting their hours due to gas; 15% quit altogether.
There has been some help from Uber and Lyft, as the companies have started issuing temporary surcharges for each ride.
"They did implement basically a sort of an extra fuel charge, but it's only 45 cents per ride, which is really not enough," said Thomas Cosgrove, another rideshare driver. He also drives for both Uber and Lyft.
There are still ways for drivers to help make up the difference. Something that both of the drivers who spoke to Local 5 said even a small tip can go a long way towards making a night of driving worth it.
"Always try and tip a little bit more. It always helps us out with our costs and just being able to continue doing it in general," Cosgrove said.
Is there any help in sight? Nationwide, gas is averaging just over $5 per gallon, and according to a recent analysis from JPMorgan, it could reach up to $6 by the end of August. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-rideshare-drivers-facing-problems-at-the-pump-gas-gasoline-fuel-price-increase-uber-lyft-aaa/524-172f2338-85b3-43b2-986c-acc25fe7b910 | 2022-06-15T22:58:35 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/local-rideshare-drivers-facing-problems-at-the-pump-gas-gasoline-fuel-price-increase-uber-lyft-aaa/524-172f2338-85b3-43b2-986c-acc25fe7b910 |
CALDWELL, Idaho — The City of Caldwell announced its new pilot program to bring e-scooters to citizens through a partnership with Bird scooters, a leader in environmentally-friendly electric transportation.
The eco-friendly scooters are intended to replace gas-powered car trips for a variety of daily trips, and can be activated using Bird's free mobile app.
"We are thrilled to welcome Bird to Caldwell and look forward to offering community members a new, eco-friendly and fun way to get around. Whether going to College of Idaho or downtown Caldwell, residents and visitors will now have a new way to get there," Ofelia Morales, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Caldwell, said. "We expect the arrival of the scooters to bring an economic impact to our city, with riders more likely to shop at local businesses."
Bird's goal is to make cities more livable by reducing car trips, traffic and carbon emissions. The scooters are designed by an in-house team comprised of industry leaders in engineering and vehicle design.
The scooters provide a convenient and socially distanced way for residents without a car to get around, or for those wishing to forgo typical transportation options.
"We applaud the City of Caldwell for their commitment to offering convenient, environmentally friendly and reliable transportation options to residents and visitors," Austin Marshburn, Head of City and University Partnerships at Bird, said.
Bird is offering a 50% discount on scooter rentals for low-income community members, Pell Grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans and senior citizens.
Those qualifying for the discount can sign up by downloading the Bird app and emailing proof of eligibility to access@bird.co.
Healthcare workers and emergency personnel will be offered free rides as a way of recognizing and thanking the individuals who work to keep our communities safe. Qualified individuals can email a copy of their medical identification card, name and phone number to together@bird.co.
The official launch date is scheduled for June 30, at the College of Idaho and will start at 2 p.m.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/city-of-caldwell-rolling-out-new-bird-electric-scooters/277-6b80978f-dabd-41db-8bde-4ccca680dc79 | 2022-06-15T22:59:10 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/city-of-caldwell-rolling-out-new-bird-electric-scooters/277-6b80978f-dabd-41db-8bde-4ccca680dc79 |
Bismarck’s Mid Dakota Clinic announced Wednesday that officials are exploring a potential affiliation with Essentia Health, a health care system that serves patients in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Mid Dakota Clinic, an independent physician practice, and Essentia have signed a letter of intent to enter affiliation discussions. If the talks lead to an agreement, an affiliation would be anticipated in the fall.
“An affiliation would reinforce our common commitment to reach more families in the Bismarck-Mandan area with services in clinics and hospitals,” Mid Dakota Clinic CEO Marvin Lein said in a statement that did not elaborate on what form an affiliation might take.
An affiliation could allow Mid Dakota to offer patients a “greater continuity of care” between the clinic and new specialties, such as women’s services, Lein said.
Mid Dakota, founded over 50 years ago in Bismarck, has more than 60 providers and 300 staff in the city.
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Essentia Health, with headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota, has 14,700 employees, including more than 2,100 physicians and advanced practitioners. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/mid-dakota-clinic-essentia-health-explore-affiliation/article_a8d53d64-ecf5-11ec-8953-d7c955ff107e.html | 2022-06-15T23:00:36 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/mid-dakota-clinic-essentia-health-explore-affiliation/article_a8d53d64-ecf5-11ec-8953-d7c955ff107e.html |
ASTORIA, Ore. — A large portion of Buoy Beer Company's Astoria brewery and restaurant collapsed Tuesday evening as the large, warehouse-style building's roof caved in.
The U.S. Coast Guard and first responders deployed to the building, which sits on the water near the mouth of the Columbia River, shortly after 6 p.m., said Astoria City Manager Brett Estes.
The brewery indicated on social media that staff are unharmed.
"Everyone is safe," Buoy said in social media posts, including a photo showing the massive scale of the building collapse.
Estes added that the restaurant was closed for the day and he does not believe anyone was inside the building at the time of the collapse. He said officials are working to determine what caused of the collapse.
Astoria Fire Department confirmed that there was initially a gas leak when that portion of the building collapsed, but crews were able to shut off the gas relatively quickly. There was also a significant water leak discovered.
The brewery's popular waterfront taproom and restaurant will be closed indefinitely. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/buoy-beer-building-collapse/283-af7ab8e1-0abf-4060-9b6c-15c6467e9ea8 | 2022-06-15T23:00:53 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/buoy-beer-building-collapse/283-af7ab8e1-0abf-4060-9b6c-15c6467e9ea8 |
SEATTLE — Matthews Beach in Seattle closed Wednesday due to high bacteria levels.
People and pets should stay out of the water, including for drinking and swimming but also wading and engaging in any water-related activities.
The beach will remain closed until at least next week when another sampling test is done by King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (KCDNRP).
Matthews Beach will be tested every week until bacteria levels are safe to reopen, according to the county. Beaches are usually sampled on Tuesday afternoons, after which the results should be available online in one or two days.
The beach was discovered to be high in bacteria due to routine testing. Every week the county tests for bacteria concentrations in order to determine the risk of getting sick.
Anyone who swam or waded in Matthews Beach may have been exposed to high levels of bacteria. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomachaches, headaches, fever or feeling nauseous or throwing up. If this is anyone's case, call a doctor and inform them of where you swam.
Matthews Beach is the largest freshwater bathing beach in Seattle, according to Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Last year, the beach closed down for weeks due to bacteria concentrations.
Officials haven't announced the cause behind the high concentration of bacteria, but it usually means that there is poop in the water, according to the county’s Lake Swimming Beach Program. The source of this might be from people, dogs or other animals. It could also come from sewage spills, but this is often not the case.
Even if bacteria levels drop to normal, Matthews Beach will remain closed for the summer due to a lifeguard shortage. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/matthews-beach-closes-high-bacteria/281-f2fe7931-8201-403f-a089-a84dcfa0112b | 2022-06-15T23:00:59 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/matthews-beach-closes-high-bacteria/281-f2fe7931-8201-403f-a089-a84dcfa0112b |
Laquita Tobey became more and more frantic as she pleaded with a Richmond 911 dispatcher to send an officer to her house to help find her 7-year-old son.
"I want my son," she repeated several times in the recorded call, which was played for a jury of nine mine and four women on Wednesday. "Somebody got my son."
The boy was supposed to be with his father, who could not be reached, according to her testimony. Instead, a man she didn't answered her ex-husband's phone.
"Calm down (expletive)," a man can be heard saying in the body-worn cama
Richmond police were called to a convenience store in the 3000 block of Hull Street, where bystander reported an unescorted child. Officers recovered the child, who had been reported missing about two hours earlier, and returned the child to the family, police said.
The investigation led detectives to the 2200 block of Chateau Drive, where officers found Anthony Tobey Jr., the child’s father, dead in his apartment. He had been gunshot, police said.
Jury selection began Wednesday morning and the trial is expected to take two days.
From the Archives: The construction of the Richmond Convention Center | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/richmond-man-on-trial-for/article_39b1fe33-b400-5ac3-b6fc-3f51c94b0442.html | 2022-06-15T23:01:30 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/richmond-man-on-trial-for/article_39b1fe33-b400-5ac3-b6fc-3f51c94b0442.html |
The Richmond School Board voted Tuesday to increase bus driver pay to $23 an hour and approved recommendations to cover funding shortfalls in order to balance the upcoming budget.
The fiscal 2023 $557.7 million adopted budget, is broken down by a $354.2 million general fund, a $201.1 special revenue budget and a $2.4 million capital improvement budget.
The Virginia General Assembly recently approved budgets for the current fiscal year and the next two years beginning July 1, that according to RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras, resulted in a loss of $2.1 million in funds for the school division.
However, the district’s deficit dropped to about $1.2 million because some of the state funding was for programs that required a local match from RPS. When the funding for the program shrank, so did the local match from RPS, Kamras said Tuesday.
(The General Assembly is expected to meet on Friday to consider Gov. Glenn Youngkin's proposed budget amendments.)
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Kamras recommended to balance the upcoming fiscal year spending plan by increasing the budgeted revenues from Medicaid reimbursement from $1 million to $1.75 million and either reducing the division’s maintenance budget line by $516,774 or decreasing some academic services contracts by the same amount. The academic contracts would be temporarily funded through federal stimulus money. The school board ultimately chose the latter.
Kamras also proposed spending $800,000 to increase bus driver pay to $23 an hour. To pay for this, the funds would be moved from academic services to the division’s federal stimulus budget.
Increasing hourly pay would make RPS “the highest paying division in central Virginia,” Kamras said. There is also a $3,500 signing bonus for drivers who have commercial driver licenses.
“I think we can all agree that getting kids to school on time and ensuring that we don't have the cascade of problems that follow from not doing that is critical,” Kamras said.
The budget adjustments (Medicaid reimbursement and academic services contract reduction) and increased bus driver pay passed 7-0 Tuesday evening. Vice Chair Kenya Gibson (District 3) and School Board member Liz Doerr (District 1) were absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
Fourth District School Board member Jonathan Young was the first board member Tuesday night to express support for decreasing academic services contracts by $516,744. School Board member Cheryl Burke, who represents the 7th District, also supported the second option after understanding that it would be covered by federal funding.
The board, without any discussion, also voted 7-0 to accept the fiscal 2023 salary schedule that begins on July 1.
It includes an updated salary scale for bus drivers, a 5% raise for all contracted staff and a 1.17% step increase for all employees on a decompressed salary schedule, Michelle Hudacsko, the superintendent’s chief of staff, said Tuesday.
(Salary compression occurs when new employees earn either the same or more than long-term employees because of rising starting salaries.)
After the salary schedule vote, Young acknowledged “the outstanding work” completed by both his School Board colleagues and the Superintendent's team, “to significantly increase compensation for our teachers" since Young joined the board. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/richmond-school-board-adopts-fy23-budget-increases-bus-driver-pay/article_da7ea960-377f-5b2f-9328-1c344e2a0fbb.html | 2022-06-15T23:01:36 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/richmond-school-board-adopts-fy23-budget-increases-bus-driver-pay/article_da7ea960-377f-5b2f-9328-1c344e2a0fbb.html |
Evictions in Virginia have declined significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, but the expiration of government aid and protections could cause a sharp rise in the coming months.
In a new report from the RVA Eviction Lab in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, experts say that rent relief and state protections for tenants contributed to the reduction along with a federal eviction moratorium that ended in August.
After eviction judgments crept back up at the start of the year, however, the state’s decision to stop accepting applications for rent relief last month and the June 30 sunset on a state law requiring landlords to apply for aid on behalf of their tenants means that many more people could lose their homes, according to Kathryn Howell, a co-director of the RVA Eviction Lab.
According to a VCU News article about the report, Richmond alone has more than 700 eviction hearings scheduled for the next two months. As of June 11, according to data from the RVA Eviction Lab, eviction filings in Richmond this month are 44% higher than the average for June.
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“Rents have increased significantly in the city of Richmond,” Howell said, according to the VCU News report. “We don’t know how bad it’s going to be, but we know affordability will be as bad or worse as what we had at the start of the pandemic. This will have ripple effects to evictions.”
While the state rent relief fund totaled about $1 billion — and is now closed because most of the money had been spent — record-high housing costs and historically low supply “add to the chronic shortage of affordable housing,” said Martin Wegbreit, director of litigation for the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, a nonprofit law firm that gives legal assistance to people with low incomes.
“As a result, the upcoming tsunami of eviction cases was inevitable and, at the same time, avoidable if different public policy choices had been made,” he said in an email.
Hanover School Board narrowly decided to keep Zetta Elliott's "A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart" on school shelves.
In January 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom unit in the Richmond area was $1,130. Last November, the average cost rose to $1,340, according to data tracked by real estate analytics firm CoStar.
Ben Teresa, a co-director of the Eviction Lab, is quoted in the VCU News article saying that officials and leaders must figure out how to address a lack of affordable housing and renter protections after an “emergency” — which he suggested is still ongoing.
The Eviction Lab report specifically mentions the expiring rent relief and protections. It says that all data from the quarterly report, including 58% of surveyed Virginia renters saying they fear an impending eviction, should be “read within the context” of the emergency aid measures coming to an end.
“While the number of evictions continues to be low relative to the pre-pandemic levels, both evictions filing and eviction judgments have steadily increased since the Spring of 2021,” the report says.
(804) 649-6178 | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/experts-forecast-increase-in-evictions-across-virginia/article_00254aab-9a37-591d-9a3c-258ae61c96a5.html | 2022-06-15T23:01:42 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/experts-forecast-increase-in-evictions-across-virginia/article_00254aab-9a37-591d-9a3c-258ae61c96a5.html |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Tuscaloosa City Schools system is looking to hire more bus drivers.
TCS has approximately 15 bus driver positions available with starting salaries at $21 per hours, four hours each weekday. All training will be provided by the school system and the job comes with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and state retirement. There is a $1,000 sign on bonus for first 15 drivers hired.
“TCS is currently looking for individuals who are seeking a career opportunity or to supplement their income while also making a positive impact for our students,” TCS Transportation Director Ron Schappacher said in a statement. “We are looking for people with a good driving record and who want to make a difference.”
In Tuscaloosa City Schools, approximately 7,000 students are transported to school by bus each day. The city school system has 125 buses, which operate 180 bus routes during the school year.
To find out more information, contact Tuscaloosa City Schools Transportation Department at 205-247-2400 or apply here. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-city-schools-looking-to-hire-bus-drivers/ | 2022-06-15T23:03:42 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-city-schools-looking-to-hire-bus-drivers/ |
3 trials begin in Caddo this week, including officers charged in death of Tommie McGlothen
Caddo District Court will hear five trials including three murder-homicide cases this week.
"Historically, three murder trials are rare in Caddo Parish during a single week," said Mike Spence, Caddo Parish Clerk of Court. "We are up to the challenge of longer hours for the deputy clerks in court. We have prepared for the District Attorney and District Judges to get to this point."
On June 13, District Judge Chris Victory started the week off with the trial of four Shreveport Police officers who face charges of negligent homicide and malfeasance for the death of Tommie McGlothen Jr.
The trial for Treona McCarter, 29; James LeClare, 29; Brian Ross, 28; and D'Marea Johnson, 26, began late Monday after it was delayed due to technical difficulties with Zoom teleconferencing.
More:3 things to know about the murder of Landry Anglin, Shreveport teen shot inside house
Also, standing trial this week:
- Jennifer Lois Laverne Ford, 32, for her connection in the slaying of Jasper C. Martin III, 20. On June 4, 2020, Martin was stabbed in the chest on Henderson Avenue.
- Christian Deandrea Combs, 37is on trial for second-degree murder in connection with the Oct. 1, 2018 slaying of Demetrius Patrell Davis, 26, who was shot multiple times in the 4200 block of Madera Drive.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/15/four-shreveport-police-officers-trial-busy-week-caddo-district-court/7633928001/ | 2022-06-15T23:06:25 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/15/four-shreveport-police-officers-trial-busy-week-caddo-district-court/7633928001/ |
The Kenosha Police officer allegedly shot in the abdomen by the man he was investigating for vehicle entry in August 2020 testified against him in court Tuesday afternoon.
Officer Justin Pruett testified in the jury trial of Jonathan T. Massey, the 31-year-old man who allegedly shot and seriously injured him in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, 2020. Massey is charged with attempted first degree homicide, possession of a handgun by a felon, and bail jumping.
Massey allegedly shot Pruett after the officer stopped to speak to him because he matched the description of a suspect in a vehicle entry complaint in the 4600 block of Sheridan Road.
According to prosecutors and in an encounter partially captured on squad video, Massey is alleged to have shot Pruett in the abdomen around 5 a.m. around 13th Avenue and 50th Street. He allegedly shot Pruett after the officer deployed a Taser when Massey refused to cooperate, became combative and began pulling something out of his pants.
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Pruett then returned fire, striking Massey as he fled. Pruett sustained serious injuries and had to undergo emergency surgery to save his life.
Massey, a convicted felon with a long criminal history, allegedly fled the state after shooting the officer. He was eventually arrested by U.S. Marshals on Aug. 12, 2020, in Gary, Ind.
Pruett said he was fired at twice by Massey and the first bullet struck him.
Pruett said the bullet felt like “I had a huge sunburn” and he had absolutely “no doubt” Massey fired at him.
Pruett, a U.S. Navy veteran, said the the injury left him unable to hold his newborn child after he was born because he couldn’t lift more than a few pounds after his surgery.
The jury trial is being held before Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jason Rossell and prosecuted by District Attorney Michael Graveley. Massey is represented by attorney Michael Cicchini.
The surgeon who helped save Pruett’s life also testified Tuesday.
Dr. Mustafa S. Badrudduja said the bullet that struck Pruett entered through his abdomen and exited through his back. He said if it was “two or three” inches higher it would have struck his heart and lungs.
Badrudduja said Pruett required emergency surgery for injuries to his colon, a kidney and surrounding tissues. Images of the wounds were shown to the jury Tuesday morning.
The first Kenosha Police officer to respond to Pruett’s call for aid also testified.
Officer Ryan McDonough said he heard Pruett scream over the police radio and knew something was wrong.
“Even in high stress situations we don’t scream over the radio,” he said, adding he then went “lights and sirens to his location.”
Video from McDonough’s squad car showed him arrive at the scene where he found Pruett on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. McDonough said Pruett borrowed his radio to state that he loved his wife and his kids.
As officers began arriving to the area and McDonough placed wound gauze over Pruett’s wounds.
The trial will continue Wednesday. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/kenosha-officer-shot-in-august-2020-incident-testifies-in-jury-trial/article_aa993f3c-ec06-11ec-a475-d3dc4bb6f07a.html | 2022-06-15T23:06:49 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/kenosha-officer-shot-in-august-2020-incident-testifies-in-jury-trial/article_aa993f3c-ec06-11ec-a475-d3dc4bb6f07a.html |
The city’s Public Safety & Welfare Committee voted unanimously Monday evening in support of a resolution discouraging panhandling in Kenosha.
The committee voted in favor of the resolution sponsored by Ald. David Mau and co-sponsored by Alds. Rocco LaMacchia and Holly Kangas. The matter is now headed to the full City Council.
The resolution would allow for signage to be placed at multiple locations throughout the city where people have asked motorists for money and other items such as cigarettes.
The four locations where signage would be installed are: the right-of-way at 3813 Roosevelt Road; the 5600 block of 67th Street near the Towerline Park; at the intersection of 60th Street with 22nd Avenue; and at the intersection of 67th Street with Highway 31.
The message, according to the resolution, would be “Give Smart, Say No To Panhandling, Be Part Of The Solution By Contributing To Local Charities,” or some variation of that.
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Municipalities do not have the power to ban panhandling because federal courts have ruled the practice is protected by the First Amendment.
The resolution, however, states “it is desirable to encourage donations be made to community groups such as social service agencies and charitable organizations rather than to individuals.”
Mau said other area municipalities have adopted a similar approach.
“What I noticed is a lot of other cities all around the county including Wisconsin and Illinois have signs that just say give safe, it’s O.K. to say no to panhandling and give to charity instead,” Mau said. “I thought that was an interesting idea to propose. Businesses that I’ve talked to love the idea. All the aldermen that I’ve spoken to love the idea.”
Uptown resident and business owner Yolanda Hernandez said she supports the resolution.
“I think it’s going to help a lot of businesses with panhandling,” she told the committee.
According to the resolution it is: “safer for the persons seeking alms to seek assistance from community groups such as social service agencies and charitable organizations than standing in the elements of the weather seeking alms, or being assaulted by a person misinterpreting the intent of the encounter.”
The resolution states it is also safer “for the public not to be distracted while operating a vehicle by persons actively trying to seek their attention for the purpose of alms giving.”
According to city officials, each sign would cost about $250. No specific charity would be highlighted by the signage, according to Mau. This is Mau’s first proposal since being elected in April.
Currently only panhandlers who are intoxicated, in the streets or threatening to others can be removed by law enforcement officials.
Kenosha neighbors: Obituaries for June 14
Read through the obituaries published today in Kenosha News. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/kenosha-committee-votes-for-signage-discouraging-panhandling/article_6fd3bd02-ebff-11ec-bfc1-878126fb01d3.html | 2022-06-15T23:06:55 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/kenosha-committee-votes-for-signage-discouraging-panhandling/article_6fd3bd02-ebff-11ec-bfc1-878126fb01d3.html |
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