text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Strack & Van Til has been doing another round of store renovations.
The Highland-based grocery chain has grown to 23 supermarkets across Northwest Indiana after acquiring Tysen’s Country Market in DeMotte and WiseWay in Winfield. It converted both those stores into Strack & Van Tils.
The supermarket chain also recently celebrated grand reopenings after doing renovations at its grocery stores in Highland, Merrillville and Whiting.
Strack & Van Til Chief Operating Officer David Wilkinson said all three stores got interior design updates.
"The meat, deli, seafood, dairy, and product departments were expanded in Merrillville," Wilkinson said. "Whiting expanded the deli and bakery. Highland mostly did décor upgrades."
The stores were due for renovations so they wouldn't look stale and outdated.
"At some point all stores need freshening up with new décor and equipment," Wilkinson said. "We constantly evaluate our locations to determine which stores are in need of an upgrade."
People are also reading…
Northwest Indiana's largest homegrown supermarket chain isn't done with the renovation work yet.
"We plan on doing some work at Munster and Winfield this year," he said.
Colloquially known as Stracks in much of Northwest Indiana, Strack & Van Til has roots in the Region that date back to 1929 before rival grocers Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til joined forces to build a modern supermarket in the late 1950s. It operates full-service grocery stores in many of Northwest Indiana's cities, suburbs and towns under the Strack & Van Til and Town & Country Market brand names. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-does-another-round-of-store-renovations/article_94919190-fea5-551c-a8f8-856fdb5acc39.html | 2022-06-16T13:36:28 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/strack-van-til-does-another-round-of-store-renovations/article_94919190-fea5-551c-a8f8-856fdb5acc39.html |
Three variations of the AR-15 rifle are shown. Lake County officials are beginning to consider whether to ban the sale of AR-15s at gun shows held at the county fairgrounds in Crown Point following several recent school shootings where the perpetrator used an AR-15.
Associated Press file
Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, wears a face mask at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point featuring his cartoon doppelganger, Charlie Brown.
CROWN POINT — Should Lake County government property continue to be used to sell "guns of war," such as the high-powered AR-15 semi-automatic rifle?
Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, believes it's time county officials have that discussion following the May 24 slaughter of 19 third and fourth grade students and two teachers at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school that required DNA testing to identify some of the victims because the children's bodies were utterly torn apart by bullets fired from an AR-15.
"I don't know what else an AR-15 is used for except for war," Brown said. "Why are these guns of war being sold on government property?"
Brown is referring to the gun show held approximately every six to eight weeks at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point that routinely includes vendors selling AR-15s.
He said he doesn't object to the gun show itself and he isn't trying to take anyone's guns.
But, in the wake of Uvalde, as well as the recent fatal shooting of two people at a Gary nightclub and a shooting following a graduation ceremony in the Steel City, Brown wonders if the county can't take action to prohibit the sale of certain guns at the fairgrounds, such as the AR-15.
"These things are for one purpose only that I'm aware of — to kill somebody. And we're not at war in Lake County," Brown said.
Earlier this week, Brown attempted to get the Democratic-controlled county council to quickly adopt an ordinance banning AR-15 sales at the fairgrounds.
Councilwoman Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, enthusiastically backed the proposal. She asked her colleagues: "When are we going to take action?"
"There does need to be more restrictions. I don't understand why we sell those guns. They kill multiple people in a very short time," Cid said.
But Council President Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, said that while he's sympathetic to Brown's position, he insisted a ban on AR-15 sales at the fairgrounds isn't something that can be rushed through, given the lawsuit almost certain to follow and the fact the county's three-member Board of Commissioners control how the fairgrounds are used.
In response, Brown said: "The hell with all that gobbledygook about what the current law says. Let us hear from the people in this county as to whether they want us to keep this on the front burner, so we will not be losing more lives unnecessarily."
Commissioner Mike Repay, D-Hammond, said afterward he's interested in learning exactly what the county can do in terms of regulating or limiting how entities leasing space at the fairgrounds use that space, especially since the AR-15 is a legal product.
"I have asked people to investigate what we can do within the law, and the Constitution, in order to do better by our taxpayers. I think Charlie has good points. But I don't have an answer at this point. I think it is an issue worth investigating, but I don't know what the answer would be," Repay said.
He said the commissioners potentially could ban the sale of all products at the fairgrounds.
While Repay acknowledged the county likely would lose rental revenue if it went down that road, it would put an end to AR-15 sales without necessarily seeming to target gun sales.
Another option might be to require fairgrounds vendors have a physical retail location in Lake County or Northwest Indiana, Repay said.
That way, he said the county isn't allowing existing businesses that sell guns, or any other product, and also hire local workers and pay property taxes, to potentially be undercut by transient competition operating at the fairgrounds.
"If we were to find a solution, I'd want it to be a good one that can withstand any sort of judicial test," Repay said. "I'm not against guns. I own a lot of guns. No AR-15s. And I bought a couple at the gun show."
The two-day gun shows at the Lake County Fairgrounds are organized by a company called Central Indiana Gun Shows. Vendors pay $50 for an eight-foot display table and electricity is included.
Daniel Hedger, of Richmond, Indiana, is owner of Central Indiana Gun Shows. He said when contacted by The Times it was the first he's heard of the idea to potentially ban AR-15 sales at his Crown Point show.
"I don't know where they even came up with that one," Hedger said. "I don't know that you could legally do it. I would have to talk to my attorney."
Hedger pointed out the AR-15 is a specific rifle made by Colt's Manufacturing Company. But he said there are probably 200 or so similar rifles produced by other manufacturers that aren't specifically AR-15s and still potentially would be eligible for sale even if the county blocks vendors from offering AR-15s at the fairgrounds.
"Personally, I don't like an AR. I never have cared for that rifle, to be honest with you. But I don't think you can label it," Hedger said.
He acknowledged there always are ARs available for purchase at Crown Point gun shows, including the next one at the fairgrounds July 2-3.
"There's everything from hunting rifles to bolt-actions to law enforcement carry to stun guns, you name it," he said.
"Most of the guns you see used in crimes were bought from dealers. The paperwork was done legally. Most of them don't come from gun shows, they come from gun shops, or they're stolen in crimes," Hedger said.
Hedger also suggested more people are killed by medical malpractice, drunken driving and even blunt force trauma from hammers than from guns, and no one is suggesting a ban on selling the vehicle used most often in fatal drunk driving crashes.
"Politicians go after stuff that makes them feel good, that makes them look good to the public," Hedger said. "You can stack laws on the books all day long. Criminals are going to violate the law."
He said that if officials want to ban anything they should consider banning social media because criminals are using Facebook and Snapchat and Instagram to hone their techniques and connect with others similarly inclined to engage in mayhem.
"People can feed into your ego. They can feed into your rage. It gives crazy people more fuel for their fire to do something stupid," Hedger said.
The next Lake County Council meeting is scheduled for July 12 at the Government Center in Crown Point.
Guns are not allowed in the building because it also is a courthouse.
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
Gallery: Organizers protest outside gun show in Crown Point
The commission operates under a policy known as "One County, One Protocol," meaning that they have all the schools operate under the same policies to keep schools safe.
Three variations of the AR-15 rifle are shown. Lake County officials are beginning to consider whether to ban the sale of AR-15s at gun shows held at the county fairgrounds in Crown Point following several recent school shootings where the perpetrator used an AR-15.
Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, wears a face mask at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point featuring his cartoon doppelganger, Charlie Brown. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lake-county-eyes-ban-on-ar-15-sales-at-fairgrounds-gun-shows/article_13879cd1-1e05-5e80-b0fc-ca04157f31ec.html | 2022-06-16T13:36:34 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lake-county-eyes-ban-on-ar-15-sales-at-fairgrounds-gun-shows/article_13879cd1-1e05-5e80-b0fc-ca04157f31ec.html |
GARY — The bright white coach bus was starkly contrasted by the crumbling former cement plant it drove through. A crew of Gary residents and local business and political leaders peered out of the bus, taking in the abandoned structures, long overrun with trees and tall grasses.
The group had gathered at the Buffington Harbor site for a tour of the former Lehigh Portland Cement Co. site, land that a California-based bioenergy company hopes to use for a new kind of plant — one that would convert municipal waste into jet fuel.
Fulcrum Bioenergy first approached the city about constructing the Gary Centerpoint BioFuels Plant in 2018. Both the pandemic and Fulcrum's efforts to complete its first waste-to-fuel plant, located outside Reno, Nevada, delayed the Gary project.
After ample discussion, the Gary Common Council approved Fulcrum's development agreement in November 2021. Since then, Fulcrum has been working to obtain all the necessary permits and has held numerous public meetings updating the community on the project — though many residents still have questions.
People are also reading…
Project update
In the fall, the group Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, or GARD, formed in opposition to the project. One of GARD's top concerns is that Gary will serve as a guinea pig for the relatively new field of waste-to-jet fuel production.
About 50 people gathered at the Gary ArtHouse to hear a presentation from Fulcrum before the bus tour. Outside the ArtHouse, about 15 protestors braved the hot weather, handing out pamphlets to attendees and toting signs that read "Why sacrifice our lake for jet fuel?"
The group also planted green yard signs that read "No Fulcrum pollution."
"I have a sign in my yard in Merrillville because the pollution is not going to just drop when it gets to 51st St.,” Darian Collins, political action chair for the Gary NAACP said.
Kimmie Gordon, of GARD, said she would like to see a hazard analysis completed for the Reno plant as well as emission data. However, the Reno location is also just getting started.
Completed at the end of last summer, the Sierra BioFuels Plant outside Reno produced its first batch of synthesis gas, or syngas, in May. GARD's worry is that no actual jet fuel has been created.
The waste-to-jet fuel process begins, unsurprisingly, at the dump. Trucks coming from landfills holding Chicago municipal waste would then bring the trash to one of two facilities where it will be processed into "feedstock," Flyn van Ewijk, director of project development for Fulcrum explained. Feedstock is a shredded material made from waste high in carbon such as paper, timber and plastic. Any metal, glass or rock found in the municipal waste will be removed and taken to a recycling center or landfill.
Though the feedstock will likely be about 30% plastic, Ewijk explained plastic is only included because "household trash includes plastic." Fulcrum has repeatedly emphasized that no garbage will be processed in Gary.
Though the company has not finalized any locations, Ewijk said the two feedstock processing facilities will likely be on the West Side of Chicago and elsewhere in Indiana.
Every day some 100-120 trucks will ferry the feedstock from the facilities into Gary. Once at the biorefinery, the feedstock is “broken down” using heat, a process that converts the feedstock into syngas gas. The gas is converted into a crude oil substitute. Before being sold, the fuel would be transported to a refinery to be blended with traditional jet fuel.
Now that syngas has been produced, actual jet fuel will likely come out of the Reno plant in "the coming months," Ewijk said.
Situated just south of the former Majestic Star Casino, the Fulcrum plant would sit on 75 acres of land — exactly three times larger than the Reno facility.
If completed on schedule, the Gary location would be the largest commercial waste-to-fuel plant in the country, Ewijk said. Fulcrum estimated that once operational, the plant would produce 31 million gallons of fuel per year while diverting 700,000 tons of waste from landfills annually.
Permits and pollution
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management held a public hearing for Fulcrum's pending air quality permit at the end of April. About 20 people spoke throughout the evening, most opposing the project.
Representatives from GARD spoke at the hearing, asking that the emissions from the trucks be accounted for in Fulcrum's air permit and that Fulcrum complete an environmental justice screening.
State Reps. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, Vernon Smith, D-Gary, and Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, and state Sen. Eddie Melton also signed a letter voicing their opposition to the plant.
“There will be pollution, there is no doubt about that. The question is what level (of pollution)?” Longtime Gary resident Paul Kaczocha said as he stood outside the Gary ArtHouse during Wednesday's protest.
Fulcrum may explore non-diesel trucks, Ewijk said, adding that the truck traffic would be limited to I-65, I-80/94, Cline Avenue and Buffington Harbor Drive.
Because the project is not a large-scale federal building, Fulcrum is not required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment. However, the company did have to submit a list of estimated emissions as a part of the air quality permit.
According to the air quality permit, the biorefinery would emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, though Fulcrums' estimated levels are all under the Major Source Thresholds allowed in Lake County.
Ewijk said Fulcrum "would have no interface with Lake Michigan." All of the plant's wastewater will be pretreated onsite and then discharged into a dedicated sewer before it goes to the Gary Sanitary District for final treatment. Fulcrum would then use recycled sanitary district water.
Attracting the 'green energy economy'
Fulcrum's website calls the company "truly sustainable." Alain Castro, Fulcrum's vice president of development, said turning waste into jet fuel addresses three environmental issues: the pile-up of trash in landfills, the emissions from those landfills and emissions from jets.
"I think anyone in this room would agree that we have a global waste problem. According to the EPA stats, every single person in this room, on average produces almost five pounds of trash a day, ... and that's growing as our population grows," Castro said. "We are preventing the of accumulation of waste in landfills, we are reducing the amount of air emissions in those landfills, ... and we are enabling airlines to fly on sustainable jet fuel."
Fulcrum has touted the 1,000 part-time construction jobs the $600 million facility will require. The plant will also create 130 full-time jobs, paying an average wage of $30 an hour.
The Indiana Finance Authority awarded Fulcrum $500 million in volume cap for financing. Fulcrum boasts a number of big-name equity investors including United Airlines and BP.
As part of the development agreement, Fulcrum will provide Gary with $10 million in TIF bond proceeds that will go towards the Gary Redevelopment Commission for the demolition of abandoned buildings.
The company has also met with Ivy Tech Community College to discuss technical skills training programs to ensure jobs go to Region residents.
"Once you invite us, a company from the green energy economy into this town, not only can we generate jobs, not only can we contribute to education here in Gary, but you're going to find that there is a legion of other companies in the green energy economy that are going to be following us here," Castro said adding that Fulcrum can "help convert Gary into a hub of green energy activity."
Mayor Jerome Prince said his administration fully supports the project, adding that "we understand that a project of this magnitude and the successful completion of it can go a long way to dispel some of the perceptions about doing business in Gary."
Currently, Fulcrum is designing the engineering for the project, work that will likely be completed at the end of 2022. Construction is expected to take two years, with the plant becoming commercially operational in 2025 or 2026.
As both the Gary and the Reno locations progress, those that oppose the project said they hope to see more concrete data on emission levels, pollution risks and the overall economic viability of converting waste to jet fuel.
“Are we about to throw our lakefront and our people under the bus for a quick dollar again?” GARD member Jennie Rudderham asked before getting on the tour bus. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/watch-now-community-members-tour-gary-location-selected-for-planned-waste-to-fuel-plant/article_d64af53a-5e24-518c-ab9f-ff234169244a.html | 2022-06-16T13:36:40 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/watch-now-community-members-tour-gary-location-selected-for-planned-waste-to-fuel-plant/article_d64af53a-5e24-518c-ab9f-ff234169244a.html |
On Thursday, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022), legislation led by Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 384 to 37.
This legislation provides for improvements to Oregon and the nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure under the authority of the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
“One of my top priorities in Congress has been ensuring we are making the right investments to help Oregon’s waterways and ecosystems thrive,” said Rep. DeFazio “The Water Resources Development Act of 2022—the largest and most ambitious WRDA bill to date—demonstrates that when Congress works together, it can pass legislation on a bipartisan basis that benefits communities across the country. This important legislation we advanced today will help unleash the full potential of Oregon’s ports and harbors, protect our communities and environment, sustain good-paying jobs, and provide critical authorizations and improvements to Corps projects. WRDA 2022 helps provide much needed investment in ports, harbors, and inland waterways—easing supply chain problems—as well as flood mitigation infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration in both urban and rural communities alike. The bill also directs the Corps to carry out these projects in an economically and environmentally responsible manner, with an added emphasis on coordinating with state, local, and Tribal partners to execute projects equitably. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can send a final bill to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”
WRDA 2022 includes numerous provisions that benefit Oregon including:
Directing the Corps to repair and maintain jetties and breakwaters to a standard that would make them resilient to the effects of climate change such as rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather.
Requiring the Corps to study the availability of public and private dredging across the country and recommend increasing federal resources if necessary.
Clarifying the authority of the Corps to manage flood control operations including compensation to Canada related to the Columbia River Basin, in the event that the Columbia River Treaty expires in 2024.
Authorizing the Corps to provide assistance to Oregon State University to conduct a study on the associated impacts of wildfire on water resource ecology, supply, quality, and distribution in the Willamette River Basin.
Allowing ports (or any public entity) to contribute funds in order to speed up Corps’ reviews of proposals for mitigation banks.
Improving the Planning Assistance to States program by increasing outreach and community engagement and awareness of Corps authorities and providing more projects at full-federal expense in environmental justice communities.
Authorizing $2 million for wastewater infrastructure in the City of Brookings and the Port of Brookings Harbor.
Authorizing $6 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in the City of Monroe.
Authorizing $25 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in Lane County.
Authorizing $50 million for water related environmental infrastructure in Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Linn, and Josephine Counties. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/defazio-led-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act-passes-house/article_dfafe1d0-ea99-11ec-b570-331286b5c8ba.html | 2022-06-16T13:37:26 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/defazio-led-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act-passes-house/article_dfafe1d0-ea99-11ec-b570-331286b5c8ba.html |
People with rare diseases frequently wait years for a proper diagnosis, have to travel long distances for specialty care and face high out-of-pocket health care expenses, a recent Oregon State University study found.
Impact
This combination of challenges in accessing appropriate medical care leads to poor health-related quality of life, low patient satisfaction and high levels of anxiety, depression and stigma, the study concluded.
A major factor in addressing these challenges is the ongoing education of medical professionals, said Kathleen Bogart, one of the lead authors and an associate professor of psychology at OSU.
“A really important area of intervention is ensuring that health care providers have a general knowledge of rare diseases,” Bogart said. “We’re not expecting them to know all 7,000 of them, but we’re expecting them to know some of what the clues are that you’re not dealing with a prevalent condition or a condition that’s easily diagnosed.”
If a doctor sees a patient who has been seeking a diagnosis for years with no success, that ought to trigger a different approach, she said — rather than the doctor sending the patient home with the conclusion that nothing can be done to help them.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a disease qualifies as “rare” if there are fewer than 200,000 cases of it in the U.S. The NIH lists approximately 7,000 diseases that meet this qualification, and though each disease is rare on its own, in total they affect approximately 1 in 10 Americans.
The study
For the study, researchers surveyed 1,128 patients with rare diseases and parents of children with rare diseases from across the country. Participants answered questions about their process of receiving a diagnosis, how informed they felt their medical providers were, their own knowledge about their disease, their insurance coverage, whether they felt adequately supported in their daily lives and what kind of stigma they experienced.
Researchers also included a questionnaire to assess patients’ health-related quality of life, asking about physical function, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep, pain and ability to participate in daily activities.
Time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was one of the most striking results: 16% of people waited 10 or more years to get an accurate diagnosis, while 17% waited between four and nine years.
Participants also reported having to see multiple providers to secure that diagnosis:
⦁ 38% saw two or three providers.
⦁ 24% saw four or five providers.
⦁ 5% saw more than 15 providers before being diagnosed.
Nearly half reported traveling more than 60 miles to receive care for their rare disease.
Patients generally had much lower ratings for their initial provider than for the provider who was able to correctly diagnose them, often reporting that they didn’t feel their initial provider was willing to research different possible diseases or to ask other providers for help in diagnosing.
The study also asked patients about access to dental and mental health care. While most respondents felt their medical support was sufficient after receiving a diagnosis, they reported insufficient dental and mental health support. Rare diseases often require specialized dental care that is difficult to find; and mental health providers rarely receive training on rare diseases, Bogart said.
The study began as a collaboration with the Minnesota State Chloe Barnes Advisory Council on Rare Diseases, which was established to work on legislative policies addressing factors like insurance coverage and provider education.
Next steps
Bogart said he hopes to see more states creating rare disease councils, including Oregon. The council is working to learn more about the biggest challenges facing patients with rare diseases, along with building resources for providers to help guide them through rare diagnoses.
Molly Rosbach works at the OSU Department of Marketing and Research. She may be reached at molly.rosbach@oregonstate.edu. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/people-with-rare-diseases-have-poor-health-related-quality-of-life-osu-study-finds/article_e20c5a7a-ea9a-11ec-bd88-bf5c489afe9f.html | 2022-06-16T13:37:27 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/people-with-rare-diseases-have-poor-health-related-quality-of-life-osu-study-finds/article_e20c5a7a-ea9a-11ec-bd88-bf5c489afe9f.html |
The police blotter is a public record of incidents as reported by law-enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty. The information printed is preliminary and subject to change.
Tuesday, 6/7/2022:
North Bend
10:44 pm, 2100 block of Marion Avenue, loud subject/criminal trespass. A 30 year old male was charged with criminal trespass II, criminal mischief III, resisting arrest, harassment, aggravated harassment, and attempted aggravated harassment. Subject transported to Coos County jail.
Coos Bay
1:03 am, 2000 block of Newmark Avenue, suspicious person/warrant service. A 40 year old male was cited on a Florence Police Department Muni warrant and a Douglas County Sheriff Office warrant.
5:03 pm, 1200 block of Newmark Avenue, theft of bike.
6:32 pm, 700 block of Prefontaine Drive, unlawful entry into motor vehicle and theft.
7:02 pm, 100 block of S Main, warrant service. A 37 year old male was cited on a Coos Bay Police Department warrant.
Coquille
6:14 pm, 100 N Birch Street, criminal trespass.
10:37 pm, Central and 2nd, traffic stop. A 25 year old male was cited for driving while suspended.
11:53 pm, 100 block of N Johnson Street, fight.
Reedsport
3:15 pm, 1000 block of Scott Terrace, animal problem.
6:10 pm, 700 block of Greenwood Avenue, liquor law violation.
11:40 pm, 2600 block of Frontage Road, juvenile problem.
Wednesday, 6/8/2022:
North Bend
10:30 am, State Street, theft of playground equipment.
10:30 am, 1800 block of McPherson Avenue, theft of vehicle part.
7:27 pm, 3200 block of Tremont Avenue, theft on the gaming floor.
Coos Bay
1:44 am, 700 block of S Broadway Street, theft from vehicle.
8:26 am, 1200 block of Embarcadero Circle, unlawful entry into motor vehicle and theft.
4:59 pm, 100 block of Hall Avenue, criminal trespass/warrant service. Officer served three valid Coos Bay Police Department warrants on a male subject.
8:10 pm, 1700 block of Idaho Drive, homicide.
9:17 pm, 1000 block of Evans Boulevard, criminal trespass/assault. A 44 year old female was cited for criminal trespass II.
Coquille
11:48 am, 5th Street Park, caller was verbally attacked by another parent at the park.
Reedsport
1:32 am, NAPA Auto Part, theft.
1:36 am, 5900 block of Lower Smith River Road, disturbance.
3:33 pm, 800 block of Crestview Drive, animal problem.
10:32 pm, 2600 block of Frontage Road, juvenile problem.
Thursday, 6/9/2022:
North Bend
4:44 am, 3200 block of Tremont Avenue, animal abuse.
5:15 am, Virginia Avenue, criminal trespass/warrant service. North Bend Police Department served Coos Bay and North Bend Police Department warrants. A 27 year old male was cited.
2:59 pm, 700 block of Tower, tree down.
11:28 pm, 1500 block of Sherman Avenue, warrant service. A 44 year old male was transported to Coos County jail.
Coos Bay
12:44 am, 900 block of Augustine Street, prowler. Someone in the window at location.
8:29 am, 600 block of H Street, theft from vehicle.
12:38 pm, Market and Bayshore, indecent exposure.
2:28 pm, 200 block of 2nd Avenue, minor in possession of marijuana.
5:22 200 block of Central Avenue, unlawful entry into motor vehicle.
7:13 pm, 100 block of Hall Avenue, criminal trespass. A 58 year old female was cited for criminal trespass II and false information.
Coquille
7:26 am, 600 W Central Boulevard, civil problem.
9:01 100 block of Woodridge Road, neighbor dispute.
10:43 pm, 1200 block N Dean Street, burglary. Subject kicked in her door and stole bike.
Reedsport
12:17 am, 2600 block of Frontage Road, trespassing.
2:06 am, 2600 block of Frontage Road, trespassing.
2:46 am, 400 block of N 10th Street, domestic disturbance.
2:12 pm, 3rd Street and Winchester, animal problem.
2:16 pm, 1300 block of Highway Avenue, theft.
6:26 pm, 600 block of S 22nd Street, burglary. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/the-world-police-blotter/article_7f4717c6-ea9b-11ec-bfef-f7520c95ee9e.html | 2022-06-16T13:37:28 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/the-world-police-blotter/article_7f4717c6-ea9b-11ec-bfef-f7520c95ee9e.html |
ODESSA, Texas — Residents of the West Texas city of Odessa improvised emergency water supplies after a water system outage left them high and dry for days amid scorching heat, even as utility crews scrambled Wednesday to restore normal service.
The city said taps in 165,000 homes and businesses lost pressure or went completely dry after a 24-inch (61-centimeter) main broke Monday afternoon. Odessa's water treatment plant was back online by about 8 a.m. Wednesday, but a “recharging” process was taking place during which workers slowly add water back into the system to ensure there are no more leaks.
“I want to assure you that we’re utilizing every resource at our disposal to ensure that we get this community back to the way it was before this massive line break,” City Manager Michael Marrero said in a Facebook video posted Wednesday afternoon.
Public Works Director Thomas Kerr said a small leak had been detected Wednesday afternoon, which he described as manageable. He said he hoped the system would be fully recharged by Thursday but added that residents should continue to boil their tap water to kill any bacteria before consuming it. The boil-water notice was likely to continue until Friday, he said.
Temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in Odessa Wednesday as Texas and much of the United States faced extremely hot and humid conditions. And while the city typically sees hot weather in June, the timing of the break made dealing with this week’s heat more difficult.
Resident Nikki Friday told The Associated Press that the city was providing bottled drinking water and that people with wells were offering neighbors water from hoses. She also said tanker trucks had been parked around town to fill buckets with water.
"Drinking water has not been an issue,” Friday said. “We just need water to return to our daily lives and within the community.”
Lifelong Odessa resident Lynda Wright said water service had not been lost across the city in the more than five decades that she has lived there. She said she picked up water and ice from Midland, a 15-minute drive from her home.
Wright said she had drinkable water stored in jugs for washing hands and brushing teeth, and that her family hooked her house up to a well on her property to provide water to flush toilets.
“We just dropped a hose in the (water) line,” she said.
Wright said she noticed water began running again around noon but that the pressure did not immediately return to regular strength.
The city, which is located about 330 miles (530 kilometers) west of Dallas, planned to distribute water to residents at Ector County Coliseum as well as deliver water to nursing homes. Water tankers were placed strategically around the city to respond to any fires, said Deputy City Manager Phillip Urrutia.
“It’s an aging infrastructure that we’re seeing. It’s a cast iron pipe, and so those are typically more susceptible to breaks than other new technologies like PVC pipe that’s going in the ground,” he said.
Wright said the city must act to prevent another water emergency.
“I just hope that they kind of learned we need to get in there, we need to check these lines and repair those that show signs of age and wear and tear,” she said. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/odessa-water-outage-west-texas-residents-improvise-as-city-rushes-to-turn-water-back-on/287-e161d599-bc86-4680-94b6-522f858df71d | 2022-06-16T13:50:19 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/odessa-water-outage-west-texas-residents-improvise-as-city-rushes-to-turn-water-back-on/287-e161d599-bc86-4680-94b6-522f858df71d |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Odessa Water Emergency
Ford Recall
Opal's Walk for Freedom
Fauci Positive for COVID
Bye-Bye Internet Explorer
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/first-responders-across-dallas-fort-worth-must-adapt-to-rising-gas-prices/2993830/ | 2022-06-16T14:00:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/first-responders-across-dallas-fort-worth-must-adapt-to-rising-gas-prices/2993830/ |
With the seemingly never-ending emergencies that they respond to, local first responder organizations know all too well how the price of gasoline can affect the bottom line.
Dallas County is fortunate it signed a long-term fuel contract last summer to service its fleet of 900 vehicles for 28 county agencies, including the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. That contract locked in a fuel price that is now well below the average price per gallon.
The county signed a three-year contract with a vendor in which it agreed to purchase fuel, including approximately 600 thousand gallons of unleaded gasoline, for a little more than $2.4 million. That contract locked the price per gallon that Dallas County pays at about $1.92.
By comparison, AAA Texas reports on Thursday that the statewide average of unleaded gasoline is $4.69 a gallon.
In Tarrant County, MedStar Mobile Healthcare, which is the ambulance service for Fort Worth and 14 other member cities, has seen a huge increase in its monthly fuel expense.
MedStar has an agreement to purchase all its fuel from QuikTrip in exchange for a discount on gasoline.
But even with that discount, fuel costs are skyrocketing for the ambulance service.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
MedStar spent more than $96,000 on gasoline in May of last year. By comparison, this May it spent nearly $230,000, according to Matt Zavadsky, MedStar’s Chief Strategic Integration Officer.
“We don’t have the option of not using fuel," Zavadsky said. "We respond to 500 or 600 911 calls a day, and it’s not like we can just stop going to calls. We have to go."
MedStar has been able to cover the increased fuel cost using reserve funding, according to Zavadsky, but that will not be a long-term solution to the current problem.
“We are sort of benefiting from the fact that we have reserves,” Zavadsky said. “But there are organizations that do not have that, and have to make a decision about, ‘Hey, it is a low acuity 911 call, maybe we don’t go to this one [and] we tell the person to get themselves to the hospital.’ It’s not something that anybody wants to have to do, but if you cannot do it any other way that might have to be part of the mitigation strategy.”
Chief Jimmy Perdue is the chief of the North Richland Hills Police Department, and the current President of the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
Chief Perdue confirmed that police departments across the state, and beyond, will have a difficult budget process in the months and years to come specifically because of the rising price of gasoline.
“There is not a price where we stop responding to calls,” Chief Perdue said. “[But] w will all have to do a budget adjustment for next year. If you have an increase in 30 to 40% in fuel costs, that money has to come from somewhere.”
“We look at it all the time. Every time we are having a budget meeting, we are tracking it,” Chief Perdue said about his department’s fuel costs. “We hope that it is manageable this year. If it comes to it, we will have to look at cutting back expenses next year.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rising-gas-prices-affect-north-texas-first-responders/2993855/ | 2022-06-16T14:01:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rising-gas-prices-affect-north-texas-first-responders/2993855/ |
Is higher pay, earlier retirement in the cards for Daytona police and firefighters?
DAYTONA BEACH — Three months ago, Police Chief Jakari Young was frustrated with his struggle to hire and retain police officers. He's authorized to have 240 officers, but he's been hovering around 200.
It's been a challenge for bosses nationwide the past few years, but being short-staffed at a police department can be especially alarming. So City Manager Deric Feacher and Mayor Derrick Henry agreed to accept Young's challenge to brainstorm ways to help within 90 days.
At Wednesday night's City Commission meeting, a day before their deadline, Feacher, Henry and city Human Resources Director James Sexton revealed what they came up with: Raises and a chance to retire five years earlier with a full pension.
City commissioners won't vote on the proposal until next month, but they appear to be on board with the ideas.
"I want to say thank you for recognizing this issue and correcting it," Young told the mayor and city manager. "I have over 200 police officers right now that are very excited about the future of this police department."
There's also good news for Daytona Beach firefighters. There's a pending offer on the table to allow firefighters to retire with full benefits after 20 years instead of the current 25 years, the same change offered to the city's police force. There's also no minimum age required to retire in the proposals for both departments, a departure from current policy.
The 25-year threshold for retirement has been in place since 2014, but Sexton said it hasn't been "competitive" with other police and fire departments.
What's it like on Daytona's Seabreeze Blvd. at night?:Seabreeze after dark: A Friday night party on the Daytona Beach street can turn into mayhem
Daytona officials tackle challenges on beachside:Daytona city officials tour beachside in new effort to revitalize Main Street and Seabreeze areas
Daytona biker events to expand:More of Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. will have outdoor vendors, bands during biker events
The fire department's union and city staff have also negotiated a proposal to raise the starting pay of new firefighters from $13.46 per hour to $15 per hour. By October beginning firefighters could be making $15.45 per hour.
Union members will have to ratify the offers, and if they accept city commissioners can cast their votes at their first meeting in July. The changes could go into effect next month.
More pay during raucous events
There's also a proposal to pay police officers more to work outside detail at nightclubs and bars. Daytona Beach officers currently make $40 per hour to work those details.
The new proposal calls for raising that hourly wage to $60 for officers and $63 for their supervisors. Under the proposal that would jump to $80 for officers and $83 for sergeants and lieutenants at bars in the city's core tourist area on the beachside from March 1 through April 30, and during Biketoberfest in the fall.
Bar owners pay to have police helping on and near their property, and they would give the city an extra $5 per hour for each rate as an administrative fee.
With a three-hour minimum built into the proposal, that would mean bar owners would pay each police officer they hire at least $195 per night for shifts outside special event seasons and at least $255 during special events. Their supervisors would make at least $204 or $264 depending on the time of year.
The new rates could take effect as early as July 7.
"We were having a hard time filling those details," Sexton told commissioners. "At 3 a.m. it's chaos now at some of those places."
To help pare some of that chaos, commissioners decided this year to push bar closing time back to 2 a.m. That change went into effect June 1.
Competing with other police departments
Police had already been given 3%-4% raises as part of their two-year union contract that began Oct. 1 last year. But other area police departments also gave raises, which didn't give Daytona Beach a competitive advantage.
So Sexton said for the first time in his career he re-opened negotiations on a settled contract. He felt it was needed with the city down 40 police officers and some Daytona officers questioning if they would be better off working in a quieter city for the same pay or even more.
The result is a proposal to give officers a $3 per hour raise across the board. Only Young is excluded from that raise.
"We want to be the lead dog," Sexton said.
Starting pay for Daytona officers is currently $20.58 per hour. Under the proposal that would rise to $23.58.
Pay ranges in the department are also suggested to increase by 3%.
If city commissioners adopt all of the recommendations, starting Oct. 1 the base rate of pay for a starting officer would be $50,537.
"It's a solid plan that's going to keep the officers here and allow the chief and his crew to recruit talented people," Sexton said.
Feacher feels he, Sexton and Henry rose to the challenge of Young's request.
"I think it exceeded their expectations," Feacher said. "We want to make sure we get the best in our agency."
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/16/daytona-beach-considering-higher-pay-to-retain-police-and-firefighters/7643695001/ | 2022-06-16T14:13:54 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/16/daytona-beach-considering-higher-pay-to-retain-police-and-firefighters/7643695001/ |
Daytona officials host kid-friendly day of fun while removing barriers between residents and officers
DAYTONA BEACH — Since finding fun activities for kids during the summer months can be challenging for some families, city officials decided to bring the activities to nearby neighborhoods.
“Each city I have served, I wanted to take camps to the people,” said Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher. “Often individuals could not either afford or have the transportation to go to one of our sites. Therefore, ‘Summer Fun on the Run’ is making a splash in Daytona Beach. Your ability to pay should not limit your ability to have access to our programming. I am pleased our leisure service teammates have committed to bringing the fun to our community.”
The free and family-friendly festivities were held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Daytona Gardens Apartments located at the 600 block of Jean Street.
Kids enjoyed a number of fun activities including painting a cop car, playing tug-of-war with a K-9 named Allen, making slime, playing in a bouncy house as well as learning how to wield a fire hose. A Kona Ice truck was there to combat the heat and kids were given free hotdogs.
Related Coverage: Daytona Beach Juneteenth festivities return after being halted by COVID
Daytona Beach catering couple competes on Food Network's 'The Great Food Truck Race'
Daytona Beach Police Chief, Jakari Young said two more events will be scheduled at a later date.
“This was the city manager's idea,” said Young. “He came up with the concept to bring all the different city departments together and engage in the community for some fun activities. A lot of people can’t afford $300 a week for a summer camp. So why not as a city bring the summer camp to them?”
Young said this is an opportunity for officers and residents to engage in a more relaxed environment.
“We’ve been doing the ‘Paint a Cop Car’ for a couple of years at different events,” said Young. “We allow them to use washable paint and just do their thing on the police car. At the end of the day it washes off. We don’t want them to be afraid of the police car. It’s all about breaking down barriers and letting them know we’re the good guys.”
Young said breaking down the barriers between residents and law enforcement is critical.
“It's critically important especially in a Black and brown community,” said Young. “There’s a stigma attached to law enforcement right now that we’re the bad guys. We want to be seen when there’s nothing going on. If the only time they (kids) see us is when we're coming out here to take somebody to jail, then we're failing. And that's why that stigma exists because the only time they see us is when something bad has happened. When they (kids) see the police car, they know somebody's going to jail. We don't want that. So that's why it's important for us to be out here.”
Shaquayla Harris, mother of three, said there should be more kid-friendly events made available.
“There’s nothing to do during the summer for the kids,” said Harris. “I really hope that they continue to have events like this.”
Tietianna Bragg, also a mother of three, said her kids were really enjoying the event.
“They should do more events like this,” said Bragg. “They don't even have a playground down here in the 600 block where we live. So I mean, there's not much out here for the kids to do. Everybody's bringing their kids because it's the first time that they’ve done something for the kids like this, which is nice, but we need more of it.”
Erica Van Buren covers general assignment and Ormond Beach government for The Daytona Beach News-Journal and USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@News-Jrnl.com or on Twitter: @EricaVanBuren32 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/16/daytona-beach-officials-host-kid-friendly-summer-day-fun/7636365001/ | 2022-06-16T14:14:00 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/06/16/daytona-beach-officials-host-kid-friendly-summer-day-fun/7636365001/ |
Cass over I-94 in Detroit to close until July for bridge repairs
Charles E. Ramirez
The Detroit News
Detroit — State officials said they are closing Cass Avenue over Interstate 94 to make repairs to pavement on the bridge.
The Michigan Department of Transportation said it decided to close the overpass to traffic after a recent inspection revealed the need for the repairs. It expects the repairs to be completed in late July.
While the bridge is closed, traffic on Cass between Palmer and Antoinette will be detoured to Woodward.
Officials said the bridge was built in 1955 and has never been replaced. Removal and replacement of the overpass is scheduled to begin early next year. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/06/16/cass-over-94-detroit-close-until-july-bridge-repairs/7645419001/ | 2022-06-16T14:32:48 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/06/16/cass-over-94-detroit-close-until-july-bridge-repairs/7645419001/ |
SAN DIEGO — Caltrans has installed new ‘Advanced Detection & Notification Systems’ for wrong way drivers on three I-5 off-ramps in San Ysidro.
CBS 8 was given a inside look at a wrong way driver simulation on the Camino de la Plaza I-5 off-ramp near the U.S./Mexico border, as Caltrans calibrated the new infrared thermal detection system.
“When a wrong way driver drives through and breaches through an exit ramp, the LED-bordered signs will be activated and that’ll indicate that they’re going the wrong way,” said Erwin Gojuangco, District Chief of Traffic Safety & Operations for Caltrans. “It’s detected with that infrared thermal detection system, so once it’s detected, it activates a notification system.”
A message is then sent to their Transportation Management Center, notifying Caltrans and California Highway Patrol about the wrong way driver.
“They will get a message that there has been a wrong way event that occurred and then it sends out imagery of what the video captured, vehicles going the wrong way,” said Gojuangco.
These specialized detection systems have been installed at three I-5 exit ramps near the border including Camino de la Plaza, Via de San Ysidro, and Dairy Mart Road.
Two more are planned for Sea World Drive and Interstate-8, and a few more will be installed in North County.
“Those are being applied at specific ramps that are the most problematic and where we experience a high number of wrong way crashes,” said Gojuangco.
As part of a larger campaign, Caltrans allocated nearly $9 million toward prevention upgrades on highway ramps throughout San Diego County including enhanced wrong way signage and red, reflective pavement markers visible to drivers going the wrong way.
“With wrong way driving, when these crashes do occur, they’re very tragic. They’re going at high speeds, so you can see that can lead to devastating impacts,” said Gojuangco. “If we can employ any type of counter-measures to help prevent that, that would be the hope, right?”
In California, an average of 37 people are killed each year in wrong way crashes according to AAA.
For more information on the CALTRANS Wrong Way Driver Prevention Campaign in San Diego County, you can visit their website HERE.
WATCH RELATED: Here’s what it will cost for a family of 4 at the San Diego County Fair (June 2022) | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/new-infrared-thermal-detection-systems-installed-caltrans-for-wrong-way-drivers/509-8dbc327e-980e-4b7d-8847-9e48da07285b | 2022-06-16T14:43:27 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/new-infrared-thermal-detection-systems-installed-caltrans-for-wrong-way-drivers/509-8dbc327e-980e-4b7d-8847-9e48da07285b |
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — One person died after a shooting in North Sacramento on Wednesday night, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
The shooting happened near Ponderosa Lane and Lindley Drive, which is near North Del Rio School Park. Around 10:20 p.m. Officers responded to the area for reports of a man who was shot. The man was taken to a local hospital where he later died.
The police department's homicide detectives and CSI Investigators are investigating the shooting as a homicide and advise drivers to avoid the area.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-deadly-shooting-investigation/103-d5989ac4-5572-462d-ab4b-359488851055 | 2022-06-16T14:43:33 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-deadly-shooting-investigation/103-d5989ac4-5572-462d-ab4b-359488851055 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif — Part of Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento is closed until noon on Thursday because of a fallen power line, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
Stockton Boulevard between Roosevelt Avenue and 20th Avenue will be closed until noon. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes.
There are no major power outages being reported in the area as of 6:30 a.m., according to the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District's outage map.
Traffic Map
For real-time traffic updates, view the Waze map below.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-stockton-bouvelvard-closed-fallen-power-line/103-cdf9474b-3258-4a60-9fac-4ec31d77a3fd | 2022-06-16T14:43:39 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-stockton-bouvelvard-closed-fallen-power-line/103-cdf9474b-3258-4a60-9fac-4ec31d77a3fd |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Grab your lawn chair and concert best, because the Pacific Northwest is gaining a new outdoor concert venue and music series.
McMenamins announced its Grand Lodge in Forest Grove will host concerts starting Thursday.
Kohr Harlan spoke with the venue’s music director for a sneak peek of the summer fun. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/kohr-explores-mcmenamins-launches-new-outdoor-concert-venue/ | 2022-06-16T14:45:20 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/kohr-explores-mcmenamins-launches-new-outdoor-concert-venue/ |
PHOENIX – Doctors, nurses and other health care workers across the country have reached crisis levels of burnout, prompting the U.S. surgeon general to urge employers to review workloads and take further steps to address well-being.
Health care burnout isn’t a new phenomenon, but it is escalating. The National Academy of Medicine found that even before the pandemic, burnout affected 35% to 54% of nurses and physicians, while 45% to 60% of medical students reported symptoms.
COVID-19 made a bad situation worse, as health workers faced long hours, a crush of critically ill patients and added risks to their own health and that of their families. A Mental Health America survey conducted early in the pandemic from June through September 2020, found that 93% of health workers experienced stress, 86% reported anxiety, 76% reported exhaustion and burnout, and 41% reported loneliness.
Experiences of burnout differ from person to person but generally consist of work-related stress, emotional and physical exhaustion, and dissociation from patients or loved ones. Anxiety, depression or substance abuse can follow, bringing risks to patient care or missed work.
People are also reading…
Experts worry that the health workforce, under increasing demands with fewer resources, will continue to diminish faster than it can recover.
“Health worker burnout is a health crisis for all of America, and that is why we need to treat it like a national priority,” said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who last month issued a national advisory bringing attention to the problem. Murthy recalled meeting with a Florida nurse who said the pandemic had left him “helpless but not hopeless.”
In May, Murthy and Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, held a roundtable discussion at Phoenix Indian Medical Center to hear experiences from local health workers and members of the Indian Health Service.
“These heroes deserve more than our gratitude; they deserve our help,” Levine said. “We’re here to tell health care workers: We hear you, we see you, and we’re here to help you.”
Dr. Claire Nechiporenko, a pediatrician at the medical center who previously worked on the Navajo Nation, said addressing burnout is vital to prevent further workforce reductions, especially in underserved communities.
Research shows that more doctors and nurses are either limiting work hours or intend to leave their practices, and the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034.
Rural areas would be among those hardest hit by a shrinking workforce – including Arizona’s Indigenous communities, which already face deep health disparities and trouble accessing care.
“Even pre-pandemic, we’ve had health care shortages on reservations,” Nechiporenko said. “It’s difficult to get physicians – any type of health care worker – to work remotely, and most of the time it’s an environment where they’ve never been.”
During the pandemic, health workers in rural communities have been subjected to irregular and long hours, more isolation, an expectation to always be on call, and lower pay, studies show.
Beyond differences among urban and rural health workers, gender may also play a role in burnout. The National Academy of Medicine reports that burnout may be 20% to 60% more likely in female doctors than male doctors.
Vivek said it’s not solely the role of the health care industry to fix the problem. Government officials, community advocates, academic institutions and leaders in technology must come together to help the profession thrive once again.
In January, the Department of Health and Human Services announced $103 million would go toward evidence-backed training programs and practices to improve mental health among health workers and help build resiliency.
The surgeon general’s national advisory also calls on employers to enact paid leave, rest policies, and strengthen existing policies that protect health workers from community and workplace violence.
Additionally, it calls on medical schools to intervene to prevent stress among students, introduce inclusive and communal wellness programs, and establish schedules that reduce sleep deprivation.
In Arizona, health care systems and hospitals have supported workers amid the pandemic with check-in calls and more days off. Banner Health created “respite rooms” to allow workers to remove protective equipment and take time to rest and recharge in rooms filled with snacks, games, music and special lighting.
In 2020, Gov. Doug Ducey announced the state would spend $25 million to reinforce hospital staffing and allow facilities to reward frontline workers with bonuses for their efforts.
However, in December 2021, over 1,000 health care professionals in the state sent a letter to Ducey and other state officials arguing the system was still in crisis and petitioning for assistance in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Nechiporenko, who works with several hospitals in Phoenix, said it’s important for managers to give workers the breaks they deserve to address ongoing issues with burnout.
“I really try to give everybody the time off that they request, because that’s their time and they earned it and they deserve it,” she said. “If you can be a leader … where you can give your employees … that time to be away from work and kind of get recharged to come back, I think that’s huge.”
Sticking to a solid routine and engaging in outside activities can also help health workers maintain a work-life balance and gain relief from burnout, Nechiporenko said, adding that she does CrossFit to reduce stress.
“The burnout’s the same anywhere and everywhere,” she said. “It’s going to start with first taking care of yourself before you can take care of others.” | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/arizona-joins-surgeon-general-to-address-health-worker-burnout/article_81a21686-ecd7-11ec-86b5-135b95525228.html | 2022-06-16T14:57:25 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/arizona-joins-surgeon-general-to-address-health-worker-burnout/article_81a21686-ecd7-11ec-86b5-135b95525228.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer. Abraham is a state representative from Tucson and a candidate for the Arizona Senate in Legislative District 18:
The first time I ever shot a gun was in basic training for the Army. Not only did the Army give me an education on the many practical aspects of guns, but much more importantly, my experience ingrained in me a complete respect and clear perspective on how to interact with them. And I think Arizona, and America, can learn from that example.
First, I learned that we don’t call them guns. We either call them by their type — pistol, rifle — or more often, we call them “weapons” to emphasize the power of these devices. If you want to get yelled at in basic training, just use the word “gun” around your drill sergeant — I certainly learned the hard way not to make that mistake.
I remember feeling scared and nervous before pulling the trigger for the first time. But not because this was my first time touching a firearm. These feelings arose from the fact that the I had just spent 16 hours a day studying, learning about, and training to use a weapon. I read manuals on the rate of fire, distance, and bullet velocity at which these weapons shoot. I saw pictures of real-life battlefield damage these weapons do. I trained on dummy weapons and even trained on high-tech simulators, all before I ever fired a real bullet.
People are also reading…
Looking back, what the Army was doing with all this training was building a culture of respect for these weapons that is built from an understanding of the power they hold and the responsibility that comes with having access that power. That culture of respect is supported by policies. Here’s how they do it.
To start, every single soldier is vetted and background checked before they even step foot at basic training, and we are regularly checked up on after that.
We are required to re-qualify on our weapon systems every single year, with days of training and shooting practice each time. Like clockwork, we train and train again to ensure our competency.
We also undergo constant screening for mental health. In my basic training class, we had a solider get red flagged for a mental health issue. I watched as the very first thing the drill sergeant did was separate that soldier from their weapon. Only then did they address the solider.
We store our weapons like they are gold. We have alarm systems around our weapons vault, and if those alarms ever fail, we post soldiers to guard the vault 24 hours a day. If a weapon is missing on base, everything stops, everywhere, until the search is complete and successful. It literally becomes our top priority.
From my training to my current service, the Army has provided me with a firsthand view of what commonsense gun laws look like in practice — background checks, training, red flag procedures, and safe storage requirements.
The measures aren’t based on a dislike or opposition to gun ownership. Quite the opposite – they’re based on respect for the power these weapons have. And the finest defensive force in the world has decided that guns and these policies go hand in hand.
I think we can learn from them to make our state a better place. Commonsense gun policies work in the Army to make us effective and keep us safe. They can work in Arizona too.
Morgan Abraham is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and state representative from Tucson, representing District 10. He is a candidate for Arizona Senate in Legislative District 18. The views expressed here are those of him alone and not those of the Department of Defense. You can follow him on Twitter: @MorganAbrahamAZ. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-look-to-the-army-for-commonsense-gun-policies/article_5ff77d94-ebf8-11ec-8b59-c78c53442d14.html | 2022-06-16T14:57:37 | 0 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-look-to-the-army-for-commonsense-gun-policies/article_5ff77d94-ebf8-11ec-8b59-c78c53442d14.html |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Baby Formula Setback
Inflation Vacation
Beyoncé New Album
Border Bus Cost
Opal's Walk for Freedom
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inflation-gas-prices-impact-families-summer-travel-plans/2993850/ | 2022-06-16T14:57:48 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inflation-gas-prices-impact-families-summer-travel-plans/2993850/ |
Leisure travel is returning to pre-pandemic levels.
But gas prices are getting so high, that it's putting a strain on the family budgets of those who want to travel this summer. It’s pushing $5 per gallon in parts of North Texas and beyond.
That, coupled with the highest inflation increases seen in 40 years, is changing the way people are traveling right now.
The idea of a ‘staycation’ is becoming more appealing to families.
"With gas prices surging, we’re seeing that the last two months of our business has been the transient section – around 75% are from drive-ins or locals who are deciding to do a ‘stay and play’ staycation instead of getting on an airplane and jumping out to San Diego or Miami,” said Crystal Kennedy, Area Director of Sales at The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Many visitors are driving in from cities that don't break the bank on the gas tank.
"Our big feeder markets are Austin, Houston, San Antonio," Kennedy said. "Shreveport is really sneaking in there. We get a lot from Waco, which is a quick 90-minute car ride."
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
They've also noticed more vacationers making decisions just days before traveling, so last-minute bookings are common.
Hotels are now catering to these specific visitors. For example, The Statler is offering special discounts for Texas residents and new perks like free valet for those with cars, which helps accommodate everyone driving into downtown Dallas.
If you're doing a staycation or traveling in other parts of Texas, those perks are something you should ask your hotel about.
Mitch Whitten, COO of Visit Fort Worth, said they are seeing the same trends.
"Nationally, 86% of Americans plan to travel this year. About 60% plan to take road trips closer to home," Whitten said. "More Texas travelers are finding their way to Fort Worth. Visit Fort Worth has tracked big jumps in visitors from cities as far as El Paso and Corpus Christi, and closer in like Waco and Weatherford."
They're also seeing a trend in new locals who recently moved to DFW playing tourist in their new city.
"Fort Worth is wildly popular with the 7 million people who live in the DFW region, many of them new Texans or new to the region," Whitten said.
That's why staycations are becoming more popular. Visit Fort Worth has crafted itineraries for families who want to follow an easy guide on things to do in Fort Worth, including free experiences.
Meanwhile, Visit Dallas said despite high gas prices travel is coming back in every way it can.
Surveys show people are spending less on other things like clothes and retail so that they can travel this summer.
"There's a phenomenon now that is called revenge travel. People have been so pent up over the past two years, that they are going to go," said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit Dallas. "A recent study said that over 65% of the people that they surveyed said that they're going to take a trip in the next six months no matter what."
The resurgence in tourism is so desperately welcomed by the industry.
"We had an awful couple years. In fact, the effect that COVID had on the travel industry was nine times the combination of 9/11 and the 2008 recession put together. So we really hit rock bottom, and now are shooting back,” said Davis.
Davis said the city just passed the $100 million level on hotel revenue for the first time ever back in March.
Even though we might be seeing more visitors from closer by, prepare to see more people from around the world soon.
Visit Dallas said because the government dropped the COVID-19 testing mandate to enter the country, it could bring a surge of international travelers flying into DFW Airport.
"In fact, the US Travel Association says that it will bring in another 5.4 million travelers and $9 billion worth of revenue into the United States," Davis said. "And Dallas, of course as an international gateway, will stand to have more than our fair share of that impact."
Future of Airfare
If you're still holding onto hope of saving a few bucks for a plane ticket this year, experts say cheap flights aren't gone forever.
Scott's Cheap Flights tells CNBC you're out of luck for this summer but fares after Labor Day are still affordable.
“You want to make sure you don’t put it off until the very last minute in the hopes that fares are gonna get cheaper because, in all likelihood, the opposite is going to happen,” site founder Scott Keyes said.
Prices for both hotels and flights also tend to drop once the kids go back to school and demand slides back.
One trick in booking flights is to flip the vacation planning upside down. People typically pick a destination first, then the dates, and then search for the airfare.
“By setting price as the last priority, it’s not terribly surprising that we have some pretty expensive flights," Keyes told CNBC, adding that prospective travelers should take that same three-step process and “flip it on its head."
“If cheap flights are really important to you and this is a vacation where you have the flexibility about where and when to go, don’t make price the last priority,” Keyes said.
Instead, make price the top priority. He recommends periodically checking prices from your local airport to see which destinations are the most affordable, keeping in mind that fares can change by the day. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inflation-vacation-gas-prices-rising-costs-push-families-to-alter-travel-plans/2993899/ | 2022-06-16T14:57:54 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/inflation-vacation-gas-prices-rising-costs-push-families-to-alter-travel-plans/2993899/ |
Every morning, NBC 5 Today is dedicated to delivering you positive local stories of people doing good, giving back and making a real change in our community. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/garland-isd-grad-is-second-black-female-valedictorian-at-lakeview-centennial-high-school/2993818/ | 2022-06-16T14:58:00 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/garland-isd-grad-is-second-black-female-valedictorian-at-lakeview-centennial-high-school/2993818/ |
ATLANTIC CITY — Truck after truck delivered concrete to the construction site of the ISLAND Waterpark next to the Showboat Atlantic City, starting in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
A spokesperson for Showboat owner Bart Blatstein said 70 trucks poured 700 yards of concrete for the main pump room, starting about 4:30 a.m. and ending late in the morning.
The room will house the pumps for the slides in the 103,000-square-foot, year-round indoor waterpark, which is scheduled to open in summer 2023.
The park will include water slides, pools and a lazy river, along with food and beverage and retail outlets, lounge areas and party rooms, according to Blatstein.
The entire project will be covered by a retractable glass-pane roof, to make it a year-round destination, Blatstein has said.
Blatstein says it will be the largest beachfront indoor waterpark in the world.
Last month, Blatstein secured private financing to build the waterpark, ending the need to sell $97 million in bonds through the Atlantic County Improvement Authority.
People are also reading…
Procida Funding & Advisors, of Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, is helping finance the project and more, CEO William Procida said in a phone interview then.
“We made a loan for a lot of money to do a lot of things,” Procida said during the interview. “I can be more specific in a few more months. Construction is underway.”
The bonds had not sold for more than a year, causing concern among some in the city that the project might not move forward.
Procida, 59, said the waterpark, when added to Blatstein’s 120,000-square-foot Lucky Snake Arcade — which opened in 2021 and Blatstein calls the biggest in New Jersey — and the newly opened Showboat Raceway, an indoor go-cart track, convinced him the city is ripe for a transformation.
“It is going to be a game changer because Atlantic City will become a family destination now,” Procida said last month.
Blatstein has said currently only 8% of the 25 million visitors a year to Atlantic City are families.
Groundbreaking for the ISLAND Waterpark happened January 12, 2022. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/70-trucks-pour-concrete-for-main-pump-room-at-blatsteins-island-waterpark-in-atlantic-city/article_af88b624-ed75-11ec-9fc5-c7d26cf678b9.html | 2022-06-16T14:58:49 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/70-trucks-pour-concrete-for-main-pump-room-at-blatsteins-island-waterpark-in-atlantic-city/article_af88b624-ed75-11ec-9fc5-c7d26cf678b9.html |
These antique dealers found a stolen de Kooning painting. Now they’re the toast of the art world
LOS ANGELES — David Van Auker and Buck Burns stepped off an elevator and into a second-floor gallery at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
It was a Friday night, a time when the renowned museum is typically closed to visitors.
But they weren't just any visitors.
In 2017, as co-owners of a furniture and antiques store in Silver City, New Mexico, they made national news when they discovered a stolen Willem de Kooning painting in an estate sale and returned it to its rightful owners at the University of Arizona Museum of Art.
Now, on this Friday evening, they were about to see the painting for the first time since it had undergone conservation work at the Getty. They were accompanied by current and former museum staff and Getty painting conservators. Everyone chatted excitedly as they poured off the elevator, their voices echoing off the walls. They shared a special bond: A famous painting they were all connected to was back on exhibit after 37 years.
In the room's center was "Woman-Ochre," an oil-on-canvas painting estimated to be worth more than $100 million.
Van Auker and Burns were silent as they gazed at the painting. Burns shook his head and smiled. Van Auker put his hand over his heart. They stepped closer. The painting, made in the winter of 1954-55, depicts a nude woman with a grimaced face. The Dutch-American artist de Kooning used vivid hues of yellow, turquoise and crimson and a distinctive, gestural brush stroke.
"Wow," Van Auker said, wiping his eyes. "I'm speechless."
The crowd clapped and cheered.
For subscribers: The saga of Arizona's famous stolen de Kooning painting. New details paint picture of alleged thieves
"Olivia, come here," Van Auker said, gesturing to Olivia Miller, curator of the university art museum. She was the person who accepted a phone call on Aug. 3, 2017, from Van Auker when he thought he had found the museum's stolen de Kooning. They have since become fast friends. On Friday, she hugged Van Auker and Burns, as they celebrated another milestone in the painting's long journey back to the public eye.
"I love you guys," she said.
Burns thanked the Getty for the work. Then everyone took turns posing in front of "Woman-Ochre," taking group photos and selfies.
"What's interesting to me is the way this painting, this project, has kind of gathered people around it," said Andy Schulz, the university's vice president for the Arts and dean of the College of Fine Arts, during brief remarks before the private viewing.
Friendships have formed among current and former museum staffers, conservators at the Getty Museum and scientists at the Getty Conservation Institute. They all share a bond, a connection, over a work of art.
For subscribers: $100 million de Kooning was recovered in 2017. New details paint picture of alleged thieves
"Woman-Ochre" was donated to the university in 1958 and was considered a jewel in the museum's collection. When it wasn't on exhibit, it was on loan to other museums. Then, in 1985, it was stolen on the day after Thanksgiving in a brazen heist and remained missing for more than 30 years.
The Silver City antique dealers picked up the painting in August 2017 as part of an estate sale in a nearby town and, after customers began inquiring about whether it was a real de Kooning, Van Auker started Googling and came across an Arizona Republic article about the theft. He called the museum right away. Within days, "Woman-Ochre" was back home.
Miller said on Friday that although the theft showed the worst side of people, the recovery and conservation represent "the best parts of people." Many people played a role in getting the painting back and enabling the art to be on exhibit again, she said.
Van Auker and Burns last saw the painting in March 2019, during an invitation-only, one-night exhibit at the university art museum. Then the painting was moved from Tucson to the Getty for research, analysis and repairs.
Getty scientists and conservators quickly discovered the 40-inch tall by 30-inch wide painting had been terribly damaged. Horizontal cracks marred the surface, where the thieves had cut the painting out with a sharp object — possibly a box cutter — and ripped it from a backing canvas. The painting had been covered with two layers of varnish, obscuring the vivid colors and giving a grayish or yellowish tint.
The Getty undertook the project at no charge to the university in exchange for being able to display the de Kooning for a few months after conservators finished their work. The work took nearly three years. The exhibit, "Conserving de Kooning: Theft and Recovery," opened June 7 and runs through Aug. 28.
The focus is back on the painting, not the damage, said Ulrich Birkmaier, the Getty Museum's senior conservator of paintings. You can still see traces of the painting's tumultuous history if you look closely, he said. But more importantly, the painting "reads" well again and has aged gracefully.
He told the assembled crowd on Friday, over appetizers of shrimp cocktail and empanadas, that it is heartwarming to see so many people who are so closely connected to the painting. Referring to the antique dealers, he said:
"We're just in awe of everything you've done for the painting."
The antique dealers found "Woman-Ochre" in the bedroom of a deceased, retired couple, Jerry and Rita Alter, who lived in rural Cliff, New Mexico. Jerry Alter had been a music teacher, Rita Alter a school speech pathologist. The couple spent nearly every vacation traveling to exotic locations. The FBI won't comment on whether the couple were the thieves.
But circumstantial evidence links the Alters to the crime: A family photograph places the couple in Tucson on Thanksgiving Day in 1985, the day before the theft. The photo eerily resembles a composite sketch of the thieves. Witnesses said the thieves drove a red car; the Alters had purchased a red Toyota Supra earlier that year, according to their travel journal.
The painting likely hung in their bedroom for years because heavy dust had accumulated on the gold commercial frame. It was behind a bedroom door so it could only be seen from inside the bedroom, when the door was closed.
By contrast at the Getty, "Woman-Ochre" is now viewed by a steady stream of visitors. They stop to read about painting's conservation and watch a short video about the theft and repairs. The now-famous painting is in good company. Just around the corner is a gallery with several Rembrandt paintings, including the famous "Rembrandt Laughing."
Finding the de Kooning has been a life-changing experience for the Silver City antique dealers.
At least once a week, someone will come into Manzanita Ridge, their 10,000-square-foot store, and ask about the stolen painting. Van Auker never tires of telling the story. It’s the most exciting thing that has ever happened to him. He has been interviewed more times than he can count. People have called the store, just to say, "thank you."
So many years have passed, no one at the university quite remembers the details of the $10,000 reward that was originally offered for the painting's return. The antique dealers said they wouldn’t accept one anyway.
The university gave them the gold frame that once housed the de Kooning after it was stolen. Van Auker proudly hung the empty frame in the guest house he and Burns own, in the same spot where they originally intended to hang the de Kooning before finding out it was real and stolen.
The Getty exhibit was something Van Auker and Burns looked forward to for weeks. They bought new clothes. Van Auker lost weight. They took time off work so they could fly to Los Angeles. Their third business partner, Rick Johnson, stayed in Silver City to care for his mother and four dogs. But he is planning to see the painting when it goes on exhibit in Tucson.
Van Auker and Burns were especially excited to see a photograph of themselves and Johnson and their names displayed in the Getty exhibit. The photo caption reads, "A 2017 photo of the three antique dealers who called the FBI after they realized they had purchased a stolen painting (left to right): Rick Johnson, Buck Burns, and David Van Auker, all of Silver City, New Mexico."
Van Auker and Burns took a selfie in front of the photo of themselves, being careful not to block Johnson's head so they could all three appear in the photo.
Once that was done, Van Auker was no longer speechless.
"I'm absolutely blown away," he said, his eyes still wet with tears. "I had no idea I would have this kind of emotion seeing it finished. I'm honored, touched. I'm so thrilled I got to be part of this."
And the journey is not over.
"Woman-Ochre" will come back to Tucson for exhibit, beginning Oct. 8.
Republic reporter Anne Ryman was the first journalist to break the story that "Woman-Ochre" had been recovered and has written extensively about the painting. Have a question about the painting? You can reach her at anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8072. Follow her on Twitter @anneryman.
Reach the reporter at anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8072. Follow her on Twitter @anneryman.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/16/antique-dealers-who-found-stolen-willem-de-kooning-painting-honored/7611863001/ | 2022-06-16T15:00:11 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/16/antique-dealers-who-found-stolen-willem-de-kooning-painting-honored/7611863001/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — At its meeting on Thursday, the Austin City Council is set to take steps toward renovating the Candlewood Suites hotel so it can become a facility to help people experiencing homelessness. The City of Austin bought the hotel in North Austin last August.
According to an item on Thursday's agenda, the council is set to authorize a contract with Family Eldercare to fund renovations at the hotel and turn it into Pecan Gardens, a permanent supportive housing facility for people in need.
According to Family Eldercare's website, the organization was founded in 1982 by two women who wanted to develop resources and training for families caring for their aging loved ones.
The contract with Family Eldercare would be for a one-year term and a total not to exceed $3,903,216.13, according to the agenda item.
The council was initially set to discuss the contract back on May 19, but the item was pulled by Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly for future discussion. However, the council did scale back, approving an item that authorized City leaders to start negotiations regarding the renovations.
If the city council approves renovation funds, they will have to complete construction plans and go through a permitting process.
Candlewood Suites has been a point of contention between the City of Austin and leaders in Williamson County for about a year. The hotel, located on Pecan Park Boulevard near US 183 and State Highway 45, is located in Austin but also in Williamson County. Williamson County commissioners pushed back against the purchase of the hotel at the time, saying the deal wasn't discussed with them.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell recently shared photos that he said he received from residents who live near the Candlewood Suites hotel. Gravell said the residents claimed the Austin City Council's decision has brought crime to the neighborhood.
However, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the hotel has been vacant since the purchase and the crime stems from issues within Williamson County. In a mid-May interview with KVUE, Adler said the hotel for people experiencing homelessness should be up and running in about six months.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/candlewood-suites-homeless-austin-contract-family-eldercare/269-b9942434-1d18-4561-9a0f-d1dbaac75700 | 2022-06-16T15:06:17 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/candlewood-suites-homeless-austin-contract-family-eldercare/269-b9942434-1d18-4561-9a0f-d1dbaac75700 |
GREENWOOD, Ind. — Greenwood police are investigating a crash that killed a Greenwood man Wednesday night on State Road 135.
The Johnson County Coroners Office identified the man killed as Andrew M. Benkert, 23.
Authorities say Benkert was was involved in a car-versus-pedestrian crash at 540 North State Road 135 at 11:46 p.m. The coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause of death.
The location of the crash was south of Fry Road near L.A. Fitness in Greenwood.
The Greenwood Police Department is conducting the accident investigation but detectives have not released details about the vehicle that hit Benkert or circumstances of the crash.
Check back for updates. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/greenwood-police-investigate-fatal-crash-involving-pedestrian-135-wednesday/531-8dcf487d-1dea-4d0d-83e9-4373336edd3a | 2022-06-16T15:23:49 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/greenwood-police-investigate-fatal-crash-involving-pedestrian-135-wednesday/531-8dcf487d-1dea-4d0d-83e9-4373336edd3a |
Two men remained hospitalized — one with life threatening injuries — after they were stabbed Wednesday night in the neighborhood where they reside off Reams Road in Chesterfield County.
Detectives are still investigating the circumstances of the assault.
Chesterfield police received a call at 10:30 p.m. of a stabbing in the 10400 block of Marbleridge Court, about a half mile west of Reams Road Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers located two men with life-threatening stab wounds. They were taken to area hospitals.
One victim's condition was upgraded Thursday to serious but non-life threatening. The other victim is in critical but stable condition. The two victims, ages 29 and 44, are related and lived at the address where the stabbing occurred, said Chesterfield police Capt. Michael Breeden.
Police are searching for a suspect they described as a bald, Black male with a thin mustache and wearing a dark-colored long sleeve shirt. Detectives haven't yet determined whether the suspect knew the victims.
The Hanover school board voted 4-3 Tuesday to keep Elliott's "A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart" on school shelves following a challenge to remove the title over its content. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-related-men-stabbed-in-chesterfield-neighborhood-where-they-reside/article_d15942b4-de06-52a8-a0a0-8933d26324e2.html | 2022-06-16T15:37:33 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2-related-men-stabbed-in-chesterfield-neighborhood-where-they-reside/article_d15942b4-de06-52a8-a0a0-8933d26324e2.html |
For the Tri-City Chili Peppers, there’s two questions at the basis of how the franchise operates from a marketing perspective.
One is, “What is untraditional?” In other words: something that’s creative and out of the box for a baseball game.
And once an idea that fits that criteria is floated, the second question is, “Can we actually do it?”
“And if we can do it, then we want to,” Chili Peppers owner Chris Martin said Wednesday. “And so that's what we kind of started was like, 'What's the complete opposite of what everybody else is doing, and let's go from there.'"
It’s a mindset that’s birthed an array of zany promotion concepts, from a “Beach ‘N Baseball” night, when players sport lime green uniforms, complete with sleeveless jerseys and grass skirts over their baseball pants; a “Healthcare Heroes” night, when players compete in scrub tops as the Chili Peppers recognize medical workers; and “Friday Freebies” nights, when the club gives away cash to fans.
People are also reading…
The Colonial Heights-based squad — a summer wood bat team for college players, that competes in the Coastal Plain League — debuted some of its theme ideas last year, in what was the franchise’s inaugural season.
But now, in Year 2, the club has kicked it up a few notches. This season, every single game at the Chili Pepper’s home base, Shepherd Stadium, is marked by a particular theme. It’s pushing the club’s philosophy of fun — fostering the types of environments that can draw those who are fans of baseball itself, and those who aren’t, all the same.
That’s all while notably improving the on-field product from Year 1 to Year 2, too.
And with the engaging promotions a backdrop, the Chili Peppers have enjoyed a bump in attendance at Shepherd Stadium this season.
“For us, we don't want to be the traditional team,” Martin said. “We want to think of something that nobody's ever done before.
“And, if they have, then how can we be better?”
Martin admits that there was some hesitancy at first, about the pedal-to-the-metal marketing approach his club has settled into. He wondered if people, traditionalists in particular, wanted to see strictly baseball — without extra frills.
But he decided that if he could make some fans of the game by creating a fun atmosphere at Chili Peppers, then it would be a win.
The franchise put a particular focus on six theme nights in particular last year. The Beach ‘N Baseball night was one the Chili Peppers rolled out last year, and the one Martin considers his favorite.
There were tiki torches set up at Shepherd Stadium, and fans received leis as they entered. The Chili Peppers sold out the roughly 2,000-seat venue.
On the field, players competed in the grass skirts.
“Didn’t know how our fans would respond to our players wearing grass skirts for a game,” Martin said. “But the fans loved it. The players, honestly, had an absolute blast and enjoyed it. Because it’s different, right?”
The Healthcare Heroes was also part of last year’s promotion list, another sellout.
The response for last year’s themes was such that the Chili Peppers staff decided to put all of its energy into each outing — so that all of the 29 home dates on the schedule were an occasion of their own.
“What if we treated every single night like the coolest and newest and best party you’ve ever been to?” said Ben Rose, the Chili Pepper’s digital content and marketing specialist. “And so that really was the thinking behind it.”
So far, among the promotions hatched for the almost dozen home games so far, have been a second “Healthcare Heroes” night, a “Friday Freebie” night and a “Record Breaking” night — which was a favorite for Rose.
For Record Breaking night, the Chili Peppers identified world records that they could be broken at a game, and subsequently sent in to Guinness World Records. The club held a first Record Breaking night on June 4, and a second is planned for July 16.
On June 4, some 200 people tossed tennis balls as part of a group ceremonial first pitch, Rose said, topping a previous record for most people throwing a ceremonial first pitch simultaneously. The prior mark was 156 people, in Taiwan, last year.
On the Friday Freebie nights, the club gives away $2,000 in cash to those in attendance — for every Friday home game. For the last one, this past Friday, the Chili Peppers filled 1,008 balloons and placed them in stadium seats. Some had cash in them, of varying amounts, and some didn’t.
"You're paying money to get in the stadium, but you can walk out winning more money than you paid to get here,” Martin said. “Plus you can probably buy a beer or two while you're there, with the money we gave you. So it's just a lot of fun.”
$2,000 going out tonight to all our fans!! 💸💸💵💵💰#FridayFreebie #GoChiliPeppers pic.twitter.com/hgY1GLOea3
— Tri-City Chili Peppers (@GoChiliPeppers) June 10, 2022
This Friday, in addition to Friday Freebies, the Chili Peppers will roll out its “Fan Manager” night concept. In the team’s 7 p.m. game against the Greenbrier Knights. Fans will get to have their say in running the team that night, from picking the lineup to pitching changes to stealing bases.
“You get to vote and you literally get to manage the game,” Martin said.
There will be another Beach 'N Baseball night this year, too, on June 25.
Attendance is up to an average of about 1,200 fans this year, from an average of about 1,000 last year. And the team is winning more, too.
The group has already surpassed last year’s win total (7-34), sitting at 9-5 heading into Thursday’s home game against the Peninsula Pilots.
The Chili Peppers have a new manager, Chesterfield native James Bierlein, who played at Randolph-Macon and then played four years of independent pro ball. The club, in assembling this year’s roster, dug more into analytics to go after players who fit certain molds.
For pitchers, club staff eyed those who hit a certain benchmark strike percentage on their fastballs, changeups and curveballs. For hitters, swing-and-miss percentages on fastballs were examined.
“Ultimately, if a guy can barrel up fastballs and miss them less, that's the type of guy that's going to do well in the CPL,” Martin said. Martin and Bierlein are also part of the staff of RISE Baseball academy in Midlothian, which Martin owns.
The shift in talent identification is what Martin believes has given the Chili Peppers a lot of their success this year.
The Chili Peppers, including Friday, have 18 more home games left, through July 30.
And in terms of promotions, the themes could only continue to get bigger as the franchise moves forward.
Another CPL team, the Savannah Bananas, have drawn national attention for their unique ideas. The Bananas are somewhat of a model for the Chili Peppers — the Chili Peppers’ staff visited the Bananas at the end of last season to learn. Martin said he doesn’t want his club to be the Bananas per se, but he wants to be as successful as them.
There have already been ideas so big the Chili Peppers had to reel in — like a thought of bringing in a hot air balloon for Friday Freebies to drop $4,000 over Shepherd Stadium, Rose recalled with a chuckle. But that idea is still tucked in a notebook, perhaps not out of the realm of possibility for Year 3.
The Chili Peppers have already shown an eagerness to push the envelope. And there’s only more to come.
“It’s always trying to think of ideas that are larger than life,” Rose said. “And something new and unique that other teams in baseball, or even in sports itself, that they aren’t doing.” | https://richmond.com/sports/local/tri-city-chili-peppers-pushing-promotions-envelope-further-in-year-2/article_b2f7020c-ed84-11ec-a715-4b12d9577db9.html | 2022-06-16T15:37:46 | 0 | https://richmond.com/sports/local/tri-city-chili-peppers-pushing-promotions-envelope-further-in-year-2/article_b2f7020c-ed84-11ec-a715-4b12d9577db9.html |
Thousands of Fort Wayne-area residents and businesses are still without power, even as temperatures remain in the 90s today.
Indiana Michigan Power said about 8,300 customers – mostly in the Waynedale area and a section west of the city – had no service as of 9 a.m.
I&M estimates power will be restored by 11 p.m. tonight.
Some customers, particularly in the Waynedale area, could remain without power beyond that time, the utility said. About 1,200 customers in the Avilla area also remain powerless, but I&M estimates a 6 p.m. restoration time there.
Power has been restored in the Decatur area.
Multiple local businesses had to close after losing power Monday night, mostly in southwest Fort Wayne and Waynedale, after a hurricane-like storm called a derecho hit wind speeds up to 98 mph at Fort Wayne International Airport, where a hangar for aircraft repair and maintenance was damaged.
John Rang, president of Bobick’s Golf, said his store lost power Monday night and cannot reopen until it is restored.
“I’m obviously not happy,” Rang said. “This is one of our biggest weeks of the year. Father’s Day is Sunday and we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary this week.”
To notify customers, Rang and his employees sent a couple email blasts and posted an announcement on the company’s website. Customers who need help are encouraged to email the golf store, as phone lines are also down.
Rang said most of the inquiries received have been about whether the store is closed and when it plans to reopen.
“We’re telling them we can’t do anything until the power is back,” he said. “But once we can open, we will be ready to go immediately.”
Bobick’s receives its power through I&M, and Rang is on a text list tied to the store’s address that sends him updates. He said the last text he received Wednesday was one apologizing for the outage, saying it should return by 11 p.m. today.
“I’m sure they’re trying their hardest,” Ring said Wednesday afternoon. “But I’m praying I get a text any minute saying, ‘Your power has been restored.’ ”
Ryan Palmer, general manager of The Stand, said his business lost power Monday night around 10:30 p.m.
“I don’t know how they’re going to get everything done by 11,” he said.
Palmer said he is hoping The Stand will open Friday, but it is possible it won’t open until Saturday.
Once the power is restored, employees will have to wash out and fill ice cream machines, so the restaurant will be closed an additional day after regaining power.
The Stand hasn’t lost much food from the power outage, Palmer said, because the store has a backup generator running.
Palmer lives in Waynedale and said his home was also without power. The storm damaged several trees in his neighborhood, with both sides of the street being blocked at one point.
Janelle Brown, Churubusco resident, said she first lost power around 10:15 p.m. Monday night. I&M initially told her she would regain power by 3 p.m. Wednesday, but that had shifted to 11 p.m.
“I just get on the website and check, and there’s updates on Facebook,” Brown said. “There’s nothing more they can do … it is what it is, we’re just getting through it.”
Brown said she has been staying at her parents’ house although she has a generator hooked up at her house. She works at C&A Tool in Churubusco and has not been to work since the power outage.
Jeff Baxter, Allen County Parks superintendent, said power was the least of his worries at Fox Island County Park. Fox Island will remain closed until at least mid-July, Baxter said, because of extensive storm damage at the park.
The buildings were not damaged, the power’s restored and phones are working, but Baxter said there were about 100 trees down on roads in the park. They won’t know about damage to the trails until the roads can be cleared off.
Baxter said none of the other Allen County parks had damage as substantial as Fox Island.
Homestead High School and Summit Middle School were still without power Wednesday, as was Maplewood Elementary School. Summer classes at Homestead were moved to Woodside Middle School.
John Perlich, the city’s spokesman, said traffic signals were out at 25 locations at 4 p.m.
With rising temperatures and power outages, multiple places offered cooling stations Tuesday and Wednesday. Perlich said Fort Wayne offered cooling stations at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and the Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission also offered one for residents.
The National Weather Service said the high temperatures were close to breaking records. On Tuesday, the high was 96 degrees and on Wednesday, it was 94 degrees. The records for each day were 97 and 96 degrees, respectively.
Temperatures are expected to fall today and into the weekend before returning to the 90s early next week.
Roads
The Allen County Highway Department reports the following remain closed due to Monday night's storms:
- Center Street between Fisher Road & Loneke Drive
- Eme Road between Arcola Road & School Street | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/8-300-residents-endure-heat-wave-without-power/article_1017b0ca-ecf0-11ec-9480-efb6461226d4.html | 2022-06-16T15:43:46 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/8-300-residents-endure-heat-wave-without-power/article_1017b0ca-ecf0-11ec-9480-efb6461226d4.html |
Patrons of a new Giordano’s off Dupont Road won’t have to look hard to find the pizza and subs spot with the Allen County Board of Zoning Appeals’ approval Wednesday of a sign more than double the zoning ordinance’s limits.
The restaurant requested a waiver of development standards to allow a sign to rise 30 feet and contain 200 square feet. The allowable limits are 8 feet tall and 80 square feet.
The Chicago restaurant’s address is 10180 Diebold Road, but it is accessed from Dupont by a driveway to a Meijer store opened in the last few weeks. The applicant, Stuffed ZA LLC doing business as Giordano’s Fort Wayne, said the larger sign was needed because customers said they couldn’t find the restaurant or didn’t know it was open.
Giordano’s is near Parkview Regional Medical Center with many other restaurants. Board members questioned why the restaurant needed visibility from Dupont Road, on which it has no frontage.
But they unanimously approved the variance.
In other business, the board approved the request of a Springfield Township family who asked to expand a special use allowing a slaughtering and butchering business to include a grocery store.
The board voted unanimously to allow the request of Elam and Laura Lengacher, who have their business at the corner of Grabill and Cuba roads.
Representing the applicants, Matt Kelty of Kelty Tappy Design, Fort Wayne, told board members they weren’t being asked to approve a typical full-service grocery. Instead, the Lengachers want to sell some prepared meat products, such as sausage and seasoned burgers, from a shop at their location, Kelty said. He added the store may include bread, baked goods and possibly eggs.
The family has six sons who want to join the business, Kelty said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-board-of-zoning-appeals-backs-giordanos-small-grocery/article_ff8cfd76-ece7-11ec-94f1-c740352de1c5.html | 2022-06-16T15:43:52 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/allen-county-board-of-zoning-appeals-backs-giordanos-small-grocery/article_ff8cfd76-ece7-11ec-94f1-c740352de1c5.html |
South Anthony Boulevard between Pettit and Fairfax avenues will have lane restrictions today, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
A pavement crew will be working in the area and should finish today.
For more information, call 260-427-6155 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/south-anthony-lane-restrictions/article_cc6a2c02-ed87-11ec-950f-fb7a89467ee4.html | 2022-06-16T15:43:58 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/south-anthony-lane-restrictions/article_cc6a2c02-ed87-11ec-950f-fb7a89467ee4.html |
Smith-Green Community Schools issued the following Thursday, June 16, 2022 –
The Smith-Green Community Schools confirms that its superintendent, Dr. Daniel G. Hile, is the successful applicant to fill that same position at Noblesville Schools. Dr. Hile will assume that new role on July 1, 2022.
“We congratulate Dr. Hile for being selected as Noblesville Schools’ next superintendent. His commitment to and success at Smith-Green Community Schools as a teacher, building administrator, and superintendent is beyond measure and he will be difficult to replace,” stated Jeremy Hart, school board president. “We wish him and his family all the very best. We are confident that he will experience the same level of success in Noblesville as he enjoyed here in Churubusco.”
Smith-Green Community Schools will accept Dr. Hile’s resignation as superintendent at next Monday’s regular school board meeting. The school board has already taken steps to transition to our next leader.
Dr. Randy Zimmerly will be hired as Smith-Green Community Schools’ interim superintendent. Dr. Zimmerly retired several years ago after serving as Westview Schools’ superintendent for over two decades. Most recently he served for approximately eight months as interim superintendent at Fairfield Community Schools.
Dr. Zimmerly, as well as others, will assist the school board in developing the superintendent application process, and establishing an interview and hiring schedule. The school board will work diligently to keep the Smith-Green patrons, parents, and staff apprised throughout the hiring process. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-hile-named-noblesville-superintendent/article_88ab5b5a-ed67-11ec-bfea-5f38409adc21.html | 2022-06-16T15:44:05 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/verbatim-hile-named-noblesville-superintendent/article_88ab5b5a-ed67-11ec-bfea-5f38409adc21.html |
The bagels boiled six-at-a-time in a bubbling concoction of sugar and baking soda. Every 60 seconds, Bill Brockley would flip or fish them out and then add more to the brew.
“It’s classic New York style: really crusty outside — very soft, spongy interior,” Brockley said. He wore a flour-dusted apron and blue plastic gloves.
His new business, True Bakery, is serving up pastries, bagels, bread and more in downtown Casper.
On Tuesday, it became the first vendor to open at the Good Food Hub, Wyoming Food For Thought’s commercial kitchen at 420 W. First Street. True Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
True Bakery specializes in baked goods sourced from a sourdough culture Brockley started about four years ago.
Everything is locally sourced, and made from scratch. That’s where the name “true” comes from, Brockley said.
“I like to stay true to the process, to the ingredients and just making sure everything is made as fresh as possible, and from my hands,” he said.
People are also reading…
The life of a baker is a “revolving door,” Brockley said, still minding the bagels as he spoke. “Everything is making the dough, the next day shaping the dough and the next day, baking the dough.”
Occasionally, the pot began to bubble over, prompting Brockley to hastily adjust the burner.
On the other side of the kitchen was a big metal rack filled with sourdough loaves, long johns, doughnut holes and cinnamon rolls.
True Bakery’s enjoyed good turnout so far, Brockley said. He baked more than a hundred bagels Tuesday, he said.
“We were definitely busy with the prep side of things,” he said.
While Brockley worked the kitchen, his girlfriend, Emily Harris, supervised a booth out in the dining area. Big gold balloons that spelled out “NOW OPEN” hung on the wall.
Display cases full of bagels, rolls and bread loaves joined some of True Bakery’s other offerings, including kimchi and soy sauce.
Harris helps out with True Bakery twice a week, but works another job, too. Business has been so active that they might have to hire staff soon, Brockley said.
Though Brockley’s harbored a passion for baking since high school, he spent most of his career as a chef. He got the idea to start True Bakery while living in Seattle in 2019. The coronavirus pandemic forced him to delay those plans for a couple years.
On a whim, he relocated to Casper in 2020.
A little more than a year later, he launched True Bakery out of his home. He’d sell goods to Food for Thought’s makers markets once a month. A few months later, the group invited him to move into the Good Food Hub, he said.
The Good Food Hub aims to be a place for local food vendors like Brockley to make and sell their products, as well as a community gathering ground and food warehouse.
There’s a dining area with tables and chairs, and an old bar — a holdover from the building’s past life as the Powder River Veterans’ Club.
Eventually, other local vendors will be moving in to join Brockley as “anchor tenants” at The Good Food Hub.
For now, a couple other businesses have been using the commercial kitchen here and there, he said. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/true-bakery-open-at-the-good-food-hub-in-downtown-casper/article_ec0991b2-ecf4-11ec-b2e7-53bb35b99495.html | 2022-06-16T15:49:50 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/true-bakery-open-at-the-good-food-hub-in-downtown-casper/article_ec0991b2-ecf4-11ec-b2e7-53bb35b99495.html |
Elizabethton, Tenn. (WJHL) — Motorists should expect delays on Elk Avenue from Roan Street to F Street as well as East F Street from Doe Avenue and Sycamore Street.
The City of Elizabethton and Summers Taylor launched a street resurfacing project at 7 a.m. Thursday morning, and officials expect the work to be completed by June 24.
City leaders ask that drivers use caution while traveling through the area. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/elizabethton-road-work-to-cause-delays-for-over-a-week-starting-thursday/ | 2022-06-16T15:51:22 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/elizabethton-road-work-to-cause-delays-for-over-a-week-starting-thursday/ |
SCOTT COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced that crews found a woman who walked out of an assisted living facility on Thursday morning.
Authorities used a K9 unit in their search for the woman who had allegedly left the facility on foot.
Police did not reveal any other information, such as when and where this occurred, what the woman was last seen wearing or any descriptions of the unnamed woman other than the following picture:
News Channel 11 reached out to authorities and is awaiting a response. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/woman-walks-out-of-scott-co-assisted-living-facility/ | 2022-06-16T15:51:28 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/woman-walks-out-of-scott-co-assisted-living-facility/ |
There was an eerie openness to driving Highway 89 into the Pipeline Fire evacuation zone outside Flagstaff. The only other car was the red pickup of fire information officer Ben Cossel, an escort through the miles of abandoned road. Occasionally, a passing emergency vehicle emerged from the smoke, lights flashing to no one in particular.
In the earliest days of the Pipeline Fire, 50 mph winds kept the smoke moving and the air clear as it spread the fire across nearly 23,000 acres. But by Wednesday -- day four -- low winds allowed smoke to eddy within the surrounding ridgelines. A hot fog blanched the sky into a low, choking fume. The road was obscured and the nearby mountains — the iconic San Francisco Peaks — were completely invisible.
People are also reading…
Before we came to the edge of the Pipeline Fire, we had to pass through the existing scar of the Tunnel Fire, still fresh from when it burned less than two months ago. The two fires overlapped in a section of Highway 89 north of the Timberline neighborhood. If not for small boils of smoldering earth, it would have been nearly impossible to tell where Tunnel ended and Pipeline began.
Minute by minute, land within the fire scar shifted. Here was a spared, still green meadow, there a scorched moonscape with pine trees blackened like matchsticks. The worst burns always seemed to be on the wooded slopes. Smoke still seethed on rockier hillsides and the occasional flame would lick 10 feet up into a parched juniper. We watched from the highway side. Nothing could be done.
“This is some hellacious, steep terrain,” Cossel said while the hills smoked like stone chimneys. “Trying to get crews up there? That’s a nightmare scenario.”
Eventually the highway moved us out of the scar and Cossel turned us east onto a dirt forest road where dry dust kicked up as thickly as the smoke. There we approached the Pipeline Fire’s northern edge beneath a rocky ridge, where the fire had broken naturally. The ridge had a bald cap, purple and black where the fire scorched the top but couldn’t move downslope.
“It just didn’t have the will,” Cossel said.
Fire likes to burn up, he said, like a lit match; if the flame is held above the matchstick, it will burn slower. Without the high winds driving it, the Pipeline Fire burned slow enough to come to a stop on this craggy ridgeline.
But winds can change.
As an added insurance policy against the spreading fire, the area at that the northern edge had been deemed perfect for a “burnout” operation while the winds remained calm. About a half-mile to the north of the ridgeline was Forest Road 545B, which served as an existing fire break. Between the crest of the ridge and the road was scattered juniper and dry grasses. By burning the area between the road and the ridge, firefighters could reduce fuels and stem the fire’s potential for future growth — literally fighting fire with fire.
“It’s one of our better tools,” Cossel said. “It lets us fight it where we want to fight it.”
A division leader came down the road to bring us up to the burnout operation, his 40-pound pack slung heavily around his shoulders, hip strap disengaged, 4-liter dromedary bags of water on either side.
He drinks that water “easily” in day, he said, and it’s not hard to see why. The suffocating air, the sweltering sleeves of fire-resistant clothing and the heavy labor of firefighting make for a perpetual state of thirst. After only a few breaths this close to the fire line, one’s throat becomes ash.
We followed the division leader past a line of six firefighters poised like statues on the road, staring north into “the black” — unburned land. Their faces were cut from stone, exhausted but focused, sentinels with beards graying prematurely.
“They’re watching for spots,” the division leader said. “In case the fire jumps over the road. We’ll start burning soon.”
There are a lot of factors that go into making the decision to conduct a burnout and start “tipping torches,” Cossel said.
Wind is “the big one,” but there’s also considerations for the topography, the temperature, fuel loads and relative humidity.
“Today’s humidity isn’t in the single digits -- which is good,” Cossel said. “That’s when it gets scary. We’ve actually had some decent overnight recovery of humidity because [the temperature's] been getting down below 50 degrees.”
Ultimately, he said the question is whether conditions are “favorable” at any given certain time and place. During Wednesday’s low winds, on the topography of Forest Road 545B, conditions were favorable.
On the roadside were piles of cut juniper branches that crews removed and placed outside of the burnout area.
The idea is that by cutting back lower branches, they can keep the fire burning in the underbrush — the low grasses and shrubs — without causing too much damage to the larger juniper trees.
“You don’t put fire on the ground willy-nilly,” Cossel said.
For a calm moment, all that could be heard was the sound of locusts and the distant crackle of smoke that feeds steadily into the sky. The sentinels stood motionless. Then, the division leader pointed to a few firefighters walking on the other side of the road, weaving a slow path through the juniper. They carried small red tanks with long spouts that dipped toward the golden grasses. A stream of fire poured from the tanks and caught the grass. Flame spread like a burning puddle. A scent like bundled sage washed fresh under the incensed skies and brought a peaceful feeling to the scene.
“That’s what you want,” Cossel said as the firefighters dripped more flame onto the ground. “Low and slow.”
Firefighters use a combination of gasoline and diesel fuel to ignite fires in a burnout operation. The gasoline burns quickly, but the diesel “makes it stay” and adhere to the surface it’s poured on. That gives the burners a modicum of control, but still the fire “fingered” through the grasses, spreading from each puddle to form a burning mosaic.
Then, a blast of heat, a plume of blue smoke. Flame exploded through the branches of a juniper several yards away. The red-hot fire rose taller than two men. The sentinels stayed focused on the unburned area, fire at their backs. The burners looked on calmly as the juniper engulfed in fire then died back to a smolder in a matter of seconds.
Juniper in this region of the Coconino National Forest are dry — extremely dry — from years of historic drought. This one resisted flame about as well as a matchstick and was gone in an instant.
“Just the cost of doing business,” Cossel said.
Over the minutes we stood and watched, firefighters burned out a couple football fields' worth of terrain. By 1 p.m. on Wednesday, fire crews were able to burn out about 4 miles along the Pipeline’s northern border. They expected to continue — as long as conditions remained “favorable.”
The same technique was also employed elsewhere around the Pipeline Fire perimeter in places where it was “situationally appropriate.”
Watching fire — even prescribed burnouts — spread through the forest of northern Arizona is unnerving. The flames need no coaxing, just a drip of ignition, to consume the parched land.
It gives pause to realize that one of the best defenses we have against spreading fire is to burn its fuel before it gets there. The inevitable sacrifice is swathes of the very same forests we hope to preserve. Fighting fire with fire is a lose-lose, cutting a finger to save an arm. But in this era of western wildfire, it’s often the best option we have. It seems the question is not whether our land will burn, but where, when -- and who holds the match. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/favorable-winds-allow-burnout-operations-wednesday-on-northern-edge-of-pipeline-fire/article_10c8bc82-ed07-11ec-8319-6b6356a86edd.html | 2022-06-16T15:54:33 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/favorable-winds-allow-burnout-operations-wednesday-on-northern-edge-of-pipeline-fire/article_10c8bc82-ed07-11ec-8319-6b6356a86edd.html |
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A 3-year-old died in a pool accident on Wednesday, according to Lake View Police.
Lake View Police said officers, Lake View Fire Department, McCalla Fire Department and Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Medical Deputies responded to the Tannehill Preserve Community Pool in response to a 3-year-old involved in an accident.
The child was taken to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Lake View Police called the situation a “tragic accident.”
No further details are available at this time. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/child-dies-in-tuscaloosa-county-pool-accident/ | 2022-06-16T15:54:54 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/child-dies-in-tuscaloosa-county-pool-accident/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Federal Reserve is stepping up its effort to stop inflation by increasing the interest rate by 0.75%, the biggest spike in almost 30 years.
A high-interest rate will make it more expensive to borrow. People will see higher interest cost for mortgages, home equity lines of credit, credit cards, student debt, and car loans. Should you be worried?
Kevin Hagler with Southwest Funding said the main factors to surviving are affordability and sustainability.
“We’re going to have to reestablish our budget because food is more expensive, gas is more expensive, so it’s going to have a negative impact on affordability,” Hagler said. “Demand is still strong, and there are still people who want to own property.”
Hagler said if you have properly budgeted and saved, now is a good time to buy a home.
“There’s always going to be ups and downs in the market,” Hagler said. “History always repeats itself, so who’s to say the home price, the home value may not fall 10% three years from now that’s true, but that does nothing for you today.”
The White House says it has confidence in the Federal Reserve to tackle inflation.
Inflation is above 8% year over year, and the fed’s target is 2%. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-raising-interest-rate/ | 2022-06-16T15:55:00 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-raising-interest-rate/ |
A man died in an explosion at a trailer repair shop in South Jersey Wednesday morning, authorities said.
The blast happened at the shop on Route 322 near Tomlin Station Road in Mullica Hill, Gloucester County, around 10:40 a.m. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office identified the deceased as 47-year-old Bruce A. Cheeseman of Cedarville.
NBC10’s Skyforce10 helicopter showed a piece of the roof sheared off the building as first responders went in and out. No other injuries were reported.
The prosecutor’s office, Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office, Harrison Township Police Department and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were investigating the cause of the blast. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-killed-in-explosion-at-south-jersey-repair-shop/3272950/ | 2022-06-16T16:03:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-killed-in-explosion-at-south-jersey-repair-shop/3272950/ |
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — It's a sight the owners of pup Luna have been waiting to see.
"We adopted her a little over a year ago. I don't trust her off the leash at all, so to be able to see her run in here, it's hilarious because she looks like a gazelle," said Kim Hummel.
Luna and her fellow furry friends now have a place to play and roam free in Bloomsburg's first dog park, located between East 13th and Catherine Streets.
"It's been in the works since about 2008, and we're so happy that it's going to be open finally this Saturday," said Bloomsburg Town Council Member Jim Garman.
"We have a 180-by-90 foot area here, and we're hoping to really add some amenities in the future with some future grants, so we're excited," said Town Manager Lisa Dooley.
It's hard to tell who's more excited, the dogs or their owners.
We attached a camera to the collar of Louie, a yellow lab, to see the park through his eyes as he played with his new friend Diesel.
"Oh, it's awesome. He's really having a great time. He'll be tuckered out by the end of the night. He'll sleep good," said Diesel's owner Anthony Silvette.
Mayor Justin Hummel says the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
"I think that's the best part. It's always frustrating, and you'd like to be doing so much more, and you can't, so these are things that people are really hungry for. I think it's something people look for when they move to a community, so it's nice to be able to offer this."
It took federal funding and community fundraising to get the park up and running.
Cleve Hummel and his wife, parents of the mayor, donated $1,000.
"Because we got our dog over the pandemic, and we were out of town, and the place we were staying had a dog park. It was a great place to meet people, socialize, and the dogs had a place to run and enjoy themselves."
The grand opening of the dog park is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors will be on hand with dog toys, treats, and supplies. Oh, and hot dogs for the humans too! The park is then open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
See more pets and animal stories on WNEP’s YouTube playlist. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/bloomsburg-to-open-its-first-dog-park-east-13th-catherine-street/523-c75d1f59-638a-49cc-84f3-5918707e2442 | 2022-06-16T16:12:01 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/bloomsburg-to-open-its-first-dog-park-east-13th-catherine-street/523-c75d1f59-638a-49cc-84f3-5918707e2442 |
Lancaster County's chief deputy on Thursday urged Lincoln-area residents to "please lock your cars" after another vehicle was stolen with the keys inside.
Ben Houchin said the use of Tile key tracker helped deputies recover a stolen 2002 Toyota truck on Wednesday after a 19-year-old man had left the windows down and keys inside at 12500 Yankee Hill Road, southeast of Lincoln.
Houchin said the 19-year-old directed authorities to the area of 25th and R streets in Lincoln, where the Tile app indicated his keys were.
Deputies performed a traffic stop on the vehicle near 23rd and U streets and arrested 62-year-old Ronald Noyd on suspicion of theft by receiving stolen property, Houchin said. He was taken to the Lancaster County jail and the Toyota, worth around $2,500 was returned.
"Please lock your cars," Houchin said. "Don't leave your keys in there. Please quit leaving property of value in there, especially in view."
"I know it doesn't mean that people have the right to go in and steal your stuff, but, boy, if it's just there, there's a lot of individuals just going around looking for crimes of opportunity," he added.
In Lincoln, the police department has tracked a 59.8% increase in vehicle thefts this year compared to the five-year, year-to-date average, according to department data.
In June alone, car thefts have increased by more than 65% compared to June 2021. Nearly 30% of vehicles stolen in the city this month were unlocked with the keys inside.
A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Andrew Wegley joined the Journal Star as breaking news reporter after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in May 2021.
Four minutes after warning residents to stay away from the area near 15th and U streets, the school's police department announced the person was arrested.
Keith Doering had been riding his 2015 Yamaha YZFR6 motorcycle north on 84th Street around 9:50 p.m. Saturday when a southbound Jeep turned left onto Augusta Drive, crossing into Doering's path, the police said in a news release.
As the 5-year-old dog charged officers, knocking one to the ground, a second officer retreated backward and fired his gun, striking the dog, the police department said. The dog, Diva, was ultimately euthanized.
The jogger, a 23-year-old woman, was running near 33rd and Apple streets around 6:30 a.m. Friday when she was struck on the head, knocked to the ground and robbed of her phone and headphones, police said.
"The smoke covered everything," The Oven's general manager said, as he and other company employees tried to sort through the ash-covered restaurant the fire left behind.
Police took two men into custody before finding a .40 caliber handgun, drug paraphernalia, $2,994 in cash, 197.5 grams of marijuana and 488 various pills.
Officers responded shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday to the area, where they found the 22-year-old gunshot wound victim in a parking lot. The victim refused treatment at the scene, police said.
Officers arrested the 18-year-old Thursday evening after a brief foot pursuit near 70th and Adams streets, police said. The department's gang task force had identified him as the suspect in a May 18 shooting.
The 34-year-old was charged Friday with possession of and delivery of a controlled substance after Lincoln Police found seven blue oxycodone pills near the victim, police said in court records.
The complaint — filed by two shareholders in Superior Court of the State of Washington, where Costco is based — involves an undercover investigation into Lincoln Premium Poultry last year. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lancaster-county-deputy-asks-residents-to-please-lock-your-cars-after-another-stolen-vehicle/article_c6bf8b68-a5e6-5865-86d2-8842f3c8585b.html | 2022-06-16T16:15:43 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lancaster-county-deputy-asks-residents-to-please-lock-your-cars-after-another-stolen-vehicle/article_c6bf8b68-a5e6-5865-86d2-8842f3c8585b.html |
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Mount Olive A.M.E Church in Fort Myers has so much food that they are looking to give it away Thursday, June 16.
The church is overstocked with tons of fresh foods and vegetables, they’re afraid they won’t be able to give it all away. They’re worried they may have to throw the food out if people don’t show up to get it.
The drive is being held at 2754 Orange Street in Fort Myers and will begin at 1 P.M. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/16/mount-olive-a-m-e-church-holding-free-food-giveaway-thursday/ | 2022-06-16T16:15:48 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/16/mount-olive-a-m-e-church-holding-free-food-giveaway-thursday/ |
A 35-year-old Lincoln man was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his back after a disagreement with a stranger at Cooper Park on Thursday, according to the Lincoln Police Department.
Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said officers responded to the park, near South Sixth and D streets, around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, finding the 35-year-old who had been shot in the back of his left shoulder.
The man told police he had started talking with an unknown male, between the ages of 15 and 21, but the conversation devolved into a disagreement, prompting the 35-year-old to turn and walk away, Kocian said.
As he did, the man said he heard a loud "pop" sound and felt pain in his shoulder.
Police found two .380 caliber shell casings at the scene, Kocian said, but the suspected shooter fled before officers arrived.
Kocian said the 35-year-old did not have any prior relationship with the suspect, who he described as tall and skinny with long brown hair.
People are also reading…
An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-shot-at-cooper-park-after-disagreement-with-stranger-police-say/article_a1e2a760-06fd-5f0e-a05d-5f0f2de3053d.html | 2022-06-16T16:15:49 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-shot-at-cooper-park-after-disagreement-with-stranger-police-say/article_a1e2a760-06fd-5f0e-a05d-5f0f2de3053d.html |
A multi-car crash on Normal Boulevard around 8:30 on Thursday morning forced traffic onto alternate routes near Holmes Lake.
The crash reported near the north entrance to the park involved at least five vehicles, eyewitnesses said. Information on injuries was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Stay with JournalStar.com for updates.
Top Journal Star photos for June
Top Journal Star photos for June
Daniel Bartek lounges by the waters of Holmes Lake after a long day of work on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Carpet Land’s Caden Cetak (left) slides for home as Judds Brothers’ Chase Blanchard tags him out during the annual Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion tournament championship game Sunday, June 11, 2022, at Den Hartog Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
New Kids on the Block perform Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska offensive linemen Kevin Williams Jr (center) huddles up with campers before taking a break during a football camp held at the Lincoln Sports Foundation field on Saturday, June 11, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Spectators watch as purebred pigs are showcased Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Cornhusker Classic Swine Show at Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A bicyclist peddles uphill past a field of wildflowers on a section of the Mopac bike trail near Vine Street on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Union Bank’s Reese Kortum pitches the ball against a Millard North batter during a Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion Tournament game on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Anderson Ford's Braeden Sunken bats in the third inning of a Mike Peterson Tournament legion baseball game against Millard North on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Park. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
The flyover bridge that will connect U.S. 77 to the South Beltway has steel beams laid the entire west to east distance on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Salt Dogs left fielder Randy Norris dives but misses the catch after a long ball hit by Chicago Dog's Grant Kay ( not pictured) in the second inning at Haymarket Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A rancher takes a load off while waiting for an auction during the annual Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska at the Cass County Fairgrounds on June 4 in Weeping Water. The annual fundraiser moves around the state, and is held in a new location each year.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
North’s Kamden Dusatko (middle) and his teammates celebrate their win over South in the Shrine Bowl on June 4 at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium in Kearney.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost speaks with recruits to wrap up the Friday Night Lights camp at Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2022. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Tire marks mar the surface of the parking lot of Kohls, at the corner of 84th and O street, in this aerial view on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A memorial to victims of a crash that occurred May 29 is set up on O Street at the site of the crash on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A family-style seafood boil, tossed in butter and Cajun seasonings, is complimented by New Orleans-style beverages at Bourbon Street by Single Barrel, located in the Haymarket in Downtown, on June 1.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Police Officer and CSI instigator Jason Hellmuth talks about using various lights to inspect crime scenes during Bridging the Gap on June 1.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter
Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/multi-vehicle-crash-ties-up-traffic-near-holmes-lake-dam/article_71f40e5e-9b5e-5dc3-890e-5b81c2da0bbf.html | 2022-06-16T16:15:55 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/multi-vehicle-crash-ties-up-traffic-near-holmes-lake-dam/article_71f40e5e-9b5e-5dc3-890e-5b81c2da0bbf.html |
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is launching a new attraction and we’ve got tickets to give away so you can go try it.
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, set to open on June 15, will explore the present and future of collaborative cosmic travel.
The 50,000 square foot, multi-tiered exhibit allows “guests to experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating what is happening right now within the space program,” a release reads.
News 6 Insiders have the chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to experience all it has to offer, including the new attraction.
Entries must be in by 12 p.m. ET on June 16. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/09/enter-to-win-4-tickets-to-kennedy-space-center/ | 2022-06-16T16:16:33 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/09/enter-to-win-4-tickets-to-kennedy-space-center/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Whether you want to try something new or just relieve some stress, now you can enjoy axe-throwing all around Central Florida.
Here’s a list of local options for any schedule and budget:
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
1. Stumpy’s Hatchet House Orlando | 8462 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32836 — (407) 951-1148
This business offers axe throwing for groups as small as 1-4 people to as large as 41-50 participants. Players are allowed to reserve times ranging from a half hour to two hours.
Axe throwers also get to enjoy drinks at the location.
Prices range from $20 to $40 and participants must pay a deposit to secure their spots. Players are not allowed to bring outside drinks and they are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
Stumpy’s is open Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
2. Rockstar Axe Throwing Orlando | 3402 Technological Ave. Suite 148, Orlando, FL 32817 — (407) 326-8429
In addition to axe throwing, this business offers knife throwing, too. Rockstar also offers axe-throwing leagues, knife leagues and tournaments.
Prices range from $25 to $39.50 in one or two-hour sessions.
Reservations made more than seven days in advance require a 50% deposit at the time of booking.
Rockstar is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Epic Axe Throwing | 47 E Robinson St. Suite 104, Orlando, FL 32801 — (407) 326-8429
Epic offers an axe-throwing league and axe throwing for groups ranging in size from 4-5 people to 6-30 people. Groups of 1-3 are walk-in only.
Prices range from $30 to $49.50 per person. Epic also offers one to two-hour sessions.
The business is open Monday-Thursday from 3 p.m. 9 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. 11 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
4. BATL Axe Throwing | 55 W Church St Suite 113, Orlando, FL 32801 — (407) 988-2323
BATL is located in downtown Orlando, offering a licensed bar and food.
Guests can select from different event options, such as the “party pack” for 4-6 people for one hour, including six bar drinks.
Other events include “casual” and “premium” categories; guests can either buy a one or two-hour casual option, or they could go for premium, a tournament-style event that lasts an hour and a half.
Prices range from $20 to $44 per person. The business is open Tuesday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5. Bigfoot Axe Throwers in Kissimmee | 3262 Vineland Road Suite 107, Kissimmee, FL 34746 — (407) 507-5015
This is the biggest axe venue in Orlando, according to its website.
Price ranges from $25 to $40 per person. Bigfoot offers one and two-hour sessions.
The venue is open Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
6. The Axe Trap | 2600 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789 — (321) 422-0522
The Axe Trap offers axe-throwing, international tapas and drinks, as well as an axe-throwing league.
Lane reservations are available for groups of as few as 1-3 players to as many as 7-12 players. The Axe Trap offers hourly sessions.
It’s $25 per person and $150 to be part of the league. The Axe Trap is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
7. The Axe Hole Apopka | 50 E 5th St., Apopka, FL 32703 — (269) 293-4653
The Axe Hole offers weekly specials and group events.
Prices range from $20 to $36 per person.
The business is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
8. Ax-Caliber Axe Venue and Coffee House | 204 E Orange St. Suite 102, Lakeland, FL 33801 — (863) 592-3500
This is Polk County’s self-proclaimed first and largest axe-throwing range, complete with a “virtual fun range” and a restaurant.
It offers drinks, food specials and locally-roasted coffee.
Walk-ins are welcome, and prices range from $25 to $39.99 per person.
Ax-Caliber offers one and two-hour sessions. The venue is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
9. Tactical Axes | 401 E 1st St., Sanford, FL 32771 — (689) 220-8228
Tactical Axes has mobile trailers of different sizes that will come to your requested location. Prices include transportation up to 30 miles from Sanford.
An axe-throwing instructor is also included in the reservation price.
Prices range from $5 (for festival or event axe throws) to $995 (for the mobile trailer) depending on the package selected by the customer.
The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Woodchuck’s Axe Throwing | 3238 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803 — (863) 692-3344
Woodchuck’s offers axe-throwing in a sober environment with instructors on hand.
Prices range from $22 to 40$ per person. The business offers 60, 90 and 120-minute sessions, and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/10-places-to-go-axe-throwing-in-central-florida/ | 2022-06-16T16:16:40 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/10-places-to-go-axe-throwing-in-central-florida/ |
Flying is a pain when space is cramped, but one designer found a new way to give passengers some extra legroom.
The designer created double-decker-style seating for commercial planes.
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
The concept debuted at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Germany.
Those sitting on the top level would access their seats using steps. However, there are some drawbacks.
Passengers on the top level will not be able to fully stand up in the seats and there are no overhead bins to store luggage. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/even-higher-in-the-sky-double-decker-seat-design-gives-more-leg-room-on-planes/ | 2022-06-16T16:16:46 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/even-higher-in-the-sky-double-decker-seat-design-gives-more-leg-room-on-planes/ |
When the heat reaches its peak this summer, there’s a great way to cool off in Florida. And that’s by going tubing.
All you have to do is grab a tube (or rent one), round up your family and friends and head out for this fun adventure at a Florida spring.
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
That icy cool water will keep those hot days at bay.
Lucky for Central Floridians, we have some options right here in our area. Some other locations are a short road trip away.
Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park, Apopka
The 68-degree water at Kelly Park is calling your name.
You can bring your own tube (or float that is less than 5 feet in length) or rent one outside the park.
It costs $3 per vehicle with one to two people, $5 per vehicle for three to eight people and an additional $1 for people or those that walk or ride their bikes in.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer, but it is a park that reaches capacity early.
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
If you head north to Orange City, you can experience Blue Spring State Park which is known for its manatees.
Guests have the ability to tube within the park by renting a tube from Blue Springs Adventures, the park’s website shows.
Officials advise you enter the water at the upper entry, swim up to the spring boil and then float your way back to the main dock.
The length of the float is about an eighth of a mile, the park’s website says.
Blue Spring is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. until sundown. It costs $6 per vehicle with two to 8 passengers to get in.
This park can reach capacity quickly, so the park suggests you get there early.
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
If you travel about one and a half hours to the northeast of Orlando, you’ll get to Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon.
There’s a lot to do at rainbow springs, but we’re here to talk about tubing.
There is an entrance just for tubing because its website says tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park.
Once you arrive, you will take a shuttle upstream for two miles where you can then tube the Rainbow River as you make your way back to your vehicle, according to its website.
The park says the float takes two hours to complete.
Only registered campers can use their own tubes, the park says.
Rainbow Springs is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sunset. Its website says contact guest services for tube rental and shuttle fees.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
The Ichetucknee River is a favorite for tubers but it’s a bit further for Central Floridians. You’ll find this park in Fort White which is a little over two hours to the northeast.
Guests can tube year-round from the Midpoint, or Dampier’s Landing, which is the south main entrance off Highway 27, the park says on its website.
The park says tubes can be rented within the park or you can bring your own, but they cannot exceed 60 inches in any two directions.
Admission is $6 per vehicle with two to eight people. All visitors must be off the river by 6 p.m.
Ginnie Springs, High Springs
And if you don’t mind driving two hours, you’ll find the crystal clear waters of Ginnie Springs in High Springs, just outside of Gainesville.
Once you have your tube, hit the Sante Fe River for some fun.
The park said most guests enter at Beaver’s Landing river access point and tube for an hour or so back to the tube exit at Twin Spring.
During the summer, Ginnie Springs is open starting at 8 a.m. and closes at different times depending on the day. The adult season rate is $20, with children ages 5 to 12 costing $5 and children 4 and under gaining free admission. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/heres-where-you-can-go-tubing-around-central-florida/ | 2022-06-16T16:16:52 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/heres-where-you-can-go-tubing-around-central-florida/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s ex-wife has died after a battle with an aggressive brain tumor.
Dyer announced the death of Karen Caudill Dyer in a tweet posted Thursday, writing that she had an “unrelenting, valiant fight.”
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“She was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, sister, mother and friend. Karen loved Orlando and we are forever grateful for our community’s support and compassion,” Dyer wrote.
The Dyers had two sons together, Trey and Drew.
In a 2017 interview with the College Park Community Paper, Karen Dyer talked about her law firm, Boies Schiller Flexner, and how one of her career highlights was starting it in 1997.
“Being part of starting that firm was exciting. And seeing it grow,” she said.
The mayor described her as “one of the top trial lawyers in the country.” | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/karen-dyer-trial-lawyer-and-orlando-mayors-ex-wife-dies-after-battle-with-brain-tumor/ | 2022-06-16T16:16:58 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/karen-dyer-trial-lawyer-and-orlando-mayors-ex-wife-dies-after-battle-with-brain-tumor/ |
ORLANDO, FLA – Leu Gardens in Orlando is offering a scavenger hunt for all ages during June and July.
Participants will be given a special map to guide them through the hunt, according to the Leu Gardens.
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
The only thing scavengers have to do is find a leaf, not any leaf, but a special one that “is your guide.” The person who finds the special leaf would be rewarded with fun facts about the gardens, a release said.
Scavengers should not get discouraged since Leu Gardens has hidden over 20 of the special leaf for visitors to find.
Leu Gardens said the scavenger hunt is a great way to learn about some of the plants, history and more.
Kids can come dressed in costumes as their favorite explorer or detective.
The daytime garden admission is $15 per adult and $10 for children 4-17 years old. Leu Garden’s members and children under the age of 3 receive free admission.
The daytime admission already includes the scavenger hunt. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/leu-gardens-in-orlando-offers-special-leaf-scavenger-hunt/ | 2022-06-16T16:17:04 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/leu-gardens-in-orlando-offers-special-leaf-scavenger-hunt/ |
MOUNT DORA, Fla. – A recent land sale is showing signs of movement for a long-awaited development in Mount Dora and Lake County.
It may look like farmland for now, but Mount Dora Mayor Crissy Stile sees so much potential.
“It really is endless,” Stile said.
The 850 acres along State Roads 46 and 453 make up the Wolf Branch Innovation District. It is a joint partnership between the city and Lake County. The local governments adopted the plans back in 2019.
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“It’s been quite a few council members, quite a few mayors that had their hands in the foresight of creating the Wolf Branch Innovation District,” Stile said.
The mayor said the city is growing and even more connected after the toll road opened in 2018. New homes are popping up in the community every day, which is why Stile said she’s focusing on bringing more businesses to the area.
She said that’s where the new district fits in.
“Which is a huge blank slate for us to grow even more,” Stile said.
Stile is calling it an “employment center” that will include industrial, commercial and mixed-use residential developments. She said the district will bring high-paying jobs.
“There’s just not a lot in Mount Dora, higher-paying jobs, that you can really focus on staying here. So we want to be the hometown, homebred people that want to live here for a lifetime, so the innovation district will help with that too,” she said.
Some liken the district to Orange County’s Lake Nona community, but Stile said you can’t really put a label on it.
“I’m not really sure that there’s anything that we could compare what our vision is for this district,” she said.
The mayor said even though the district is a few miles away from the historic downtown, the development will still have the same look and feel by showcasing the city’s unique charm.
“We’re still definitely going to keep in line with the Mount Dora charm and the quaintness as much as you can with starting with fresh dirt,” Stile said.
After years of planning, there are signs of movement. Stile said a developer recently purchased 550 acres. She adds while the plans are still in the works, they will fit with their vision.
“They’re going to touch on the healthcare, the education, the industrial, the retail and then, of course, mixed-use residential, so they’re really going to cover exactly what was planned,” Stile said.
While Stile said she can’t say how long it will take for dirt to become development, she’s looking forward to what’s to come.
“It’s going to be a boost to the entire city as a whole once we get up and running in the innovation district,” Stile said.
Click here for more information on the Wolf Branch Innovation District. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/mount-doras-wolf-branch-innovation-district-to-bring-high-paying-jobs/ | 2022-06-16T16:17:10 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/mount-doras-wolf-branch-innovation-district-to-bring-high-paying-jobs/ |
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday and Walt Disney World is putting out a series of special treats for dads to enjoy across its parks and resorts, according to the Disney Parks Blog.
[ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE FLORIDA FOODIE DIRECTORY]
“The chefs and pastry extraordinaries here at Walt Disney World have brought their creativity by whipping up some savory and sweet delights to enjoy together with whoever you celebrate for – your dad, uncle, grandfather, caregiver, father figure, or another special person who impacts your life,” the blog post reads.
Some of these special treats will only be available on Father’s Day, June 19, according to Disney; however, some items will be available until the end of June.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below:
Here’s a look at what’s being offered and where you can find it, according to Disney:
EPCOT
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available June 19)
- All-American Dad Platter: Memphis dry-rub ribs, sliced Texas beef brisket, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, garlic toast and a side
Le Cellier Steakhouse (Available June 17 through 20)
- Slow-roasted Beef Prime Rib with au jus, creamy horseradish and truffled fingerling potatoes
Sunshine Seasons (Available June 19)
- Apple-Peanut Butter Tart with cinnamon crumble and chocolate mustache
- Toasted Coconut Cake with mango chutney filling and buttercream grass
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available June 17 through 20)
- “I Am Your Father” Petit Cake: Red velvet cake, cream cheese filling, dark chocolate mousse and white and dark crisp pearls
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available through June 30)
- Bacon of Doom: Chocolate-covered bacon paired with The Colonel, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey or White Crème de Cacao
Walt Disney World Resorts
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, End Zone Food Court
- Roasted Prime Rib: Oven-roasted prime rib, mashed potato, roasted asparagus, baby carrot and red wine demi sauce served with Caesar salad (Available June 17 through 19)
- Fatherly Moments: Fudge brownie and caramel with a pretzel and buttercream “frame” surrounding iconic fatherly moments from “The Incredibles” and “The Princess and the Frog” (Available through June 19)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Landscape of Flavors
- Braised Short Ribs: Braised short ribs with a spiced rum mushroom demi, charred baby carrots, asparagus and potato pavé (Available June 17 through 19)
- S’mores Gourmet Stuffed Cookie: Chocolate chunk cookie loaded with toasted marshmallow crème topped with a crunchy cinnamon graham streusel and drizzled with dark and white chocolate (Available through June 19)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Cape May Café (Available June 19 for breakfast only)
- Dad’s Beachside Bloody Mary: Loaded Bloody Mary with Absolut Peppar topped with shrimp, candied bacon, celery, green olives and a lime wedge rimmed with Cajun seasoning
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market
- Ropa Vieja with Maduros and Cuban Style Rice: Cuban-style beef stew and rice with plantains (Available June 17 through 19)
- Father’s Day S’mores: Graham cracker cake topped with a milk chocolate mousse infused with bacon, chocolate mirror glaze and toasted meringue garnished with candied bacon (Available through June 19)
Spyglass Grill (Available through June 19)
- Father’s Day S’mores: Graham cracker cake topped with a milk chocolate mousse infused with bacon, chocolate mirror glaze and toasted meringue garnished with candied bacon
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available June 17 through 19)
- Father’s Day Bacon Brownie: Fudge brownie, chocolate ganache, caramel, bacon and chocolate crisp pearls
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Toledo (Available June 19)
- Father’s Day Brûlée: Bourbon ganache, vanilla crème brûlée, fresh berries and chocolate mustache
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available through June 19)
- Hole in One: Fudgy brownie filled with caramel and pecans, topped with cheesecake glazed in a white chocolate glaçage with white chocolate golf garnish
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Available June 17 through 19)
Kona Island and Capt. Cook’s
- Dad’s Favorite Snacks Tart: Chocolate tart, coconut macadamia topping, dad’s favorite snacks (potato chips, SNICKERS, popcorn, and M&M’S), rum chocolate caramel sauce, and chocolate-dipped bacon piece on top (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining
- Roasted Prime Rib: Oven-roasted prime rib, mashed potato, roasted asparagus, baby carrot, and red wine demi sauce served with Caesar salad (Available June 17 through 19)
- S’mores Gourmet Stuffed Cookie: Chocolate chunk cookie loaded with toasted marshmallow crème topped with a crunchy cinnamon graham streusel and drizzled with dark and white chocolate (Available through June 19)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court
- Sweet & Spicy BBQ Ribs: Pork ribs with sweet & spicy BBQ sauce, cowboy beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw (Available June 19)
- Father’s Day Cheesecake Brownie: Brownie topped with peanut butter cheesecake garnished with whipped ganache and M&M’S Minis (Available through June 19)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café (Available June 17 through 19)
- Milk Chocolate Ganache Tart and Bourbon Pairing: Milk chocolate ganache tart paired with the “Father of Bourbon” Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon on the rocks | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/walt-disney-world-rolling-out-special-treats-for-fathers-day-heres-a-look/ | 2022-06-16T16:17:16 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/walt-disney-world-rolling-out-special-treats-for-fathers-day-heres-a-look/ |
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Thursday at an airboat tour company near Miami, where he announced registration had begun for the upcoming 2022 Florida Python Challenge.
Speaking at Everglades Airboat Expeditions on U.S. Route 41, DeSantis said eradicating Burmese pythons from the local ecosystem factors into the state’s environmental conservatorship efforts.
“The Everglades of course is a diverse ecosystem, and we are protecting this ecosystem in a variety of different ways, and one of the things that we have to do is look at the toll that these invasive Burmese pythons have on the Everglades. It’s just unbelievable,” DeSantis said. “... The reality is, they can exact serious destruction on the overall ecosystem and so for us, we view this as a challenge.”
[TRENDING: Disney is offering a private jet world tour | Hidden gem: Zip through canyons at this Ocala adventure park | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
An investment of up to $3 million has been earmarked in the upcoming state budget for python removal efforts, what the governor said will help pay for special cameras and other equipment to aid hunters in locating and dealing with the invasive species. More than 600 people from more than 25 states participated in last year’s challenge, removing 223 pythons from the Everglades, DeSantis said.
“We’re excited about the challenge and we’re going to continue to offer support for, of course, Everglades restoration writ large, but particularly this python mission because it is important and the last thing we want to do is spend a lot of your tax dollars doing a lot of things to improve the infrastructure, the water flow, only to have the pythons ruin everything for future generations,” DeSantis said.
The governor was joined by Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. Officials with the South Florida Water Management District were also there, including Vice Chairman Scott Wagner and Executive Director Drew Bartlett.
“Alligator Ron” Bergeron, SFWMD governing board member, made a plea to all who may step foot in the Everglades to consider taking part in the python removal effort.
“These snakes are destroying the natural food chain, and you can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy food chain, so extremely important to the environment. But it’s all about we, all of you, the hikers, the bikers, the wildlife photographers, the bird watchers, cutters, the fishermen, the conservationists and the environmentalists, all of us along with our professional hunters that the governor has funded for us to put the pressure on this snake that’s destroying the Everglades,” Bergeron said.
The competition runs from Aug. 5-14, with multiple cash prizes available in professional and novice categories. All applicants must take an online training course and a quiz before registering, according to the contest’s website. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/watch-live-at-930-am-gov-desantis-holds-news-conference-at-airboat-tour-company/ | 2022-06-16T16:17:23 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/16/watch-live-at-930-am-gov-desantis-holds-news-conference-at-airboat-tour-company/ |
COVID-19 vaccines could be available as soon as next week for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
“Developing and providing effective vaccines had been a cornerstone of the effort to protect us against this virus,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff during a Thursday media briefing. “The one group that has still been waiting has been our youngest children, those less than 5 years of age, and now that appears likely to change.”
The Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisers already endorsed vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months and up, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s advisory committee will meet Friday and Saturday to make recommendations.
The Pfizer vaccine is a three-shot series for 6 months through 4 years. Each dose is one-tenth the adult dose. The first two doses are three weeks apart and the final dose is given two months after the second.
Moderna’s vaccine is a two-shot series for ages 6 months through 5 years. Each dose is one-quarter the adult dose and is given four weeks apart.
Pediatricians, family physicians, hospitals, federally qualified health centers and pharmacies across Ohio have been placing orders, with the first deliveries expected Monday, Vanderhoff said.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/state-readies-for-rollout-of-covid-vaccine-for-youngest-children/YALOLM7DAVCF7JEF2WLZK54NIU/ | 2022-06-16T16:18:54 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/state-readies-for-rollout-of-covid-vaccine-for-youngest-children/YALOLM7DAVCF7JEF2WLZK54NIU/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Baby Formula Setback
Inflation Vacation
Beyoncé New Album
Border Bus Cost
Opal's Walk for Freedom
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/big-announcement-today-the-connection/2993991/ | 2022-06-16T16:29:01 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/big-announcement-today-the-connection/2993991/ |
Police in Honey Grove are searching for a missing 13-year-old girl believed to be in grave or immediate danger.
Kionna Braxton was reported missing after being last seen wearing an orange and white cheerleader outfit with blue, orange and red Crocs.
Braxton stands 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. She is Black, has brown eyes and black hair with blondish/brown braids.
Police did not release any further details about the girl's disappearance or say why they believe she is in grave danger.
Anyone with information on the girl's location is asked to contact the Honey Grove Police Department at 903-378-2222.
Honey Grove is located in Fannin County, about 50 miles northeast of McKinney and about 20 miles west of Paris. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/amber-alert-missing-honey-grove-teen-in-grave-immediate-danger/2994054/ | 2022-06-16T16:29:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/amber-alert-missing-honey-grove-teen-in-grave-immediate-danger/2994054/ |
A Bucks County man who killed his chiropractor, whom he blamed for his jaw pain, has been sentenced to up to more than seven decades behind bars.
Joseph O'Boyle, 23, was convicted June 10 of third-degree murder in the 2020 beating death of Bensalem chiropractor Dr. James Sowa. He was sentenced 37 to 74 years behind bars for the killing.
O'Boyle beat Sowa with a blunt object in his home office on November 2, 2020, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.
Prosecutors said O'Boyle entered Sowa's office with no appointment and struck the doctor in the head multiple times. While Sowa was on the floor unconscious, O'Boyle repeatedly struck him in the jaw, killing him.
Sowa's records showed that O'Boyle had been a patient of his in September of 2020, the prosecutor's office said.
O'Boyle's family said he was upset with the treatment he received for his jaw pain at the appointment and intended to sue the doctor for making his pain worse.
O'Boyle pleaded guilty to Sowa's murder and to assaulting a Bensalem detective investigating the homicide, the DA's office said. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bensalem-man-sentenced-to-up-to-more-than-7-decades-in-chiropractor-murder/3272869/ | 2022-06-16T16:29:21 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bensalem-man-sentenced-to-up-to-more-than-7-decades-in-chiropractor-murder/3272869/ |
June 19 marks Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. in 1865.
Check out the events going on and the several places you can celebrate freedom and liberty on both the federal holiday, and the days surrounding it, in the Philadelphia region.
The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth has its roots in the freeing of people who were previously enslaved in Galveston, Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Emancipation Proclamation freed people who were enslaved in the South in 1863, it could not be enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in 1865.
On June 19, 1865, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived at Galveston with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The following year on June 19, celebrations began in Galveston and the observance has grown nationwide since.
Wawa Welcome America at African American Museum in Philadelphia: Free Admission, Juneteenth Block Party
Juneteenth marks the first day of Wawa Welcome America, a 16-day festival of free events in Philly.
On the first day of the festival, you can enjoy free admission to the African American Museum in Philadelphia from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. All you need to do is register online here.
Wawa is partnering with AAMP to honor the history of the federal holiday by inviting everyone to experience African American heritage and culture in the Old City neighborhood. Individuals are encouraged and welcomed to explore the art galleries and historical exhibits on Sunday.
You don't need to enter the museum to celebrate the legacy of emancipation at the Juneteenth Block Party. AAMP has partnered with Wawa and Visit Philadelphia to host this family-friendly outdoor event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Festivalgoers will be able to check out live performances from international and local artists, a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, vendors, community partners and food trucks, Wawa Welcome America says. You can also get moving with hands-on activities including art-making and line dancing.
To Set Them Free: An Abolitionism Walking Tour of Laurel Hill
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, you can join in on To Set Them Free: An Abolitionism Walking Tour to recognize those who fought to end slavery by hearing and telling their tales of the struggles and courage.
Visitors are asked to RSVP to this free event to reserve a spot. You may do so here.
Laurel Hill's Juneteenth programming for 2022 also includes a free screening of Glory (1989) and a presentation on United States Colored Troops in the American Civil War on June 21.
Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens
Take a trip to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on Friday, June 17, or Saturday, June 18, to catch the Illuminated Fountain Performance at Longwood Gardens titled "Freedom," in honor of Juneteenth.
The full playlist of music for the show contains songs from Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
The show will pay tribute to the end of slavery in the United States, and honors and recognizes the themes of freedom, hope, and strength, Longwood Gardens says.
Germantown's 16th Annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival
From noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, the Johnson House Historic Site is hosting the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival in Germantown.
Head to the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue to celebrate and commemorate the 157th Anniversary of Juneteenth, where there will be educational activities, historic reenactments and food trucks to enjoy.
Visitors can learn about the people who labored for the freedom of others, as well as gain an appreciation for the courageous decisions and actions made by those who were enslaved to embark on a journey to freedom at the Johnson House.
Annual Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade, Festival & Children's Village
In West Philadelphia between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, come out to the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival.
There will be the official Juneteenth parade to watch, the Juneteenth Street Festival and Marketplace at Malcolm X Park and a children’s village that will have activities for the kids and young ones to enjoy.
The parade, in which the grand marshal is Dreamgirls and Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph, will start at 11 a.m. down 52nd Street and end at Malcolm X Park where you can find both the marketplace and festival.
The festival features art exhibits, a performance stage and food vendors. The marketplace features local Black- and Brown-owned businesses and over 200 vendors selling clothes, artwork, and other items to check out.
For the kids, they can explore the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Children's Village, where they will find games, face-painting and arts and crafts outside of the Global Leadership Academy at South 52nd Street and Pine Street.
Black Music City: Juneteenth Celebration
On Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., check out Black Music City: Juneteenth Celebration, a celebratory gathering honoring Philadelphia's rich Black music history by inspiring today's creatives.
This is Black Music City's second year fund and increase recognition for Philadelphia area Black creatives and their new works.
Come out to World Cafe Live Philadelphia for the unveiling of 46 artists' projects at an event full of music, art and culture. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/your-guide-to-events-honoring-juneteenth-in-the-philly-area/3270723/ | 2022-06-16T16:29:27 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/your-guide-to-events-honoring-juneteenth-in-the-philly-area/3270723/ |
Death investigation underway after couple in 80s found dead in shallow ditch in unincorporated Rockledge
Brevard County sheriff’s investigators were working to solve the mystery of how a couple, whose bodies were found lying in a shallow ditch Wednesday in unincorporated Rockledge, died.
The unidentified couple, both in their 80s, were reported missing at about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday by a relative after the pair did not return home from an earlier walk in the warm, mid-morning weather.
More:Heavy police presence reported in unincorporated Rockledge neighborhood
“(A) preliminary investigation leads agents to believe this was a tragic accident and do not suspect foul play,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The agency did not provide more details about what type of accident may have been involved.
Deputies arrived in the neighborhood, located along the north end of Glenn Avenue near a dead-end and west of Fiske Boulevard. Investigators canvassed the neighborhood for the pair, described as being infirm, and spotted their bodies resting in a drainage swale not far from their home, reports show.
Deputies immediately roped off the area with crime scene tape. The medical examiner’s van was also called. Investigators gathered along the ditch where the couple was found. The couple had left their home about 11 a.m., reports show.
The medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause and timing of the couple’s deaths. An investigation is ongoing.
FLORIDA TODAY's Malcolm Denemark and Tyler Vazquez contributed to this report.
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop. | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/brevard-sheriffs-investigators-say-couple-found-dead-following-walk/7644169001/ | 2022-06-16T16:30:12 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/brevard-sheriffs-investigators-say-couple-found-dead-following-walk/7644169001/ |
EPA tightens recommendations on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
Federal regulators stunned scientists and local officials nationwide Wednesday by releasing new health advisories for toxic "forever chemicals" known to be in thousands of U.S. drinking water systems, impacting potentially millions of people.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cut the safe level of a chemical called PFOA by more than 17,000 times what the agency had previously said was protective of health, to now just four "parts per quadrillion." The safe level of a sister chemical, PFOS, was reduced by a factor of 3,500.
“This will set off alarm bells for consumers, for regulators, and for manufacturers, who thought the previous (advisories) were safe,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group. “I can't find the words to explain what kind of a moment this is. ... The number of people drinking what are, according to these new numbers, unsafe levels of PFAS, is going to grow astronomically.”
But unlike a maximum contaminant level, the new so-called health advisory levels for the chemicals only provide information on what levels can cause negative human health effects. They have no teeth and are "non-enforceable and non-regulatory."
Contaminants near Patrick: EPA tests soil in South Patrick Shores
EPA has set no maximum contaminant levels for PFAS.
But the new health advisories will increase public pressure on local utilities to reduce the chemicals in their water supplies. The compounds, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) get into drinking water and the Indian River Lagoon from contaminated soil, sewage, reclaimed water, biosolids, and countless consumer products. Experts say there’s no cheap or easy way of getting them out of drinking water or the environment, or of even measuring them.
Forever chemicals everywhere:UF finds them wherever it looks in Brevard
Manatees harbor 'forever' chemicals: They're getting them from seagrass
Based on the new data and EPA’s draft analyses, the levels at which negative health effects may happen are much lower than previously understood when EPA issued a 70 parts per trillion (ppt) health advisory for PFOA and and PFOS in 2016, individually or combined.
Now it says the health advisories should be just 0.004 ppt for PFOA and 0.02 ppt for PFOS. It also says other forever chemicals called GenX can be at 10 ppt, and PFBS at 2,000 ppt.
PFAS also are known as "forever chemicals" due to their stable chemical bonds — some of the strongest in nature — which make them extremely resistant to breaking down into less harmful compounds in the environment or the human body. They have been linked to different types of cancer, low birthweights, thyroid disease, high cholesterol and other health ailments.
PFAS can even blunt the effectiveness of vaccines, including those against COVID-19.
Scientists are just beginning to unravel and understand their effects in nature and on humans. And they are being found everywhere scientists look for them in the environment.
PFAS are known to contaminate the drinking water of an estimated 200-plus million people, according to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which published an analysis in late 2020 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
While no one’s drinking lagoon water, PFAS compounds keep popping up in fish, alligators, manatees, seagrass and more along the waterway from Kennedy Space Center to Patrick Space Force Base.
Similar to lead and mercury, EPA in effect now say any detectable PFAS is unhealthy to consume over the long term.
But for many of the health outcomes, a direct cause and effect is unknown or unclear. The chemicals can remain in the body for decades with indeterminate consequences. Thousands of PFAS compounds aren’t even yet measured, so the combined long-term toxic effects also remain uncertain.
Most uses of PFAS were voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufacturers in the mid-2000s. But there are limited ongoing uses.
Wednesday's announcement has potentially astronomical cost expensive implications for water utilities, towns, and Americans across the country with water supplies most affected by the compounds.
Because the chemicals are not yet officially regulated, water utilities are not required to test for them. But their use for decades in products such as Teflon and other nonstick cookware, clothing, food packaging, furniture, and numerous industrial processes, means they are widespread in both the environment and drinking water.
Local testing in the summer of 2018 found trace levels of one less-harmful breakdown product of PFAS, called perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), in several Brevard County schools along the beach side.
The University of Florida has been finding PFAS basically everywhere they've looked in recent years: alligators at Kennedy Space Center, manatees and seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon, in the ground water and soils in Brevard County.
The extensive historical use of firefighting foams at Patrick Space Force Base and KSC, as well as the discharge of wastewater, coupled with the stagnant nature of the waterway contribute to the higher levels in Banana River, the UF researchers said in one recently published paper.
Patrick Space Force Base has found PFAS at levels of up to 4.3 million parts per trillion in their groundwater, which is not used for drinking water.
PFAS work in the background, with risks building up over a lifetime of consumption, said Philippe Grandjean, a PFAS researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who's called for extremely protective limits on PFAS. His work shows PFAS can decrease the immune response in children. They may come down with more infections than they would otherwise.
“People on the front lines of PFAS contamination have suffered for far too long," EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a release. "That’s why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and to help protect concerned families from this pervasive challenge.”
The American Chemistry Council, an industry group representing many of the companies that use PFAS, said it believes the agency's new advisories are "fundamentally flawed."
"ACC supports the development of drinking water standards for PFAS based on the best available science. However, today’s announcement ... reflects a failure of the agency to follow its accepted practice for ensuring the scientific integrity of its process," the council said in a release.
EPA announced it will make available the first $1 billion of $5 billion in grant funding from the federal infrastructure bill passed last year to help communities contaminated with PFAS. Another $6.6 billion is potentially available through existing loan programs for water and sewer utilities.
But the costs to remove and dispose of PFAS are huge, says Emily Remmel, director of regulatory affairs for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. A filter on a single water well can cost $500,000. Remmel said while the new funding is helpful, it’s also just a “drop in the bucket" for what's needed across the country.
Jim Waymer is an environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Waymer at 321-261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Or find him on Twitter: @JWayEnviro or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.waymer
Kyle Bagenstose covers climate change, chemicals, water and other environmental topics for USA TODAY. He can be reached at kbagenstose@gannett.com or on Twitter @kylebagenstose.
Support local journalism and local journalists like me. Visit floridatoday.com/subscribe | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2022/06/16/epa-says-chemicals-firefighting-foams-and-many-consumer-products-much-more-toxic-than-previously-tho/7637824001/ | 2022-06-16T16:30:24 | 0 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2022/06/16/epa-says-chemicals-firefighting-foams-and-many-consumer-products-much-more-toxic-than-previously-tho/7637824001/ |
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic is a bad memory from the past, but the danger of the virus that killed so many is still in our communities and still a danger, local public health officials said.
Dr. Eric Gleason, assistant director of Coos Health & Wellness, said the official case count as of Friday showed 300 active cases in Coos County. But in reality, he said, the case count is likely much higher.
Gleason said he makes the assumption based on fecal matter testing being done by the Oregon Health and Sciences University. OHSU has done the wastewater testing since 2020 as an indicator of how COVID is moving through communities.
"The body sheds the virus into various parts of our body," Gleason said. "One of the ways our body gets rid of foreign elements is through out bowel movements. They've been testing for several years and it gives us an accurate count of where we are in the community. The fecal numbers would indicate that we re probably at or higher than we were at our peak."
Despite the apparent rise in cases, Gleason said there is some good news.
Luckily our hospitalization rate and death rate are still pretty low," he said. "We're dong pretty good in that. COVID isn't gone. It's out there and it's probably just as bad as it was in our peak. We need to take it seriously."
While it is not popular, Gleason said he still recommends wearing a mask, especially in larger gatherings.
"Larger group gatherings is probably going to have some spread without masks," he said. "The preventative measures haven't changed. Get your vaccines. It's shown to be helpful in keeping hospitalizations and deaths low."
Gleason said even with COVID remaining active, he doesn't anticipate changes to mandates, locally or in the state.
"I don't see anyone making mandate changes after all the frustrations that came from COVID," he said. " We as a community and as a society are taking what we consider acceptable risks. COVID didn't go away when we took away masks."
Gleason said with the rising cases, there are steps that can be taken to protect individuals, and those in work settings.
1. Get vaccinated and keep up to date with your boosters. Even if new variants arise, this will help keep your immune system ready to fight and prevent severe illness.
2. Keep at-home tests ready in your cabinet.
3. For any illness, be mindful about not going to work if you do not feel well.
3. For employers, consider moving workers to remote work if/when possible. Re-evaluate PTO/sick leave policies that reduce risk of workers feeling obligated to come to work.
4. If you were recently positive with COVID, wear a mask around others five days after recovery as a precaution.
5. Continue to educate yourself on the most up to date information. Follow Coos Health & Wellness for new guidance and all other information we share to prevent disease and injuries.
6. Understand your risk and use precautions moving forward. Wear a mask when you feel the need to, continue to wash your hands and stay away from others when they are not feeling well.
Free Covid-19 home test kits are available at all local libraries. Gleason said because the at-home tests have a high level of false negatives, if someone tests negative but continues to feel sick, they can get a test from their medical provider.
To find additional information related to vaccines or to book an appointment for vaccines, go to https://cooshealthandwellness.org/public-health/covid-19-vaccine-information/ | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/fecal-tests-show-covid-is-surging-locally/article_c0cd4ad0-eaa0-11ec-ba96-178cd2fe527c.html | 2022-06-16T16:35:54 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/fecal-tests-show-covid-is-surging-locally/article_c0cd4ad0-eaa0-11ec-ba96-178cd2fe527c.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland native and NFL linebacker Brennan Scarlett is hosting his annual art auction on Friday.
The event is a Juneteenth tradition for Scarlett. The auction is is focused on celebrating black artists, while raising funds to support the Big Yard Foundation.
Scarlett joined AM Extra to share more about the event and the work his foundation does. | https://www.koin.com/local/brennan-scarlett-celebrates-black-artists-through-juneteenth-art-auction/ | 2022-06-16T16:42:49 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/brennan-scarlett-celebrates-black-artists-through-juneteenth-art-auction/ |
The Portland Tribune is a KOIN 6 News media partner
PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) — Oregon City resident Ashley Backenstos said she was just trying to meet family for dinner at the Southridge Shopping Center when a drunk driver tore through the parking lot, ramming 12 cars and putting pedestrians like Backenstos in mortal danger.
Earlier this month the Clackamas County DA’s Office formally charged John Dale Coady, 66, with 15 different crimes related to the incident, based on OCPD’s investigation into Coady’s alleged reckless driving, reckless endangering and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Coady was treated and released at a nearby hospital for injuries, and OCPD expressed gratitude that no one else was injured.
A resident of the Beavercreek area near Oregon City, Coady said that he had been a construction contractor until his license expired in 2019 but is now “semi-retired.” He told Pamplin Media Group that he was advised by his attorney not to speak with anyone else about the May 5 incident.
WATCH: Crazy video shows DUII driver ram 12 vehicles
Backenstos and other victims were most concerned that Coady had two previous convictions for drunk driving during the past decade, but he was allowed to keep his driver’s license. State prosecutors are seeking a felony conviction against Coady due to his conviction history. Backenstos said that state law should be changed to immediately revoke people’s licenses after drunk-driving convictions.
OCPD’s said that Coady’s drunk-driving antics were captured in a video that soon went viral on the internet.
Around 5:30 p.m., Backenstos was walking out of her car to meet her family at a restaurant when she saw Coady ram his truck into a parked car, then he accelerated in her direction before crashing into several additional cars.
Backenstos said her “terror” in having to sprint away from the parking-lot demolition will linger for the rest of her life.
“If I didn’t start running, I would be dead. I ran around the corner, and I didn’t stop running,” she said.
Backenstos was glad that her two children happened not to be there with her that night. If her children had been present, she believes they would have been killed, because they would have not been able to run away from Coady’s truck as quickly as their mother did. She says that even a month after the incident, she has never felt safe while she’s on a public street and may never feel comfortable walking in public again.
“It worries me that if I’m on a sidewalk, there could always be someone who is drunk who is going to be hurting me and my family,” she said. “If you can afford to drink alcohol, you can afford an Uber, so people need to make better choices.”
On July 6, Coady is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges related to his alleged reckless imperiling of life and destruction of other people’s vehicles. Complaints have been made to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to investigate whether Coady was drunk from being served at nearby restaurants or purchasing alcohol at the nearby liquor store. | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/oregon-city-mom-describes-terror-running-from-drunk-driver/ | 2022-06-16T16:42:55 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/oregon-city-mom-describes-terror-running-from-drunk-driver/ |
Cape May celebrated Juneteenth as well as the opening of the Harriet Tubman Museum last year. This year, the holiday is set to be again observed at Rotary Park on Lafayette Street starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS
A slate of Black artists and musicians are set to take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on June 19 for an inaugural Juneteenth concert that will be broadcast live on CNN.
Local organizations this weekend plan to celebrate Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the end of slavery in the United States that became an official federal holiday last year, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
Events include community gatherings, music and festivals, according to a list compiled by staff at the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey in Cape May.
There also will be tours of the museum at 632 Lafayette St., with multiple tours planned Friday starting at noon.
On Saturday, the Cape May County NAACP Juneteenth Festival begins at 1 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center at 207 W. Main St. in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township. Plans call for food, vendors, games and speakers. The organization Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro is also listed as an event sponsor.
On Saturday evening, a Unity Concert benefiting the Tubman museum is planned at the Ocean City Music Pier on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, featuring music by African American composers including Florence Price and Scott Joplin. The event is coproduced by Dr. Jay Fluellen and Pamela Whitman.
There is no charge for the Whitesboro event, or for a Juneteenth celebration planned for 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Rotary Park in Cape May, at 400 Lafayette St.
Last year, the celebration of Juneteenth in Cape May also marked the grand opening of the museum, which celebrates Tubman’s life and work as an abolitionist and on the Underground Railroad, as well as the history of the Black community in Cape May, with displays on local families and Cape May’s place in the history of efforts to end slavery.
In addition to museum tours, Sunday in Cape May will include events honoring volunteers and a service at Macedonia Baptist Church on Lafayette Street.
Sometimes called Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and other names, Juneteenth commemorates the day Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, bringing news of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in the reunited United States. This was months after the end of the Civil War and 2½ years after Abraham Lincoln signed the executive order officially ending slavery.
The history and significance of Juneteenth
The history and significance of Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 delivery of General Order #3
Chattel slavery in all states wasn’t abolished until the end of 1865
Juneteenth celebrations originated in Galveston, Texas, starting in 1866
The first land to commemorate and celebrate the event was purchased in 1872 and is now a public park
South Dakota was the last state to make Juneteenth a legal holiday
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Mexico for more than 150 years
The last enslaved people in the US weren’t adopted as citizens until 1885
Festivities became more commercialized in the 1920s during the Great Migration
Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday in 1980
Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday in 2021
Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or the country’s second Independence Day — stands as an enduring symbol of Black American freedom. Here's a brief history.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
1 of 2
Cape May celebrated Juneteenth as well as the opening of the Harriet Tubman Museum last year. This year, the holiday is set to be again observed at Rotary Park on Lafayette Street starting at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
A slate of Black artists and musicians are set to take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on June 19 for an inaugural Juneteenth concert that will be broadcast live on CNN. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/cape-groups-to-celebrate-juneteenth-this-weekend/article_d0512248-ed83-11ec-a449-77697707a3e0.html | 2022-06-16T16:43:15 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/cape-groups-to-celebrate-juneteenth-this-weekend/article_d0512248-ed83-11ec-a449-77697707a3e0.html |
BRIDGETON — A city man was charged Wednesday with aggravated assault and not allowing his fingerprints to be taken after a riverfront fight, police said.
Officers were dispatched at 12:50 p.m. to the riverfront, where police said Eliezar Garcia-Alavez, 33, assaulted somebody.
The victim was taken to Inspira Health Center Bridgeton. Garcia-Alavez was released on his own recognizance, police said.
Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing after another fight that happened Wednesday in Bridgeton. Police responded to Price Street at 5:43 p.m. looking for a group of juveniles who were allegedly harassing and trying to fight somebody.
The victim said two boys accosted him as he was walking home from school around Pamphylia and Stevenson avenues, police said. One of the boys was described as having been about 16; the other was said to be about 11.
BRIDGETON — Police are looking for a 25- to 30-year-old Black man they say robbed another ma…
They allegedly asked for the victim’s necklace and pushed him to the ground. The older boy allegedly grabbed the necklace, breaking it in the process, police said.
People are also reading…
The two boys then fled, running into the Amity Heights Apartment Complex, police said.
There were no reported injuries.
Anyone with information on the latter case can call Detective Tom Garofolo at 856-451-0033 or visit bpd.tips.
Contact Chris Doyle | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/one-arrested-in-bridgeton-assault-another-incident-under-investigation/article_071a5534-ed7e-11ec-93fe-ef75114fe183.html | 2022-06-16T16:43:21 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/one-arrested-in-bridgeton-assault-another-incident-under-investigation/article_071a5534-ed7e-11ec-93fe-ef75114fe183.html |
The high school sports season ends Saturday.
I’ll be at the outdoor track and field Meet of Champions at Franklin High School. The state public school baseball finals will be played at Bob DeMeo Memorial Field in Hamilton Township (Mercer County).
The best word I can use to describe the year is joyful.
Things took a big step toward returning after normal.
It seems like years ago but let’s remember there were no spring sports in 2020 because of the pandemic. The 2020 fall and winter seasons were curtailed with few, if any, spectators and no sectional or state championships.
Here are a few of my favorite days of the 2021-22:
A coach’s mad dash
The Millville High School football team finished one of the best seasons in school history with a 45-35 win over Winslow Township in the South/Central Group IV regional championship at Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium on Dec. 5.
People are also reading…
Thunderbolts Coach Dennis Thomas of the Millville High School football team grabbed the trophy and sprinted toward the end zone.
With the rest of the Thunderbolts in pursuit, he dove across the goal line.
The moment typified the enthusiasm seen on high school footballs field all over South Jersey during the season.
A coach returns to the sideline
The matchup between the St. Augustine Prep and Lower Cape May boys basketball teams was one of the most anticipated of the 2021-22 season’s opening weekend.
Few expected Hermits coach Paul Rodio to coach the Dec. 18 game after he underwent emergency surgery Oct. 1 because of blood clots in his chest.
Yet, he was on the bench.
Rodio coached the whole season and in 2022-23 he will pursue career win No. 1,0000
A great day to be a Mustang
Cohen Cook sprinted from the court the moment the final buzzer of the Cape-Atlantic League title game sounded.
The Mainland Regional High School sophomore was afraid of getting interviewed.
But, when you spark the greatest underdog run in CAL Tournament history and the biggest upset in CAL title game history, there’s no hiding. Cook scored 26 points to propel the eighth-seeded Mustangs to a 58-56 win over second-seeded St. Augustine Prep on Feb. 26. Cook finished 10 of 22 from the field and three of four from 3-point range.
After the boys game, the Mainland girls also won the CAL title.
The top-seeded Mustangs beat Wildwood Catholic 54-38. The Mainland girls would go on to win the South Jersey Group III championship.
“The one thing that I think people fail to grasp about our team is the chemistry,” senior Camryn Dirkes said. “We’re all such great friends. We genuinely enjoy hanging out with each other. You can’t create something like that. It’s either there or it’s not.”
EHT softball wins South Jersey title
The Egg Harbor Township softball team won plenty of big games.
None bigger than the 7-3 win over Kingsway Regional on May 28 that gave the Eagles the South Jersey Group IV championship.
EHT coach Kristi Troster described the Eagles as magical unicorns who played with some spicy mojo.
“They are just fantastic people,” Troster said, “and are so talented at softball.”
I picked these four days for a reason.
For me, they brought home the biggest lessons I took from the 2021-22 season.
High School sports is fun. It's about coaches having impact on player's lives.
But most of all it's about relationships and friendships between teammates that can last years beyond when the final game is played.
Teams that reach that potential - be that a few wins, a .500 record or a championship - like each other. They are friends.
It sounds simple.
It’s not.
And every time it’s spotted, it should be celebrated.
MMcGarry@PressofAC.com | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/must-win-a-joyous-high-school-year-shows-the-value-of-the-team/article_55e7e882-ed8f-11ec-ab34-8bb342998e4d.html | 2022-06-16T16:43:34 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/must-win-a-joyous-high-school-year-shows-the-value-of-the-team/article_55e7e882-ed8f-11ec-ab34-8bb342998e4d.html |
PORTAGE — Police say a 31-year-old Portage woman was holding a baby when she grabbed a butcher knife and pointed it at a man, before stabbing the couch next to him during a domestic dispute.
Sierra Gentry was taken into custody Wednesday morning and faces felony counts of intimidation with a deadly weapon, criminal confinement and neglect of a dependent, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana, Portage police say.
Officers said they were called out around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a woman running west from the police station on Central Avenue. They located the woman, later identified as Gentry, who claimed a man she knew assaulted her and drove off with their child.
Police said they contacted the man by phone and he sounded extremely scared. He reportedly told police Gentry began making accusations against him earlier that morning, which led to both squirting medicine on each other.
Gentry then picked up the child and grabbed the knife, while telling the man he could not leave, police said.
After stabbing the couch near where the man was sitting, Gentry put the knife down and the pair and child got in a car and the man drove to the Portage police station, according to the incident report.
The man threw Gentry's phone out of the vehicle window, and when she got out to retrieve it, he drove off with the couple's child, police said.
Gentry accused the man of knocking her to the ground and then jumping on top of her and attempting to grab her throat, according to the report. She reportedly said she grabbed the knife in self defense, but admitted to using it to keep the man from leaving.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Porter County Jail
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
Bob is a 23-year veteran of The Times. He covers county government and courts in Porter County, federal courts, police news and regional issues. He also created the Vegan in the Region blog, is an Indiana University grad and lifelong region resident.
Police ordered 17-year-old Joshua J. Hughes and a 16-year-old, who were both wearing caps and gowns, to lie facedown in the stadium parking lot because they were each carrying handguns, records show.
The U.S. Justice Department named Gary in fall 2021 as one of 10 National Public Safety Partnership sites, which gave the city access to more federal law enforcement resources.
Erik W. Schneider, 44, is accused of accepting payments from customers of Hometown Appliances but later failing to deliver the merchandise they believed they were buying.
The residents have been temporarily displaced due to the damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Matt Djukic at 219-322-5000, extension 2315. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-woman-accused-of-threatening-man-with-knife-while-holding-baby/article_1ea6f707-1f08-5569-8233-5d856fd0f3b9.html | 2022-06-16T16:43:54 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-woman-accused-of-threatening-man-with-knife-while-holding-baby/article_1ea6f707-1f08-5569-8233-5d856fd0f3b9.html |
VALPARAISO — A 19-year-old woman shot Monday at a Chesterton hotel, who is on life support at a Chicago hospital, reportedly told police she was struck by a bullet while trying to wrestle a handgun away from her suicidal boyfriend.
When Matthew Devon Rinehart put the handgun to his head, the woman said she placed herself between the young man and the weapon, according to a newly-filed charging document.
"(The woman) stated that, 'everything went white,' she heard Matthew yelling, 'No! No! No!' and she saw blood," police said. "Her next memory is waking up on a ventilator."
The new details are part of a document charging Rinehart, of Gary, with a felony count of criminal recklessness.
Officials initially said the young man would be charged with a felony count of assisting a suicide.
The charge of criminal recklessness says when Rinehart put the gun to his head, his girlfriend attempted to grab it, resulting in a struggle, during which time the weapon fired and the woman was shot in the face.
Rinehart, who is in custody at the Porter County Jail, is scheduled to appear Friday morning before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer.
Rinehart told police a different version of the events leading up the shooting, claiming both he and the woman were feeling suicidal.
Rinehart said he took the handgun Sunday and went into a wooded area near the Best Western Indian Oak hotel at 558 Indian Boundary Road with the intention of killing himself, according to a charging document. He did not follow through with those plans and returned to the couple's hotel room with the gun.
On Monday, the woman took the gun into the hotel room bathroom with the intention of killing herself, the court document says. Rinehart said he took the gun from the woman, who argued for it back, claiming it belonged to her family member.
Rinehart said he gave the Smith & Wesson handgun back to the woman, despite her threats to kill herself, police said.
He reportedly said he later tried to take the gun back from the woman, who pointed it at her face, a charging document says.
"Matthew stated that there was a back-and-forth between the handgun being pointed at his face and her face when the handgun went off and struck (the woman) in the face," police said. "Matthew stated that he did not pull the trigger."
Chesterton police said they responded to the shooting call around 10:33 a.m. Monday.
The injured woman was taken to the nearby Northwest Health-Porter hospital and then airlifted to the The University of Chicago Medical Center.
Her last know condition was serious, police said.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Porter County Jail
Porter/LaPorte County Courts and Social Justice Reporter
Bob is a 23-year veteran of The Times. He covers county government and courts in Porter County, federal courts, police news and regional issues. He also created the Vegan in the Region blog, is an Indiana University grad and lifelong region resident. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-on-life-support-says-she-tried-to-wrestle-gun-from-suicidal-boyfriend-porter-county/article_a66f8a5e-fca8-5ca9-bfb9-60f538a7539e.html | 2022-06-16T16:44:00 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-on-life-support-says-she-tried-to-wrestle-gun-from-suicidal-boyfriend-porter-county/article_a66f8a5e-fca8-5ca9-bfb9-60f538a7539e.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer. Roxanna Valenzuela is a candidate for South Tucson City Council:
Two years ago, two unexpected crises shifted my life forever — the pandemic and the gentrification of my home. These crises forced me to change my perspective and my purpose in life.
I grew up in the South Park neighborhood, the barrio right next to South Tucson, in a Habitat for Humanity house where to this very day my parents still live. I’m a Tucson High School grad, class of 2005. Most of my family lived in this tight-knit community. I remember every street where each of my tias lived. I remember the local restaurants, the businesses where families would shop and hang out.
Our Mexican culture was everywhere — the Norteño festivals, the greyhound swap meet, mariachi bands and the lowrider cars shows.
One of our favorite customs was to attend the vigil for the Virgen de Guadalupe every year on Dec. 12, the gifts we got from Ramon Gonzalez’s Miracle on 31st Street Christmas party, and when our dad would treat us to brunch at Rigo’s when he had extra money. Our family did not have much money, but we held onto our Mexican values of respect for the family and our community. One of my biggest fears is that my daughter won’t have the chance to grow up in the same or better environment that I did because our culture will be stolen from us.
People are also reading…
What I witnessed during the pandemic was alarming. Our people were evicted from their homes and there were no decent alternatives, no way to re-establish family stability, no way to help the family’s mental health after being uprooted.
Several months ago, I went with my colleagues from Casa Maria Catholic worker community (where I now work) and knocked on almost every single door in the City of South Tucson. Virtually everyone we spoke with was afraid of being displaced from their homes. They feared the landlords who were renovating would raise the rent, forcing them out. They saw the investors who were harassing them with postcards as threatening their home and their community lifestyle.
The people of South Tucson know that the laws protect realtors, landlords and developers and not low-income families. Our housing can be pulled out from under us, and with it our mental health, while the developers build and make a profit.
This displacement is part and parcel of gentrification. I am running for South Tucson City Council to promote policies that give people a fighting chance to stay in their homes. I plan to support an aggressive affordable housing plan and more programs that lead to homeownership for low-income families.
I’m running on a slate with my two friends, Cesar Aguirre and Brian Flagg. We are far from being your regular politicians. We stand independent and are ready to defend the people of South Tucson with all that we have.
Roxanna Valenzuela is a candidate for South Tucson City Council. She is a community organizer and former small business owner who grew up in the barrios of South Tucson.
Roxanna Valenzuela is a candidate for South Tucson City Council. She is a community organizer and former small business owner who grew up in the barrios of South Tucson. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/south-tucson-opinion-south-tucson-residents-need-the-chance-to-stay-in-their-homes/article_2d834400-e5d7-11ec-bf99-a39005271fc5.html | 2022-06-16T16:44:01 | 0 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/south-tucson-opinion-south-tucson-residents-need-the-chance-to-stay-in-their-homes/article_2d834400-e5d7-11ec-bf99-a39005271fc5.html |
HOBART — VicTory Training, an organization that provides health care training for local hospitals and professionals, is now offering a summer camp that exposes children to various fields within the health care profession.
The camp, which will have two more sessions this summer, lets children ages 10 to 13 learn about several health care fields, including professions other than nurse and doctor.
Regina Beard, founder and president of the camp, said she organized the weeks to inspire children to pursue fields such as firefighting, forensic nursing and engineering.
During the first session, students went to Valparaiso University and participated in a simulation lab in nursing where they got to experience what would happen in an emergency. They also went to St. Mary Medical Center to understand hand-washing procedures.
“I want to pique their interest and excite them,” Beard said. “I want them to desire to work in health care.”
The camp runs for a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The next sessions are July 11-15 and Aug. 1-5.
Registration is $25, and breakfast and lunch are provided through the School City of Hobart.
“We do an activity associated with each health care career,” Beard said.
Beard said the first session of the camp went well, with parents emailing each day for updates and kids talking about it extensively.
“We are looking to be a part of a child’s village,” Beard said.
Jillian Dunham, a 12-year-old in the camp, has loved it so far. She said that it opened her eyes to new fields and that she hopes to one day become a forensic nurse.
“It is educational and inspirational,” Dunham said.
Janet Seabrook, a doctor who visited the camp to discuss family medicine, said she felt it was a great opportunity. She said the children were very engaged, and she tried to explain how many roles exist within health care.
She said many of the students wanted to pursue IT or engineering within health care.
“It shows how wide and expansive health care is. There is more than just doctors or nurses. You need a whole team approach to be successful,” Seabrook said.
Carlo Armstrong, a 13-year-old in the camp, loved medical things before attending. It gave him the extra push to realize it is what he wants to do when he is older.
“I was never able to actually experience what it is like to be in a hospital and work as a nurse or doctor,” he said, adding that he hopes to go into neuroscience.
Bojan Jovanovic, currently the assistant principal at Wilbur Wright, will replace Morgan Nolan, who was selected as the Munster High School principal in April.
For a self-described “blue collar kid from Steger, Ill.,” David A. Roberts has put his college and military experience to good use. And PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon is no slouch, either.
Meals will be offered weekdays only, and children must be present and eat their meals on site. Only one breakfast and one lunch are permitted per child per day.
DUAB Chairman Justin McAdam has said the contract is the beginning of the end and he is hopeful the legislature will allow them to transition back to local control.
The high school runs WDSO, also known as 88.3 FM "The Rock." It is a non-profit that plays a variety of rock music throughout the school day, as well as individual shows in the afternoon.
Delaney Messer, a senior and construction technology student at the A.K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City, received the award in Indianapolis. She plans to go into carpentry.
For a self-described “blue collar kid from Steger, Ill.,” David A. Roberts has put his college and military experience to good use. And PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon is no slouch, either.
Students pose with the first aid kits they worked with at St. Mary Medical Center during camp. In front, from left, is Carlo Armstrong, Jillian Dunham and Liam Green. In back, from left, is Nylah Kelly, Camille Pickett, Maurice Guyton and Victory Johnson. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/victory-training-offers-summer-camp-that-introduces-students-to-health-care/article_6faad04b-e1c7-5ab8-b339-13a76a1a5797.html | 2022-06-16T16:44:06 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/victory-training-offers-summer-camp-that-introduces-students-to-health-care/article_6faad04b-e1c7-5ab8-b339-13a76a1a5797.html |
Campaign organizations affiliated with both major political parties are focusing on Northwest Indiana's U.S. House seat like never before.
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, this week was selected for the Frontline program, operated by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), to help get Mrvan the financial and other resources he needs to win a second two-year term representing Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties.
It follows announcements by the National Republican Congressional Committee and other conservative organizations that they're targeting the 1st Congressional District as a potential pickup for Republicans this year.
Records show Indiana's 1st District never has elected a Republican to Congress during the more than nine decades the district has been centered on Northwest Indiana.
People are also reading…
Mrvan is optimistic the DCCC assistance will ensure that streak continues when he faces off at the Nov. 8 general election against Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green, of Crown Point.
"I am grateful for their vote of confidence and will continue to be relentless in my focus to be a district-centric member of Congress who prioritizes the kitchen-table challenges from inflation, growing the Northwest Indiana economy and defending our invaluable steel and manufacturing industries," Mrvan said.
In response, Green said the DCCC recognizes Mrvan is vulnerable because he "has voted with Joe Biden on all of his economic policies that have resulted in 8.6% inflation and $5 per gallon of gas."
"National Democrats are terrified because they know the Biden-Mrvan agenda is out of touch with Indiana’s 1st District," Green said.
Republicans also consider Mrvan's seat in play because Mrvan was elected in 2020 with only 56% of the vote, compared to the 65% of district voters who supported former U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, in 2018 against the same GOP opponent, Mark Leyva.
Primary election recap: An indicted sheriff cruises to victory, an incumbent loses and referendums pass
It was a busy night for 2022 primary candidates as election results came in. Catch up on their reactions, the results and more from the May primary election.
Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. wins Democratic nomination for re-election
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, speaks to supporters at Ciao Bella Tuesday after winning the Democratic nomination for Indiana's 1st Con…
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. won Indiana's Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate Tuesday. He will face U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Libertarian James Sceniak in the Nov. 8 general election.
When it comes to the new technological system "Oracle" being used for county finances, John Petalas said he looks forward to the transition.
Here's a look at early returns for the Porter County Council races.
Unofficial vote tallies show Martinez was expected to win his party's nomination following challenges from ex-Gary Police Chief Richard Ligon, sheriff's Officer Maria Trajkovich and Anthony Williams.
Peggy Holinga-Katona said she looks forward to working alongside John Petalas, who won the nomination for Lake County Treasurer.
Unofficial results show Jennifer-Ruth Green, of Crown Point, prevailed Tuesday in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 1 over former LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo and five other GOP contenders.
Cedar Lake Town Council President Randy Niemeyer appears to have defeated Lake County Councilman Christian Jorgensen, R-St. John, in the GOP primary contest for Lake County Council District 7.
The referendum will institute a tax increase estimated at $0.3294 per $100 of assessed value.
Both Sue Neff and Becky Gesse Harper are employed in the assessor’s office and were looking to succeed their boss, Jon Snyder.
Five individuals were on the ballot for Lake County clerk.
Unofficial results show Pete Lindemulder, of Schererville, prevailed Tuesday in the GOP contest over Tony Ferraro, also of Schererville in the Republican primary for Lake County Council District 4.
Barb Regnitz is a retired financial adviser. Prior that that, she was a software engineer and project manager, most of that time for United Airlines.
Winfield voters chose Zachary Beaver, Michael Lambert, Louie Gonzalez and Sara Kubik to more on to the runoff General Election.
State Sen. Michael Griffin, D-Highland, will get a shot at winning a four-year term in the Indiana Senate in his own right.
Unofficial results showed that incumbent Kevin Connelly has won the Schererville ward 2 Town Council primary.
Trustee Kimberly "Kim" K. Robinson won a three-way race for the office in 2018 with 59% of the vote,
State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, appears to have triumphed over three opponents to claim the Democratic nomination in Indiana Senate District 4.
VALPARAISO — Results late Tuesday showed school referendum supporters ahead of opponents with votes still to be counted.
Check out a list of local election results from the 2022 May primary.
"It's not dead," a Valparaiso poll worker said. But, "It's not like a general election (with voters) outside the door."
Turnout was slow across much of Northwest Indiana, which poll workers said is typical for an off-year primary election. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/national-political-organizations-focusing-on-northwest-indiana-congressional-contest/article_bcda0246-7815-5917-bdbe-3880e19cdee8.html | 2022-06-16T16:44:13 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/national-political-organizations-focusing-on-northwest-indiana-congressional-contest/article_bcda0246-7815-5917-bdbe-3880e19cdee8.html |
ONA, WV (WOWK)—13 News has new details about a fire that spread from a camper to a home in Ona on Tuesday.
The Ona Volunteer Fire Department posted on Facebook that they received a call for a structure fire on Paradise Lane late Tuesday afternoon. They say that when they arrived, the flames and smoke had taken over much of the home. They say they made every effort to save lives and property.
ONA VFD confirmed that a family pet was lost in the fire, but no human lives were lost.
They said they made every effort to avoid rekindling that they made what they believe was their last trip on Wednesday night to put water on smoldering and smoking debris.
In all, they say that five fire departments and two squads from CCEMS responded to the fire. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/family-pet-lost-in-ona-west-virginia-fire/ | 2022-06-16T16:57:02 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/family-pet-lost-in-ona-west-virginia-fire/ |
LOUISA, KY (WOWK) – The lyrics of a popular country song are turning into a case of Criminal Mischief in Louisa, Kentucky.
The Louisa Police Department is looking for the person or persons who took to the old Foodland building to write “Billy Bob Loves Charlene” in letters approximately three foot high, and painted in none other than the color John Deere Green.
While it’s unclear if the incident happened in the midnight hour, as in the late country star Joe Diffie’s hit song “John Deere Green,” it certainly happened on a hot summer night. Police posted a photo of the vandalized building to Facebook asking for help from the public identifying the culprit(s) on Thursday, June 16, 2022.
Authorities have not determined if there is a paint that will cover it. There is no word from citizens in the area if they believe the culprit(s) should have used red or if it looks good to Charlene.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Louisa Police Department at 606-638-4058 or at info@louisapd.org. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/in-john-deere-green-country-song-becomes-police-case-in-louisa-kentucky/ | 2022-06-16T16:57:08 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/in-john-deere-green-country-song-becomes-police-case-in-louisa-kentucky/ |
EDINBURG, Texas — Border Patrol agents encountered almost 600 migrants in four separate large groups near border, as well as a stash house, according to the Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Facebook page.
Over the last few days, agents with the Rio Grande Valley sector came across four large groups totaling 594 migrants in both Starr and Hidalgo County. The groups included 279 family members, 169 unaccompanied children, and 146 single adults. The undocumented immigrants were from various Central and South American countries.
Then on June 13, agents apprehended 26 migrants being held in a stash house in Rio Grande City, with the help of the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. All were in the United States illegally from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
They were all processed accordingly by Border Patrol agents.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/border-patrol-agents-find-almost-600-migrants-being-held-in-stash-houses-mexico-el-salvador-honduras-central-america-immigration-illegal/273-36b082b8-f058-469f-9aef-0b96514775c1 | 2022-06-16T16:58:15 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/border-patrol-agents-find-almost-600-migrants-being-held-in-stash-houses-mexico-el-salvador-honduras-central-america-immigration-illegal/273-36b082b8-f058-469f-9aef-0b96514775c1 |
DALLAS — A teenage boy was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon after another teen pulled the trigger on a gun they believed to be empty, according to Dallas police.
Police said officers responded to the 3000 block of Kiestridge Street in southwest Dallas at approximately 2:22 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived, they found a teen boy with a gunshot wound to his head. Another teen at the scene told police the victim shot himself.
However, investigators at the scene found that the second teen took the gun, believed the gun was empty and pulled the trigger, shooting the victim, according to police.
Police said the case is still under investigation.
The Dallas Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Homicide Detective Brewster Billings at (214)671-3083 or by email at brewster.billings@dallascityhall.com. DPD asks you to reference case #107617-2022.
More Dallas headlines: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-teen-shot-killed-kiestridge-street/287-127f1698-fd70-4da9-a099-7240b49eeb6c | 2022-06-16T16:58:21 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-teen-shot-killed-kiestridge-street/287-127f1698-fd70-4da9-a099-7240b49eeb6c |
SAN ANTONIO — Multiple firefighters rushed to end a house fire south of downtown on Thursday morning, according to SAFD Incident Commander.
The incident occurred at the 200 block of Glass Avenue around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
Officials say they received a report of an explosion at the house and when they arrived found heavy fire toward the back of the house.
Heavy fire and smoke damage was found throughout the house, fire officials say.
One woman, a couple of dogs and three ferrets were found at the house, according to fire officials.
The woman and the dogs have no reported injuries. The ferrets were found dead at the scene.
Officials say the house is a 1200 square foot home built in 1947 with solar panels on the roof.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/multiple-firefighters-work-to-end-house-fire-south-of-downtown/273-248cd02e-28fe-4d98-9d41-7ca3c564767c | 2022-06-16T16:58:27 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/multiple-firefighters-work-to-end-house-fire-south-of-downtown/273-248cd02e-28fe-4d98-9d41-7ca3c564767c |
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio city council is approving an increase in existing homestead exemptions for San Antonio homeowners, providing relief for all homeowners including seniors and disabled persons.
During Thursday's meeting, city staff gave a presentation increasing the general homestead exemption up to 10 percent of the appraised value of a home, increasing the exemption for persons 65 and older from $65,000 to $85,000, and increasing the exemption for disabled persons from $12,500 to $85,000.
For each homeowner that qualifies for the above exemptions, 240,000 homes would be impacted. Councilmembers voted 10-0 to approve the increases.
"We have found an area of agreement," Mayor Ron Nirenberg said after the vote was taken.
Deputy CFO Troy Elliott for the city of San Antonio says residents will not see an increase in their tax bill compared to last year. They could see a minimal reduction.
"It's not that we couldn't do more, I think we wanted to provide a balanced relief or a balanced process. Like I mentioned to the council is that looking, how do we balance property tax relief for our residential homestead customers but also provide relief for our commercial, multi-family and small business owners," Elliott said.
Those changes will be reflected in the city's tax bills that will go out in October.
According to city staff, they looked at 15 different scenarios in order to provide property tax relief.
Under state statute, there are some tax limitations including an appraisal cap where all homesteads in Texas are limited to a 10% appraisal value increase per year. When the state legislature passed SB2 in 2019, it reduced the property tax roll-back rate from 8% to 3.5% applicable to the Maintenance and Operations portion of the tax rate.
The city cannot go above the 3.5% revenue cap without triggering an automatic election, but the city says there will be a proposed reduction of next year's tax rate in the trial budget.
"When you look at the tax bill it's really a factor of three different pieces...you have the assessed value cap at 10%, its a function of the exemption we're increasing to 10%, then you also have the reduction in the tax bill," Elliott said.
City documents say in the 2022 fiscal year, the city provided $72.4 million in tax relief to citizens with existing homestead exemptions. The increase in exemptions will provide an estimated $93.8 million in relief to residents.
This comes at a time when the prices of homes continue to rise and property value protests are reaching record numbers.
According to the presentation, 170,200 protests have been filed with the Bexar County Appraisal District to protest the assessed value of homes.
The moves received praise from all council members, but some acknowledged that there is more they could do to provide relief.
"This vote today is a good start but is not enough to stop the displacement of residents, it will be a small chunk of their bill but we need to be doing more," Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez stated.
Councilmember Clayton Perry said he was "all in" on the proposal after pushing for property tax relief since the city council's goal-setting session for the upcoming budget year.
The homestead exemption increase got approval from the chair of the San Antonio Board of Realtors.
Tracie Hosslocher, chairwoman of SABOR said during public comment over the last year, San Antonio, average home sales prices has increased to $396,000 and this years appraisal values on single-family homes are up 28%. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-city-council-provides-additional-property-tax-relief-for-residents/273-e7425255-2703-453b-bd44-9c7118f7127d | 2022-06-16T16:58:33 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-city-council-provides-additional-property-tax-relief-for-residents/273-e7425255-2703-453b-bd44-9c7118f7127d |
Little Traverse Bay Bands receives $5 million grant for housing
HARBOR SPRINGS — The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians announced on Monday that the tribe will be the recipient of a $5 million Indian Housing Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
More:Local organizations face challenges bringing affordable housing to Emmet County
The grant will be used to expand Mtiigwakiis Village on Murray Road in Hayes Township, a low-income apartment complex reserved for members of the tribe. Currently, there are two buildings in the complex. The projects would bring the complex to 38 total units in four separate buildings, all reserved for tribe members.
“We do have a waiting list that currently exceeds what the inventory we have is and when we took a look at our low-income waitlist, we had primarily a need for single and doubles, so one and two bedroom homes, and a lot of the inventory that we currently have is actually three bedroom homes,” planning director Amanda Swiss said.
“So we do have smaller families that are in larger houses just because that's the inventory that we currently have. So this will meet that need. These will be made up of one bedroom, two bedroom and efficiency.”
More:Little Traverse Bay Bands to receive $1 million grant from U.S. Department of Commerce
According to Swiss, the tribe has applied for this grant three times and been denied twice due to the competitive nature of the grant.
“The intention is that we will build as many units as we possibly can, utilizing the full amount of the award," Swiss said. “So we have four separate buildings that are designed and if we can only afford those three, then that's what we'll construct. Unfortunately, with construction costs rising every single day, it's really hard to say.”
More:Victories Square development to continue in spring
Subscribe:Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you
Because of increased construction costs and the need for infrastructure updates to the sewer, well and septic fields, the grant may not be enough to cover the full project. If that is the case, Swiss said they would construct three buildings instead of four. The grant has a five-year limit and Swiss said they are hoping to complete the project within three, as long as construction goes smoothly.
“Like the rest of the community, (it's) pretty difficult to get affordable housing, not just for low-income folks but for workforce development and things like that,” executive director Daugherty Johnson said.
“So we just want to make sure that we provide as many opportunities as we can by increasing the supply of housing and taking some of that pressure off the demand.”
Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter, @Tess_Petoskey | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/little-traverse-bay-bands-received-grant-address-housing-crisis/7627997001/ | 2022-06-16T17:01:04 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/little-traverse-bay-bands-received-grant-address-housing-crisis/7627997001/ |
Otsego County Library hosting adult summer reading challenge
GAYLORD — The Otsego County Library will be hosting a summer reading program for adults, running alongside the popular program for children and teens.
A game board with 25 challenges will be available for patrons over the age of 17, with every five challenges completed earning readers an entry into the bi-weekly and grand-prize drawings.
Bi-weekly prizes include a portable hammock, Yeti mug, and puzzle basket. The grand prize will be a Michigan-themed basket with local goodies. Patrons who complete their first board can start another board.
The program will also have several take-and-make craft bags available. From June 15 to June 28, kits to make braided keychains will be available, from June 29 to July 12 there will be macramé coaster kits, and to round out the summer, canvases for another miniature art show will be available starting July 13. Patrons that return their canvases to the library will be able to participate in the end-of-summer show that will last until Labor Day.
For more information, contact Mariah Hoover at (989) 732-5841, by emailing reference@otsego.org, or by visiting the library’s website. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/06/16/otsego-county-library-feature-adult-summer-reading-program/7610291001/ | 2022-06-16T17:01:10 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2022/06/16/otsego-county-library-feature-adult-summer-reading-program/7610291001/ |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A new type of Raley's market is coming to Roseville and opens Thursday in the Plaza at Blue Oaks.
The Raley's O-N-E Market is in west Roseville at the corner of Blue Oaks Boulevard and Fiddyment Road. O-N-E stands for organic nutrition education and focuses on ingredient transparency and minimally processed foods.
The store opens at 9:30 a.m. on June 16 and is located at 1970 Blue Oaks Boulevard in the new plaza. The new storefront in West Roseville will be the fourth O-N-E market to open following locations in Truckee, El Dorado Hills and Reno.
Chelsea Minor, the director of public affairs for Raley's, said they have spent time curating a guide focused on health-conscious, organic products.
"If you're going to be in the chip aisle, you're going to see everything from Lay's potato chips to those better for you options that don't have some of the hydrogenous fats, maybe artificial ingredients and making sure that it's a cleaner ingredient deck," Minor previously told ABC10.
Inside the Raley's, shoppers can meet with a nutritionist or visit the beer and wine bar, café or rent a room where people can gather for meetings or other activities.
Roseville Mayor Krista Bernasconi said west Roseville is seeing significant growth but doesn't have a marketplace specific to the area, making it a great location for the new Raley's and shopping center.
"So Raley's is going to do great and we're excited to have them in our community," Bernasconi previously told ABC10. "They are going to be located very close to a trail, so it's very walkable, bikeable — spend an afternoon in that shopping center. I'm really looking forward to it."
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/roseville-raleys-one-market-june-16-hours-location/103-dd84acde-4c24-4906-8800-ef762f6553d9 | 2022-06-16T17:02:37 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/roseville-raleys-one-market-june-16-hours-location/103-dd84acde-4c24-4906-8800-ef762f6553d9 |
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Two men were found fatally wounded after an apparent shooting inside a convenience store in Virginia, police said.
News outlets report Newport News police said officers responded to a suspicious situation at a business near Fairway Plaza Shopping Center around 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday.
When officers reached the store, they found two men with gunshot wounds. The two men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the men as Preyas Patel, 52, of Yorktown, and Logan Edward Thomas, 35, of Newport News. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2-men-found-shot-to-death-inside-virginia-convenience-store/2022/06/16/43f7a3a2-ed93-11ec-9f90-79df1fb28296_story.html | 2022-06-16T17:04:40 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2-men-found-shot-to-death-inside-virginia-convenience-store/2022/06/16/43f7a3a2-ed93-11ec-9f90-79df1fb28296_story.html |
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.thv11.com/article/news/local/southwest-airlines-pilots-association-tweet/287-53a2406e-373a-4fe1-bf24-b4549caf9134 | 2022-06-16T17:07:37 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/southwest-airlines-pilots-association-tweet/287-53a2406e-373a-4fe1-bf24-b4549caf9134 |
HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Hays County will soon have two new mental health court positions after the Hays County Commissioners Court approved an agenda item on June 7, Community Impact reports.
The item gives the County Courts-at-Law permission to hire both a mental health case worker and mental health court administrator. The case worker will evaluate cases and interview candidates, and the court administrator will handle all aspects of the mental health court program's operation and function, Community Impact reports. The court can provide individuals with an alternative to jail if mental health problems contributed to their crime.
Descriptions of position candidates found in the agenda item describe the administrator as a licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree in social work and the caseworker as a licensed social worker with a bachelor's degree in social work.
Case worker salary sits at $49,725, and court administrator salary sits at $62,000, according to the item. However, Community Impact reports the administrator salary increased to $66,184 due to an item amendment.
Community Impact reports that qualified candidates have applied for both positions. The funding for these positions came in October, and the positions official creation came in April.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/hays-county/hays-county-commissioners-court-mental-health-positions/269-86c211e4-0005-41aa-9b2f-7911ec62b8a1 | 2022-06-16T17:08:18 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/hays-county/hays-county-commissioners-court-mental-health-positions/269-86c211e4-0005-41aa-9b2f-7911ec62b8a1 |
Midland County officials have reported that a person who called in a report of kidnapping and fired shots Thursday morning has been taken into custody.
According to the county, “Around 9:58 AM, a call was received reporting a kidnapping and shots fired. Deputies from the Midland County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies responded to the scene near County Road 320 and Rankin Highway 349.”
The investigation revealed that there was no kidnapping, shots fired, nor a threat to the public, according to the county and the original caller was taken into custody for inciting a false report. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/County-Person-in-custody-for-false-report-17246255.php | 2022-06-16T17:13:47 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/County-Person-in-custody-for-false-report-17246255.php |
There have been no incidents that resulted in the deaths of Department of Public Safety troopers or Midland County Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to DPS.
DPS Sgt. Steven Blanco reported Thursday that social reports of an incident either at the Midland County-Upton County line or near Midkiff Road in Midland are a “hoax.” He said the Texas Rangers are investigating these reports and that they believe someone involved in the “false calls” could be mentally ill.
“All troopers and deputies are accounted for,” Blanco told the Reporter-Telegram. There is no active shooter or hostage situation. This is a complete hoax.”
DPS asked the Reporter-Telegram to help spread the word of the “hoax” to try to alert residents who have seen inaccurate reports. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Reports-of-active-shooters-shot-troopers-17246153.php | 2022-06-16T17:13:47 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Reports-of-active-shooters-shot-troopers-17246153.php |
Gaston County 911 Communications Center down of one-third of workforce
Gaston County Police Department Communications is trying to fill 20 vacant positions, the latest chapter of a staffing shortage that worsened during the pandemic.
The 20 vacant positions are one-third of the 911 communication center's total workforce, said Capt. Brent Roberts, who oversees the communications center.
While job vacancies fluctuate, 911 communications centers across the United States are struggling. In Gaston County, there were eight vacancies at the start of the pandemic, Roberts said.
Part of the reason at least initially was the pay — 911 dispatchers used to start at around $16 an hour. That pay has been raised to $19.88 an hour. In October 2020, Roberts said, the communications center started to see a noticeable decline in staff, even as the call volume, which has been going up about 5% every year, rose.
Based on a four-year quarterly comparison provided by the county, 911 calls jumped from 29,730 in one quarter in 2019 to 33,850 in 2020. Since then, the quarterly numbers appear level. In 2021, there were 33,716 in one quarter, and in 2022, there were 33,641.
There were 156,466 911 calls total in 2021, up 5.7% from 2020.
Gaston is one of the busiest 911 communications centers in the region, Roberts said, so fewer staff means that those who are left are working harder, longer hours. The communications center is in the process of trying to partner with Gaston County Schools to try to recruit graduating seniors for the job, which offers competitive benefits, including retirement after 30 years with benefits.
For many, the job is more than just a paycheck — it's a calling.
James Wilson, a quality assurance supervisor for the department, said that the stresses that come with the job take "kind of a different mentality."
"Those that feel like they're making a difference, and they really enjoy what they're doing and reaching out and trying to help, it's easier for us to cope with, deal with or look past some of the stresses of the position," he said.
Dispatchers are the link between members of the public and the help that they need, whether they're calling for firefighters, police, or paramedics, and dispatchers often have to walk callers through the steps to providing CPR or some other lifesaving technique until an ambulance arrives.
"Without the communications center, none of the information for the citizens at their home or business or wherever they may be, none of those requests make it to the field units," he said. "We're the link between the two. None of the public's calls go straight to any of the departments."
And Gaston County has many police departments. There's the Gaston County Police Department, and Gastonia, Belmont, Ranlo, Lowell, Cherryville, Cramerton, Stanley, Dallas and Bessemer City all have police departments.
Telecommunicator Cody Strawn said that it is knowing that he is making a difference in the community that has made him stay in 911 communications for seven years. He and other telecommunicators typically answer between 100 and 150 calls a day, and every call feels to Strawn like an opportunity to save a life.
"Just having that validation, knowing I could do that, makes me love the job," he said .
"Every day, I feel like I'm changing some sort of life."
Matt Norman, another telecommunicator, agreed.
He recalled a defining moment in his own career, when a woman called in a panic because her child had somehow wrapped some sort of zip tie around his neck.
Norman had to keep the mother calm as he tried to ask her question, then he tried to talk her through cutting the zip tie off. She couldn't get it off, so Norman sent an ambulance.
"And you know, after that, they got the zip top cut," he said. "He was fine. … But it's just that realization that you know, you were there to help when they were in a stressful situation."
Sometimes dispatchers have to talk down people who are about to end their own lives or the life of someone else.
"I've had suicidal calls where, you know, the guy's got a loaded gun to his head. And you're trying to think of anything, whether it be something that has happened in your personal life, or trying to get some information from him to try to talk them off that ledge," Norman said. "You try to connect with callers in a way that it gets their mind off of the situation at hand."
The job, Norman said, allows him to put others before himself.
"It's more than just a paycheck," he said. "You're actually getting to make a difference in people's lives, whether you realize it or not. "This is literally the only type of job where you can help maybe 100, 150 people a day."
Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 704-869-1850 or at kfohner@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing here. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/gaston-county-911-communications-center-down-one-third-workforce/7568144001/ | 2022-06-16T17:17:05 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2022/06/16/gaston-county-911-communications-center-down-one-third-workforce/7568144001/ |
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT /11 AM CDT/
TODAY TO 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values of 108 to 112 F.
* WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama, south central and
southwest Georgia and Big Bend and Panhandle Florida.
* WHEN...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.
&&
LaShawnda Ethridge is the new police chief at Albany Technical College.
ALBANY -- LaShawnda Ethridge, who has been in the law enforcement field since 2004, is the new police chief at Albany Technical College.
Ethridge was born in Charleston, S.C., and began her law enforcement career at the Albany Police Department in 2004. In 2011, she decided to change from the municipality to the campus police setting and took a position with the Darton State College Police Department. Following the merger between Darton and Albany State University, Ethridge continued at Albany State University as a patrol sergeant, emergency management coordinator, and clerk coordinator, reporting directly to the chief of police. She was promoted to administrative lieutenant in 2018. In 2019, Ethridge added the position of investigations commander, while continuing her administrative role, supervising the administrative and support functions of non-sworn personnel in communications.
“Campus policing gives officers an opportunity to serve in a different capacity than what is most often expected," Ethridge said. "We’re afforded the opportunity to be real people and connect on a more personal level to truly positively impact lives. I take this responsibility seriously.
"It is imperative that I leave people feeling positively changed. There are times when you will feel unappreciated in this line of work, but satisfaction comes in ways that others will never understand. It is important that we remember how special we truly are and continue to spread our light. I encourage everyone to 'Eat Right, Sleep Right, Do Right, Treat Everybody Right,' and keep whoever is at the head of your life at the head.”
Ethridge is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha International Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Albany State University and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of West Georgia.
Ethridge has earned numerous awards and certifications, and she said she incorporates the student-first philosophy that aids the university with recruitment and retaining the student body.
This weekend promises to be a scorcher, but there is lots to do for those hardy enough to get out in the summer heat. Dougherty County is throwing its first-ever Juneteenth celebration, and other organizations also are marking the event, and the Thronateeska Heritage Center is launching its … Click for more.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/albany-technical-college-names-new-police-chief/article_f4c923c0-ed86-11ec-9cd0-3b49c8226584.html | 2022-06-16T17:18:16 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/albany-technical-college-names-new-police-chief/article_f4c923c0-ed86-11ec-9cd0-3b49c8226584.html |
ODESSA, Texas — After two years, the Firecracker Fandango is returning to Downtown Odessa to celebrate Independence Day.
The free event will run from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 2.
Featured at this event will be jumpers, a car show, vendors, food trucks and circus performers.
There will also be live music by Tommy Tarango and Rick Trevino.
A Battle of the Bands will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ector Theatre. This event is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
Fireworks will kick off at 9:45 p.m.
For more information you can visit the Downtown Odessa Facebook page. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/firecracker-fandango-odessa/513-c3a498a5-5f7a-4a48-aeaf-0fdafd99d356 | 2022-06-16T17:26:43 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/firecracker-fandango-odessa/513-c3a498a5-5f7a-4a48-aeaf-0fdafd99d356 |
NOLAN COUNTY, Texas — Shawn Adkins' trial for the murder of Colorado City teen Hailey Dunn has been pushed back. The trial was set to start on June 28 but is now postponed until April 11, 2023 due to new discovery from the State.
The State handed over two terabytes worth of new discovery to the Defense during the pretrial hearing. This includes never-before-seen video interviews.
The Defense is also expected to file a motion to change the venue of the trial, which is currently at the 32nd District Court in Mitchell County. If the venue is changed, this could impact the new trial date in April of 2023.
Back in 2010, Colorado City teenager, Hailey Dunn, went missing. Dunn's remains were found in Scurry County in 2013 on land that had been owned by Adkins' family.
At the time of her disappearance, Adkins was dating Hailey's mother, Billie Dunn. Adkins was later named as a person of interest in the case.
In June of 2021, Adkins was taken into custody by the Texas Rangers in Big Spring after they said DNA samples linked him to the murder.
Adkins was indicted in December of 2021, and waived his right to an arraignment in January of 2022.
We will continue to provide the latest information about the trial as it moves through the court. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/shawn-adkins-trial-pushed-back-to-april-of-2023/513-1e5c7deb-77ab-4ef3-8d73-47181e2cd988 | 2022-06-16T17:26:49 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/shawn-adkins-trial-pushed-back-to-april-of-2023/513-1e5c7deb-77ab-4ef3-8d73-47181e2cd988 |
PORTLAND, Maine — A 19-year-old man died Wednesday evening after the motorcycle he was operating collided with another vehicle.
Nathan Parker of Lebanon was reportedly operating his motorcycle at a high rate of speed on Champion Street at about 7:30 p.m. when he drifted to the opposite lane while rounding a corner and struck a vehicle, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said.
The woman driving the Chevy Impala and the children who were passengers were not injured, Moss said.
The crash remains under investigation.
For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lebanon-teen-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-on-champion-street-on-wednesday/97-121e3973-a146-4bc8-809f-c629b32bc879 | 2022-06-16T17:27:10 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/lebanon-teen-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-on-champion-street-on-wednesday/97-121e3973-a146-4bc8-809f-c629b32bc879 |
PORTLAND, Maine — Homeless Voices for Justice, or HVJ, will host a sit-out at Tommy's Park in Portland on Friday, June 17, for the Longest Day of Homelessness Solstice Vigil.
The goal is to draw attention to the growing problem of homelessness during any time of the year, and during the summer it's no different.
At noon, HVJ members and city officials, including Portland City Councilor Victoria Pelletier, will speak about their experiences with homelessness and the work they have been doing to address homelessness at the state and city level.
Representatives from Homeless Advocacy for All, Maine Equal Justice, Maine Green Independent Party, Maine Homeless Legal Project, Portland Public Health Harm Reduction Services, and Preble Street will also be there.
"Homelessness is not something that happens to a special category of people. It can happen to anybody," Jim Devine, an advocate for JHV, said. "As a matter of fact, to elaborate personally, during my lifetime I was a master electrician, I was a contractor, had my own company. So becoming homeless is not a typical experience for a person like that. But my struggle with alcoholism is what caused me to experience homelessness. Which is one of the reasons, one of the particular issues that I'm always advocating for specifically on a personal level is making sure recovery services are available to people when they need them."
The sit-out coincides around the time of the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year.
"During the summer months, unsheltered individuals are at risk of potentially deadly heat, dehydration, and exposure. The recent affordable housing crisis and lack of dignified shelter space has exacerbated this problem in recent years," said a representative from HVJ.
"Most of the people in this area really can't afford housing without subsidies. Subsidies are essential. So they are going without a lot of things because of housing, and if we could get it so that there was enough housing available at 30 percent of people's incomes, then we would be well on the way to solving the homelessness problem," Carolyn Sylvius said.
Community members are invited to go to the park Friday and share conversations with people experiencing homelessness. Everyone is welcome.
HVJ believes that emphasizing the visibility of homelessness can serve as a reminder of the discussions, practices, and policies needed to keep Portland and the state of Maine a welcoming and inclusive place for all. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/longest-day-of-homelessness-event-aims-to-raise-awareness-about-the-growing-problem-in-maine/97-9e977d3d-cf33-4895-af36-5a34fe821fd3 | 2022-06-16T17:27:16 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/outreach/longest-day-of-homelessness-event-aims-to-raise-awareness-about-the-growing-problem-in-maine/97-9e977d3d-cf33-4895-af36-5a34fe821fd3 |
HAMPTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said Thursday that the agency has yet to find a bear associated with the “aggressive bear activity” that closed a Watauga Lake campground.
Cardens Bluff has remained closed all week because the TWRA has evidence that a bear took food and garbage at the campground. Officials told News Channel 11 that they set two traps for the bear but have not caught it.
TWRA workers do not yet feel as though the bear left the area.
Campers should properly store food in bear-proof containers so bears are not attracted to scents from camping areas. Some other items to lock or seal away include products such as toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, cooking utensils, empty cans and wrappers.
Food should be stored away from the sleeping and cooking area of a campsite. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/aggressive-bear-near-watauga-lake-campground-not-yet-found/ | 2022-06-16T17:42:33 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/aggressive-bear-near-watauga-lake-campground-not-yet-found/ |
DALLAS — A teenage boy was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon after another teen pulled the trigger on a gun they believed to be empty, according to Dallas police.
Police said officers responded to the 3000 block of Kiestridge Street in southwest Dallas at approximately 2:22 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived, they found a teen boy with a gunshot wound to his head. Another teen at the scene told police the victim shot himself.
However, investigators at the scene found that the second teen took the gun, believed the gun was empty and pulled the trigger, shooting the victim, according to police.
Police said the case is still under investigation.
The Dallas Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Homicide Detective Brewster Billings at (214)671-3083 or by email at brewster.billings@dallascityhall.com. DPD asks you to reference case #107617-2022.
More Dallas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-teen-shot-killed-kiestridge-street/287-127f1698-fd70-4da9-a099-7240b49eeb6c | 2022-06-16T17:43:41 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-teen-shot-killed-kiestridge-street/287-127f1698-fd70-4da9-a099-7240b49eeb6c |
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Eight new officers will wear the Stockton University police badge, having been sworn in June 9 during a ceremony in the Michael Jacobson Board of Trustees Room in the Campus Center.
“This is a joyous occasion,” Director of Public Safety Adrian Wiggins said in a statement Thursday. “We’ve not had, in recent years, eight officers brought up in the same time period. Certainly not seven that have recently graduated from the (Atlantic County Police Training Center). I am affectionately calling them the 'Great Eight.'”
All but Joseph Pizzuto, of Toms River, graduated from the Atlantic County police academy. The 2017 Stockton grad was one of three new officers who studied at the university.
Alexander Hale, Pizzuto's hiring mate, comes to Stockton after a tenure as an Atlantic County corrections officer. He, too, was a Stockton student, now hoping to restart his journey toward a criminal justice degree at the school while being a university employee, Stockton said.
People are also reading…
WILLIAMSTOWN — The question of how the Holocaust could have taken place has haunted people o…
“It will be different," said Hale, 27, of Pleasantville. "I sat in those seats where the students sit, and I still plan on sitting there. I want to be a role model for the students. I want to be able to guide them on the right path.”
Being a positive role model, Wiggins said, is a must while wearing a Stockton police uniform, something he says he emphasizes to his current and incoming officers.
“I want you to always remember that it’s always for the people,” Wiggins said while addressing the new officers. “The people are the men and women who serve students or who are students themselves. If we are serving correctly and with a sincere heart, then we will truly make an impact on the people."
Campus officers being positive role models is something Jonathan Laboy, 24, of Egg Harbor Township, saw while roaming the university before he graduated from it in 2020.
“I think it’s funny how everything comes full circle,” said Laboy, who holds a criminal justice degree. “I saw an opportunity to serve a community that helped me through the most trying or difficult years. It's a dream come true." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/8-new-police-officers-join-stockton-forces-ranks/article_73ddbc2e-ed88-11ec-98ce-b72f7c12b72e.html | 2022-06-16T17:43:41 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/8-new-police-officers-join-stockton-forces-ranks/article_73ddbc2e-ed88-11ec-98ce-b72f7c12b72e.html |
DALLAS — Ah, summer travel season.
Flights to beach destinations. Time with your family. Fun in the sun.
And a figurative meltdown in the mentions of airline companies on Twitter.
Thursday was apparently one of those days, as cancellations racked up across the country.
As of noon, there had been 802 flights cancelled within, into or out of the United States, to go along with 2,931 delays, according to Flight Aware.
International cancellations brought the total global cancellation count to 2,477.
The biggest problem area appeared to be New York and New Jersey – 19% of flights at Newark Liberty International Airport were cancelled, and 17% were cancelled at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Locally, there were 146 delays at Dallas-Fort Worth International and 20 cancellations, making up only about 1% of flights.
Love Field had 26 delays but no cancellations.
But it was one of our local airlines, Fort Worth-based American Air, that seemed to be dealing with the complaints from grumpy travelers.
A glance at American's mentions saw a steady stream of complaints over everything from lost luggage to canceled flights to re-bookings.
American's main account was busy responding to most of the angry tweets.
WFAA has reached out to American this week over potential staffing issues and delays, but the airline has not responded.
American had 139 flights canceled by noon, around 4% of their total for the day. JetBlue also had a 4% cancellation rate, and United and British Airways were 3%.
It wasn't clear what was causing the delays; the East Coast had some storms earlier Thursday, but the severe weather didn't appear to be widespread.
Dallas-based Southwest was in a bit better shape Thursday, with only a handful of cancellations but 338 delays.
Southwest hasn't been without the drama this week, though.
On Wednesday, the company's tongue-and-cheek Twitter jab at competitor American Airlines resulted in the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association firing back at their own employer.
Southwest had 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. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-american-airline-flight-cancellations-delays-summer-vacation-twitter-was-not-happy-as-flight-cancellations-topped-800/287-630adaaa-c9d5-4bc5-aa0f-6e73a8f3147e | 2022-06-16T17:43:47 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dfw-american-airline-flight-cancellations-delays-summer-vacation-twitter-was-not-happy-as-flight-cancellations-topped-800/287-630adaaa-c9d5-4bc5-aa0f-6e73a8f3147e |
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — The longest-serving school board member in the state is retiring.
Calvin Back, who has served on the Middle Township Board of Education for 60 years, is being celebrated for his retirement. Back chose not to run for reelection.
The school district opted to name the Middle Township High School Performing Arts Center in his honor at a dedication ceremony Monday.
“It’s kind of funny to see my name up there in big letters,” Back, 86, said in a news release. “It’s an honor, really.”
Back was board president for 30 years of his 60-year career. He oversaw the construction of Middle Township Middle School and Middle Township Elementary School No. 2. He also was instrumental in having built his now namesake Performing Arts Center.
“I can remember we went on a car ride and checked out another Performing Arts Center under construction in another town,” Back said. “We liked it and decided to build it.”
People are also reading…
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — The township Board of Education on Thursday approved placing armed guards …
That he played a crucial role in bringing new development to Middle Township Public Schools is appropriate for Back. He owned a construction business and has worked to build homes across the country. And when he first decided to run for the school board at 27, he was working a builder and was part of the construction crew working on the school board office. He won his first race for school board in 1962.
“I figured why not?” Back said. “There were all sorts of projects being proposed, and I wanted to get involved and help shape the schools in the community where I lived and grew up."
The school board was not Back’s only outlet for community service. He was also a Cape May Court House volunteer firefighter and was ultimately promoted to the rank of chief.
Superintendent David Salvo praised Back for his commitment to service. Back had hired Salvo to be an assistant principal in the district in 1995, leading to Salvo’s rise to superintendent in 2014.
“He devoted any spare time to public service,” Salvo said. “We wanted to honor him and his incredible service, and to celebrate this honor with his family, friends and colleagues. He has touched so many lives and has had such a lasting impact on this district and this community. We had to make sure his service is never forgotten.”
Board of Education President Dennis Roberts was similarly effusive in his praise for Back.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Members of the Township Committee this week lavished praise on Sean McDevi…
“It’s been an absolute honor to serve alongside this lifelong servant of our educational community,” Roberts said. “His quiet leadership and mentorship have been invaluable to many of our past superintendents and board members, including myself. There has never been a more deserving person to have (the Performing Arts Center) named in his or her honor.”
Back’s six-decade tenure attracted attention from around the area. State Sen. Mike Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, attended the dedication of the Performing Arts Center, according to the news release.
“Mr. Back is a true legend,” Testa told the crowd during the dedication. “The Performing Arts Center is just one part of his legacy. He’s done so much for this community in so many ways. It’s an honor just to be in his presence.”
Back said he was eager to spend more time with family, including his great-grandchildren. Many of Back’s family members were at the ceremony Monday, including some who came from as far away as Florida and Texas.
Contact Chris Doyle | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/middle-township-board-of-education-member-retiring-after-60-years/article_19498e6a-ed82-11ec-8b5c-df6c95d0a5f0.html | 2022-06-16T17:43:47 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/middle-township-board-of-education-member-retiring-after-60-years/article_19498e6a-ed82-11ec-8b5c-df6c95d0a5f0.html |
PELICAN BAY, Texas — A North Texas police chief who resigned following an investigation into an allegation over whether he used a racial slur has been hired in a new city.
Brad Anderson served as the police chief in Alvarado until August of last year and was hired this year as the police chief in Pelican Bay.
WFAA spoke to Anderson briefly on the phone, but he declined an interview, saying “all that stuff [in Alvarado] was proven false” and saying neither he nor the city’s mayor would have any comment.
WFAA also reached out to Mayor Tamra Olague for comment but did not hear back.
Through an open records request, WFAA obtained the final report of Alvarado’s investigation into Anderson. The report was written by Terri Swain, a third-party human resource consultant hired by the city.
The report revealed that city council member Tracy Melson received an anonymous Facebook message in June of 2021. The message included a video in which someone made a statement "about being Irish/Black (1/16th Black) and use of the N word," the investigative report said.
No faces were shown in the video, and there was "no way to ascertain where the video was taken," according to the report.
Melson reported the video to city officials, who hired an investigator to look into the video and interview several people, including Anderson.
Melson told investigators the voice was “very distinctly Brad Anderson’s voice," according to the investigation report.
Anderson passed a polygraph test, denying he was on the tape. Other people interviewed said they weren’t sure it was Anderson.
The investigation also used an audio/visual forensic analyst who determined the video was not edited or tampered with and that the voice was a “probable but not positive” match to Anderson, the report said.
Swain, the investigator on the report, was not able to get in touch with the original Facebook messenger, so their recommendation was to not fire Anderson but to leave the investigation in his file, in case other people or the original person came forward regarding allegations of racism.
The report noted that Melson and her husband, Gary Melson, an Alvarado police officer, "have been public critics of [Anderson] and how he has run the department."
Swain concluded "there is not enough evidence to sufficiently conclude that the voice on the video was Brad Anderson."
The investigation report was dated August 23, 2021. On August 24, 2021, Anderson submitted his resignation to the city.
His resignation letter said, “I hereby resign my position with the City of Alvarado, Texas, effective August 24, 2021. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of the City of Alvarado.”
It was not clear when Anderson was then hired by the City of Pelican Bay, a town of 2,000 residents in northwest Tarrant County. An April 25 city council agenda had an item mentioning acting on a Chief of Police, though it remained unclear if that was when Anderson was hired.
More local news: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-alvarado-brad-anderson-police-chief-who-resigned-after-investigation-into-racism-finds-a-new-job/287-3107c581-af45-468d-81e2-9643318ace2e | 2022-06-16T17:43:53 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-alvarado-brad-anderson-police-chief-who-resigned-after-investigation-into-racism-finds-a-new-job/287-3107c581-af45-468d-81e2-9643318ace2e |
Skip to main content
Home
Local
Sports
Things to Do
Nation Now
Business
Travel & Explore
Politics
Opinion
Investigations
E-Edition
Advertise with Us
Obituaries
Archives
Weather
Crosswords
Newsletters
AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year
Connect With Us
For Subscribers
How animals at the Phoenix Zoo stay cool in the summer
7 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/16/animals-phoenix-zoo-cool-summer/7647115001/ | 2022-06-16T17:50:00 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/16/animals-phoenix-zoo-cool-summer/7647115001/ |
Skip to main content
Home
Local
Sports
Things to Do
Nation Now
Business
Travel & Explore
Politics
Opinion
Investigations
E-Edition
Advertise with Us
Obituaries
Archives
Weather
Crosswords
Newsletters
AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year
Connect With Us
For Subscribers
Republican candidates for Arizona secretary of state debate
12 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2022/06/16/republican-candidates-arizona-secretary-state-debate/7642981001/ | 2022-06-16T17:50:01 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2022/06/16/republican-candidates-arizona-secretary-state-debate/7642981001/ |
NORMAL — Taste & Tour — a family-friendly warehouse tour with a carryout dinner — will be held Saturday, July 16, to benefit all three Midwest Food Bank locations in Central Illinois.
Attendees can learn about the mission of the food bank with an interactive drive-through experience at the Normal, Morton or Peoria locations.
Tours will last 15 to 30 minutes and will conclude with guests receiving a catered to-go dinner box. Dinners may be picked up at any of the three locations. Meal boxes for two adults are $50 and children's meals are available for $10. Meal pick-up will be from 4 to 7 p.m., and will be arranged when tickets are purchased.
The to-go meals for Peoria and Morton will be catered by Grace Catering and the Normal meals will be catered by Annie's Eats.
Visit midwestfoodbank.org/tastetour for more information.
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3240. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/taste-tour-events-to-benefit-midwest-food-bank-july-16/article_995de8e2-ed84-11ec-a3b8-ffa2c9cadc12.html | 2022-06-16T17:54:39 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/taste-tour-events-to-benefit-midwest-food-bank-july-16/article_995de8e2-ed84-11ec-a3b8-ffa2c9cadc12.html |
A 17-year-old girl died in a devastating crash involving the Mustang she was riding in and a Jeep Wrangler on Long Island, police say. Two other teenagers were badly hurt.
Police on Thursday identified the victim who died in the mid-afternoon crash on Indian Head Road in Commack Wednesday as Isabel Carella, of Smithtown. They say she was a passenger in the 2008 Ford Mustang that slammed into a Jeep near Carldon Road after the 17-year-old Ford driver swerved to avoid another car and lost control.
The Mustang driver, who lives in Kings Park, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries after the crash, along with a second passenger in his car. A third passenger suffered less serious injuries and was also taken to a hospital for treatment. Those two passengers, 16- and 17-year-old boys, were in the back seats. Carella was in front.
Suffolk County police say the 19-year-old woman driving the Jeep Wrangler that got hit endured injuries that weren't believed to be life-threatening. She was also taken to a hospital for treatment but is expected to recover. Footage from the scene showed the Jeep's front smashed and much of the body of the vehicle appear wrecked.
Police say their investigation is ongoing. No details have been released on possible charges. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/girl-dies-2-teens-seriously-hurt-in-out-of-control-mustang-crash-on-long-island/3737416/ | 2022-06-16T17:55:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/girl-dies-2-teens-seriously-hurt-in-out-of-control-mustang-crash-on-long-island/3737416/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.