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Philippe Waterinckx, who committed his life to supporting Tucson’s farming community and improving access to healthy foods, has died at the age of 62.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012 and later went into remission. In 2018, the cancer returned and spread throughout his body. He died June 10 at Peppi’s House, a hospice care in Tucson, said David Watson, Waterinckx’s best friend and caregiver.
“He was a good person, and he touched so many lives through the CSA,” Watson said. “If you knew him, you loved him automatically.”
Waterinckx founded Tucson Community Supported Agriculture in 2004, designed to support local farmers to make healthy food accessible to people and create a community around it.
Through the Tucson CSA, community members sign up for subscriptions of seasonal vegetables from local farms, providing producers a consistent end market.
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Waterinckx was born in Belgium but spent most of his adolescence in the Republic of Congo, where he learned how to grow his own vegetables as a source of food for him and his neighbors.
Tucson Community Supported Agriculture was inspired by Waterinckx’s experiences in the Congo.
“He believed in community, and he believed in supporting local farmers, and he wanted to bring those things together,” said co-director of CSA, Daniela Diamente.
Waterinckx founded Tucson CSA while he was a graduate student at the University of Arizona.
CSA started off with pickups on Waterinckx’s porch with just 15 members. As CSA grew, he moved operations to the courtyard of the Historic Y, 738 N. Fifth Ave., where it remains.
Today, CSA has around 400 members and primarily partners with three farms: Crooked Sky Farms, Sleeping Frog Farm and Common Ground Farm.
“Life would be absolutely different if I hadn't found CSA. It's been my main source of having a job and income but also my main source of interacting with the community,” said CSA co-director Sara Jones.
Tucson CSA's core values are local farming and production, seasonal local eating, food education, ethical sourcing, equitable food system, community and collaboration.
“I think he accomplished what he wanted to through Tucson CSA,” Diamente said.
Waterinckx lived in different countries throughout his life. However, he considered Tucson his adopted home.
He was passionate about traveling and cooking.
“He loved making pasta recipes, and he was amazing,” Watson said. “Most of his recipes are stuff that he would just throw together.”
His favorite dish was a Flemish dish called waterzooi, a chicken soup with leeks and tons of vegetables. “That's a recipe that was near and dear to him. So he would make that on special occasions if it was cool enough out to have soup,” Watson said.
Waterinckx created an online blog — Rings of Water — where he was sharing his cancer journey, health and treatment updates with an optimistic approach.
“I think it was his way of kind of just humanizing the process of someone going through cancer, and then processing it himself,” Diamente said. “But he also has people all over the world that love him and care about him, and so it was a way to communicate what's going on.”
Waterinckx titled his penultimate post "Pain," where he wrote about the pain he had been going through for the past two years.
“Pain is hard to manage, especially when it comes from multiple sources,” Waterinckx wrote.
His loved ones will remember him as a kind-hearted person who loved helping others.
To commemorate Waterinckx and his work for the Tucson community, CSA is working on creating a small mosaic mural within the Historic Y courtyard. Due to Tucson's summer heat, Waterinckx’s memorial will not be held until Nov. 5, at the courtyard of the Historic Y.
Waterinckx is survived by his husband Paul Durham, a former Tucson City Councilman representing Ward 3. | https://tucson.com/news/local/philippe-waterinckx-supporter-of-tucson-farming-improving-healthy-food-access-dies/article_c59b7fde-f188-11ec-ac31-6fa547daf720.html | 2022-06-22T00:35:28 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/philippe-waterinckx-supporter-of-tucson-farming-improving-healthy-food-access-dies/article_c59b7fde-f188-11ec-ac31-6fa547daf720.html |
As legislators rush to pass a budget before the June 30 deadline, it's hard to believe the state Senate's GOP leaders made time for this.
In a strongly worded press release last week, they proposed, of all things, banning children from attending performances by drag queens. They cited a drag show put on by students in a Tucson High School club and a "family-friendly" drag show featuring Native American performers that took place June 3 at the Heard Museum.
Southern Arizona's own Sen. Vince Leach is spearheading the effort, although he is also vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. That committee, of course, is hearing last-minute budget proposals rushed out this week.
But we shouldn't lay the idea strictly at Leach's feet. He and the other GOP leaders acknowledged coordinating with officials in other states to develop this proposal. In Florida and Texas, too, GOP officeholders have proposed calling child-protection authorities on parents who take children to see drag shows.
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All these proposals are also linked to a bigger effort. Right-wing activists have been targeting events around the country during June, which is Pride Month.
In the most notorious case, police in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, arrested 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front as they rode in a U-Haul to disrupt a pride event. In San Lorenzo, California, a group of 10 apparent members of the Proud Boys group interrupted an event at a local library in which a drag queen was planning on reading to children during a story hour. They yelled that the performer was a "groomer" and a "pedophile."
This brings up the even broader context of the proposal Leach and company are making. It is essentially QAnon Lite, suggesting a pedophile threat without saying it.
QAnon, of course, is the conspiracy theory that gripped millions of Americans during the pandemic's first year or two. Inspired by cryptic posts made online by someone purporting to be a high federal official, believers concluded that a global conspiracy of Satanic pedophiles, largely Democrats or "globalists," was trafficking in children — and Donald Trump was secretly rounding them up.
About 25% of Republicans, 14% of independents and 9% of Democrats believe the main QAnon story, a February report by the Public Religion Research Institute showed. And they are largely Trump enthusiasts.
So it's no coincidence that this year labeling political opponents as "groomers" or "pedophiles" became a major talking point among Trump-supporting Republicans. Even in the hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sen. Josh Hawley and others argued that as a judge she had been soft on child sexual predators, giving a nod to QAnon believers.
It happens to Republicans like Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, too. He testified Tuesday to the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection that he was harassed at his home after he refused to bow to Trump's demands that he try to decertify Arizona's 2020 election results.
"They have had panel trucks with videos of me, proclaiming me to be a pedophile and a pervert and a corrupt politician," Bowers said.
None of this is accidental of course. One of the architects of the Critical Race Theory panic of 2021 has also been trying to construct a pedophile/groomer panic in 2022. Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has publicly tried to frame issues so as to give them the most culture-war power.
On June 17, for example, he tweeted, "Conservatives should start using the phrase 'trans stripper' in lieu of 'drag queen.' It has a more lurid set of connotations and shifts the debate to sexualization."
This is the political context for the Leach proposal, which, by the way, has not even been drafted into a bill yet and seems very unlikely to become law this year. Still, some Democratic senators used Monday's floor session to rail against the idea as dangerously associating lesbian, gay and trans people with pedophilia.
"If we want to start banning children from things based on some illegitimate cause and effect relationship, there’s a long list of things we could be banning children from aside from just drag shows," Sen. Martin Quezada said.
He cited the massive sexual abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America and the Southern Baptist Convention.
"If we care about kids, what are we doing about those things?" he said.
Leach appealed to Quezada and the other Democrats to join him in fighting the drag-show scourge.
"I’m frustrated," Leach said. "I'm admitting there’s a problem, and we’re getting push back when we call it out. Don’t push back. Jump in the ship with me."
But this really isn't a big problem, even using the example that the GOP leaders cited. In their press release, they linked to an Arizona Republic story about the Heard Museum show, which includes a 17-photo gallery that shows nothing much at all.
Yes, there were children present, but it all looked pretty tame, not like the "hyper-sexualized performances" the press release decried.
Now, I wouldn't want my children to have attended "hyper-sexualized" drag shows, but I would leave it up to the parents to decide what those are. That is, after all, in the spirit of what Republicans were demanding earlier this year — parental, not school, control in raising their kids.
Perhaps, though, the talk of drag shows is really a cover for discomfort with the unapologetic presence of sexual minorities in society. In a curious paragraph in the press release, the leaders seem to support discrimination against them.
"Policies of 'nondiscrimination regarding gender expression and sexual orientation' are sending a message to society that we should disregard morals and values just to normalize these unscientific, broad, ill-defined and subjective terms, which set a dangerous precedent for our children that are too young to be exposed to such concepts."
If this were really about protecting children from their greatest threats, I don't think drag shows is the place to start. But, as the reference to non-discrimination policies shows, that's not what this is really about.
Contact opinion columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-proposed-drag-show-ban-part-of-broader-culture-war/article_6c75e3f4-f192-11ec-9329-37fe74076770.html | 2022-06-22T00:35:34 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-proposed-drag-show-ban-part-of-broader-culture-war/article_6c75e3f4-f192-11ec-9329-37fe74076770.html |
Tropical Smoothie will open two new shops in the Tucson market.
One Ten REI Guadalupe LLC bought a parcel at 3200 E. Valencia Road for $450,000 and a second at 7090 E. Broadway for $830,000 in the former Macayo’s Mexican restaurant.
Both sites will become drive-thru smoothie locations. Tropical Smoothie‘s first local store is in the Houghton Town Center, 10230 E. Old Vail Road.
The Atlanta chain sells smoothies, flatbread, sandwiches and quesadillas.
Jeramy Price, with Volk Co., represented the buyer.
Other local real estate transactions include:
Just Churros leased 1,304 square feet from Dev Properties LLC in Oracle Wetmore Shopping Center, at the southeast corner of Oracle and Wetmore roads. Aaron LaPrise, with Picor, handled the lease.
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The shopping center at 1991 E. Ajo Way, near Kino Parkway, will be getting a new Eegee’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Terry Dahlstrom, with Volk Co., represented South Gate Partners II LLC in the Eegee’s transaction and Kevin Volk, with Volk Co., represented TMC Dunkin Properties LLC for the doughnut shop. Both sales were for $375,000. Rob Tomlinson and Ron Zimmerman, with Picor, represented the seller.
Hughes Federal Credit Union bought 79,072 square feet of industrial space at 3301-3321 E. Global Loop from Global Loop Tucson LLC, Mercator Properties, LLC, and RSD MT Marathon, LLC for $13.8 million. Jesse Blum and Stephen D. Cohen, with Picor, represented the seller and Brian Harpel, with Velocity Retail Group, represented the buyer.
ZFI LLC and 45th Street Senior Apartments LLC bought the 38-unit Westview Apartments at 219 W. Fort Lowell Road from 219 West Fort Lowell Owner LLC for $2.8 million. Allan Mendelsberg and Conrad Joey Martinez, with Picor, represented both parties.
And Go Concepts LLC, doing business as Salad and Go, signed a 20-year lease with Kolb Slaw LLC and 8195 N. Oracle Road LLC, for 12,300 square feet at 1302 S. Kolb Road, in the Eastpoint Marketplace Shopping Center. Greg Furrier and Dave Hammack, with Picor, handled the lease.
Oak Street Health MSO LLC, leased 10,387 square feet from MROF I SPE I-Rolling Hills LLC at 7036 E. Golf Links Road. Dave Hammack and Greg Furrier, with Picor, represented the landlord in this transaction. Ty Brewster, with LocateAI Realty Inc., represented the tenant.
Louie’s Lounge leased 2,350 square feet at Parkview Place, 8060 E. 22nd St., from 8060 E 22nd St LLC. Greg Furrier, with Picor, represented the landlord and David Dutson, with NAI Horizon, represented the tenant.
Information for Tucson Real Estate is compiled from records at the Pima County Recorder’s Office and from brokers. Send information to Gabriela Rico, grico@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-mexican-restaurant-will-become-home-to-a-smoothie-shop/article_42f07bbe-f0c2-11ec-9c49-efeaf6384a5d.html | 2022-06-22T00:35:40 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-mexican-restaurant-will-become-home-to-a-smoothie-shop/article_42f07bbe-f0c2-11ec-9c49-efeaf6384a5d.html |
A lawyer in the city attorney's office was acquitted Tuesday of a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge stemming from a May 2021 incident that his attorney cast as a landlord-tenant issue.
Rick Tast, 49, entered a northeast Lincoln rental home May 21, 2021, where he awoke a napping family and briefly argued with the occupants before leaving with the property owner, his longtime friend, Jeremy Hosek, according to court testimony.
Tast's presence in the house was undisputed throughout a bench trial last month, which centered on the alleged criminality of Tast's entry into the home.
At Tast's trial May 19, nearly a year after the incident, Hosek said that Tast was acting as his agent and attorney when the two arrived at 3143 N. 56th St., where Hosek was preparing to evict his tenant, who he said was months behind on rent and had stopped responding to texts.
Special prosecutors with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office disputed that rationale, noting that Tast was not an employee of Hosek's business venture, and his status as a lawyer or friend didn't grant him permission to enter the home.
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"My lawyer doesn't just come into my house whenever he wants," Assistant Attorney General Gail VerMaas told Otoe County Judge David Partsch, who heard the case because of Tast's ties within the Lincoln legal community.
At trial, Hosek provided several reasons for entering the home that day. He and Tast initially thought the home may have been abandoned and had gone in to look for violations for an eviction notice, said Hosek, a city firefighter who also mentioned smelling smoke and observing a haze through the window.
They did not encounter smoke or fire upon entry.
The state focused much of its case on what happened inside the house, where Tast encountered a 14-year-old boy asleep in a bedroom, who he jostled awake, according to the teen's testimony.
"(I felt) someone touching my leg, so I woke up," the boy said. "It wasn't too hard or nothing, they grabbed it and I realized it and I woke up and I freaked out."
Tast, a registered nurse and former medic, later told Lincoln Police he thought the teen was dead or suffering a medical emergency, said former Officer Laura Stokey, the lead officer in the investigation who was terminated in January for mishandling evidence in an unrelated case.
The teen, his sister and mom all testified that Tast then grabbed a black hoodie from the boy's room and walked to the kitchen, where he confronted the family and repeatedly asked "What is this?," referring to the sweatshirt.
Korey Reiman, Tast's attorney, maintained that Tast removed a marijuana bong from the bedroom, not a sweatshirt.
VerMaas also pointed to Tast's actions in the days after the incident as attempts to cover up his involvement in the case.
"While you were talking to the defendant on the phone, did he ever make any requests of you at this time?" VerMass asked Stokey.
"He requested to have his name left out of all police reports," Stokey said.
But Reiman repeatedly cast doubt on the credibility of Stokey and other Lincoln Police officers involved in the case, including former Sgt. Angela Sands, Stokey's supervisor who was fired in December.
And the defense attorney argued Stokey's testimony — along with the other five witnesses called by the state — did not prove that Tast had knowingly acted with criminal intent when he walked into the house, failing to clear the statutory hurdle required to prove first-degree criminal trespass.
"The state failed to call the owner of the house," Reiman said, referring to Hosek, the only witness called by the defense. "They've left that hanging open, of whether Mr. Tast was given permission or told he could go in there.
"That's what they have to prove. And they didn't do it. They didn't even try to do it."
In the end, Partsch agreed with Reiman, pointing to the same argument in his six-page verdict issued Tuesday.
"The state must prove in this case, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Tast entered this rental home knowing that he was not licensed or privileged to do so," Partsch said. "It has not met its burden."
The verdict brought an end to a legal battle that had stretched on for more than a year — a rarity for misdemeanor cases — and brought vindication for Tast, according to his attorney.
"From jump street, I didn't think this case should have been charged," Reiman said Tuesday. "And the verdict today supports that."
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/assistant-city-attorney-acquitted-of-criminal-trespass-charge-in-lincoln/article_99321cfb-4544-5899-ae43-dbfb543aef54.html | 2022-06-22T00:43:44 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/assistant-city-attorney-acquitted-of-criminal-trespass-charge-in-lincoln/article_99321cfb-4544-5899-ae43-dbfb543aef54.html |
Nearly a year after an accrediting agency’s board of trustees placed South Florida’s only HBCU on probation, it voted last week to remove the current sanction and allow Florida Memorial University to maintain its accreditation.
According to a spokesperson, the announcement was made only to the university community via an emailed memo. The media was not directly notified but the story was first reported locally in the Miami Herald.
“When we received the news, it was like a burden [had been] lifted,” said Sharee Gilbert, the school’s director of communications and marketing. “It’s truly a reason to celebrate … This was an 11-month process.”
Turning the corner, though, was not without its sacrifices.
Just three months ago, the university had to make the tough decision to lay off at least four tenured professors and eliminate more than 12 faculty and staff positions in an attempt to cut costs during the probation period. Last November, The Miami Times reported that the university’s board of trustees voted to cut 16 underperforming programs across its schools of education, business, arts and sciences.
The discontinued degree programs included sociology, English, music, engineering and physics, marketing, biology, education and exceptional student education, known as ESOL.
Those decisions, university officials say, were driven by extensive research and data to help steer leaders in the right direction.
On June 17, 2021, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), placed FMU on probation for “Good Cause,” citing at least four areas where the university was not complying with its standards for operation, as reported in The Miami Times last summer.
At least two of the standards where FMU was listed as noncompliant involved its finances, while one was related to programs.
In April, a SACSCOC review committee that visited FMU reported no findings of noncompliance and determined that the university had indeed met all standards ahead of the end of the probation period.
Last Tuesday, an FMU task force traveled to Tampa for an annual board of trustees retreat where the final step in the process took place. The task force consists of Jaffus Hardrick, FMU president; Jacqueline Hill, provost; William McCormick, board chair; Adrienne Copper, vice provost for institutional research and effectiveness; and Rodney Sobelson, assistant vice president for finance and administration.
“At first a lot of people were nervous because … [they] didn’t know what that meant,” explained Gilbert when asked if the university’s reputation was impacted by the probation status. “No university wants to be in that predicament, however, I think that the team we have worked very hard to make sure that this was a thing of the past … [and] to make sure that the sanction was lifted in the end.”
FMU is now looking to new initiatives such as an innovation technology and entertainment program, a newly launched Climate Resiliency Center in partnership with Infiniblaze, and a partnership with music executive Ted Lucas to take the 143-year-university to new heights.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, students, and stakeholders for their dedication, hard work, and sacrifices, which helped to get us through this difficult process,” said Hardrick, in a memo to the university community. “[The] decision affirms the significance and impact of our university in continuing to provide access to a quality education for many deserving students. FMU is one of the largest employers in the area and when the university succeeds, our community succeeds.” | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/florida-memorial-starts-anew-with-accreditation-probation-lifted/article_0c0ea53a-f1b7-11ec-939d-ff2197e52ee9.html | 2022-06-22T00:46:57 | 1 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/florida-memorial-starts-anew-with-accreditation-probation-lifted/article_0c0ea53a-f1b7-11ec-939d-ff2197e52ee9.html |
New social studies materials will be coming to the Mason City School District.
The Mason City School Board approved the purchase of new social studies curriculum for grades kindergarten through sixth grade Monday night, part of the curricular rotation cycle.
The new curriculum was presented to the school board during the June 6 committee of the whole meeting. Committee members, made up of teachers, instructional coaches, and Curriculum Director Bridgette Wagoner walked the board through the process of finding new curriculum.
The committee began meeting in the fall of 2019 to find a new social studies program and determine a direction. The group had to make sure it was addressing new standards the Iowa Board of Education adopted in 2017.
Along with state standards, the committee developed its own criteria. The criteria to review curriculum was: standards and objectives, student needs and inclusivity, navigation, activities and materials, assessments, lesson structure and pacing, and motivating and engaging students.
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Kindergarten through fourth-grade teachers on the committee and all fifth- through sixth-grade social studies teachers piloted two programs to evaluate materials. The committee presented Wagoner their recommendation in the spring of 2022.
Inquiry Journeys from publishers inquirED was selected as the next curriculum. The curriculum was noted to be all online, which means there is no need to purchase new textbooks and makes it easy for teachers to assign to Google classroom. Teachers noted in their presentation that it is a rigorous curriculum but does take a bit of time to cover a lesson.
The total cost of the curriculum is just over $170,000 with most of the cost coming from digital access. The purchase provides curriculum for the next six years. Money for the curriculum comes from the 2022-23 budget and the material would be adopted in the 2022-23 school year.
"It was tricky to find a good social studies option. I was thrilled that we found one that we had some consensus and that we felt that the quality really was aligned with promising practices of social studies," said Wagoner in early June.
Grades seventh through 12th were part of a social studies curriculum adoption last school year.
Abby covers education and entertainment for the Globe Gazette. Follow her on Twitter at @MkayAbby. Email her at Abby.Koch@GlobeGazette.com | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-school-board-approves-purchase-of-social-studies-curriculum/article_28d2fbf9-3ca8-534f-be13-4de22ea231e7.html | 2022-06-22T00:48:27 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-school-board-approves-purchase-of-social-studies-curriculum/article_28d2fbf9-3ca8-534f-be13-4de22ea231e7.html |
At approximately his 300th school board meeting, Superintendent Dave Versteeg gave his farewell.
Versteeg announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year in November. At the Monday night school board meeting, Versteeg gave his goodbye.
"For those of you who have been on the board since the beginning of my tenure, I think we've come a long ways in five years. For those who are new, it's a steep learning curve as you've all figured out. But I think leadership is in a good place going forward," said Versteeg.
MASON CITY | The Mason City School Board has selected Dave Versteeg as the district's superi…
Versteeg came to the Mason City Community School District in 2016 and has more than 30 years of experience in education. Before Mason City, Versteeg had spent time as superintendent of Montezuma Schools.
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Pat Hamilton, who is coming from the Spencer Community School District, will be stepping into the superintendent role July 1.
Board president Lorrie Lala and board director Brent Seaton thanked Versteeg for the time he has spent with the district. Both Lala and Seaton have been on the board the entire length of Versteeg's tenure.
"We've gone in five years from not knowing what's going on to other districts are looking to us for us for advice and that's meant a lot," said Lala. "I thank you for your leadership. We're in a better place. You're leaving things in a better place."
"The one thing that I remained really confident in was that you're going to be able to deal with those stressful circumstances. You've done a wonderful job with that, and I want to thank you for that source of stability for our school," said Seaton. "I appreciate that a lot. I think moving forward it gives us a better foundation."
Versteeg will be back for certain district events, like the dedication of the new building. Versteeg gave thanks to all of the board members for their service and teamwork to shape the district.
"I don't know what I'm going to feel like in a couple of days when I realize I am not on vacation," said Versteeg with a smile.
Abby covers education and entertainment for the Globe Gazette. Follow her on Twitter at @MkayAbby. Email her at Abby.Koch@GlobeGazette.com | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-superintendent-gives-farewell-to-school-board/article_12f363b1-f75f-535d-810a-9e3a1c0f6be0.html | 2022-06-22T00:48:33 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/mason-city-superintendent-gives-farewell-to-school-board/article_12f363b1-f75f-535d-810a-9e3a1c0f6be0.html |
Year after year, North Iowans take to the water to beat the Midwest heat and humidity. Take a look back through some of the fun photos in the Globe Gazette archives. See anyone you know?
Lisa Grouette is the Local News Editor and Photo Editor at the Globe Gazette. Reach her at 641-421-0525 or lisa.grouette@globegazette.com. Follow Lisa on Twitter @LisaGrouette
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Neighbors in West Dallas have been fighting to remove a GAF shingle factory and Tuesday the company issued a statement suggesting it is willing to consider the idea.
The GAF website says the plant has been operating at that Singleton Boulevard location since 1954. It is surrounded by homes, churches and schools.
Truckloads of roofing shingles rolling from the plant demonstrate strong sales for GAF products.
Signs at nearby homes demonstrate strong opposition to the plant.
“Yes, it smells terrible. You can't stay outside long,” said Delores Burnes, who lives across the street.
Neighbors formed a group called “Singleton United” and joined with the environmental activist group “Downwinders at Risk.”
“We think the report we've compiled overwhelmingly shows there is adverse impact based on resident testimony as well as air monitoring,” said Evelyn Mayo with Downwinders At Risk.
Plan opponents say their research should be enough to launch a removal process for the plant, which they say was declared a "non-conforming" Dallas zoning use back in 1987.
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“They are living on bought time,” Mayo said.
GAF has a larger, newer plant in Ennis which the critics say produces a fraction of the emissions with far fewer neighbors. The GAF website says the Ennis plant opened in 1979.
Mayo said that plant has better equipment than the West Dallas plant.
“It’s 100% possible to do better but that’s not what we’re here to ask. We’re not asking them to do better. We’re asking them to leave,” Mayo said.
She claims existing control technology for this type of facility is not sufficient to protect the health and safety of neighbors in an urban setting.
Tuesday GAF provided a statement by email indicating it is now willing to talk.
“Understanding there are various possible paths forward, we are eager to work with the community and the city to find the right solution for the community, our employees, and the thousands of homeowners in Texas and the region who rely on our products every year," the statement read.
"The best way to ensure we arrive at a positive solution that meets the needs of all parties is for everyone to participate in this important conversation,” the GAF statement continued.
Neighborhood City Councilman Omar Narvaez provided a statement Tuesday saying he supports the neighbors' goal of removing the GAF factory.
“We are meeting later this month to go over the processes available and decide how to move forward. I am proud of the work we have done so far and will use every measure available to achieve this goal with both organizations for the greater West Dallas Community,” Narvaez said.
Neighbors said that the meeting is set for June 30. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-neighbors-fight-shingle-factory/2997433/ | 2022-06-22T00:52:23 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-neighbors-fight-shingle-factory/2997433/ |
The Idaho Transportation Department and its contractor Idaho Materials and Construction will be working 24-hour shifts to safely reopen all lanes of traffic from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. Unforeseen issues with storm-water drainage in the construction zone are requiring temporary daytime closures.
The ITD is encouraging motorists to plan ahead for temporary daytime lane reductions on Blue Lakes Boulevard North this week.
“Safety is our top priority, and ITD is working closely with IMC to reopen lanes during the day and continue work during overnight hours as planned,” ITD resident engineer Seth Helms said. “ITD appreciates commuters for their patience during this important work.”
For the latest traffic updates, please visit 511.idaho.gov or call 511.
To learn more about this project and sign up for construction updates, please go to itdprojects.org/us-93improvements. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/itd-temporarily-implements-daytime-lane-reductions-on-blue-lake-boulevard/article_2589b6ce-f1a5-11ec-aca1-231c633dbed3.html | 2022-06-22T00:52:45 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/itd-temporarily-implements-daytime-lane-reductions-on-blue-lake-boulevard/article_2589b6ce-f1a5-11ec-aca1-231c633dbed3.html |
On Monday night, a dozen people gathered in a Glenrock garage, parking motorcycles and cars in the alley outside.
They sat in a circle of folding chairs or leaned on the wooden bar, trading stories about James Michael Harrison, better known by most as Mileage.
Many of them are members of Central Wyoming’s ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments), a biker group Mileage had been a part of since it began.
By the time they took their seats, cracked a beer or lit a cigarette, they had lived their first day without Mileage. And his presence was already sorely missed.
He was honest, and never judgmental. He loved to make people laugh. He fought for what he believed in, a list that includes biker safety, disability awareness and giving back to his community. He was ornery, ABATE membership coordinator Vicki Dike said. Very ornery.
“There’s a lot of respect for him everywhere,” said Mike Everhart. “He is definitely a legend. Everybody knows Mileage.”
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On June 4, Mileage was on a run with Never Forgoten 77, a local suicide prevention nonprofit, on Wyoming Highway 93. He was riding a new bike, a Harley-Davidson Street Glider. Around the turn to Fort Fetterman near Douglas, he was hit by a semi truck.
After two weeks in a Colorado hospital, he was taken off life support. On Sunday night, Mileage died. He was 67 years old.
A few weeks earlier, he was showing his new bike to a few ABATE members outside the Horseshoe in Mills.
“And he told them, that’s how I want to go out, on my bike,” Dike said. “Which is what every biker says, you know.
“And he got what he wanted. I can tell you he wouldn’t want it to happen any other way.”
***
Hog Fest, an annual bike rally put on by ABATE in Glenrock, was Mileage’s “baby.”
He started the event around 20 years ago, as well as the yearly awareness ride through Casper and a Christmas toy drive that delivers thousands of gifts to local kids every year.
“I wish we could figure out over the last 40 years, how many hundreds and hundreds of dollars he’s raised for the less fortunate,” said K.J. Bigford.
This year, ABATE officers plan to hold a vote to change Hog Fest’s name to honor its founder. They expect the vote to go over easily, without the group’s most frequent dissenter present.
“He locked horns with everybody,” said Brenda Sanders.
“He argued to argue,” said John Harrison, Mileage’s brother. “With a grin on his face, too. He’d get the point settled, then he’d start it over again.”
Kody Hill, ABATE’s vice president, said he once had to physically throw Mileage over his shoulder and carry him out of a meeting when he got too rowdy.
ABATE and family members mimicked Mileage’s signature wily grin, the one he’d put on for a good argument. They “umm”ed and “uhh”ed in a chorus, like he used to when he was trying to gather his thoughts to make a point.
For a few years, Hog Fest didn’t happen as the Central Wyoming ABATE group lost members and steam. Allan Dike, now the group’s president (at Mileage’s urging), said Mileage rallied new members to join and got the event back up and running in 2020.
Many ABATE members can credit Mileage for getting them to join the group.
Sharon Kemp, dubbed the group’s “Mama,” said she told him she couldn’t ride a bike because she has problems with balance. Fine, Mileage told her, ride a custom-painted 1960s Harley golf cart. So she does.
He wasn’t the most organized man, but when it came to Hog Fest, he had a checklist “like you wouldn’t believe,” said Dike.
“It went clear down to how many clipboards need to be where, how many fives need to be in the cash drawer,” Dike said. “It blows our minds that he was that organized.
“We’d always talk, you know, him getting older, if something happens, we’re going to be screwed.”
Mileage seemed to have some magic power to get things done — for Hog Fest one year, at least four other ABATE officers had tried to get trailers for the event with no luck. Mileage walked into a dealership and left successful.
He knew everyone, from police to bikers to city council members, state legislators and business owners across the state. You walk into a biker bar with Mileage, his friends said, and it seems like everyone in the place knows him. He’d even got Gov. Mark Gordon to agree to try to come to Hog Fest this year, and found a sidecar he could ride in.
Posters for the event, made by Mileage, tell those interested in getting more information or signing up for the biker rodeo to call him.
***
Mileage’s wife, Kathy, was “just like him,” his niece Doral Harrison said.
They married in 2007 — not the first marriage for either of them. He loved her to death, friends said. They threw themselves into ABATE, with Kathy doing much of the administrative work to put on the group’s events.
Kathy died in January 2020.
Mileage still had her voice on their voicemail message (on a landline — he didn’t get a cell phone until last year). When Hog Fest came back after its brief hiatus later that year, Dike said they could feel her over the event, protecting them.
“She definitely kept him on his toes,” Everhart said.
Kathy was also how Mileage got in touch with Mark Sterken, who runs Never Forgoten 77, around five years ago. The group’s suicide prevention mission resonated with Kathy, a member of the McMurry family who was still feeling the loss of Mick McMurry after his suicide a few years before.
She introduced Sterken to Mileage, who helped the organization put together its first poker run. The June 4 event was the group’s fourth run, and Mileage had helped with every one.
ABATE, which Sterken joined after meeting the couple, gave Never Forgoten the first donation for its first run. Now, Sterken said, he’s been assured that the group still has his back.
“It would never have got off the ground if it wasn’t for Mileage,” Sterken said. “Everybody’s just lost, you know?”
Sterken was three bikes ahead of Mileage at the time of the crash. Three others went down, but Mileage was the only one seriously hurt.
The rest of the group didn’t finish the run that day — it would have been disrespectful to Mileage, Sterken said.
The money raised from the run, a few thousand dollars, was all given to Mileage to cover medical costs.
“He gave us his time, his respect,” Sterken said. “It was the least we could do to show respect back to him, and to show our love for him.”
***
Mileage had his fair share of accidents in his time.
When he was 8, he tried to do tricks on the monkey bars at school, despite teachers warning him not to get too crazy because of a heart murmur. His brother, John, said Mileage broke his leg and ended up in a cast from his torso all the way to his foot.
When he was 14, an accident with a hay baler cost him his leg. He started riding a motorcycle that same year.
For the rest of his life, Mileage used a prosthetic leg, an impressive feat when you’re ripping down a highway on a bike. He’s the reason Wyoming has handicap license plates for motorcycles, his brother said, after he fought for them.
Those who rode with Mileage said it would be impossible to count the number of crashes he’d gotten into — there was the one with the horse trailer, or the time he fell off the curb.
He loved to ride “right on the line” in the middle of a road, and would pass people with reckless abandon. He paid taxes for both sides of the road, Mileage would say, so why not use them?
Once, a driver hit him, causing his prosthetic leg to come off and skid across the road. Mileage was mostly all right, but the driver was so shocked by the stray leg that she had to be taken to the hospital.
He was always on a bike, hardly ever in a car. Even with snow on the ground, Mileage would ride his Harley and wipe away frozen snot as he got off.
He’d even battled prostate cancer, but would never have let that be the thing to take him out.
“He had lived all nine of his lives, to the fullest extent too,” said Doral.
“That man, nobody could live through the stuff that he’d been through,” Dike said. “None of us.”
***
Biker bars including Butch’s in Evansville, Four Aces in Glenrock and Double D in Douglas put out buckets to collect donations for Mileage’s medical fees. The group hadn’t gotten around to collecting the money by Monday. One said she’d seen someone throw a $100 in the bucket at Butch’s one night.
Mileage grew up on Park and K streets in Casper, and most recently lived in a house on North Jefferson Street where he'd made his mailbox out of an old gas tank. He never knew a stranger, Kemp said — once you met him, you were a friend. And you could spot his black leather cap anywhere.
On Facebook, hundreds of well wishes and prayers poured in as ABATE posted updates on Mileage’s progress. Other biker groups from around the state have also reached out looking for ways to support.
A few members of ABATE went to visit Mileage at the Colorado hospital he was transferred to after the crash. Many said they never really thought he could die — even though the odds the doctors gave him were slim, they said, it would be just like Mileage to beat them.
Allan Dike, the group’s president, said he wanted to go see him there — to tell him he wasn’t done with him yet, to say that he needed his help.
“But I didn’t want to take him from his wife,” Dike said. “I kept coming back to that.”
***
Now, the unpleasant part begins.
How to put on Hog Fest this year, without its champion? How to get the trailers, the toys, the permits without him?
And how to honor him in a way that lives up to his legacy?
John, Mileage’s brother, says it’s lucky Mileage cleaned out and fixed up his north Casper home recently.
“It’s like he was preparing,” Doral, his niece, said.
Vicki offers the help of female ABATE members to make food, lots of it, for a memorial service whenever it happens. They’re used to feeding big crowds, she said, and want to do whatever they can to help the family members Mileage leaves behind.
It won’t be an ordinary service, that’s for sure — it wouldn’t do Mileage justice.
But they’re bracing for a “huge” turnout when it comes time to pay respects to the man who knew everyone. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/he-is-definitely-a-legend-friends-family-remember-beloved-biker-mileage/article_8f123118-f1b7-11ec-bb03-1747b3540954.html | 2022-06-22T01:00:58 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/he-is-definitely-a-legend-friends-family-remember-beloved-biker-mileage/article_8f123118-f1b7-11ec-bb03-1747b3540954.html |
Republican state superintendent of public instruction candidates will participate on Thursday in a public election forum in Casper.
The forum will allow community members and facilitators to ask the candidates questions, a statement from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming said.
Wyoming superintendents head the state’s education department and sit on the State Board of Land Commissioners, the State Board of Education, the State Loan and Investment Board and the State Building Commission. They’re also non-voting members of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees, the Wyoming Community College Commission and the School Facilities Commission.
Superintendents are elected for four-year terms. The primary election for the superintendent position is set for Aug. 16.
The election forum, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming and Wyoming PBS, is meant to open conversation between candidates and the public. It’s free and open to the public in-person at Casper’s Young AmeriTowne: WyoTowne and via livestream. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming CEO Ashley Bright said the forum will cover the candidate’s backgrounds and what’s important to them. There won’t be a specific topic of focus. The conversation will mostly be guided by questions from the facilitators and audience members.
Former Wyoming PBS Senior Public Affairs Producer Craig Blumenshine and current Wyoming PBS Senior Public Affairs Producer Steve Peck will facilitate the forum.
All Republican candidates for the state superintendent position have been invited to take part in the forum, the Boys & Girls Clubs statement said.
Three Republicans and one Democrat are vying for the state superintendent of public instruction's post.
There are five Republican candidates, including current superintendent Brian Schroeder. Gov. Mark Gordon appointed Schroeder to the position in January after former state superintendent Jillian Balow left the job to take a similar role in Virginia. Schroeder’s unelected term ends in January 2023. Bright confirmed that Schroeder will participate in the forum.
A blistering statement from Wyoming's schools superintendent is again fanning the flames of debate over gender identity and sexual orientation.
At the time of his appointment, Schroeder beat out Megan Degenfelder and Thomas Kelly, two other superintendent candidates who are now running for election on the Republican ticket.
Degenfelder, a Casper native, served as the Wyoming Department of Education’s chief policy officer under Balow and is currently the government and regulatory affairs manager for Morningstar Partners Oil & Gas. Kelly chairs the political and military science department at the American Military University. He taught at middle schools, community colleges and universities in the Midwest and Colorado before moving to Sheridan where he now lives.
Bright said both Degenfelder and Kelly have confirmed that they will attend the forum.
A former top official at the Wyoming Department of Education announced Thursday she will run for superintendent of public instruction.
The three other superintendent candidates are Jennifer Zerba, Robert White and Sergio Maldonado.
Zerba and White entered the race last-minute.
Zerba is a Natrona County School District substitute teacher and cosmetologist. She confirmed that she will attend the election forum. White is an underground trona miner who lives in Rock Springs. He was formerly an amphibious assault vehicle crew chief and a corporal in the Marine Corps. White is the only candidate without a background in education, an attribute he said gives him more ability to think outside of the box. He’s still waiting to see if he can take time off of work to attend the Thursday event.
Republican schools superintendent candidate Jennifer Zerba decided to join the race last-minute because she was “alarmed to see some of the issues and topics” that other candidates were running on.
There is only one Democrat superintendent candidate — Sergio Maldonado. Maldonado is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho tribe and has held various state and local positions in education and tribal relations.
The Thursday forum is specifically for Republican candidates, although the Boys & Girls Clubs statement said that Young AmeriTowne: WyoTowne will likely host a general election forum in October.
The address of the event is 910 Barbara St. , Casper. People can watch the event livestreamed if they aren’t able to come in person. | https://trib.com/news/local/education/state-schools-superintendent-candidates-to-participate-in-public-election-forum/article_bcb8c5c2-f190-11ec-84a2-979d595b8e4a.html | 2022-06-22T01:01:04 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/education/state-schools-superintendent-candidates-to-participate-in-public-election-forum/article_bcb8c5c2-f190-11ec-84a2-979d595b8e4a.html |
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Court of Appeals upheld Seattle's pandemic-era payroll tax that faced opposition from the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
On Tuesday, the court concluded that the payroll expense tax, also known as the "JumpStart tax," is an excise tax on businesses and within the city's powers to impose.
"Engaging in business is a substantial privilege on which the city may properly levy taxes, and the use of a business's payroll expense is an appropriate measure of that taxable incident," judges wrote in their decision.
In a statement, Seattle Metro Chamber President and CEO Rachel Smith said the Chamber will review the decision and determine "our next step in consultation with our members and our attorneys."
The tax applies to companies who spend more than $7 million in payroll, issuing a 0.7% tax for companies that offer employees more than $150,000 but less than $500,000 a year and a 1.4% tax on companies paying employees more than $500,000 annually.
The tax was proposed by Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda as a way to generate funds that could help the city and small businesses withstand the financial woes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tax brought in $231 million by mid-February – about $31 million more than forecasted.
In April, the tax was projected to bring in more than $277 million in 2022, $43.6 million beyond what was anticipated in November, according to information from Mosqueda's office. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/appeals-court-seattle-payroll-tax/281-b6140b87-77d0-4c8c-90cb-2b56fb9b7aab | 2022-06-22T01:02:12 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/appeals-court-seattle-payroll-tax/281-b6140b87-77d0-4c8c-90cb-2b56fb9b7aab |
SEATTLE — The remains of a missing 56-year-old woman were found in the Kincaid Ravine near the Burke-Gilman Trail on the University of Washington campus, police confirmed Tuesday.
Around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, University of Washington police contacted Seattle police for assistance with the investigation into the remains.
The remains were found near Ravenna Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street, according to Seattle police.
Members of Seattle Police Department's Crime Scene Investigation Unit processed the scene.
The remains were transferred to the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
Seattle police detectives were able to identify the woman after additional information from the Medical Examiner's Office.
Seattle police will continue to investigate.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/human-remains-burke-gilman-trail-seattle/281-bd58e265-c387-4ce4-8617-4fa3e8c97dcc | 2022-06-22T01:02:19 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/human-remains-burke-gilman-trail-seattle/281-bd58e265-c387-4ce4-8617-4fa3e8c97dcc |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Scattered throughout Southeast Portland's Raymond Park Tuesday morning were party supplies that appeared to have been abandoned when gunfire erupted late Monday night.
"There were a couple of families up here celebrating whatever they were celebrating," Pati Hall said.
Hall lives down the street from the park. She rushed over when she saw the police lights. She couldn't help but notice all the kids.
"They were crying," Hall said. "The kids were crying. They were obviously very upset and there were a bunch of them."
Authorities tell KGW that officers responded to reports of a shooting around 10 p.m. Monday. By the time officers arrived, the victim had left the scene in somebody's car. A police sergeant spotted the car near Southeast 122nd and Division and provided first aid to the victim, but the victim died.
"It's not a good thing," Hall said. "I don't like the reputation it leaves the area. I don't want people to be scared to go to this park or any park in the city. I take it personally."
Monday turned out to be a violent day in Portland.
About an hour before the deadly shooting at Raymond Park, officers were investigating a shooting involving the Portland Spirit. Detectives say a bullet struck a window in the vessel as it cruised along the Willamette River between the Burnside and Morrison bridges. There were no injuries beyond a 71-year-old man who was hit by glass shattered by the bullet strike.
Hours earlier, officers were investigating a homicide in Northeast Portland's Roseway neighborhood, where a male was found dead near Northeast 81st and Siskiyou.
Nearby, the words "RIP BIG KEKE" were written on the sidewalk in chalk.
"Killing anybody, doesn't matter if it's a child or adult, there's no excuse for this," Hall said. "No call for this going on in the city, not at all, not at all."
Hall is troubled by the violence. She hopes officers can track down the shooter who took a life in her neighborhood.
"I want him processed and buried under the jail as far as I'm concerned," Hall said.
Anyone with information about any of the three cases is urged to contact the Portland Police Bureau. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/2-killed-24-hours-gun-violence-portland/283-a6278e88-eb24-4e09-83d0-2f5ee8217d11 | 2022-06-22T01:04:32 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/2-killed-24-hours-gun-violence-portland/283-a6278e88-eb24-4e09-83d0-2f5ee8217d11 |
A Bismarck man who pleaded guilty to more than three dozen child sex crimes was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison in a case authorities say might have had many more victims than the 21 who were identified.
Dawson Rouse, 23, must also spend 30 years on supervised release following his prison time.
“You knew what you were doing was wrong. You knew what you were doing was illegal,” U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland told Rouse while sentencing him.
Hovland could have sentenced Rouse to life in prison under federal guidelines. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme asked the court for a 40-year sentence followed by 25 years of supervised release. He told Hovland that letters of support sent to the court on Rouse’s behalf made him appear on the surface to be an upstanding, helpful, religious man.
“What you don’t know is Mr. Rouse had another side, a dark side,” Delorme said.
That side was outlined in testimony by Bismarck Police Detective Brandon Rask, whose investigation of the case started with what he thought was a routine curfew violation by two girls. Rask dug deeper when he learned the girls had been with a man over the age of 21. The detective's investigation revealed that Rouse had thousands of friends on the social media platform Snapchat, and a clear pattern of conduct for coercing girls into sending him images and performing sexual acts for and with him. His Snapchat account included 700 blocked friends with whom he no longer communicated, Rask said.
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“After they were of no further use to him, he blocked them,” the detective said.
Rouse communicated with five girls the day he was arrested. Police were able to unlock some but not all of the folders on his cellphone. Opening all of them would have “almost certainly” led to the discovery of more victims, Rask said. Rouse targeted girls ages 12-17, and most were 13-15, the detective said.
The father of one victim testified that his daughter is a different person since being “exploited and injured psychologically and emotionally" by Rouse. His daughter has been excluded from activities, has lost friends, suffers from anxiety and has had her confidence taken away, he said.
“The impact of these crimes doesn’t fade,” he said, adding that it affects every family member, including the girl’s older brother, who feels he’s failed as his sister’s protector.
“Now multiply that by every other girl,” the man said.
The Tribune does not name victims of sexual assault, or others such as parents whose names would identify victims.
Delorme said Rouse’s act included the introduction of rough sex -- hair pulling, strangulation, biting -- and investigators uncovered video of one girl signing a contract of the sex acts to which she agreed. Rouse provided alcohol to some, and in some cases took girls to a drug store to buy morning-after birth control pills, the prosecutor said.
Rouse apologized in court to the victims and their families, and said his actions dishonored his family and the community he grew up in. He directed his comments toward the judge and did not turn to face the rest of the courtroom.
“I hurt people and I have to live with that for the rest of my life,” Rouse said. “I have to own up to the consequences.”
He added, “Nobody should put a human being through what I did.”
Defense attorney Michael Hoffman argued that the 40-year sentence sought by prosecutors was inappropriate because of Rouse’s age and the young age at which he committed the acts. Hoffman in his argument and in a sentencing brief before the hearing referred to a school of thought in which some say the male brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25. Rouse’s acts were “deplorable,” Hoffman said, but he added that the sentence should be based on “logic and what’s cognitively appropriate.” He requested a range of 12 ½ to about 16 years, followed by 25 years of supervised release.
“He’ll always have this conduct, these repercussions to deal with,” Hoffman said.
Hovland before sentencing Rouse said in his 20 years as a federal judge he’d seen “far too many deviants,” adding that seeing intelligent adults abuse children was “beyond troubling.” Social media opens the door for society’s worst to prey on children, and Snapchat conversations can turn very explicit; Rouse followed that pattern, Hovland said.
“I don’t think any of us can comprehend the trauma you’ve inflicted on these young girls,” the judge said.
Rouse was originally charged in state court in Burleigh County in April 2020 with luring teenage girls by electronic means and forcing himself on a 13-year-old girl. More charges were filed in June of that year when a continued investigation produced “numerous additional victims,” authorities said.
The state charges were dismissed after a federal grand jury indicted Rouse in July 2020 on 27 counts including sexual exploitation of a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and transfer of obscene materials to a minor, court documents show.
After further investigation, a 13-count indictment in September 2020 alleged Rouse friended girls on social media and then harassed them until they sent inappropriate images of themselves and agreed to meet with him, then-U.S Attorney Drew Wrigley said. Six of the girls allegedly had sex with Rouse, the prosecutor said.
Rouse often posed as a minor himself, and was seeking young girls for several years prior to his arrest, officials said in court documents.
Rouse in court documents admitted to many of the accusations but denied several allegations of violent acts. Hoffman sought a lighter sentence asking the court to consider his client's age, Rouse's recognition of the impact of his actions, and his willingness to undergo sex offender treatment.
Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer said she planned to recharge Rouse at the state level after the federal sentencing was complete. Those charges weren't listed in court documents late Tuesday.
Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/rouse-sentenced-to-30-years-for-child-sex-crimes-rouse-had-a-dark-side-prosecutor/article_6a049ee8-f1b1-11ec-8765-6b563f773623.html | 2022-06-22T01:12:29 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/rouse-sentenced-to-30-years-for-child-sex-crimes-rouse-had-a-dark-side-prosecutor/article_6a049ee8-f1b1-11ec-8765-6b563f773623.html |
A Bismarck woman who was arrested in February for child abuse and neglect in the death of her 5-year-old nephew now faces a murder charge after a medical examiner ruled the child's death was a homicide.
Rolanda Doyle, 40, also faces an additional child abuse charge, court documents show. She could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the murder charge. She's in custody pending a $500,000 cash bond. Court documents do not list an attorney for her.
Police responded to a call at a southeast Bismarck residence on Feb. 18 after the child, Geremy Doyle, was discovered to be unconscious and not breathing, according to an affidavit. The boy was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Detective Jacob Bratsch during an April preliminary hearing testified the child had numerous wounds and "was made to sleep in essentially an entryway of this residence that was unheated in the middle of winter." Investigators later observed a jug of water frozen within the entryway on a 15-degree day, he said.
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Bratsch said investigators found a belt that seemed out of place in the home's bathroom, and people interviewed during the investigation said the child, as a punishment, would have to go into the bathroom to be hit with the belt.
Officials searched Rolanda Doyle's phone and found a video recording of Geremy Doyle walking around the residence on Feb. 18 while clearly suffering from a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, according to an affidavit. The boy is seen on the video appearing "dazed" and striking his head on the ground after falling.
The affidavit states officials received a report of death from the State Forensic Medical Examiner’s office June 17. It listed Geremy Doyle's cause of death as battered child syndrome, and the manner of death as homicide.
The medical examiner noted findings of head and brain injuries, respiratory illnesses, and gangrene on all of the child’s toes, and indicated that due to the level of frostbite damage, the toes would have required amputation.
Doyle pleaded not guilty to the initial charges in April and has a trial set for Aug. 2. The trial for the two new charges is set for Oct. 12.
Two other Bismarck adults -- Russell James, 36, and Serenity Foots, 19 -- also pleaded not guilty to felony child endangerment-related charges in the case in April. James is Doyle's partner; Foots is Doyle's daughter. Their trials also are scheduled for Aug 2.
Reach Alex Kautzman at 701-250-8255 or alexandra.kautzman@bismarcktribune.com. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bismarck-woman-faces-murder-charge-in-5-year-olds-death/article_8e24c9f0-f1a8-11ec-9039-ef7bf4a5ffb2.html | 2022-06-22T01:12:36 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bismarck-woman-faces-murder-charge-in-5-year-olds-death/article_8e24c9f0-f1a8-11ec-9039-ef7bf4a5ffb2.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — The Board of Directors of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority on Tuesday approved funding for three festivals.
The board said yes to nearly $158,000 total for a Latino Festival, an Indian Multicultural Festival, and a health and wellness event.
The resolutions include a tourism grant of up to $62,800 to the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County to help fund the 2022 Latino Festival, planned for Sept. 17 at Bader Field. A website about the planned event says it will include music, such as bachata, reggaeton, salsa and mariachi, as well as food vendors, children’s activities, and health and wellness screenings.
The CRDA had funded the event last year, according to Karen Martin, acting director of communication and marketing. She told the board the city is also supporting the event, which will be free to the public.
“It’s going to represent the rich heritage of about 20 countries, and they do expect to draw about 7,000 attendees,” Martin said.
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Additional sponsors include Atlantic City in collaboration with the AC Initiatives Project Office, the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County, Organización Azteca and the state Department of Community Affairs.
ATLANTIC CITY — Hundreds of people came to Bader Field on Saturday to celebrate the city’s L…
At the same meeting, a resolution was approved to fund $60,000 for an Indian Multicultural Festival this year through the Asian American Society of Atlantic City.
The festival is planned for four days at Bader Field, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, from noon to 8 p.m., Martin said. Music, dance and food will be used to celebrate South Asian cultures, she said, and the organization expects to draw visitors from throughout the state.
In both cases, the special event grant is part of a tourism market expansion project, according to the posted agenda.
A third vote awarded a grant of up to $35,000 toward a planned Sustainable Health and Wellness Village Festival, presented through Caresparc Community Connections. The organization’s website lists that event as running Oct. 14 and 15 at the Showboat Atlantic City hotel.
Martin said more than $50,000 of the estimated cost of the event will come from other sources. Among the elements the CRDA funding will cover will be transportation for senior citizens who live in Atlantic City, who will also get a lunch and vouchers for fresh produce.
According to the organization’s website, the event aims to connect at-risk populations with community providers to expand access to health care.
Caresparc is based in Maplewood, Essex County, according to the site. Additional festivals are planned in Newark and New Brunswick.
There were no votes against any of the grants by the board. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crda-helps-fund-several-atlantic-city-events/article_6db2a4c2-f1ac-11ec-a715-4fa8778d2d7c.html | 2022-06-22T01:13:01 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crda-helps-fund-several-atlantic-city-events/article_6db2a4c2-f1ac-11ec-a715-4fa8778d2d7c.html |
An Ocean City pizza shop owner pleaded guilty Tuesday to evading income taxes and failing to pay the IRS $208,448 in taxes.
Ernesto Cannuscio, 70, of Linwood, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Karen Williams to conspiracy to evade income taxes and could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Cannuscio, who is 50% owner and operator of Mario's Pizzeria & Restaurant on Bay Avenue, failed to deposit a significant number of cash receipts to the pizza shop's corporate bank account between October 2013 and September 2018, and used a portion of those cash receipts to pay employees cash wages off the books, according to court documents and statements.
He also did not tell his accountant about the unreported cash receipts and knowingly provided his accountant with business bank statements that did not have the unreported receipts, which caused the accountant to underreport gross receipts on the corporate tax returns, as well as the flow-through income that should have been reported on Cannuscio's personal income tax.
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The owner of Ocean City pizza shop Manco & Manco, Charles Bangle, has been released from…
In addition, Cannuscio evaded employment taxes by not informing the accountant about the cash wages paid to employees, according to the IRS.
“Business owners have an obligation to properly report all of the income earned whether paid in cash, check or credit card,” Tammy Tomlins, acting special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation's Newark Field Office, said in a news release. “Failing to intentionally report income and paying employees cash off the books to evade taxes will not go unpunished.”
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 25. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ocean-city-pizza-shop-owner-pleads-guilty-to-evading-income-taxes/article_71701e50-f1b6-11ec-b586-33dd3dff1f78.html | 2022-06-22T01:13:08 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ocean-city-pizza-shop-owner-pleads-guilty-to-evading-income-taxes/article_71701e50-f1b6-11ec-b586-33dd3dff1f78.html |
The Tri-Cape softball team won three straight games to sweep Bracket B on Monday on the first day of the Phillies Softball Carpenter Cup Classic in Philadelphia.
Now things get even tougher.
The tournament quarterfinals, semifinals and the championship game will all be played Wednesday at Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy Field at FDR Park. The top two teams from brackets A, B, C and D advanced to Wednesday’s action. Brackets A and B played Monday, and C and D played Tuesday.
As the top seed of Bracket B, Tri-Cape will play Bracket D’s No. 2 seed at 10 a.m. in a quarterfinal game (an hour earlier than initially scheduled). Tuesday’s games had not been completed early Tuesday night. The semifinals and the championship game will follow in the afternoon.
The teams of Bracket D include Mid Penn, Olympic-Colonial, Berks County and Philadelphia PCCAF.
Tri-Cape, a team of Cape-Atlantic League and Tri-County Conference standouts, beat Mercer County 6-4, Inter-Ac BAL 15-1 and Jersey Shore 6-3 on Monday.
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Tri-Cape has 16 players (all sophomores and juniors), and the eight from the CAL are Cameryn Johnson (Buena Regional), Macie Jacquet (St. Joseph Academy), Liz Martin (Cedar Creek), Brooke Joslin (Millville), Sienna Walterson (Egg Harbor Township), Chaneyl Johnson (Cedar Creek), Denver Obermeyer (Mainland Regional) and Riley Lancaster (Hammonton).
Contact Guy Gargan: 609-272-7210 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/undefeated-tri-cape-in-carpenter-cup-softball-quarterfinals-at-10-a-m-wednesday-in-philly/article_5f7435d0-f1b4-11ec-8463-336652b341d0.html | 2022-06-22T01:13:14 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/undefeated-tri-cape-in-carpenter-cup-softball-quarterfinals-at-10-a-m-wednesday-in-philly/article_5f7435d0-f1b4-11ec-8463-336652b341d0.html |
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A child was airlifted to the hospital after they were stabbed in the chest by a catfish, according to Pasco County Fire Rescue.
The incident reportedly happened Monday during a fishing trip in New Port Richey, though it's not yet clear where.
In a tweet, fire rescue said the child experienced difficulty breathing while on the way to the hospital with family. A medical helicopter ended up meeting their car and flying the victim to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa.
The extent of the child's injuries is not yet known. Pasco County Fire officials said the child is under the age of 10 years old.
People can be injured by catfish. According to Catfish Edge, the animal's whiskers are harmless but their dorsal and pectoral fins contain spines.
"The tip of these spines is pointed and very sharp (especially on smaller catfish, and especially channel cats)," the site reads. "These spines don’t 'sting' and you can touch them without any pain occurring. Pain (and injury) occurs when these spines puncture the skin."
If the spines pierce the skin, venom can enter and cause swelling and increased blood flow to the area, Catfish Edge says.
The Public Information Officer with Pasco County Fire Rescue said a situation like this is rare.
"Very odd. I’ve never heard of something like that," Corey Deirdorff stated. "You hear of fisherman that might be cut by a barb or hit in the back of the leg and get an infection, but never heard of one penetrating the chest."
Since there are venomous catfish in Florida, Pasco County medical crews wanted to be extra cautious to make sure the child receives the necessary care.
"That’s another reason they transported in the way that they did," Deirdorff added. "They didn’t know if this was a venomous catfish or not."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/florida-child-stabbed-catfish/67-da2d769c-ba00-46fe-9054-0038cbe9cd20 | 2022-06-22T01:14:00 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/florida-child-stabbed-catfish/67-da2d769c-ba00-46fe-9054-0038cbe9cd20 |
PILOT POINT, Texas — Pilot Point Mayor Matthew McIlravy, just elected last month, was arrested Tuesday morning by the Dallas Police Department, charged with soliciting a minor online.
The official charge for McIlravy, 42, is online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14, a second-degree felony, Dallas police stated.
McIlravy was arrested by the DPD's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and had assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Collin County District Attorney's Office, the DPD Drone Unit and North Central CRT.
This arrest culminated in a five-month-long investigation by the DPD's ICAC Unit, police added, which is the lead agency of the North Texas ICAC Task Force.
Police said the investigation, which is ongoing, showed other communications with minors who haven't been identified.
Google search results show McIlravy had a webpage on the City of Pilot Point's website, but it has since had his photo and information removed.
This is a developing story, check back for updates. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/pilot-point-mayor-arrested-charged-soliciting-child/287-89e7c5ff-44c4-4d8d-aae5-4224b2e8f0b1 | 2022-06-22T01:14:06 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/pilot-point-mayor-arrested-charged-soliciting-child/287-89e7c5ff-44c4-4d8d-aae5-4224b2e8f0b1 |
BOISE, Idaho — Since a leaked Supreme Court decision in May, Americans have waited to hear about the fate of abortion rights. The Supreme Court is nearing an end of their current session, with Tuesday and Thursday of this week marked as opinion issuance days. With no decision Tuesday, Thursday looks like a strong possibility for the abortion opinion.
"We're continuing to provide abortion care in Idaho for obviously as long as we are legally able to," Idaho State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman said.
While there is a possible scenario where the Supreme Court pushes its decision to next week, Planned Parenthood in Idaho is already transitioning their coverage to adapt to a strict Idaho trigger law on abortion rights.
"Idaho's trigger ban would go into effect 30 days after the Supreme Court's decision," DelliCarpini-Tolman said.
A state law passed in 2020 effectively outlaws abortions in Idaho pending a reversal of Roe v. Wade, medical emergencies are the major exception. This means abortion would be outlawed 30 days after a Supreme Court ruling.
The quick action catches some women at a time where they are seeking an abortion as laws are changing. DelliCarpini-Tolman said they are closely working with patients.
"Our patient navigators work one-on-one with each patient to make sure that they will understand and really know how the Supreme Court decision will impact their appointments and work with them to either schedule an appointment in Idaho, or get them access to out-of-state care," DelliCarpini-Tolman said. "Once that 30-day time period is over, as of today, all of our scheduled appointments will be able to go ahead as planned, and we don't have any appointments scheduled beyond 30 days, as of right now."
Women seeking an abortion a month from now could be in a tricky spot.
In response to the leaked Supreme Court opinion on abortion, Planned Parenthood decided to close their Boise location to better distribute resources across the region. The Boise location merged with an existing Meridian office.
"Two things are simultaneously true: One is that we know that the upcoming ruling is going to be devastating no matter what, no matter how narrowly or broadly they give their decision. The second thing that I really want to stress is that we're prepared for this moment and ready to help patients get the care they need, even in a state as hostile as Idaho, either here in Idaho as long as we can, or in our bordering states, who are continuing to provide care after that decision," DelliCarpini-Tolman said.
Planned Parenthood said they will continue to work with the Idaho community, but their care might look different than in years past.
It's important to note there are other Idaho healthcare options for pregnancy care that do not offer abortions. For Planned Parenthood, they will continue to take care of patients in the Treasure Valley, but that care will likely look different.
"You know, obviously it's not going to be without added barriers. Like, that's just what this decision is going to do, is force Idahoans to flee their state to access the care that they need. We know that and we're here to try and make as few of those barriers there as possible," DelliCarpini said. "So, hand-in-hand with our patients, making sure they can get the access to care that they need out of state if they have to and then come back to their home state in the communities that care for them, in the places where they live and make sure they get the follow up care that they need."
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/planned-parenthood-continue-abortions-if-legal-in-idaho/277-28871785-46d4-4f3c-a984-dbff18784aeb | 2022-06-22T01:14:14 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/planned-parenthood-continue-abortions-if-legal-in-idaho/277-28871785-46d4-4f3c-a984-dbff18784aeb |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A sculpture has been crafted to memorialize Sacramento author Joan Didion's life.
The sculpture will be called the Sacramento Room Joan Didion Sculpture, and later, will be presented to the Sacramento Central Library, according to the Sacramento Historical Society.
Although in the design phase, nationally renowned sculptor Lisa Reinertson will be hosting a design presentation of the sculpture Tuesday night. Reinertson will also be presenting an overview of her previous ceramic and public artworks.
On December 23, 2021, Joan Didion passed away at the age of 87 from complications of Parkinson's Disease.
Didion picked up a love of reading and writing at a young age, which was extremely helpful in her professional and personal life. She graduated from McClatchy High School and attended Sacramento City College before attending University of California, Berkeley and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also went to Manhattan to pursue a career at Vogue Magazine.
After writing for Vogue Magazine for seven years, Didion got homesick and decided to write her first novel, "Run, River," about the dynamics of a family in Sacramento.
After writing her first novel, she continued to write more and more, publishing nonfiction books and essays. One book that had the heaviest impact was "The Year of Magical Thinking," which was a direct response to the death of her husband and their daughter's illness. The illness later caused their daughter to pass away.
Throughout her works, Didion was a personal writer. She always incorporated Sacramento or other local cities and would often add her own emotions and memories to make the story hers.
Now, Didion is getting a life-sized statue sculpted in dedication to her life and her life story. The sculpture will capture Didion seated with a pen with her arms folded.
The installation of the life-sized sculpture at Sacramento Central Library will happen later this year.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Revered author and Sacramento native Joan Didion dies at 87 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sculpture-memorialize-joan-didion-sacramento/103-1570eed0-5b1e-41e1-9c90-9a961142dd9e | 2022-06-22T01:17:45 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sculpture-memorialize-joan-didion-sacramento/103-1570eed0-5b1e-41e1-9c90-9a961142dd9e |
BELTON, Texas — Bell County Judge David Blackburn and the Bell County commissioners court is working on disaster declaration to ban some, or all, fireworks ahead of the July 4th celebrations.
Both Blackburn and local commissioners said Monday it's not a move they particularly wanted to make, but the danger to the county was getting too high.
"To me it's just...darned if you do, darned if you don't," Blackburn said Monday morning.
"I feel bad for people who are stocking up to sell those things. Now a few days before, we are going to not let them sell them," Commissioner Russell Schneider said.
Most commissioners said they don't like preventing businesses from selling, and they didn't want to potentially cancel firework shows, but the county's drought had now reached a tipping point.
Bell County had 75 grass fires in just the last two weeks, according to Fire Marshal Chris Mahlstedt. One fire on Friday burned over 70 acres of land. A farmer was simply cutting hay, but a few sparks was all it took.
"The majority of fire departments have reached out and expressed their concerns," Mahlstedt said.
Bell County is now at 612 on Keetch-Byram Drought Index. Anything over 600 is considered an "extreme fire danger."
Mahlstedt said 16 counties have already issued a fireworks ban "of some kind" as of Monday.
Bell County could have issued a regular order to ban fireworks if they had done so by June 15, but officials chose to wait. McLennan County has already issued such an order. Bell County must now issue a disaster declaration in order to ban fireworks for July 4.
Blackburn said it may be possible to word the declaration so that fireworks can still be used if there is suddenly rain in a week, but they will need to find out what the options are.
The county plans to release the declaration Wednesday. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/bell-county-working-ban-fireworks-with-new-disaster-declaration/500-ae438edf-f021-47be-8b2c-9e9397c3aff5 | 2022-06-22T01:25:49 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/bell-county-working-ban-fireworks-with-new-disaster-declaration/500-ae438edf-f021-47be-8b2c-9e9397c3aff5 |
BARGERSVILLE, Ind. — As scorching temperatures return to central Indiana this week, public safety officials are reminding parents how dangerous the temperatures can be inside a car, especially for children.
Indiana State Police and the Bargersville Fire Department hosted a hot car demonstration Tuesday to show exactly how hot it can get. They want people to know that temperatures inside of a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just the first 10 minutes.
Bargersville Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Pruitt sat in an SUV for more than 15 minutes as we watched temperatures climb to 100 degrees.
First responders say children can overheat four times faster than adults and the situation can turn deadly within minutes.
"All you've got in your mind sometimes is, 'I'm going to work or I have some other destination I have to be' and we forget about the little one in the backseat and it is an accident," Pruitt said. "We know the majority of these cases are accidents that happen because we get distracted and we forget."
Pruitt said it's a good idea to put something in the backseat with your child, like a bag or purse, to help you remember to check the backseat before getting out of the car. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/children-kids-high-temperatures-hot-car-weather-dangers/531-64b16979-a84b-4c5b-8542-cdd5df822ba0 | 2022-06-22T01:28:11 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/children-kids-high-temperatures-hot-car-weather-dangers/531-64b16979-a84b-4c5b-8542-cdd5df822ba0 |
CLEVELAND — A Dover man pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges accusing him of violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, 79-year-old David B. Huff shot and killed a bald eagle with a rifle back on Oct. 7, 2021. Court documents state Huff owns farmland and several fields in Tuscarawas County and conducts regular inspections for pests and rodents. During one of these inspections, authorities say Huff killed the eagle.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits anyone without a permit from shooting bald or golden eagles, the former of which were once virtually extinct in Ohio. After shooting the eagle, Huff apparently picked up the bird and discarded it in the a tree line of a bordering field.
As part of the terms of the plea, Huff has agreed to a $20,000 fine, with half found to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. He has also agreed to a five-year ban from hunting along with the destruction of the gun and ammunition confiscated during the investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Official sentencing is set for Oct. 11, 2022.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife assisted the feds in the inquiry. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/dover-man-guilty-killing-bald-eagle/95-44f1a730-6853-4d5f-9643-dffca574face | 2022-06-22T01:28:17 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/dover-man-guilty-killing-bald-eagle/95-44f1a730-6853-4d5f-9643-dffca574face |
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — A California family held a funeral for their loved one, who died in North Texas, only to find the casket held the wrong body, according to a lawsuit filed in Tarrant County and obtained by WFAA.
The lawsuit – filed in March 2022 – said Jose Carlos Gonzalez died on March 20, 2020, in Grapevine. Gonzalez was a long-haul driver and became ill while driving through Tarrant County, the lawsuit said.
Gonzalez's wife, Cecilia Gonzalez, arranged with a funeral home in Chula Vista, Calif., to bring back the body of her husband for an open casket funeral service and burial. Jose Carlos Gonzalez was supposed to be embalmed and transported from Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home in Fort Worth to Chula Vista Funeral Home in California.
That's where the story allegedly took a turn.
The lawsuit said multiple agencies involved in the transport of Jose Carlos Gonzalez failed to verify they were sending the correct body back to California.
The lawsuit said Jose Carlos Gonzalez's body was mixed up with a man named Jesse Gonzalez.
In the lawsuit, the last name of Jose Carlos Gonzalez and Jesse Gonzalez are spelled the same, but in medical examiner records, Jesse's last name is spelled "Gonzales" with an "S."
Jesse Gonzalez died in Fort Worth one day after Jose Carlos Gonzalez – on March 21, 2020 – according to medical examiner's records.
The body of Jesse Gonzalez was supposed to be sent to the Willed Body Program at the University of North Texas Science Center (UNTHSC), according to the lawsuit. Instead, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office mistakenly sent Jose Carlos Gonzalez, where his organs was harvested and his body was cremated. Jesse Gonzalez was sent to Accucare Mortuary Services, the suit says.
UNTHSC and Accucare did not verify they had the correct bodies, according to the suit.
In April 2020, Accucare picked up Jesse Gonzalez’s body — which it mistook for Jose Gonzalez’s body — and took it to Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home, according to the suit. The Fort Worth-based funeral home embalmed Jesse Gonzalez's body and sent it to California.
The family learned of the mistake after it was too late, and the wrong body laid in the open casket, the lawsuit said.
“They found out that it wasn’t the correct body at the funeral, in my opinion adding to the shock value,” Megan David, the attorney for the Gonzalez family told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “The widow, the friends and family — they were all there.”
The lawsuit said the Gonzalez family "experienced extreme emotional distress upon realizing a complete stranger, Jesse Gonzalez, was in the coffin."
The Star-Telegram also reported that the Gonzalez family filed a separate lawsuit of of San Diego suing the Chula Vista Funeral Home, which handled Jose Gonzalez's funeral.
The Gonzalez family is seeking a trial by jury and a minimum of $1 million in damages, according to the Tarrant County lawsuit.
WFAA has reached Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office, the University of North Texas Science Center, Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home and Accucare Mortuary Services for comment. They did not immediately respond Tuesday morning.
More Dallas-Fort Worth headlines: | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/texas-california-funeral-body-wrong-body-jesse-gonzalez-tarrant-county-fort-worth-medical-examiner-office/287-7e250cfa-ba72-4ae1-bcf0-dca26ca3943e | 2022-06-22T01:28:24 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/texas-california-funeral-body-wrong-body-jesse-gonzalez-tarrant-county-fort-worth-medical-examiner-office/287-7e250cfa-ba72-4ae1-bcf0-dca26ca3943e |
Henrico County-based Thalhimer Realty Partners (TRP) are planning to develop a seven-story apartment building in Scott’s Addition, according to Jason Guillot, a principal with the company.
TRP is one of three development teams vying to be selected to replace The Diamond baseball stadium and establish a new part of Richmond known as the Diamond District.
Guillot said the apartment complex will be located on 1801 Ellen Road near the intersection of Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
The development calls for 148 residential units and 15,000 square feet of commercial space, with 12,000 set aside for medical offices.
Designers from Richmond-based 510 Architects are handling the floor plans, while Sekiv Solutions will serve as the engineer for the project.
What separates this development from TRP’s other properties is that this was designed with amenities for remote workers in mind, Gulliot said.
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“What we’re trying to do is offer an alternative to the one- or two-bedroom for the person who works even just a couple of days at home,” said Guillot. “We’re adding another 80 to 100 square feet to our units that will have a dedicated workspace.”
Guillot said he hopes the design will attract hybrid workers looking to work comfortably from home instead of paying extra for a two-bedroom apartment.
TRP purchased the proposed site in January for $2 million and is adjacent to 2.65 acres of property the company bought in 2020, which will offer 20,000 square feet of retail space.
Guillot said they’ve already pre-leased some spaces to Starbucks, Chipotle and Raising Canes.
Although Richmond leaders are still undecided who should be awarded the 67-acre Diamond District bid, Guillot said his company is still committed to investing in the area as a whole.
“If you look at the broader vision for the Scott’s Addition area, it’s going to take many companies, many people, many years to build out this district,” Guillot said. “I think what the city has is a fantastic opportunity to design a new district, not burdened by the limitations of a town developed 100 years ago.”
As the city moves forward with its selection, Guillot said he hopes that Scott’s Addition and the Diamond District fulfils its potential as a defined center in Richmond.
(804) 649-6340 | https://richmond.com/business/local/7-story-apartment-project-planned-in-scotts-addition/article_93e3b50a-805b-55d7-9243-6f9b5efd4cd2.html | 2022-06-22T01:29:22 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/7-story-apartment-project-planned-in-scotts-addition/article_93e3b50a-805b-55d7-9243-6f9b5efd4cd2.html |
Celebrating its 85th anniversary, the Deep Run Horse Show kicks off Wednesday and runs through Sunday in Manakin-Sabot.
Over five days, riders and horses will compete for 27 trophies and over 200 ribbons in more than 150 events at the historic venue, located at Deep Run Hunt Club, 1540 Manakin Road.
Bonnie Rhea Adams, a board member for the DRHS, says the competition draws equestrians from all along the Eastern Seaboard.
“It is an environment that people enjoy not just when they are in the ring, but outside of the ring, because of the hospitality and setting,” Adams said. “It is just a beautiful setting, and not that far out.”
One of the top prizes is the Bryan Trophy, an honor that has been bestowed upon a junior rider since 1962.
On Saturday, riders under 18 years old will compete in the Bryan Trophy Horsemanship Class by completing high difficulty jumps and will be scored for skill and elegance.
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“It is a pretty special class, and it is pretty historic,” Adams said.
Last year, Richmond’s Annabele Whitehead claimed the title at age 16.
The events are primarily in the hunter and equitation classes. In hunter classes, judges evaluate the horse’s ability, and in equitation, the rider’s skills are judged.
The United States Equestrian Federation designated the DRHS as a Heritage Competition in 1937, the highest level show the federation awards.
Being a part of a show of that caliber allows equestrians to earn more points toward their year’s total, which qualifies them for national competitions. In addition to qualifying point allotment, more prize money is distributed at the premier competitions.
The event has been sanctioned for 85 years but has existed much longer. The event moved to its current home in Goochland County shortly after World War II.
The competition will take place in two rings, but there also will be a number of other activities at the club.
Vendors will be selling clothes, jewelry, art, food and more throughout the week. A breakdown of the show’s schedule is available online at deeprunhorseshow.com.
Parking and admission is free, and the competition begins at 8 a.m. each day. | https://richmond.com/sports/local/the-85th-deep-run-horse-show-kicks-off-on-wednesday-runs-through-the-weekend/article_97056cd7-4011-5451-b9d6-db8979a30791.html | 2022-06-22T01:29:34 | 0 | https://richmond.com/sports/local/the-85th-deep-run-horse-show-kicks-off-on-wednesday-runs-through-the-weekend/article_97056cd7-4011-5451-b9d6-db8979a30791.html |
ST CLAIR, Pa. — The renovations at Vito's Coal Fired in St. Clair is almost complete. But now the owner, Vito Valenti will have to wait until September to have everything he ordered.
And it's not just new plates and decorations, he says he's finding it difficult to get essential products on their drink menu.
“We went through situations where we couldn't get certain beers. We went through times where we couldn't get certain bourbons and certain alcohols for a while. But luckily we're near Pottsville so Mr. Dick Yuengling always makes sure we have Yuengling beer,” said Vito Valenti, Vito's Coal Fire Owner.
While their speciality is coal-fired pizza, the drinks served at Vito's Coal Fired play a large role in their success over the past 12 years.
“Your alcoholic drinks would be more of your profitable things you could do so it hurts you can't get a certain product,” he said.
Valenti says this is an issue that goes beyond Schuylkill County. Restaurants and bars across Pennsylvania are dealing with the same thing.
“If someone is ordering let's say a Miller Light, normally we may get 3 or 4 barrels a week but now we're only getting one of it, and then we run out. So then we just let them know that's the case. It's nothing on our end but there's nothing we can do about it,” Valenti adds.
He says suppliers aren't able to give him or other restaurants a definite answer on why there's a beer shortage.
“They just say they're all behind. So I don't know if they can't ramp up production to really get things out on the national scale, that's what I'm mostly hearing,” said Valenti.
Despite the shortages, Valenti says they will do what they can to properly cater to customers.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/restaurants-navigate-beer-shortages-schuylkill-county-vitos-coal-fired-st-clair-vito-valenti-beer-production-distribution-shortage/523-dd45ae12-dd76-4c2a-9d69-2a9a907567d1 | 2022-06-22T01:32:00 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/restaurants-navigate-beer-shortages-schuylkill-county-vitos-coal-fired-st-clair-vito-valenti-beer-production-distribution-shortage/523-dd45ae12-dd76-4c2a-9d69-2a9a907567d1 |
MULDROW, Okla. — Sunday afternoon, Cavin Billings and her three children were spending Father’s Day at her parent's home in Muldrow. Cavin was taking a nap with her seven-month-old when the family’s water went out.
Knowing the neighbors were doing some renovations, her father went to the neighbors to investigate. His grandson, Kam – short for Kamren – tagged along for the adventure.
The water was turned off by mistake, and as the adults talked Kam grew bored and asked to go visit the neighbor’s chickens. His grandpa and neighbor said ‘yes’ but then, things went quiet.
“My dad said maybe three minutes went by and he couldn’t hear Kamren anymore,” says Billings. “He started hollering for him and no response. At about that time, he looked up at the pool and him and the neighbor both took off running toward the pool.”
Kam was found facedown in the water. His grandpa quickly got him out and started performing CPR while the neighbor called 9-1-1. It was then, that Cavin was woken up to the news.
“I kind of just went into, I’m going to call it ‘Mom-Mode’ because I just went to my baby,” said Billings.
Kam eventually started to come around, coughing up water as the ambulances arrived on the scene. Billings was allowed to go with her son to the hospital where she heard him speak for the first time since the ordeal.
“His eyes were closed, they were kind of rolling around,” recalled Billings. “He was super lethargic but he said, ‘Mom’ and my heart finally started again.”
Emergency room doctors examined Kam and determined he swallowed a lot of water but believe his body went into shock quickly after falling in. It was that adrenaline response that likely saved Kam’s life.
He was diagnosed with non-fatal drowning which happens when someone cannot breathe normally after being underwater or after breathing water into their lungs. The condition is life-threatening.
After hours of evaluation, Kam and his family were cleared to go home. But Billings said the ordeal still wasn’t over.
“When we got home from the hospital, he immediately started vomiting,” said Billings. Doctors told her this was a normal symptom along with wheezing – x-rays showed no water was in his lungs. However, their concern was to watch for dry drowning which can occur hours after a non-fatal drowning incident.
Billings says she hasn’t slept much since Sunday and still finds herself reliving the accident.
“It’s been all-consuming,” said Billings.
Today, Kam is running around, playing with his big brother and little sister and is almost back to full strength. Billings says her family and the neighbor have talked a lot since Sunday and there is no blame. She says she knows it was a freak accident and even noted that normally there is fencing and gates around the pool – the material had just been taken down due to the renovations. Before they even returned home Sunday night, the neighbors had already put temporary fencing back up.
With the start of summer, Billings says she was days away from signing Kam and his siblings up for swim lessons, something they are all signed up for now.
Infants as young as six-months-old can start taking swim lessons, teaching them how to roll over and float.
Payton Bain is a lifeguard at Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith and says getting kids in lessons could make all the difference – especially in a situation like Kam’s.
“One technique that is really important that you learn first off, is just how to roll over on your back,” says Bain. “Getting that mouth out of the water and being able to breathe fresh air and not breathe in that water is essential whenever you’re about to drown.”
As things heat up, more of us will head to the pool, creek, beach, watering hole, you name it, for ways to cool off. Taking time to learn and practice water safety could be the difference between life and death, especially for little ones.
On Thursday, June, 23 Parrot Island Waterpark is hosting the ‘World’s Largest Swim Lesson’ from 8-9:30 a.m. for kids ages 3 to 17. The event is completely free and will be led by certified lifeguards.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/muldrow-mother-warns-parents-three-year-old-nearly-drowned/527-aa2026da-0357-4ab9-987f-3d7ccecde363 | 2022-06-22T01:33:37 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/muldrow-mother-warns-parents-three-year-old-nearly-drowned/527-aa2026da-0357-4ab9-987f-3d7ccecde363 |
January 22, 1933 – June 16, 2022
Eugene “Gene” Ernest Tonole, 89, was born to Ethan and Anna Mae Tonole in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He passed away June 16, 2022 in North Bend.
Gene enjoyed growing up in the small town atmosphere of Cottage Grove, where he remained until enlisting in the Navy and exploring the world on a ship. He particularly enjoyed his time stationed in Hawaii. After his stint in the Navy, Gene returned to Cottage Grove where he worked at a car dealership.
Life eventually led him to North Bend, Oregon where he began working at the Weyerhaeuser paper mill in 1961 and remained there for 33 years before retirement. Throughout his life, Gene was an avid sportsman with many tales to tell...and pictures to back it up! He could also put us all to shame water skiing on Tenmile Lake.
Gene remained in North Bend until he returned to Cottage Grove with his passing.
Gene is survived by his wife, Jan; sister, Gina Towler-Tonole; his children, Jimmy Tonole, Johnny Tonole, Helen Bonelli and Brenda Melvin; as well as numerous grandchildren and special friend, Jason Hoffman.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and son, Dan Tonole.
A graveside ceremony to celebrate Gene's life will be held at 2 pm, Friday, June 24, 2022 at Fir Grove Cemetery, 2148 CG Cemetery Road in Cottage Grove.
Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/eugene-gene-ernest-tonole/article_a5713c36-f1be-11ec-b2db-97be237be153.html | 2022-06-22T01:39:00 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/eugene-gene-ernest-tonole/article_a5713c36-f1be-11ec-b2db-97be237be153.html |
December 9, 1947 – June 1, 2022
Pat was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 9, 1947 to Edith Mathilda Robinson and John Stiverson. She was raised by her mother and beloved stepfather, Carl Pehlgrim. She had one sister, Pauline Hendricks. Pat had three daughters, Edith, Sherry, and Pauline. She married Clarence Emery “Hank” Taylor and inherited five stepchildren.
The family moved from California to Coquille, then to Bandon. She bought the Minute Café in 1976, which she ran successfully for 43 years. Pat’s many talents included sewing, quilting, gardening, stained glass, basket weaving, and cooking. She also taught 4-H.
Pat spent the remainder of her years with her partner, Ken Kallenberger on his cattle ranch; also with her beloved dog, Pancho. She was involved with their Community Church and was well loved by their congregation.
Pat passed away on June 1st, 2022, in Royal City, Washington.
She was survived by daughters, Edith Vierck, Sherry Taylor, and Pauline Taylor; grandchildren, Nick Vierck, Kate Gonzales, Purisha Anderson-Taylor, and Austin Eckhoff-Taylor; great grandchildren, Makiah Vierck, Makenna Vierck, Kai Gonzales, Olivia Gonzales, and Erris Anderson; stepchildren, Guy Taylor, Tracy Taylor, Jeff Taylor, Jason Taylor, and Kelly Laporta; and nephew, Jesse Hendricks. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/patricia-ann-pehlgrim-taylor/article_f3e32734-f1bf-11ec-89f0-1b8ea5ed0f9a.html | 2022-06-22T01:39:06 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/patricia-ann-pehlgrim-taylor/article_f3e32734-f1bf-11ec-89f0-1b8ea5ed0f9a.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Starting Aug. 1, Multnomah County’s Central Library will be closed for three months due to construction.
The construction project will reportedly create new outdoor public spaces, enhance access to the building and refresh and expand restroom amenities. Access to the building’s eastern sidewalk and street parking will be limited beginning this month. The library will reopen on Nov. 1.
During the three-month project, crews will:
- Begin construction of two new outdoor public terraces
- Improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the building and alter landscaping
- Begin the expansion and remodeling of the primary first-floor restrooms (the noisiest, most disruptive phases)
- Add a new family restroom on the first floor and renovate and expand an existing family restroom (depending on permitting)
- Refresh the second and third-floor restrooms
- Upgrade electrical components in movable shelving (storage)
- Stage equipment and materials for all projects
- Central Library and other locations will experience periodic closures in the future to complete bond-funded work.
The project was made possible by the voter-approved 2020 Library Building Bond. It’s also funded by Prosper Portland-issued grant funds, Library Capital Improvement Plan funds and Library District Capital Reserve funds.
The nearest libraries to Central are:
- Northwest Library: 2300 NW Thurman Street
- Albina Library: 216 NE Knott Street
- Belmont Library: 1038 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard
For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/central-library-closing-for-3-months-starting-aug-1/ | 2022-06-22T01:40:36 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/central-library-closing-for-3-months-starting-aug-1/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Moshu, the Oregon Zoo’s red panda known for snacking and looking adorable on the zoo’s social media pages, turned 11 on Tuesday.
To honor him, The Oregon Zoo posted a video of him on Twitter smacking his lips while eating. They called him “The King of Crunch.”
Moshu also appears in several photos where he’s sticking out his tongue.
Red pandas are known to live past 20 years.
Moshu came to the Oregon Zoo when he was 7 years old in 2019 from the Nashville Zoo. At the Oregon Zoo, he was reunited with his longtime companion Mei Mei.
Red pandas are solitary creatures, but when Moshu came to the zoo, keepers expected he and Mei Mei would spend a lot of time together. In 2020, Mei Mei gave birth to a cub and the zoo said Moshu was the father.
In February 2021, the zoo announced that Mei Mei and her cub Pabu moved to ZooMontana in Billings. The Oregon Zoo said the move was necessary because Pabu was growing up.
“Wild red pandas are solitary except during breeding season, and the males are territorial,” keeper Sara Morgan said at the time. “Pabu’s getting too old to stay with his dad now, but he’s still too young to venture off without mom.”
The zoo said Moshu would enjoy his “alone time” after Mei Mei and Pabu left. | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-zoos-red-panda-moshu-turns-11/ | 2022-06-22T01:40:42 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/oregon-zoos-red-panda-moshu-turns-11/ |
MERRILLVILLE — McColly Real Estate has named a new president as founder Ronald F. McColly transitions to a chairman role.
The firm, which is the largest independent residential real estate company in Northwest Indiana, named General Manager Tracy Parus as its new president.
"This will be my 48th year selling real estate, starting in 1974 when I founded the company," McColly said at a gathering of agents at the Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville. "Tracy Parus has been there 28 of my 48 years. What I've seen is I've seen a person that is a listener and a winner."
McColly started the company that was long based out of the Twin Towers in Merrillville with four agents in 1974. It has grown to 500 sales associates and 23 offices in Indiana and Illinois, also serving the Chicago Southland and Central Illinois.
Parus started her real estate career after graduating from the McColly School of Real Estate in 1995. She first worked out of the Highland office and then moved to the Lakes of the Four Seasons office. She became managing broker of the Lakes of the Four Seasons office in 2002, moved it to a larger location and rebranded it as the Winfield office to encompass the wider area.
"Under her tenure, the office grew from a handful of agents to a thriving location where agents felt comfortable with her knowledge and management style," McColly said. "Realizing her love for management, Tracy managed many McColly locations in Porter County and Lake County from 2010 to 2017."
She became general manager in 2017 and was the company's No. 1 recruiter of new agents.
"I just want to thank everyone here," she said. "You guys are the reason why McColly is able to provide superior service that your clients have grown to know and trust. Whether you're a broker working for us or a manager of one of our brokerage offices or an administrative employee at one of our offices, you are valued more than you know."
Parus said she couldn't do the job without the entire staff.
"They do an awesome job, all the managers do," she said. "All of us here have supported each other, during good times and tough times. We've had good deals. We've had bad deals. We've learned from one another and given encouragement to one another. We've gotten better every day. We've supported one another. It's truly amazing. This is a very competitive business and I've seen the willingness to help one another over and over again. And I have to thank you for that."
McColly plans to continue working for the company he founded as chairman. Parus will take the helm of the day-to-day operations.
"I want to thank the McColly family for their support," she said.
She thanked McColly for his mentorship.
"Your mentoring and guidance have helped me grow into what I am today. I continue to learn from you every day," she said. "I appreciate the opportunity to work under you and to not only call you boss and to call you my friend. I know we've had good days and had bad days over the last 28 years or so. And we'll continue to have good days and bad days. That's life. As I've said to you, if we agreed on everything, one of us isn't needed. However, if we are surrounded by great people like those here today, we will have more good days than bad."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Parlor Doughuts, Domino's, Gyros Bar and Grill and Captain's Seafood opening
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"Centennial Park has become a regional, destination type of park. The fees were set at a price point to be attractive for visitors but to also capture funds to help offset their impact on the park."
"It's gratifying to be able to help a military family, especially at a time when people in this country say 'thank you for your service' as lip service."
Giant life-sized dinosaurs, including colossal T-Rexes and Brontosauruses that stand up to 14 feet tall, will soon invade Harvest Tyme at 17904 Grant St in Lowell.
A drive from Gary east along the South Shore Line, where "we are in full-bore construction mode" provides the most evident example of the confluence of several efforts in 2022. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/mccolly-real-estate-names-new-president/article_3768e6ba-f621-5e08-8a0b-02d1788756a9.html | 2022-06-22T01:41:12 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/mccolly-real-estate-names-new-president/article_3768e6ba-f621-5e08-8a0b-02d1788756a9.html |
MERRILLVILLE — A Crown Point man was killed in an overnight Merrillville crash, officials said.
The Lake County coroner's office was dispatched around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday to 7100 97th Ave. in Merrillville.
According to the coroner's report, Mark Hughes, 49, died at the scene of the crash. His death was caused by blunt force injuries, and his manner of death was classified as an accident.
The Lake County coroner's office, the Lake County Sheriff's Traffic Reconstruction Unit, the Merrillville Police Department, the Merrillville Fire Department and the Winfield Police Department worked together at the scene.
Police did not immediately release further information about the crash Tuesday. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/crown-point-man-dies-in-merrillville-crash-coroner-says/article_0039b2e2-7bf8-52e4-b4b7-b2777b2cf7d0.html | 2022-06-22T01:41:24 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/crown-point-man-dies-in-merrillville-crash-coroner-says/article_0039b2e2-7bf8-52e4-b4b7-b2777b2cf7d0.html |
GARY — A man wanted for fatally stabbing a 35-year-old victim several times was captured by FBI agents in Wisconsin, police said.
Quentin Maurice Smith, 50, was arrested Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a charge of murder stemming from a 1991 incident in Gary, said Chris Bavender, FBI spokeswoman for the Indianapolis field office.
Smith is accused of stabbing John Thomas Currie multiple times on Nov. 26, 1991. Currie was found in his apartment at 2054 Carolina St. in Gary by his family and he died from his wounds.
The FBI Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and Gang-Responsive Investigative Team arrested Smith after he had just been discharged from parole.
The FBI GRIT members began re-investigating the case in 2021, examined the case and identified Smith using a DNA analysis from evidence at the 1991 crime scene. This led to a murder charge being filed June 17, 2022, through Lake County Superior Court.
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Gary police, Lake County Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigations Unit and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Parole Commission aided FBI agents in the case.
In the last four years, federal investigators have made many arrests in a number of cold cases by re-examining cases and using DNA analysis.
Anyone with information on a cold case is asked to call 219-942-4899. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/dna-analysis-leads-to-arrest-of-man-accused-in-1991-region-cold-case-murder-police/article_6956c513-ffb8-56ac-976d-e3174e62deab.html | 2022-06-22T01:41:31 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/dna-analysis-leads-to-arrest-of-man-accused-in-1991-region-cold-case-murder-police/article_6956c513-ffb8-56ac-976d-e3174e62deab.html |
CROWN POINT — A Gary man pleaded guilty recently to firearm and drug charges in two separate cases stemming from arrests in 2019 and 2020.
Berry M. Hunter IV, 32, admitted in a plea agreement he was carrying 6 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop April 30, 2019, in Gary and he illegally possessed a firearm in February 2020 in Gary.
If Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez accepts Hunter's plea deal, he would order Hunter to serve three years in the Lake County Community Corrections day reporting program and three years on probation.
The judge set Hunter's sentencing hearing for Aug. 19.
Hunter, who was represented by attorney Mark Gruenhagen, has a previous conviction from 2014 for reckless homicide in the shooting death of Devon Wilson on Aug. 16, 2010, in the 100 block of 35th Place in Gary.
Hunter's firearm case stemmed from a pursuit that began Feb. 3, 2020, after Gary police responded to a report of shots fired near the 2100 block of Georgia Street, court records state.
Officers saw a Nissan Armada fleeing the area and chased it to the area of East 20th Avenue and Georgia Street, according to charging documents.
Police recognized Hunter when he got out of the Armada and attempted to run.
Officers found Hunter hiding under a vehicle and used a Taser to take him into custody because he curled up in a fetal position while they were trying to handcuff him, records state.
Multiple firearms were found inside the Armada, according to Hunter's plea agreement.
Hunter pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Salvador Casares
Age : 43
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205089
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jonathan Colon
Age : 35
Residence: Montgomery, TX
Booking Number(s): 2205105
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daniel Swets
Age : 44
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205044
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Karen Sweet
Age : 63
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205025
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amaan Smith
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205033
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Anthony Smith
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205039
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diandre Smith
Age : 25
Residence: Glenwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205029
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeremy Soria
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205045
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Rogers
Age : 28
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205049
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lynn Lessard
Age : 56
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205038
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leondre Lewis
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205028
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Richard Moss
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205042
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Person Jr.
Age : 38
Residence: Steger, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205023
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Consuela Folger
Age : 51
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205040
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Jones Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205050
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ramiro Escamilla
Age : 24
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205022
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING - W/NO INTENT OF FELONY THEFT; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Matthew Evans
Age : 28
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205047
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Evan Alexander
Age : 25
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205037
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Edward Anaszewski
Age : 52
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205048
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Andre Bullock
Age : 31
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205046
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amanda Wilk
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205065
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Travis Spoolstra
Age : 21
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205064
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Stibgen
Age : 30
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205056
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jason Miller
Age : 21
Residence: N/A
Booking Number(s): 2205055
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE; THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Tracey Spencer
Age : 47
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205070
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Haley Kniola
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205067
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyler McKenzie
Age : 23
Residence: Perry, FL
Booking Number(s): 2205072
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Noel Garabito Jr.
Age : 34
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205063
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ebonie Byers
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205060
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - INSTITUTION - BANK/FINANCIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Ellis
Age : 30
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205061
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Devante White
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204992
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM MACHINE OR DEVICE - $750 TO $50,000; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
David Wszolek
Age : 52
Residence: LaPorte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205010
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sterling Walton IV
Age : 22
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204999
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tavares McKinstry
Age : 37
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204997
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Mezydlo
Age : 54
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204993
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kaleb Wall
Age : 33
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205002
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jenifer Joy
Age : 35
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205008
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jacob Kelley
Age : 19
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205007
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Madden
Age : 58
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204994
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: WEAPON - POSSESSION - DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (EXPLOSIVES) - W/KNOWLEDGE IT WILL BE USED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kori Arguelles
Age : 26
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205003
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rondell Christmas
Age : 23
Residence: Lynwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205011
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: INVASION OF PRIVACY; BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Michael Tsouchlos
Age : 54
Residence: Marathon, FL
Booking Number(s): 2205206
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Vernon Walters
Age : 61
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205200
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Megan Phillips
Age : 35
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205202
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Antonio Steward
Age : 38
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205190
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Javante Toran
Age : 30
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205192
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kerri Olson
Age : 43
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205188
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: 2205188
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Bowling
Age : 50
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205195
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amy Hunt
Age : 26
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205208
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kevin McGrath
Age : 31
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205204
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicholas Naumoff
Age : 54
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205184
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Nunez III
Age : 28
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205207
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Francisco Tequimila
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205163
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cheri Terranova
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205162
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Clevon Riley
Age : 28
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205155
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Stephanie Sons
Age : 34
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205170
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Mauer
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205165
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kirk McGuire
Age : 32
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205178
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tyrone McKee
Age : 59
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205158
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicole Peterson
Age : 50
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205152
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeremy Jones
Age : 25
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205161
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Artesta Lewis
Age : 69
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205153
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joyce Edwards
Age : 52
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205169
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sarah Fox
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205179
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brandon Johnson
Age : 32
Residence: Dolton, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205182
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Denzel Shaw
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205124
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sade Vigilant
Age : 26
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205112
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amanda Nippers
Age : 25
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205118
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michelle Mendez
Age : 43
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205121
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daniel Lumsdon
Age : 54
Residence: Crete, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205134
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - INDECENT EXPOSURE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Saivion Covington
Age : 27
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205115
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Currie
Age : 28
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205113
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Gutierrez
Age : 22
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205123
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Landrum Coleman Sr.
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205114
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: WARRANT - DEFENDANT IN CUSTODY; ORDER TO APPEAR; DEFENDANT AT LIBERTY; NOTICE TO APPEAR; ARREST UPON FAILURE TO APPEAR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Charles Carter Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205131
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: FAILURE TO REGISTER; RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Joseph Boatman
Age : 31
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205117
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON; POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
James Burnett III
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205116
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joel Acosta
Age : 31
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205109
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - MORE THAN $50,000; THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Tyree Baines
Age : 25
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205140
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcus White
Age : 37
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205107
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daiquan McClinton
Age : 20
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205093
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Douglas Mills
Age : 37
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205085
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Latanya Snelling
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205099
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Malik Ward
Age : 25
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205086
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Manous
Age : 23
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205081
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE V; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Steven Heintz
Age : 52
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205096
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Benjamin Hynek
Age : 23
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205098
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Hynek
Age : 33
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205097
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Krystal Johnston
Age : 45
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205101
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Demarco Dillon
Age : 21
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205087
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Creedon
Age : 59
Residence: Crystal Lake, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205083
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-could-face-6-year-sentence-after-pleading-guilty-in-gun-drug-cases/article_f29c6c1f-b384-5043-aeca-a0860211cb80.html | 2022-06-22T01:41:37 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-could-face-6-year-sentence-after-pleading-guilty-in-gun-drug-cases/article_f29c6c1f-b384-5043-aeca-a0860211cb80.html |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — A proposal to close a section of Jared Drive at the request of Eastman Chemical Company received unanimous approval from the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
The resolution was approved on final consideration during the board’s regular business meeting Tuesday night.
Eastman had asked the city to close the section of Jared Drive inside city limits so that the company could expand its rail yard. The section the city will vacate stretches about 1,500 feet between the intersection with Riverport Road and Eastman’s railroad tracks that cross Jared Drive.
The section of Jared Drive on the other side of the railroad crossing, which lies outside city limits, will end in a cul-de-sac.
It is unclear when the city will close its section of the road.
A previous plan to construct a new road paralleling the existing Jared Drive was ultimately scrapped in favor of a plan to build a new road linking Riverport Road to the MeadowView area. Named “Meadow Park Lane,” the new road will open up 108 acres for future industrial and business development, according to city officials. Some of that land will be used by Eastman, which will donate 21 acres for the new road.
The construction of Meadow Park Lane will largely be funded by the state through TDOT’s State Industrial Access Program. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-bma-votes-to-vacate-section-of-jared-drive/ | 2022-06-22T01:41:55 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-bma-votes-to-vacate-section-of-jared-drive/ |
SARASOTA, Fla. — A debate over Marsy's Law and when it can be invoked by government officials took center stage inside the Sarasota Courthouse.
Last week, Sarasota's Chief Circuit Judge Charles E. Roberts, at the request of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, issued a temporary emergency injunction that stopped a local newspaper from publishing the names of deputies involved in the fatal shooting incident on April 1 of a black man named Jeremiah Evans.
Lawyers for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Sheriff's office laid their cases before Judge Charles Williams, Tuesday afternoon.
The two deputies in question are now identified as "DOE 1" and "DOE 2." On April 1, the two went to execute an eviction at a residence on Palm Avenue where they said Evans had been squatting and refused to leave after the owner passed away. The Sheriff's office claimed Evans lunged toward the deputies with a knife and a taser was deployed. They said the taser was unable to subdue Evans, hence the fatal shot was fired.
A reporter with the Herald-Tribune recently attempted to verify and seek further information about the last name that was included in one of the memos obtained through a public records request to the State Attorney's Office. According to the officials, the memo was inadvertently sent without proper redactions. But the Herald's position is that the documents in question are public records, whether redacted or not, were obtained legally and should not fall under the protection of Marsy's law.
That law in Florida protects a victim's right to privacy by not making their name public. In the hearing, during the cross-examination of Crystal Bailey, a member of the Sheriff's office's legal staff, counsels from both sides sparred over a reference to what appeared to be a badge number being included as an exhibit.
"OK your honor, I have got to object," said Morgan Bentley of Bentley, Goodrich & Kison, one of the lawyers representing the State Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office.
"This is Marsy's law, this is it. This is what Marsy's law is designed to prevent, this is a disclosure of any information that would identify the victim of a crime, and that's why Marsy's law exists so we move to strike that testimony and you need to stop asking about the identity of 'Doe 2,'" Bentley said.
RELATED: Sarasota deputy shoots, kills man who came at authorities with knife during eviction, agency says
"Your honor, I am not asking about Marsy's law, I am asking about what this number is. I don't know what this number means," responded James B. Lake, one of the attorneys fighting the injunction on behalf of the newspaper.
Earlier in the afternoon, a coalition of protesters from different activist groups including Black Lives Matter gathered at the courthouse grounds and called for accountability. They said they were picketing in solidarity with the newspaper and against using Marsy's law to shield law enforcement from accountability and the ability to cross-check their track record on the force.
Sarasota Sheriff Kurt Hoffmann released the following statement Tuesday morning.
"We are looking forward to making our arguments to the court today and to uphold the voters' intent to protect victims of crime including law enforcement personnel. We know this law is currently being appealed in another case to the Florida Supreme Court. Until that case is decided, the ruling by the 1st District Court of Appeals that Marsy's law applies to law enforcement officers is the current state of the law and we intend to follow it."
Judge Charles Williams, who presided over Tuesday's hearing is expected to issue a written ruling within the week. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/judge-hears-sarasota-sheriffs-injunction-stopping-herald-tribune-publishing-names-deputies/67-61971a6a-3d6b-42f9-99e6-58a230395c8e | 2022-06-22T01:45:39 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/judge-hears-sarasota-sheriffs-injunction-stopping-herald-tribune-publishing-names-deputies/67-61971a6a-3d6b-42f9-99e6-58a230395c8e |
PALM SPRINGS, Fla. – First Lady Jill Biden will arrive at the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach Thursday afternoon as part of the administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, according to a news release.
Jill Biden will be joined by Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm and Ambassador Nancy Brinker for the initiative, which seeks to “highlight the importance of private sector commitments and collaboration in the effort to end cancer as we know it,” the release says.
[TRENDING: Freak fishing accident: Boy airlifted to Florida hospital after catfish stabs him in chest | 2nd case of monkeypox found in Orange County, 1 case in Seminole County, records show | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Reports show the three women are set to tour FoundCare Palm Springs, which established a women’s health center offering breast and cervical cancer screenings.
According to information from the first lady’s office, the center was established with support from the Promise Fund of Florida, a Palm Beach County charity — co-founded by Brinker — that partners with local health centers to improve access to breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Following the tour, records show, Biden, Palm and Brinker will give remarks focused around the importance of cancer screening and patient navigation.
Jill Biden is also set to arrive at Miami International Airport Friday morning for an event in the town of Surfside honoring the 98 lives lost in the collapse of the Champlain Towers condominium complex last year. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/first-lady-jill-biden-coming-to-florida-for-cancer-initiative/ | 2022-06-22T01:49:50 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/first-lady-jill-biden-coming-to-florida-for-cancer-initiative/ |
BIDDEFORD, Maine — The Biddeford Police Department is searching for a missing Biddeford juvenile last seen Sunday evening, as stated in a news release.
Jacoby M. Muise, 14, is reportedly 5'11" and 145 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
Authorities say Muise may be wearing black sweat pants, a blue Champion sweatshirt, and white sneakers. Muise reportedly has a blue and white tie-dyed Boston Red Sox baseball cap with him.
Muise has ties to the Bridgeton area, the news release states.
Police ask those who may have any information regarding Muise's location to please contact the Biddeford Police Department at 207-282-5127. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/police-search-for-missing-biddeford-teen-maine/97-83c0f512-ba33-4f2a-98f6-aa144b379bdb | 2022-06-22T01:54:21 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/police-search-for-missing-biddeford-teen-maine/97-83c0f512-ba33-4f2a-98f6-aa144b379bdb |
ORRINGTON, Maine — The head of counseling and recovery centers in Orrington had his license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) suspended by a state regulatory board last month amid accusations of discrimination by former residents.
Two men who participated in Devin Colavecchio’s Northwoods Ranch and Retreat program alleged that Colavecchio made racist and homophobic comments to them, and threatened to send one to a homeless shelter as punishment during treatment, according to the interim consent agreement with the State of Maine Board of Counseling and Professional Licensure.
Colavecchio signed the interim consent document that suspended his counseling license, without admitting to the allegations, and will participate in a second hearing with the board later this year. He is no longer allowed to provide counseling services, though the Northwoods Ranch and Retreat website still advertised him as licensed as of Tuesday morning.
Northwoods Ranch and Retreat, a residential boarding environment, advertises itself as a program for troubled boys and young adults that uses a “nontraditional approach” to teach life and wilderness skills to help them get on the right path, according to its website. The facility is not accepting new students until Colavecchio revamps the program, he said. He hopes to begin taking new clients next summer.
During his stay from August 2020 through June 2021, a 15-year-old autistic Black teen contended he was “subjected to racial slurs from other participants,” according to the interim consent agreement. When he was subjected to slurs for a second time, an employee described overhearing Colavecchio say “there is no consequence for being called a (racial slur) today.”
Colavecchio told The Maine Monitor that he denied the statement “100%.”
“The statement I made to the young Black gentleman was that unfortunately, we live in a society where there are no great laws, there’s nothing that stops somebody from using the n-word,” Colavecchio said in a phone interview. “That’s the discussion we had, but that turned into me being racist.”
In the interim consent agreement, the student’s mother told investigators that Colavecchio suggested her son sleep at a local homeless shelter to “give him a dose of reality,” when discharging him. In response to the complaints filed with the board, Colavecchio agreed with the statement that “it was not uncommon for Northwoods Ranch to refer program participants to the local homeless shelter.”
Shaw House, the nearest homeless shelter to Northwoods Ranch and Retreat that accepts children, told the Monitor due to privacy reasons they could not confirm if they received residents from the program. Colavecchio said that he wanted to use Shaw House “as an interim until the family could pick (the student) up.”
The second complaint received by the state board was from a young gay man suffering from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder who stayed at the program from September 2020 through August 2021. The man contends he was “subjected to jokes and slurs related to homosexuality,” which included Colavecchio responding to an issue the man raised by telling him, “if you have feelings put a tampon in it.”
In an interview with the Monitor, Colavecchio also denied making that statement. “As far as his gay comments, those kinds of things were absolutely foolish,” Colavecchio said, denying the conversation. “He doesn’t like my political beliefs. I don’t really even talk about them or push them on anybody, but he knows my beliefs, and I think that’s what started that.”
According to the consent agreement, the man told regulators that if he violated the program’s rules, he would be given alternative meals that consisted of cold rice and forced to sleep on the floor without a mattress. Colavecchio told the state board that “a consequence of violating Northwoods Ranch’s program rules are “alternative meals” and sleeping on the floor,’’ according to the consent agreement.
Both former residents said they received therapy or counseling from Colavecchio through his company, Northwoods Counseling, though Colavecchio denies ever providing counseling. They also allege that Colavecchio destroyed records related to the provision of their counseling.
“I haven’t used my license in, I don’t know, three or four years,” Colavecchio said, in direct contradiction to the interim consent agreement.
Colavecchio said he fired a therapist working at Northwoods Counseling during the period in the consent agreement and the former employee led to the complaints. He said that before the firing, both of the men, referred to in the complaint as Client A and Client B, were happy with the program.
“I unfortunately had to fire (the therapist) because he was actually using substances during work,” Colavecchio said. “That’s the same gentleman who filed a bunch of complaints … he reeled in two other families … Client A and Client B frankly, loved us, all the way up until I fired this therapist.”
Colavecchio originally earned his license on April 5, 2016, state records show. Before that he was licensed in Maine as a Conditional Clinical Professional Counselor from Feb. 19, 2013, to April 4, 2016. Northwoods Ranch and Retreat has operated since September 2012 and served more than 200 residents, often working with about six to 12 at a time, Colavecchio said. Orrington is about six miles south of Bangor.
The consent agreement identifies Colavecchio as the president and board member of Northwoods Counseling, and the owner and CEO of Northwoods Ranch and Retreat. According to the document, a portion of the tuition for Northwoods Ranch and Retreat pays for counseling at Northwoods Counseling. The counseling is not mandatory, Colavecchio said, though if a student does not attend counseling, their tuition, which starts at $8,500 a month and decreases as residents complete steps in the program, is not reduced. Northwoods Counseling is now closed, according to Colavecchio.
The Northwoods Ranch and Retreat website advertised counseling as a direct part of its program, though Colavecchio said he did not know it advertised counseling. He maintains that Northwoods Ranch and Retreat did not offer counseling.
“I had a therapist that I had hired, I had his wife helping with social media and our website. She put a bunch of stuff on our website that was not accurate,” he said.
In an interview with the Monitor, Colavecchio seemed frustrated with the state board.
“The board was not ready and had not reviewed all of the relevant info prior to reviewing the complaints,” he said, adding, “they had very little understanding of what and how the process should even work.”
Kristin Racine, an attorney for the state’s office of professional and occupational regulation, told the Monitor that last year the state board saw and resolved 44 complaints involving counseling and behavioral services.
Colavecchio also owns Maine Sober Living, which provides a sober living lifestyle for those looking to quit alcohol or drug dependency, located at the Northwoods Ranch and Retreat facility.
This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor. The Maine Monitor is a local journalism product published by The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, a nonpartisan and nonprofit civic news organization. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/state-suspends-counseling-license-for-head-of-orrington-behavioral-center-maine-community/97-42884da2-d287-4182-9947-308b5876c172 | 2022-06-22T01:54:27 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/state-suspends-counseling-license-for-head-of-orrington-behavioral-center-maine-community/97-42884da2-d287-4182-9947-308b5876c172 |
AUGUSTA, Maine — The ballistic missile submarine, the USS Maine, usually prowls the Pacific ocean, her nuclear missiles a massive deterrent to any country looking to harm the United States.
But the USS Maine has only made a single visit to the state she is named for — in 1995 when she was commissioned in Kittery.
The sub and her two crews call Bangor Base, Washington home.
This week, however, the commanding officer, chief of the boat, and three other USS Maine crew members have traded coasts and are visiting Maine to learn more about the state and the legacy that the submarine carries.
On Tuesday, the crew visited the Blaine House and the State House in Augusta, where they met Gov. Mills and saw a prized piece of the submarine’s legacy: part of the ornate silver service given to the USS Maine battleship by the state after that ill-fated ship first took to the sea.
The silver, with elaborate pine cones and needles decorating it, was on board the battleship when it exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, Cuba in February of 1898. The tragedy killed more than 200 U.S. sailors and propelled the U.S. into the Spanish-American War.
That history is part of the legacy of a Navy ship named for the state of Maine, and the submarine crew members said they were glad to be able to learn more about it — including the fact that the silver from the battleship was eventually salvaged and given to the state.
“I thought that was amazing, [and] I didn’t know we had recovered anything from the [USS] Maine,” Lt. Erin Chandler said, who serves on the submarine and said she enjoys learning about the history.
Chief of the Boat Logan Helwig, who is the top-ranking enlisted sailor on board the USS Maine, said the history also means a lot to him.
“A ship that everyone has heard the name [of], a lot of legacy there … to be part of that and carry that legacy is a great honor," Helwig said. "[I’m] very privileged to be here.”
Beneath a framed photo of the wreckage of the USS Maine battleship is the Blaine House guest book. Each of the sailors paused, looked at the photo, and signed their name.
The sailors had the chance to meet and talk briefly with Gov. Mills and toured the State House, seeing portraits of military leaders, like Joshua Chamberlain, and learning about how the state’s legislature does its work.
Commander Darren Gerhardt praised the crew of the submarine.
“[The USS] Maine is an excellent ship, both crews are phenomenal, we work well together, morale is the best I’ve seen of any crew I’ve been on,” Gerhardt said.
Gerhardt also said the visit is a reminder for all of them of the importance of their mission for Americans, like those in Maine. He said the events in the world in recent months show that the mission of the USS Maine is vital.
“For a long time at the end of the Cold War, there were a lot of questions of why do we still operate deterrent nuclear submarine[s]?" Gerhardt said. "And I think that importance has come slamming home this year.”
The war in Ukraine, as well as the other uncertainties in the world, Gerhardt said, point to the need for deterrents like the USS Maine.
“The weight of our mission is bearing on us, not any change in how we do business or the stress of what we do, but the daily importance of what we’re doing," Gerhardt added.
The crew enjoyed a lobster bake Tuesday afternoon and will visit other Maine locations, including the Maine Maritime Museum and Bath Iron Works later in the week. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/uss-maine-comes-to-maine-sub-sailors-connect-to-its-namesake-state-military-history/97-22f6161f-8e9e-44ad-a0cb-86076ce18f50 | 2022-06-22T01:54:33 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/uss-maine-comes-to-maine-sub-sailors-connect-to-its-namesake-state-military-history/97-22f6161f-8e9e-44ad-a0cb-86076ce18f50 |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The BrightRidge Board of Directors and other utility officials said plans to expand fiber broadband internet in the city and Washington County are well ahead of schedule.
BrightRidge board members were briefed on the fiscal year 2023 budget totaling just under $25 million at a meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The provider’s original eight-phase expansion of its fiber internet system was set to be completed by June of 2026, but state grants and funding from the City of Johnson City have moved that to June 2024.
If the budget is approved, it could eventually bring high-speed internet availability to almost 50,000 homes and businesses across the city and county.
In the next year, fiberoptic lines will be installed providing high-speed internet to much of eastern Johnson City, completing Phase 5 and much of Phase 6.
Phase 5 would add 6,793 “passings” – available connections to homes and businesses in BrightRidge’s service area.
Phase 6 would add 3,319 passings.
BrightRidge announced the first part of Phase 5 is now available in an area near Oakland Avenue and Bristol Highway in Johnson City in a Facebook post yesterday.
Those phases were accelerated by $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the city.
“We’re really able to accelerate the build in the Johnson City area, especially those areas that might be higher poverty,” said BrightRidge Chief Broadband Officer Stacy Evans.
A budget forecast predicted phases 7 and 8 to be completed by June 2024, adding 6,959 total passings.
Phase 7 would provide fiber internet to the South Piney Flats and Winged Deer Park areas. Phase 8 would cover areas west of Johnson City in Washington County and an area south of Jonesborough.
The accelerated implementation of broadband also freed up funds for an extra expansion of fiber to Colonial Heights and Fordtown near Kingsport, and near Cherokee Road in south Johnson City.
That would be completed in fiscal year 2025 and add 5,643 total passings.
In fiscal year 2026, BrightRidge expects to improve its underground infrastructure for the area included in Phase 6.
In total, the expansion would provide 46,731 fiber passings by FY2026.
That adds over 20,000 passings to its current fiber reach of 23,605.
Not included in the budget is a potential grant sought by BrightRidge that would pay for additional fiber passings in rural Washington County.
The utility hopes to be awarded an Economic and Community Development grant from the state that would offer connections to 1,800 homes in the far reaches of the county.
The state would contribute $6.17 million, and the county would match $2.64 million if it is awarded.
Newly-appointed Washington County representative on the board Ronald Hite said his vision is to eventually expand service to the entire county.
“We would like to get all of those other areas, the remote areas covered, and without the grants we’d never be able to do that,” Hite said.
Hite said the BrightRidge service would be faster and cheaper than present options in those areas.
Evans said it will fundamentally change how people living in those rural areas use the internet.
“It allows you from home to telecommute for any job. It also allows you to remotely educate,” Evans said. “We did a poll of several hundred customers in these unserved areas, and the one thing that just about 100 percent of them said we need is options for telemedicine.”
If the grant is approved, Brightridge would be able to lay down additional line to cover 5,620 homes in rural Washington County.
Evans said they expect to hear back from the state on the grant application in August.
The budget also places a new priority on getting low-income households connected to the internet.
In the fiscal year 2023 budget, BrightRidge would join the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
The FCC would provide credits allowing low-income applicants to receive 100/mbps internet at no cost.
“This gives them a chance to really get online, be able to use the internet for perhaps even small businesses or even work remotely from home, said BrightRidge board member and Johnson City Commissioner Jenny Brock.
Brock said Johnson City’s use of ARPA funds to accelerate broadband implementation was targeted at low-income areas.
She said it could make an impact on education in those low-income areas.
“Those children are going to be more school-ready because they have access to the internet at home,” Brock said. “This is going to make it so much better for them and help them get prepared.”
Brock said the ability to provide high-speed internet across the city makes it an even more attractive place to live.
With several developers wanting to build, Brock said the fiber access can bring in people working online.
“That is a key attraction for a large group of people,” Brock said. “I believe it’s going to help the economy. It’s going to help productivity in our city, and just the opportunity for new kinds of businesses to start that are internet-based.”
Evans said the fiber expansions are built with the capacity to handle 110% of all presently available connections, creating the opportunity for fiber to come to new neighborhoods.
The BrightRidge Board of Directors will formally approve the fiscal year 2023 budget at a meeting next week. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/brightridge-broadband-expansion-two-years-ahead-of-schedule/ | 2022-06-22T01:58:58 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/brightridge-broadband-expansion-two-years-ahead-of-schedule/ |
Two men are facing murder charges in separate shootings in May that left two people dead, Tucson police said Tuesday.
Rene Alejandro Uranga, 18, and Luis Isaiah Navarro, also 18, are facing numerous charges in the shooting deaths that occurred May 2 and May 20 on Tucson's south side.
The two men were arrested by police on June 15. They were booked into the Pima County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery, kidnapping and felony murder in connection with the two incidents. They are being held on $1 million bonds each.
Tucson police linked the two men to the following incidents:
On May 2 at 2 a.m., officers arrived at a home in the 100 block of West Kentucky Street, near South Seventh Avenue, where they found Alma Daniela Gomez, 40, with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Tuesday, police said Uranga, Navarro and 19-year-old Anyssa Delfina Rios-Sanchez forced their way into the home to rob the occupants when the shooting occurred. The three then fled in a vehicle. Police said the three suspects and the occupants of the home knew each other.
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Rios-Sanchez turned herself in to detectives on June 17 and was jailed under a $500,000 bond. She is facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and felony murder.
In the second incident, police said Uranga, Navarro and a third man, Edwin Jonatan Gutierrez, also 18, forced their way into an apartment in the 6300 block of South Headley Road, near West Valencia and South Mission roads, at around 12:30 a.m. May 20.
Police said the three intended to rob the occupants but gunshots were fired during the incident. Officers found Gutierrez shot inside the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said earlier.
The felony murder law allows authorities to file murder charges against a person if someone dies during the commission of certain types of felony crimes.
Anyone with information about either shooting can call 88-CRIME. | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-police-two-men-facing-murder-charges-in-2-fatal-shootings/article_db837dee-f1bd-11ec-80b2-dbe4d532ba76.html | 2022-06-22T02:06:58 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-police-two-men-facing-murder-charges-in-2-fatal-shootings/article_db837dee-f1bd-11ec-80b2-dbe4d532ba76.html |
The Uvalde massacre began after the 18-year-old gunman entered the school through a door that could only be locked from the outside and then got inside a classroom that had a busted lock, experts testified Tuesday.
Securing doors has long been a focus of school safety drills, and the inability to do so during the May 24 attack that left 19 children and two teachers dead runs counter to best practices, experts said.
When doors are not secure, “your first step, your first line of defense has now been eliminated, has been taken away from you really,” said Ken Trump, the president of the National School Safety and Security Services.
Questions about how the shooter entered Robb Elementary and what happened at multiple doors have been a big part of the changing information about the attack.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE GUNMAN REACHED THE OUTSIDE DOOR?
State police initially said the gunman entered the school through an exterior door that had been propped open by a teacher.
Days later, state police retracted that statement to make it clear that the teacher closed the door. But somehow it didn’t lock.
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Nearly a month after the rampage, Col. Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, further amended what his agency’s investigation shows: The teacher did close the door, but unbeknownst to her, it could be locked only from the outside.
The gunman “walked straight through,” McCraw said Tuesday in blistering testimony at a state Senate hearing in Austin.
Ronald Stephens, executive director of the National School Safety Center, said he was “astonished” that the exterior door could only be locked from the outside.
“I’m trying to think if I’ve even ever seen that. It’s so rare that that would be the case. Why wouldn’t there be an opportunity to lock it from the inside?”
He likened it to a house that could only be locked from the outside.
“Shouldn’t the security of the school be as safe as the security of your home?” he asked. “To only be able to lock from the outside is just totally unacceptable in my view.”
Experts did not explain during the hearing why the school’s exterior door locked from outside. Robb Elementary is an older building, constructed in 1955.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE GUNMAN REACHED THE CLASSROOM DOOR?
Once inside the school, the shooter then entered a classroom with a door that could not be locked from the inside by design, according to McCraw, who also said a teacher reported before the shooting that the lock was broken.
The fact that it wasn’t working was a maintenance issue, Stephens and Trump said.
“That’s about how you manage and maintain school property in a responsible way,” Stephens said.
McCraw also disclosed Tuesday that despite the fact that the door was unlocked, there is no indication officers tried to open it during the standoff. He said police instead waited around for a key.
Stephens said the way the situation played out spoke to the broader need of having a crisis plan in place.
“To me, there’s just a whole cascade of apparent failures that took place in this particular situation,” he said. “It’s a wake-up call to everyone across America.”
HAVE THERE BEEN PROBLEMS BEFORE?
At Sandy Hook Elementary School, the doors of the two classrooms where all 20 children were killed in the 2012 massacre, along with their teachers, could only be locked from the hallway with a key.
Some victims’ families have said lives could have been saved if teachers were able to lock classroom doors from the inside, and they questioned whether two teachers who were killed in the shooting, Victoria Soto and Lauren Rousseau, even had access to keys.
Another teacher who could not get a classroom door locked told investigators that she looked into the hallways, saw a janitor who yelled at the gunman to leave and motioned to the janitor to lock her door.
Sandy Hook Elementary was also built in 1955.
WHAT STEPS ARE RECOMMENDED?
State and federal panels charged with reviewing individual mass shootings have repeatedly advised schools to limit access by locking exterior doors, as well as forcing visitors to enter through a secure door and requiring teachers to lock classrooms while classes are in session.
Teachers and students drill for how to respond.
“Lock the door, turn off the light. Get the kids and staff into a hard corner, meaning not in the direct line of sight of the window where somebody can shoot through, and be quiet,” Trump said.
He said those actions can “absolutely” save lives.
Exterior doors “keep the threat out of the building. Your next layer inside are your locked doors to your classrooms, officers and work areas. All of these layers are intended to buy time,” he said.
He said shooters’ adrenaline is going and they know that — in most cases — their time is limited.
“They’re not going to spend a ton of time trying to get in a locked door where they may or may not know if somebody’s inside if the kids are quiet and out of sight. They’re going to continue to move on to where they have a more accessible target.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/unlocked-doors-were-first-line-of-defense-at-uvalde-school/2997494/ | 2022-06-22T02:10:33 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/unlocked-doors-were-first-line-of-defense-at-uvalde-school/2997494/ |
Doctors saved the life of a baby boy after his pregnant mother was shot dead on a Philadelphia street early Saturday morning, police said.
Police identified the mother on Monday as 19-year-old Matayah Haynes of Camden, New Jersey.
Haynes was about 34 weeks pregnant when she was shot in the head in the Port Richmond neighborhood. Officers rushed the baby to Temple University Hospital after realizing the child Haynes was carrying was still alive, the Philadelphia Police Department said.
Haynes was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1:56 a.m.
The baby was in critical condition, but stable, Philadelphia police said Monday.
The shooting happened near Richmond Street and Wheatsheaf Lane around 1 a.m., the PPD said. Detectives believe the shooter was a man driving a dark-colored black or blue Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Charger.
The car was last seen heading toward Aramingo Avenue, police said.
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There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/doctors-trying-to-save-baby-boy-as-pregnant-woman-shot-dead-police-say/3261131/ | 2022-06-22T02:11:11 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/doctors-trying-to-save-baby-boy-as-pregnant-woman-shot-dead-police-say/3261131/ |
ROSWELL, Ga. — Residents at a Roswell apartment complex said they have lived for weeks without working air conditioning units.
Multiple residents at Crest at Riverside Apartments, which has been renamed to Grace at Roswell, didn't want to reveal their identities, but told 11Alive what it has been like living without air conditioning.
“You wake up and you have sweats, like literally like you’re drenched in sweat," one person said.
“Its horrible especially with the children the way that it is and the older folks that’s as old as I am you have to have something at nighttime to keep you cool to keep your body temperature down," the tenant said.
“I didn’t have a screen on any of my windows so I couldn’t even open the windows to get fresh air in. The only I could do is leave my front door open and you know, I one wants to do that and you can’t do that all day." another tenant said.
Residents sent 11Alive pictures and videos of what they say shows a host of repair issues they have with the complex. But they tell us, its not having working AC units that has a taken a toll on them physically. Some say they had to take matters into their own hands.
“I had to go out and purchase two window units," a tenant said and it was had because you had to try to figure out how to put them in yourself
“There are families and animals and elderly and kids and everyone there and it’s just kind of, tough it out or if you’re lucky enough, you know somebody who can fix it for you.”
11Alive reached out to the property manager who promptly emailed us back, addressing the “mass number of residents currently without AC." The manager said the complex has purchased “portable AC and window units” they are working to get to residents. The manager also said delivery delays have been a factor in residents not receiving relief fast enough.
Some residents told 11Alive they have seen some of the the portable units being rolled out, but they have not made their way to all residents just yet, meaning more hot days and nights for those residents who are still waiting in line.
It’s important to note, Georgia law does not require landlords to provide tenants with air conditioning.
But if they do, they are responsible for keeping it in working order. However, renters should keep paying rent even if repairs aren’t being made. For anyone who stops, the landlord can begin the process of eviction. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/roswell/roswell-apartment-complex-air-conditioning-not-working/85-94b3f398-5088-4861-83f5-d95fb0ed9b8a | 2022-06-22T02:13:49 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/roswell/roswell-apartment-complex-air-conditioning-not-working/85-94b3f398-5088-4861-83f5-d95fb0ed9b8a |
DES MOINES, Iowa — A crash between a motorcycle and car left a man with serious injuries around 7 p.m. Tuesday, police said.
The Des Moines Police Department and fire department responded to the accident at the intersection of SE 14 St. and Virginia Avenue.
The motorcyclist was found injured on the scene by first responders and has since been transported to an area hospital.
Temporarily, SE 14 St. between Bell Avenue and Park Avenue is closed. This crash follows a string of similar accidents over the weekend.
Local 5 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/motorcyclist-injured-after-collision-with-car-des-moines-police-department-crash-motorcycle/524-7dfccff3-9cbf-4223-a2f7-061dcf27407f | 2022-06-22T02:13:49 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/motorcyclist-injured-after-collision-with-car-des-moines-police-department-crash-motorcycle/524-7dfccff3-9cbf-4223-a2f7-061dcf27407f |
The Arizona Board of Regents approved fiscal year 2023 budgets for Arizona’s three public universities at its most recent board meeting, held earlier this month.
NAU’s budget represents a slight decrease from its fiscal year 2022 budget, due largely to the amount of one-time Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) funding awarded last year. Overall, however, the university projects a net position increase in both 2022 and 2023 ($7.9 million).
Vice president for finance, institutional planning and analysis Bjorn Flugstad presented the university's budget at the May 26 meeting of ABOR’s finance, capital and resources committee.
Overall, revenue is projected to decrease by 5% from the 2022 budget (and 10% from expected 2022 results). The total for 2023 is $620.4 million; its 2022 total is estimated to be $686.1 million.
Tuition and fee adjustments approved in April mean a slight increase to the university's revenue. Other areas of increase Flugstad mentioned include campus activities, sponsored project awards and additional Road Scholar activity.
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The board meeting's agenda shows that NAU’s gross tuition and fee revenues are estimated to total $369.5 million in 2022, a sum that is budgeted to increase to $377.4 million in 2023. This is still lower than 2021’s total of $379.4 million, which is itself reduced compared to both 2019 and 2020.
Enrollment at the university is still projected to decrease in 2023, though less than the 3.2% (858 full time equivalent, or FTE, students) previously predicted as part of tuition setting in March. Flugstad’s presentation showed a projection of a 1.7% decrease in enrollment (473 FTE students).
Overall, NAU expects its number of undergraduate students to decrease by 545 and its number of graduate students to increase by 72. This would mean six years of continued growth in graduate students.
“The undergraduate enrollment is largely driven by the roll through of previous years cohorts being smaller,” Flugstad said. “We expect this fall to be the trough of that roll through impact on enrollment.”
Decreases included one time funds being replaced by slightly lower recurring investments, one time 2022 Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) funding that will not continue and the decreased HEERF funding.
According to the presentation, HEERF funding for 2022 totaled $77 million, or 13% of the university’s overall revenue for the year. In FY23, the university will receive a total of $14 million in HEERF funding, 2% of the year’s revenue.
Expenses are projected to decrease by 9% from 2022. 2023 expenses are budgeted at $612.5 million compared to the 2022 estimate of $670.0 million. This includes $8 million in one time personnel investments Flugstad said.
“Inflation certainly is a point we are very keen on watching,” he said, noting that the university is looking at ways to save through contract negotiations, leases and analysis of campus purchases.
The finance, capital and resources committee meeting, including Flugstad’s presentation, can be found on ABOR’s YouTube, as can the June 9 board meeting. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/abor-approves-2023-budget-for-northern-arizona-university/article_60f5cc28-e90a-11ec-b07b-6f74d0a2cd45.html | 2022-06-22T02:15:23 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/abor-approves-2023-budget-for-northern-arizona-university/article_60f5cc28-e90a-11ec-b07b-6f74d0a2cd45.html |
After reaching the first state title game in 30 years last winter, the Flagstaff girls basketball team is regrouping in the June preseason period in an attempt to have another successful campaign in 2022-23.
The Eagles lost a few seniors -- notably all-conference player Gracelyn Nez -- to graduation after going 19-3 (12-0) last season and reaching the 4A Conference championship round, but have a crop of young talent they believe could lead to more wins moving forward.
“Right now our returners, in terms of their experience, and the new pieces with their raw talent, could make a mix that should make us pretty good if we can get it together,” coach Tyrone Johnson said.
Flagstaff, competing in several exhibition leagues and tournaments throughout June, has started to build a new unit, even though many of the pieces remain. There were several freshmen and sophomores that played important roles on last season’s team, and each of them has attempted to grow their skill level in the offseason.
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Johnson said he’s had upwards of 40 girls participating in summer basketball. He’s not used to such a high number in the preseason.
Many of those athletes are incoming talented players that could make the varsity level for the first time. Flagstaff’s JV team went undefeated last year, and incoming freshman Bella Burcar -- who can officially be named to the team when she enrolls in the fall -- makes for a team filled with new skilled additions.
Morningrain Honani, a junior guard who ran the point for the Eagles last season, likes the look of the group, though it took some time to get there.
“It’s fun. In the beginning it was a bit hard because it was like a new environment for us, just getting to know each other. But it’s gotten better with chemistry and knowing what we can do,” she said.
The Eagles have shooters all over the floor, and Burcar could add some needed size in the frontcourt. Flagstaff will likely continue to play its swarming style of full-court defense, using turnovers to create offensive opportunities in transition.
But while the future seems bright for Flagstaff, it has some pressure now to live up to what it thinks it can be.
“We have to get past that potential to make sure it comes together on the court, but it should be exciting,” Johnson said.
The goal, though it is more than half a year away, is to be back in Phoenix playing for a state title again in February. Though it was monumental to get to the championship game, the returning players want that to be the standard and maybe even take that last step to hoist the winner's trophy in 2023.
“The loss was tough, so it motivates me more to work harder and play smarter and play better overall. We all want it more,” Honani said.
The Eagles will host an exhibition tournament Thursday and Friday at Flagstaff High School, continuing their preparation for the regular season in a few months. The home opener is scheduled for Nov. 22 against Arizona College Prep. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/eagles-basketball-taking-on-summer-period-aiming-to-get-back-to-state-title-game/article_89e36d0a-f186-11ec-98ab-abc7c220209f.html | 2022-06-22T02:15:29 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/eagles-basketball-taking-on-summer-period-aiming-to-get-back-to-state-title-game/article_89e36d0a-f186-11ec-98ab-abc7c220209f.html |
CABELL COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — The Cabell County School Board has authorized its attorney to begin the process of eminent domain to create a new play place near Huntington East Middle School.
In documents from the June 21 meeting, it says the property is owned by the Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust.
Documents say it will take a part of the land owned by the business by legal proceedings in civil court for eminent domain.
Director of Communications for Cabell County Schools Jedd Flowers says the area is adjacent to the school and its parking lot.
Documents say the area is around 1.19 acres. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/cabell-county-school-board-beginning-steps-to-create-new-play-area-near-huntington-east-middle-school/ | 2022-06-22T02:20:48 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/cabell-county-school-board-beginning-steps-to-create-new-play-area-near-huntington-east-middle-school/ |
CAMPBELLS CREEK, WV (WOWK) — One person was taken to the hospital after a motorcycle driver crashed into a deer.
Metro 911 officials say this happened just after 7:30 p.m. on Campbells Creek Drive.
They say one person was taken to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Malden Volunteer Fire Department and Kanawha County medics were on the scene. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/motorcycle-crash-involving-deer-sends-one-to-hospital/ | 2022-06-22T02:20:54 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/motorcycle-crash-involving-deer-sends-one-to-hospital/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — 10 city-owned athletic fields will soon become turf fields as a part of a multi-million-dollar project.
The project was announced by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin on Tuesday.
The City of Charleston says the contract with Turf Alliance was approved by City Council during its meeting on Tuesday.
They say it will be good for up to $8.1 million.
The fields to be turfed include:
- Bigley Field 1 – Upper
- Bigley Field 2 – Lower
- Cato Park Lower Soccer Field
- Cato Park Upper Soccer Field
- Kanawha City League Little Field
- Kanawha City Softball / University of Charleston Field
- Martin Luther King Jr. Center Complex
- North Charleston Little League Field
- Power Park Field
- Suppa Little League / Softball Field
The city says Turf Alliance has used synthetic turf for many athletic fields, municipal parks and recreation fields.
The press release says work on the project is expected to start in late Summer or in early Fall. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/project-to-turf-10-city-owned-athletic-fields-in-charleston-to-begin/ | 2022-06-22T02:21:00 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/project-to-turf-10-city-owned-athletic-fields-in-charleston-to-begin/ |
School choice advocates in Nebraska called the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on a tuition assistance program in Maine "a monumental and motivating win." Opponents, meanwhile, argue it undermines public schools.
In the 6-3 decision issued Tuesday, the nation's highest court ruled that a program in Maine that funnels public funds to schools that accept students from other districts cannot exclude religious schools.
Many districts in Maine, a largely rural state, do not operate their own secondary school. The law required those districts to find a solution for students, either by contracting with another district or paying students' tuition at a private nonsectarian institution. Religious schools were excluded, however.
Nebraska does not have a similar program, but it is one of 37 states with a so-called Blaine Amendment embedded in its constitution, which prohibits state governments from funding religious schools with public dollars. Tuesday's decision essentially nullifies those provisions.
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"An opposition argument in Nebraska is that school choice isn't constitutional. That argument is officially dead and buried," Jeremy Ekeler, education policy director for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said Tuesday.
While recent school choice efforts in Nebraska — like a bill before the Legislature last session that would have created state tax credits for private school scholarships — have ultimately fallen short, Tuesday's decision provides "momentum" for future legislation, Ekeler said.
Nebraska is one of two states without any form of school choice, Ekeler said.
Rev. Justin Fulton, the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, said in a statement the diocese is grateful for the ruling.
"The Supreme Court has ruled it is just to empower each citizen and student. It is time for the Unicameral to do the same," Fulton said.
Matthew Hecker, chief administrative officer for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln's schools, said the decision does not have an immediate impact on diocesan schools, but celebrated the news as well.
"It removes one of the most significant obstacles because previous to today’s decision, it could be very credibly argued that there is some kind of constitutional restriction on public funding for private/religious education," Hecker told the Journal Star. "That argument just went away today."
The ruling — split along ideological lines — was in part expected after the court's conservative majority appeared to balk at the state of Maine's arguments last December.
“Maine’s 'nonsectarian' requirement for its otherwise generally available tuition assistance payments violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "Regardless of how the benefit and restriction are described, the program operates to identify and exclude otherwise eligible schools on the basis of their religious exercise."
Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, was not surprised by the ruling but said in a statement it "undermines public schools and the students they serve in favor of funding religious schools that serve only a few and often discriminate against students and employees."
Benson said the focus should be on properly funding public schools, where the vast majority of K-12 students in Nebraska receive their education.
The Maine case stems from a lawsuit filed by parents who wanted to send their children to Christian schools using state aid.
Benson seemed to be alluding to reports that the schools in question in the Maine case do not hire LGBTQ staff.
All three of the high court's liberal justices dissented.
“This court continues to dismantle the wall of separation between church and state that the framers fought to build,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote.
The Maine ruling is similar to the court's 5-4 ruling in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue in 2020, in which the court ruled that a state program that funds scholarships for students to go to private schools cannot exempt religious schools.
Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/nebraska-school-choice-supporters-say-high-court-ruling-provides-momentum/article_12a462f3-f4d6-596c-81e4-f5e44fe2239e.html | 2022-06-22T02:28:01 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/nebraska-school-choice-supporters-say-high-court-ruling-provides-momentum/article_12a462f3-f4d6-596c-81e4-f5e44fe2239e.html |
HENSLEY, Ark — After the passing of her mother just over a year ago, Tracey Turner decided to have her laid to rest on March 4, 2021 at Rest in Peace Cemetery in Hensley, Arkansas.
As if it wasn't already enough to be dealing with the loss of a loved one, Turner said her troubles with the management began when the cemetery wouldn't give her a date on when her mother's headstone would be mounted.
Turner said she paid $1,800 for the headstone, and for about a year now, it has just sat outside of a shed in the cemetery field, along with dozens of others.
The company who created the headstone offered to mount it for free, but when Turner reached out to Rest in Peace Cemetery to ask they could do it, they said they wouldn't allow it.
"The manager mounts it himself. He said I owed him $236. Which I have no problem with that. I asked him to give me a receipt and a tentative date and he's not willing to do either one," said Turner.
Turner ran into yet another issue in May, when she was having her brother buried next to her mother's grave. She noticed that her mother's casket was partially exposed and it was also damaged.
When questioned regarding the headstone situation, and the various allegations of neglect, Percy Webb, management operator for Rest in Peace cemetery said that most of the people who have complained, don’t own property at the grave yard.
He also mentioned that the cemetery was once in a corrupt court order receivership which was overseen by the Arkansas Cemetery Board.
"I’m not concerned about my reputation or the peoples money where this is concerned. This is by no means a reflection on the current board that our current governor restructured into what we have now. Thank God for governor Hutchinson for his an his staff wisdom," said Webb.
In regards to Turner's allegations with her mother's casket, Webb said that it's common without a burial container, and that what happened has been out of his control.
Despite what has happened, she still has a right to disinter with the proper paperwork. Turner said she wants Rest in Peace cemetery to pay for the disinterment, but management has not been on board.
There have been many negative reviews online regarding the cemetery, including social media posts about the deplorable conditions.
"I came out to visit my parents grave. He (Webb) had covered up the whole row with fresh dirt. So I called him and asked when was he going to dig those graves back up so you can see the headstones and his remarks were 'If you want it done, come dig it up yourself," said Cheryl Yancy.
She, along with other families, decided to create a grass roots petition to hold Webb and the company that owns the property responsible.
"It's now actually in the law's hand, because the commission board has turned it over to the legal attorneys now," said Yancy.
The Arkansas Insurance Department said that the actual owner of the cemetery operates out of New Jersey, and that they've received numerous complaints.
Consumers are encouraged to file a complaint, and once received, it will be forwarded to the cemetery for a response. The response is then received and reviewed.
Yancy said that all families who have had complaints, should fill out a form so that they can be held accountable.
Meanwhile, Turner mentioned she'll be back and forth between Atlanta and Arkansas until there's a resolution, and that she won't stop until something is done. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/woman-moves-loved-ones-cemetery-neglect/91-d61cd5ca-6be5-4ea6-ac74-d225488f4a44 | 2022-06-22T02:42:06 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/woman-moves-loved-ones-cemetery-neglect/91-d61cd5ca-6be5-4ea6-ac74-d225488f4a44 |
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Police Department released over eight minutes of footage from fallen Officer Dan Rocha's bodycam, which captured the moments leading up to the deadly shooting in March.
Court documents indicate that bodycam footage and witness video captures Richard Rotter, 50, shooting Rocha, 41, in three times and then running the officer's body over with a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The department said they withheld five hours, 45 minutes and 29 seconds of Rocha's body cam because "disclosure would violate the privacy rights of Officer Rocha’s surviving family members."
The incident began on March 25 when Rocha spoke with Rotter after seeing him “'moving guns from one car to another” in the parking lot of a Starbucks in Everett, according to probable cause documents.
Police said a dispatcher told Rocha that Rotter had outstanding warrants for his arrest, including domestic violence assault and hit-and-run. Recorded radio chatter indicated the suspect had a previous felony conviction.
Witness cellphone video captured Rocha trying to detain Rotter near the back of his Mini Cooper. Rotter began to “wrestle” with Rocha and they fell behind the car. Rotter took out a handgun and fired “at least twice” at Rocha, according to documents.
Police said another cellphone video showed the Mini Cooper accelerating backward over Rocha’s body and leaving the parking lot.
Rocha served with the Everett Police Department since 2017 and lived in the community for more than a decade.
Rocha was remembered by family, friends and the community at a memorial service on April 4. The mourning procession included hundreds of law enforcement personnel and community members, many of whom lined the streets along the route to pay their respects and show support for Rocha's family.
Rotter pleaded not guilty to the shooting on April 25.
A judge ruled that Rotter be held without bail after the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office argued he is a danger to the community.
Rotter has 13 felony convictions dating back to 1985 for crimes such as burglary, assault and drug possession. Additionally, Rotter has 43 misdemeanor convictions. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/officer-rochas-bodycam-footage-deadly-encounter/281-a741792b-ae8c-4839-9d91-7677c8bf4a22 | 2022-06-22T02:43:20 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/officer-rochas-bodycam-footage-deadly-encounter/281-a741792b-ae8c-4839-9d91-7677c8bf4a22 |
SAN ANTONIO — Amid worsening drought conditions across the region, Bexar County residents won't be allowed to pop certain fireworks for the time being—putting a damper on Fourth of July plans in the making.
County commissioners approved the order Tuesday, and while it means a bit less fun on the Fourth, leaders kept the possibility open of the order being rescinded if drought conditions improve over the next two weeks. KENS 5 Weather Chief Bill Taylor, however, says that's a long shot.
The ban issued this week specifically prohibits the sale and use of fireworks classified as "skyrockets with sticks" or "missiles with fins." Other legally sold fireworks can still be used in the unincorporated areas of the county.
“We want folks to be responsible when they enjoy their 4th of July fireworks. Fires often happen after fireworks were used," Fire Marshal Chris Lopez is quoted as saying in a press release. "The family has gone to bed and the smoldering debris reignites in the trash can. Please make sure to thoroughly soak your fireworks debris in a bucket of water."
Those who violate the order could be committing a Class-C misdemeanor and might have to pay a fine of up to $500. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bexar-county-fireworks-ban-drought-heat-july-fourth-holiday/273-4bf435f0-11b6-43fe-8da0-07d45eca1ee1 | 2022-06-22T02:44:50 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bexar-county-fireworks-ban-drought-heat-july-fourth-holiday/273-4bf435f0-11b6-43fe-8da0-07d45eca1ee1 |
DEL RIO, Texas — It’s just over an hour-long drive, 70 miles that separates Uvalde from Del Rio.
The distance not separating the border town from the Robb Elementary shooting, many families in Del Rio also impacted by the tragedy.
Dr. Carlos Rios, the Superintendent of San Felipe Del Rio CISD said the unimaginable forced this other border community to realize, they too, could at anytime be at risk.
“I think that everybody realized that their vulnerabilities are everybody's vulnerabilities. And, it's hard,” said Rios.
This summer Rios along with school leaders across the nation are left with less than two months to overcome a major challenge.
“We have to let our families know that safety is our number one priority, and one, make them aware of what we already have in place, and then also make them aware of how we're improving upon what we have in place,” said Rios. “So, it doesn't matter how safe you've been up to this point, you still have to earn their trust.”
Rios said in prior years, the district has invested in top notch security measures for each campus.
“We're lucky that we've invested money in security, whether it be through a single point of entry or the automatic door locks or the different aspects that we have. But, we just don't have enough,” said Rios.
Rios said that reality is forcing leaders to re-think school security.
“As a school system, we often think of our police officers as the ones that control traffic, break up fights and catch drugs, and we now have to think of them as doing all that, but being prepared for the unexpected,” said Rios.
Monday night the SFDR CISD Board of Trustees approved over $500,000 budget item to hire nine additional CISD officers.
“Come August, there will be a uniformed armed police officer at every one of our campuses, including our eight elementary campuses,” said Rios.
Rios said Trustees made it a priority to allocate dollars in the budget next year, but now comes another challenge.
“Any time you add personnel in any department, it's going to be a stress on the budget, but more than a stress on the budget, if you're a rural district, you have to find the personnel,” said Rios.
He said the district will be working to send 10 security personnel employed with the SFDR CISD PD to the police academy to earn their peace officer certification. He said they are also hoping to recruit retired law enforcement officers in the area to fill the positions.
Rios said the other priority the district is addressing is mental health issues.
The district has been utilizing a state-funded tele-health program called the Texas Child Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) and Rios said it has been highly beneficial in serving this rural community where mental health professionals are scarce.
The board also approved the hiring of six new counseling positions to add to the counseling staff at the secondary schools.
“As we reflect on the tragedy and what we can do to just make sure that that we catch a student before they do the unthinkable, programs like TCHATT and more counselors are essential,” said Rios.
Rios said the other priority district leaders are focusing on in the upcoming weeks: improving campus security.
“I think that every superintendent across the state who thought they had done a lot is thinking ‘we probably haven't done enough,’ and is in the process of evaluating every single piece of security equipment, every single door, everything. And, we're no different. We're in the process of doing the same,” said Rios. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/neighboring-community-impacted-by-uvalde-shooting-focusing-now-on-security-mental-health/273-a24abc37-2991-42ec-bf54-42f97d4fbca9 | 2022-06-22T02:44:56 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/neighboring-community-impacted-by-uvalde-shooting-focusing-now-on-security-mental-health/273-a24abc37-2991-42ec-bf54-42f97d4fbca9 |
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Jordan Piper, the father of Roman Lopez, is facing child pornography allegations, the U.S. Attorney's office confirmed with ABC10.
Exact details surrounding the filed complaint were not immediately available.
Jordan Piper and Roman's step-mother Lindsey Piper were charged with multiple criminal counts of child abuse, poisoning and torture in February. They are now facing murder charges as well in Roman Lopez's death.
Roman Lopez was reported missing from his Placerville home, where his family just moved, on Jan. 11, 2020. He was later found dead.
Lindsey Piper, who initially plead not guilty to second-degree murder charges, has changed her plea to no contest. She is now set to be sentenced on July 8 following her new plea.
Jordan Piper, who has maintained his not guilty plea, is awaiting his next preliminary hearing on July 24.
Lopez was just 11 years old when he was found dead in the Pipers' basement.
He was reported missing in January 2020 just two months after he, his father, his stepmother and their seven other children moved into the Placerville home.
Placerville police initially investigated the case as a suspicious death following a search of the family's home where police did not find anything. However, after a second search, police said they found the child's body in a storage bin hidden in their basement.
An autopsy following Lopez's death revealed he had been severely starved and dehydrated at the time of death.
READ MORE ON THE CASE OF ROMAN LOPEZ FROM ABC10:
- Father, step-mother face murder charges after the death of Roman Lopez
- Mother of 11-year-old boy found dead tells mourners 'cherish loved ones, forgive often, and love with all your heart'
- 'It just doesn't feel real' | Mother of 11-year-old found dead in Placerville pleads for answers
- Michigan woman whose daughters lived with Placerville boy found dead says he 'was such a good boy' | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/father-roman-lopez-facing-child-porn-allegations/103-45be89cb-664b-4747-92ab-ac33944030f6 | 2022-06-22T02:49:17 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/father-roman-lopez-facing-child-porn-allegations/103-45be89cb-664b-4747-92ab-ac33944030f6 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a permanent “Al Fresco” dining program for the city.
"This program applies the best practices learned during the pandemic to a permanent program," Councilmember Katie Valenzuela said in a tweet. "I’m proud of the work our City team has put into this incredible program to support our local businesses!"
According to a city of Sacramento City Council Report, local restaurant owners can visit the Al Fresco Dining Program webpage starting July 1, 2022 to select a patio layout, customize their patio design and submit an Initial Interest Form. Once the business talks with the City to finalize their application and gets it approved, they will be issued a revocable permit.
From the report, business owners will have their choice of three patio options:
- Tier One Patio: Two tables and up to 8 chairs
- Tier Two Patio: Enclosed patio on sidewalk and/or parkway
- Tier Three Patio: Enclosed patio in parking space
Read the full city council report here. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/al-fresco-dining-program-sacramento/103-a7ed8b2a-7b95-45ba-baa3-b1a894dd6407 | 2022-06-22T02:49:23 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/al-fresco-dining-program-sacramento/103-a7ed8b2a-7b95-45ba-baa3-b1a894dd6407 |
DALLAS — The commissioner of the Texas Education Agency says locks on every exterior door of every school campus in Texas will be checked to ensure they are functioning before the fall semester begins.
Commissioner Mike Morath testified Tuesday, at the first hearing of the state Senate committee created in the wake of the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.
Morath said there are about 340,000 exterior doors on Texas schools, and all will be reviewed.
The hearing began with lengthy, compelling testimony from the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety
He called the police response an “abject failure,” and provided a revised timeline about what happened. More about DPS Director Steve McCraw’s testimony can be read here.
He was in front of the committee for about five hours and laid much of the blame on Uvalde Consolidated ISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo.
Morath testified about policies and procedures in place at the agency that offers guidance to more than 1,200 school districts in Texas.
He revealed the shooter began having chronic absences in the sixth grade.
Morath was asked if districts have enough tools to properly handle students who exhibit troubling signs.
He told senators that programs need to be expanded and more funding is needed.
He also warned instituting methods to harden schools, as has been a focus of state lawmakers, will be expensive. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/locks-every-exterior-door-every-school-texas-checked-before-school-resumes-fall/287-80c33eee-7a3d-4fd8-a374-ad83ec325e63 | 2022-06-22T02:50:00 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/locks-every-exterior-door-every-school-texas-checked-before-school-resumes-fall/287-80c33eee-7a3d-4fd8-a374-ad83ec325e63 |
DALLAS — The Dallas skyline could be getting a bit bigger soon as the City Council will consider approving the construction of two new skyscrapers, one of which would become the tallest building in Dallas.
The first building, if approved, would be the tallest building downtown with 80 floors, taller than Bank of America Plaza by eight stories. It would be located on 11 acres at 2323 North Field St.
Approval of the building would include a tax abatement for Hunt Realty, exempting half of the taxes on the added value of the property for up to 10 years. Goldman Sachs, the building's tenant, would also be exempted 50% of the taxes on the added value to the new business for up to five years.
The second building, a 38-story-high mixed-use property, would occupy 1.7 acres on the southeast corner of South Akard Street and Canton Street in Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone No. 11.
The Field Street building resolution includes multiple workforce initiative requirements, including creating work and internship programs with multiple local universities like Paul Quinn College, UNT-Dallas and Dallas College.
Under requirements for the mixed-use building, at least 20% of the property must be built to meet affordability requirements in the district, including various types of units like one-bedroom or two-bedroom.
The Field Street building also requires the tenant to create at least 5,000 jobs by the end of 2028 with an average base salary of $90,000.
Both resolutions also require the developer to make a "good faith effort" to meet the city's goal of 32% participation from minority/women-owned businesses for all construction costs.
Council members will consider these resolutions and other items at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Dallas City Hall. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/two-skyscrapers-potentially-coming-dallas-skyline/287-ca0c7914-8711-44a9-b8fe-35f20391656d | 2022-06-22T02:50:06 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/two-skyscrapers-potentially-coming-dallas-skyline/287-ca0c7914-8711-44a9-b8fe-35f20391656d |
BOISE, Idaho —
Firefighters are responding to a structure fire that began just before 7 p.m. on East Lewis Street, near downtown Boise.
A lead firefighter on scene confirmed that there is significant fire damage to the front of the building, and that there were three occupants, but no injuries or hospitalizations.
This is an ongoing incident, check back for more details.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/firefighters-on-scene-structure-fire-near-downtown-boise/277-8ae829fe-f8e4-45ea-a7d3-fcc9d890801f | 2022-06-22T02:50:43 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/firefighters-on-scene-structure-fire-near-downtown-boise/277-8ae829fe-f8e4-45ea-a7d3-fcc9d890801f |
BOISE, Idaho — Cooler and wetter weather this spring has alleviated drought concerns in much of Idaho but spurred grass growth that could cause large rangeland wildfires in the southern part of the state as plants dry out this summer, wildfire forecasters told the Idaho Land Board on Tuesday.
Officials also told the board, which includes Republican Gov. Brad Little and four other statewide elected office holders, that the state is well-staffed with wildland firefighters following legislation approved earlier this year to increase firefighter starting pay to $15 an hour and also provide hazard pay up to 25% above their hourly wage.
"First it's too dry, then it's too wet and you're going to have fuel," Little said after the meeting. He said he felt the state is prepared for wildfire season but can never be 100% ready.
The Land Board directs the Idaho Department of Lands that is responsible for handling fire protection on 9,800 square miles (25,000 square kilometers) of state, federal and private land. The department had one of its worst wildfire seasons in 2021 with some 225 square miles (580 square kilometers) burned, six times the 20-year average and costing the state $75 million.
Jim Wallmann, a meteorologist at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, said above-normal precipitation the last three months has helped take areas of Idaho out of drought and abnormally dry conditions.
“This year we're looking a lot better because of the cooler and wetter spring that we've had," he told the board. "Drought has been removed from all of northern Idaho. We still have some drought in the southern portions of the state with the worst conditions along the Nevada and Utah borders.”
He said there's a greater chance for rangeland grass fires in southeastern Idaho in August and September, and southwestern Idaho in August.
“We do have a lot of grass out in the southern portion of the state,” he said.
For northern Idaho, he said, “we're not expecting any drought to develop this summer. It looks like a typical summer, maybe a little bit above normal for temperatures."
Josh Harvey, fire management bureau chief for the Lands Department, said the agency has 170 wildland firefighters this year, up from 140 in past years.
He also said the state for the first time has a full 20-person firefighting crew that can travel anywhere in the state to fight wildfires.
Harvey also said the agency this year will use four drones with infrared cameras that can detect hotspots where wildfires could reemerge.
Federal, state and local wildland firefighting agencies often compete for wildland firefighters, and Idaho appears to have held its own this year following the move by lawmakers to bump up starting pay and hazard pay.
“There is still some ongoing discussions regarding resource availability,” Harvey said. “But the outlook for this year is much better than it has been in years past. I think we've had significant success over some of our neighboring agencies in hiring.”
Idaho is now in its 10th year of having Rangeland Fire Protection Associations that are nonprofit organizations established to prevent and suppress range fires. The associations are often comprised of ranchers trained in wildland firefighting and who are often the first to respond because they live in the area. The groups have about 350 trained members this year, state officials said.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/idaho-wildfire-season-with-bolstered-crews/277-42e622db-cb55-4628-ac63-9bb07f02f31b | 2022-06-22T02:50:49 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/idaho-wildfire-season-with-bolstered-crews/277-42e622db-cb55-4628-ac63-9bb07f02f31b |
NORMAL — Heartland Community College has spent almost a third the $1 million dedicated to improving cybersecurity last June after a cyberattack in fall 2020.
On Tuesday night, Heartland Chief Information Officer Scott Bross updated the Heartland board of trustees on the changes since the funding was announced in June 2021.
“IT is doing great when you guys are not talking about IT, and you guys have not talked about IT in about a year,” Bross said.
Many of the improvements focus on protections for the college’s data center and backups. The attack prevented Heartland from accessing files, which shut down classes and took months to fully fix.
“That’s one of the things they really attempt to do, is put down your ability to actually do business,” Bross said.
Data center changes included adding more detection for unusual activity and a review of the college’s firewall. Backup improvements include off-site backups and a move, in progress, to what is called “air-gap” backups, which are not connected to the institution’s network.
Board documents show that the air-gap backup move, at about $243,000, has used a majority of the funds spent so far. Another $29,000 has gone toward backup software and $39,000 has gone toward penetration testing.
The college also is separating more of the widely accessed network from the parts of the network that hold important and valuable information, Bross said.
Even just implementing a better plan for patches and updates to servers can be important in preventing hackers from exploiting the system, he said.
“If they’re not being updated, we can be attacked in just a brief window (…) this keeps us current, it keeps us in action,” Bross said.
Heartland also is requiring multifactor authentication for employees. This is a trend far beyond education, he said, and is becoming a standard practice across internet services. Adding multifactor is one of the more visible changes that employees are interacting with on a daily basis.
President Keith Cornille said the college also is continuing its education efforts for students and employees to improve the human element of cybersecurity.
Bross plans to implement yearly third-party penetration testing, where the college hires experts who then try to hack into the system. This year the college gave the outside company a student login account.
The test did reveal some things the college should address, but nothing drastic, Bross said.
Later at the meeting, the board heard plans for the tentative fiscal 2023 budget, with a public hearing set for Sept. 20 before the scheduled board meeting.
Heartland Controller Justin Knorr said the staff anticipates a balanced budget of around $37 million in the education fund and operations and maintenance fund.
The tentative budget is planning on a 3.7% increase in total equalized assessed value and assumes even enrollment from the fiscal 2022 budget. The board has previously approved a $3 per credit hour increase in tuition and a $2 per credit hour increase in student fees.
Expenses are expected to increase due to salary raises and rising costs generally, Knorr said. The balance of where funds are being spent, and where they are coming from, is expected to stay substantially the same as the 2022 budget.
After a closed session, the board approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Heartland Faculty Association, which represents full-time faculty at the college. The agreement includes raises of 2.5%, 3% and 2.5% over the next three years respectively.
Part-time faculty are represented by a separate union.
Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter:@connorkwood | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/heartland-college-trustees-hear-cybersecurity-budget-updates-ok-faculty-contract/article_8b62c752-f1cc-11ec-8f5d-a7e19a96062f.html | 2022-06-22T02:50:53 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/heartland-college-trustees-hear-cybersecurity-budget-updates-ok-faculty-contract/article_8b62c752-f1cc-11ec-8f5d-a7e19a96062f.html |
Arizona Students prepare for the Wells Fargo National Junior Investment Competition in Florida7 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/phoenix-students-investment-competition-florida/7574195001/ | 2022-06-22T02:52:59 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/phoenix-students-investment-competition-florida/7574195001/ |
Overcrowded Phoenix animal shelter seeks homes for pets, waives adoption fees
Animal shelters in Phoenix are struggling to keep up with the number of pets without homes this summer and are encouraging people to adopt through programs and reduced adoption costs.
In an effort to reduce crowding, the Arizona Animal Welfare League is hosting a Summer of Love adoption event, which waives the adoption fee on a select 20 dogs and cats, according to Kimberly Vermillion, director of marketing and communication for the Arizona Animal Welfare League.
The event will run from June 21-26.
“We don’t require appointments, so if you’re interested in adopting, you can just stop by during our business hours to meet with an adoption counselor, and we can help you find your new best friend,” Vermillion said.
She said summer months mark the breeding season for cats across the country, but with Phoenix and southern Arizona’s high temperatures, “kitten season” can last from March all the way through October.
As a result, many animal shelters are overwhelmed by the number of cats and kittens in their care.
While its capacity fluctuates on a weekly basis based on what resources are available, the Arizona Humane Society is currently taking care of 1,200 pets total — 684 of which are at foster homes, with the vast majority of those animals being kittens.
"Every summer is definitely the most challenging,” said Bretta Nelson, public relations manager for the Arizona Humane Society.
Vermillion said the Arizona Animal Welfare League is running at its capacity, housing more than 330 animals at its location.
Adopt, don't shop: These pets may be up for adoption in Phoenix-area shelters
The shelter also is preparing to take in more pets on the Fourth of July, a night when many pets get spooked by fireworks and may get separated from their owners.
“With shelters already being very full, including ours, we just know that there’s an increased need from our community and we need to be able to support them and bring more animals into our shelter and we need to adopt some out to make room,” Vermillion said.
The Arizona Humane Society also has held and will continue to hold events with reduced adoption fees over the summer.
“If anyone is looking to adopt, now is definitely the time to do so,” Nelson said.
She also encouraged those interested in helping to volunteer with the Arizona Humane Society or consider fostering animals. For more information on getting involved, visit the Arizona Humane Society's website.
For more information on adoptable pets through the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s Summer of Love event, visit its website.
Reach breaking news reporter Sam Burdette at sburdette@gannett.com or on Twitter @SuperSafetySam.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/21/overcrowded-phoenix-animal-shelter-waives-adoption-fees/7695070001/ | 2022-06-22T02:53:05 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/21/overcrowded-phoenix-animal-shelter-waives-adoption-fees/7695070001/ |
Arizona man killed, woman hospitalized after tree falls on top of them during Minnesota storm
One Arizonan was killed and another hospitalized in Minnesota after a tree fell over their camper during a storm on Monday night.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota, at 11:40 p.m. they received a call that people were screaming for help from inside a camper at Lake Mary in Elmwood Resort near Alexandria.
A tree had fallen over their camper, trapping Debra Lynn Bunney, 66, and Mark Edward Bunney, 72, inside. Emergency personnel was able to free the couple, from Miami, Arizona, according to a news release.
Debra was taken to a hospital but Mark was pronounced dead at the scene. No other information on Debra's condition was released.
The sheriff's office said an investigation was ongoing.
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-man-killed-woman-injured-minnesota-after-tree-falls-them/7695067001/ | 2022-06-22T02:53:11 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-man-killed-woman-injured-minnesota-after-tree-falls-them/7695067001/ |
'We are trying to help people': Phoenix gas station owners slash prices to help drivers
The owners of C K Food Mart, a gas station located on the corner of 20th Street and Osborn Road in Phoenix, have decided to help Arizona residents in a big way — by lowering gas prices to 4.99 a gallon.
Other gas stations in the Valley have almost reached a $6 per gallon price tag, but owners Jaswinder Singh and Ramandeep Kaur say that cutting roughly .70 cents per the price of a gallon from the county average is their way of helping their community. "Gas is too expensive. We are trying to help people," said Singh.
They made the decision four months ago. Cars now pile up at the gas station and people are in line with cash in hand ready to get their gas.
They only accept debit payments and cash at their pumps for people to get the reduced gas price. "We used to take credit but we got a lot of chargebacks," Singh said.
And while slashing the prices means losing money, Singh said that the blessings they receive from people are "more important than money. Money we can make later. Right now we know that the situation is pretty tight and people need to save money," Singh said.
Arizona native Patricia Vaughn has always gotten her gas at C K Food Mart, but what Kaur and Singh are doing has given her a reason to always come back. "I came here today to fill up my van and take it back I thought I would spend $80 or $90, but I only spent $55," Vaughn said.
Another Arizona resident, Santiago Reyes, has decided to get his gas from here to save money. "I heard about it and shot down here. Couldn't believe it but it's true," he said.
Kaur said people from out of state are also going out of their way to make a stop at their gas station and fill up. "They want to see if we are doing this and they take pictures with us, and send thank you cards," said Kaur.
Throughout this gas price surge, C K Food Mart has kept their gas prices at no higher than $5.19 per gallon, Singh said.
According to the American Automobile Association, Arizona has an average price of $5.37 a gallon as of June 21, 2022, while the national average sits at $4.97.
However, Maricopa County is the most expensive in Arizona, with an average of $5.67. In the Phoenix-Mesa region, the average is priced at 5.65 per gallon.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/22/phoenix-gas-station-owners-slash-prices-help-drivers/7695185001/ | 2022-06-22T02:53:17 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/22/phoenix-gas-station-owners-slash-prices-help-drivers/7695185001/ |
Arizona lottery numbers, June 20
Associated Press
These Arizona lotteries were drawn Monday:
Pick 3
2-2-8
Fantasy 5
07-35-37-39-40
Estimated jackpot: $54,000
The Pick
01-03-07-08-09-18
Estimated jackpot: $1.1 million
Triple Twist
03-08-24-30-33-42
Estimated jackpot: $469,000
Mega Millions
Estimated jackpot: $290 million
Powerball
03-44-61-63-69, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2
Estimated jackpot: $312 million | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-lottery-numbers-june-20/7695498001/ | 2022-06-22T02:53:35 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-lottery-numbers-june-20/7695498001/ |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Katie Britt, the former aide to Sen. Richard Shelby and the former head of the Business Council of Alabama, has won the Republican nomination in the US Senate runoff race Tuesday.
Britt, 40, was declared the winner by the Associated Press over Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5) just after 8:30 p.m. with 65% of the votes. The race was called with 35% of the votes being reported. She had been the heavy favorite in a recent poll conducted by CBS 42, The Hill and Emerson College last week.
Brooks had requested a debate between the candidates ahead of the runoff election to which Britt declined. She narrowly avoided the runoff in the May 24 primary election, garnering nearly 45% of the votes. But due to not reaching that 50% threshold, second-place vote-getter Brooks forced another election.
“The next step is to send Joe Biden a message in November,” Britt said during her election win. “I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow Republican nominees across the country to retake the House and the Senate so we can once again put America first.”
Britt had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the days leading up to the election which may or may not have swayed voters. The same poll found that the number of voters who took into account the endorsement fell from 50% to 40%.
Brooks had previously been endorsed by the former president but lost it in April 2021. Trump had not endorsed any other candidate before the primary and after Brooks attempted to get the backing again, Trump officially co-signed Britt.
Congratulatory messages for Britt have come from a handful of organizations and public officials since she was declared the winner. Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman for the Republican National Committee released a statement saying Britt “will advance Alabama values” and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth tweeted that Britt “will be a great Senator.”
Britt will now face off against Democratic challenger Will Boyd, a former pastor and the former chair of the Lauderdale County Democratic Party, in the Nov. 8 general election. Boyd ran away in the Democratic race, netting more than 63% of the total votes cast. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/katie-britt-wins-republican-nomination-for-us-senate/ | 2022-06-22T02:56:44 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/katie-britt-wins-republican-nomination-for-us-senate/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — An Indiana man who traveled to Portland to join protests in the summer of 2020 was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Malik Muhammad, 25, pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges after tossing Molotov cocktails at police in Portland and breaking windows during protests. He was initially charged with 26 felonies in Multnomah County, and the U.S. Attorney's office later added federal charges.
“The risk of a law enforcement officer or community member being seriously hurt or killed by the actions of this individual was very real,” said Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell in a statement. “I’m gratified to know that he is being held accountable for the danger his criminal actions caused.”
During a sentencing hearing Tuesday, Muhammad expressed remorse and explained he wasn’t on his medication for bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
In late summer 2020, Muhammad traveled with his girlfriend from Indianapolis to Portland to participate in the racial justice protests, explained prosecutors.
On Sept. 5, Muhammad provided baseball bats to rioters at a demonstration where people threw Molotov cocktails and other dangerous objects at police, according to court documents. After the demonstration, police found a discarded bat with a Goodwill price tag. Police later recovered surveillance video from Goodwill showing Muhammad and his girlfriend purchasing the bats and several growler bottles.
During another demonstration on Sept. 21, 2020, law enforcement saw someone light an object on fire and throw it toward a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office building, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The makeshift Molotov cocktail, which did not explode, was made with one of the growlers Muhammad had purchased at Goodwill. Police also linked the bottle to Muhammad by DNA.
Two days later at another demonstration, Muhammad was seen on video throwing another Molotov cocktail in a large growler toward law enforcement. The device exploded and an officer's pant leg caught on fire, prosecutors said.
On Oct. 11, 2020, a group of rioters began vandalizing businesses and parks in downtown Portland, including the Oregon Historical Society. Police said Muhammad smashed the windows of multiple buildings and officers arrested him after a short chase. Muhammad was carrying a loaded handgun magazine that matched a loaded handgun found discarded near the location of his arrest.
After Muhammad's October 2020 arrest, law enforcement found messages on his cell phone bragging about providing the baseball bats, as well as a shopping list of supplies commonly used to make Molotov cocktails.
The U.S. Attorney's office said Muhammad also traveled to Louisville, Ky. in August 2020 to meet with antigovernment extremist groups for firearms and tactical training. He also posted on social media promoting violence toward law enforcement in other cities experiencing large protest movements, like Chicago and Kenosha, Wis.
As part of his sentencing, Muhammad forfeited several guns and weapons. His federal sentence will run concurrently with a 10-year sentence recently imposed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Muhammad will serve his 10-year sentence in Oregon state prison.
Editor's note: The video attached to this story aired in March 2022. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/protests/indiana-man-sentenced-2020-portland-protests/283-23111462-4ec7-434d-ac10-2c5a1662c00d | 2022-06-22T02:57:11 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/protests/indiana-man-sentenced-2020-portland-protests/283-23111462-4ec7-434d-ac10-2c5a1662c00d |
HOUSTON — A simple car ride can have deadly consequences if you forget about what's in the backseat.
An average of nearly 40 children a year die nationwide in hot cars. This is why automakers are promising all new vehicles will have rear seat safety alarms by 2025.
How they work
One alarm system will allow your vehicle to sense when a backseat seatbelt is locked. A display will appear on the dash when the car starts, indicating a seatbelt was locked. When the car comes to a stop, an alarm will go off, signaling to check the backseat.
Cell phone providers are also assisting with rear seat safety alarms by allowing drivers to connect a plug-in device into the computer of their vehicles. It's a mirror image of your car, so if your car has an alert to check your backseat, your phone will also alert you to check your backseat.
Other, more sophisticated alarms, sense actual motion in the backseat after a driver leaves.
According to the KHOU 11 Weather Team, the heat will be sticking around for the next several days, with no relief in sight until maybe Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Amber Rollins, with the nonprofit Kids and Car Safety, said Texas has the highest number of hot car deaths in the country. Nationwide, 56% of hot car deaths happen when a child is accidentally left in a car. Twenty-six percent when a child gets in themselves and can’t get out.
RELATED: Boy dies after being left in vehicle for several hours at NE Harris County home, sheriff says
It doesn’t take long for a car to become an oven.
"Most people don’t realize that the majority of the increase in temperature inside of a car happens within the first 10 minutes," Rollins said. “Their little bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult.”
Rollins says kids should know three things:
- How to honk the horn
- How to turn on flashers
- How to unlock a front door if they can’t get out of a back one
Additionally, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said kids should know how to unbuckle their car seats. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/rear-seat-alarm-installed-new-vehicles-by-2025/285-a8456fb6-861c-49c7-91a9-14bb4143adbc | 2022-06-22T02:57:17 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/rear-seat-alarm-installed-new-vehicles-by-2025/285-a8456fb6-861c-49c7-91a9-14bb4143adbc |
This summer might be the perfect time to visit a farm or pick-your-own field with your family and friends.
Farms around the region will grow a variety of fruits and vegetables for the season, and different fruits are available for the summer months.
Whether you live in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, there are PYO farms all over. Some U-Pick farms only accept cash, so it may be best to check the farm’s website or call to confirm payment options.
Here are some pick-your-own farms in the tri-state area:
New York
Patty’s Berries & Bunches
Pick your own: Strawberries & Sugar Snap Peas
Blueberry, Raspberry & Blackberry picking starts in July/August
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lewin Farms
Pick your own: Strawberries, Raspberries & Blueberries
Blackberry & Peach picking starts in July
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
News
Rose Hill Farm
Pick your own: Strawberries & Cherries
Blueberry, Apricot & Plum picking starts in July
Hours: Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Greig Farm
Pick your own: Strawberries & Peas
Blueberry & Blackberry picking starts in July/August
Hours: Thursday-Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Jersey
Happy Day Farm
Pick your own: Raspberries & Blueberries
Sunflower picking starts in July
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stonyfield Orchard
Pick your own: Strawberries & Sour Cherries
Peach & Plum picking starts in July/August
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hallock’s U-Pick Farm
Pick your own: Greens, Beets & Sweet Peas
Tomato, Peppers & Lima Bean picking starts in July/August
Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m; Weekends 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lee Turkey Farm
Pick your own: Cherries, Lettuce, Spinach & Peas
Broccoli & Sweet Corn picking starts soon
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Connecticut
March Farm
Pick your own: Cherries
Blueberry & Peach picking starts in July
Hours: Everyday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lyman Orchards
Pick your own: Strawberries & Raspberries
Blueberry, Jostaberry & Peach picking starts in July
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Holmberg Orchards
Pick your own: Raspberries
Blueberry, Blackberry & Peach picking starts in July/August
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. *summer hours*
Silverman’s Farm
Pick your own: Raspberries & Blueberries in July
Apple picking starts in August
Hours: Everyday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fruit picking is also subject to crop availability. Farms recommend calling ahead of time before the day of your visit to see what’s available.
Besides fruit picking, most farms have space available for picnicking, farmers markets, pop-up events and music.
Visit the calendar or events page on their website to find upcoming events. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/pick-your-own-fruits-and-more-in-the-tri-state-area-this-summer/3739411/ | 2022-06-22T03:00:13 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/pick-your-own-fruits-and-more-in-the-tri-state-area-this-summer/3739411/ |
Publix bringing tech campus to downtown Lakeland; will demolish old Citrus Mutual building
LAKELAND — Publix Super Markets Inc. has selected the former FedEx building in downtown Lakeland as the site of its new technology campus.
Matthew Lyons, chief planner for Lakeland, said Publix has purchased 333 E. Lemon St. The company currently leases a portion of The Ledger's building for some of its IT workers.
Lakeland lawyer Sergio Garcia, representing Publix, confirmed this at the city's Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Tuesday morning.
"Yes, they will be adding employees," Garcia said.
Previously:Publix gains tax breaks, public funding to renovate former FedEx building in downtown Lakeland
Parking lots:Publix says it wants a new parking lot downtown. But Lakeland's trying to get rid of those
High-rises planned:The Ledger site could include Downtown Lakeland's next multifamily housing complex
Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Lakeland-based grocer has been engaged in a national search for its new technology campus since at least March. Other locations under consideration included Atlanta and North Carolina.
The former FedEx building covers more than two acres and has an assessed value of about $7.4 million, according to county records. The Polk County Property Appraiser's website has not yet been updated to reflect how much Publix paid for the 142,000-square-foot building.
In 2021, FedEx paid approximately $154,000 in state, county and city taxes.
Publix secured $26 million in tax breaks and public funding valued at $500,0000 from Polk County to choose Lakeland over the competing cities.
The county and city of Lakeland will each give Publix $250,000 over the next three years, for a total of $500,000, if it creates the 100 new full-time jobs promised. The company said the technology positions would pay an annual average wage of $93,500, or about double median wage countywide.
Publix expects to spend at least $40 million in real property improvements, the purchase of equipment and other tangible personal property.
Also on Tuesday, the company received unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Board to tear down the former Florida Citrus Mutual building at 411 E. Orange St. and repave it for a surface parking lot.
The lot is just south of Orange Street and east of Massachusetts Avenue from the building that will house its new tech campus.
Garcia said the company plans to demolish the existing building and then pave it to add 71 spaces for a total of 268 parking spaces. The plan calls for repaving the north side of the lot, adding improved landscaping and addressing storm water drainage issues stemming from the site.
Chuck Barmby, Lakeland's planning and transportation manager, said the city has placed a five-year time limit on Publix's conditional use of the site as surface parking in a C-6, or downtown commercial, zoned area.
"The concern of staff is we end up with a long-term surface parking lot between downtown and Lake Morton," Barmby said.
Garcia said he is not aware whether Publix has any future development plans for the site at this time, including a parking garage.
Julie Townsend, executive director of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, said the agency is "not thrilled" to lose a building in downtown Lakeland but supportive of Publix as a whole.
"t’s a very important site for downtown. We don’t want to see it be surface parking in perpetuity," Townsend said. "With the conditions the city has proposed, we can move forward and see something amazing built on this site in the near future."
Publix will be expected to submit an annual analysis to the city beyond the initial five years if it wants to extend its use of the property for surface level parking, Barmby said. The company will be asked how many employees it has downtown versus what parking spaces are available, and whether parking can be found elsewhere.
Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/21/lakeland-publix-plans-new-tech-campus-downtown-buys-fedex-building/7691402001/ | 2022-06-22T03:16:14 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/06/21/lakeland-publix-plans-new-tech-campus-downtown-buys-fedex-building/7691402001/ |
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (KOIN) — As summer begins, the turn of the season marks nearly one year since an unprecedented heat dome baked the Pacific Northwest with temperatures higher than 115 degrees. 96 people died across Oregon, including 72 in Multnomah County. The county has now changed how it will approach extreme heat events in 2022.
Instead of three large cooling centers, emergency management director, Chris Voss says, the have identified 18 locations of various sizes around the city in order to be more accessible for people in need of relief.
How the centers are supplied will change as well, after the county acquired one warehouse to store all of its emergency response equipment, in terms of water, blankets, beds and food.
During an emergency heat declaration, TriMet fares will also be waived to take community members to cooling centers.
“We know we can support more shelters and support them faster,” Voss said.
It comes as Portland will warm up quickly to start summer, from temperatures in the 60s last week, with 90s expected over the weekend.
“Early on in the summer, there’s a lot more risk especially if you haven’t acclimated to the heat. So, the fact we have gone from such a cold spell to actually starting to see some warmth here, that can play in,” Voss said.
Voss does not expect cooling centers to open this weekend, saying the heat event is “moderate” according to the National Weather Service, the worst of the heat is forecasted to be short lived, and the night time temperatures are cooler than during the 2021 heat dome.
Oregon Health & Science University associate professor Dr. Sean Robinson says there are things people can do to get themselves ready for the heat, like being in physically fit shape.
“The best strategy is to stay hydrated, slow down, seek shade and really pay attention to your body in for those early warning signs of heat stroke and pull back with whatever you’re doing,” Robinson said.
Robinson says symptoms like nausea, dizziness, pins and needle feelings, extreme sweating are some of those signs to pull back.
Both Robinson and Voss say people should check in on their family members and neighbors who are elderly or have health issues in order to make sure they are staying cool and staying safe.
Robinson says cooling them down immediately is the best way to save their life.
“There are lots of data that if you don’t cool them down, within the first thirty minutes, the risk of death increases. So, you want to cool them down before they even go to the hospital.” | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/multco-prepares-for-extreme-heat-events-after-2021-heat-dome/ | 2022-06-22T03:16:14 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/multco-prepares-for-extreme-heat-events-after-2021-heat-dome/ |
GARY — Alliance Steel in Gary named a new president and chief operating officer.
The steel company based at 2700 E. 5th Ave. in downtown Gary selected Andrew “Drew” Gross to serve as president and COO.
“It will be an incredible honor to lead this remarkable organization into its next chapter," he said. "My father (Andy Gross) laid a strong foundation while creating a first-class company, and when I look back at who Alliance has become over the years, I can honestly say it has been an amazing experience growing this business together.”
Gross has more than 15 years of experience with the flat-rolled coil service center and toll processor that supplies original equipment manufacturers and fabricators. He has worked in merchandising, sales, account management, marketing, strategic planning and business development, most recently serving as Alliance Steel's corporate vice president.
“In our next phase of continued excellence in sales, customer service, and value-added services, I look forward to cultivating new opportunities to better serve our customers in every sector with forward-thinking and creative solutions," he said.
“I want to thank all the employees, customers, and vendors of the Alliance Steel family of companies," Gross said. "Your continued support and efforts will move us forward through new challenges, opportunities, and ultimately further growth.”
In 2020, the company moved from Illinois to Gary, where it has a 500,00-square-foot plant with slitters, a heavy-gauge line, fiber lasers, multi–blanking, cut-to-length, stretcher leveling, metallurgical capabilities and rail service. It has additional operations in Atlanta and Memphis.
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"Centennial Park has become a regional, destination type of park. The fees were set at a price point to be attractive for visitors but to also capture funds to help offset their impact on the park."
"It's gratifying to be able to help a military family, especially at a time when people in this country say 'thank you for your service' as lip service."
Giant life-sized dinosaurs, including colossal T-Rexes and Brontosauruses that stand up to 14 feet tall, will soon invade Harvest Tyme at 17904 Grant St in Lowell.
A drive from Gary east along the South Shore Line, where "we are in full-bore construction mode" provides the most evident example of the confluence of several efforts in 2022. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/alliance-steel-names-new-chief-operating-officer/article_8dcf2d94-c66a-5ccb-8639-b1610ee66cc6.html | 2022-06-22T03:16:56 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/alliance-steel-names-new-chief-operating-officer/article_8dcf2d94-c66a-5ccb-8639-b1610ee66cc6.html |
GARY — First responders watching over the Lake Michigan shoreline had a busy day Tuesday.
Around 6:30 p.m. a jet ski with a man and a woman riding it began to sink a half-mile from the shore at Marquette Beach in Gary, said Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Alex Neel.
The Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit was able to rescue the man and woman, who were taken to safety.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, a lifeguard on a paddle board saw a man struggling in the water at Indiana Dunes State Park and helped him to safety. The man refused transportation to a hospital, Neel said.
In Michigan City, first responders helped another struggling individual to shore Tuesday.
There had been no reported drownings with first responders able to get everyone safely out of the water. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/first-responders-make-multiple-rescues-across-nwi-shore-tuesday/article_9943a779-f7ca-51b5-aa40-7e86cc793d33.html | 2022-06-22T03:17:08 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/first-responders-make-multiple-rescues-across-nwi-shore-tuesday/article_9943a779-f7ca-51b5-aa40-7e86cc793d33.html |
CALUMET CITY — The FBI is investigating an armored truck robbery in Calumet City on Tuesday morning.
At 9:27 a.m. four men robbed an armored truck at 1701 River Oaks Drive, said FBI Special Agent and Public Affairs Coordinator Siobhan Johnson.
The truck was replenishing cash at a drive-thru ATM at the Bank of America.
Authorities said the suspects appear to be black males aged in their 20s. Investigators are still working to identify them.
Johnson said there is no additional information that can be released at this time.
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Anna Ortiz
Night Crime/Breaking News Reporter
Anna Ortiz is the breaking news/crime reporter for The Times, covering crime, politics, courts and investigative news. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a major in journalism and minor in anthropology. 219-933-4194, anna.ortiz@nwi.com
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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/group-robs-armored-truck-at-calumet-city-bank-fbi-says/article_a640c652-bc27-5be8-969c-f6dc04bfec3c.html | 2022-06-22T03:17:14 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/group-robs-armored-truck-at-calumet-city-bank-fbi-says/article_a640c652-bc27-5be8-969c-f6dc04bfec3c.html |
MERRILLVILLE — An East Chicago man was fatally shot in his home early Tuesday, prompting a homicide investigation.
At 12:13 a.m. a woman called 911 stating that her two sons were shooting at each other inside their house and one of them was yelling that he had been shot, said East Chicago Chief of Police Jose Rivera.
Police arrived at 416 Vernon Ave. in East Chicago and found Shaye L. Day, 24, of Chicago, who had been shot in his abdomen. He was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
Police entered the back of the apartment, following a trail of blood. Inside a bedroom, officers found 28-year-old Jordan Day, of East Chicago, who was unresponsive and bleeding from his head. An AR-15-style rifle was found next to him.
A third person involved in the shooting arrived at St. Catherine Hospital of their own accord. The third victim, identified as Isiah Hollins, 25, of East Chicago, said he heard the two men arguing and then he heard shots fired. He told officers ran out of the apartment after he was shot in the leg and he was taken to the hospital by a friend.
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The Lake County coroner's office was dispatched around 2:55 a.m. Tuesday to 416 Vernon Ave. in East Chicago.
According to the coroner's report, Day died at the scene of the shooting. His death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds, and his manner of death was classified as a homicide.
The Lake County coroner's office, the East Chicago Police Department, Superior Ambulance and the Lake County Sheriff's CSI responded to the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call East Chicago Detective Isaac Washington at 219-391-8318 or email iwashington@eastchicago.com. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 219-391-8500. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-brothers-get-into-shootout-with-each-other-in-east-chicago-homicide-chief-says/article_af2c4ef3-a105-5d1a-97c8-f9797cad148e.html | 2022-06-22T03:17:20 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-brothers-get-into-shootout-with-each-other-in-east-chicago-homicide-chief-says/article_af2c4ef3-a105-5d1a-97c8-f9797cad148e.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando beauty shop owner is now collateral damage in a dispute between businesses following a viral video showing a woman using a racial slur at a local restaurant.
Iris Mejia owns Beauty Bar Orlando on Hillcrest St. near E. Colonial. Last week, her shop was vandalized with racial slurs.
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Phrases like “Go back to your cage monkey” were plastered across her building with spray paint.
People are harassing the shop owner because they mistook her business for another shop with a similar name.
Kristen Nguyen, an employee at King Cajun Crawfish on Mills Avenue recorded this video last week.
Nguyen said the customer captured on video spewed racist phrases at her after being denied a refund for food she ate.
In the video, you can hear the customer address staff at the restaurant using racial pejoratives, saying, “Take your [expletive] back to your county, ch***-ch***!”
“We cannot accept this kind of behavior, which is the main reason I put it online,” Nguyen said.
Angry social media users were quick to act. They began leaving bad reviews about the shop on Google and sending racially charged messages in return — but they targeted the wrong business.
Nigel Mejia is the shop owner’s son. He said finding his mom’s business vandalized was a complete shock.
“We shouldn’t be fighting hate with hate,” he said.
Iris said she has been in distress. The slew of hateful reviews on Google tarnished her once five-star rating. She has also received threats to burn her business down.
Michelle Niesluchowski is a hairstylist who runs a separate business in the building. She said what is happening to Iris is devastating.
“It’s terrible. That’s not the answer for anything. You know, it’s just perpetuating more hate and more violence,” she said.
Niesluchowski called Iris Mejia amazing and kind. Iris’ son said his mother would never spew hate like this.
Niesluchowski said multiple people have also booked fake appointments at the shop, leaving nasty comments.
“It’s been a complete waste of money and time,” she said.
Nigel created a GoFundMe to help cover profit loss and clean up. So far it has gained more than half the $10,000 goal.
Iris said she has filed multiple police reports. For their safety, she even put up surveillance cameras around the building.
Iris is pleading with the community to stop harassing her. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/beauty-shop-targeted-building-vandalized-with-racial-slurs/ | 2022-06-22T03:22:56 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/beauty-shop-targeted-building-vandalized-with-racial-slurs/ |
A chaotic Kenosha County Board of Supervisors meeting adjourned after a Kenosha man was arrested during public comments Tuesday night.
The meeting, held in the Kenosha County Administration Building, 1010 56th St., in the County Board chambers, ended after about an hour-and-a-half of public comments.
The board was considering a proposed resolution to amend an ordinance to allow firearms and electronic control devices in some Kenosha County buildings, a proposed policy that would give the Kenosha County executive the power to terminate the employment of division heads, and a resolution prohibiting the acceptance of grants or donations from non-governmental entities for purposes of funding the administration of elections.
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More than two dozen area residents signed up to participate in the public comment portion of the meeting and were each allotted 5 minutes to speak.
Joel Trudell, 43, was arrested during his speech by Kenosha County Sheriff's Department deputies after he refused to stop speaking after County Board Chairman Gabe Nudo told him to stop for allegedly being out of order.
Some of the supervisors were visibly upset about the incident and many attendees shouted for the man to be released and allowed to continue speaking.
The county's full recording of the meeting was not immediately available late Tuesday.
It's not clear when the previously scheduled issues will be brought back up for a debate and vote.
This is a developing story. Visit KenoshaNews.com for additional information. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-kenosha-county-board-meeting-erupts-in-chaos-during-public-comments/article_3888dfc4-f1d3-11ec-88dc-e30f399bf5b9.html | 2022-06-22T03:24:12 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-kenosha-county-board-meeting-erupts-in-chaos-during-public-comments/article_3888dfc4-f1d3-11ec-88dc-e30f399bf5b9.html |
VAN BUREN, Ark. — Exactly 37 years ago, Linda Dickson was driving in Van Buren when she noticed in her rearview mirror an 18-wheeler which had just plowed into the side of a building.
"It was a life changing event” she recalled.
The 18-wheeler was loaded with frozen pork steaks, lost its brakes, and came barreling down log town hill. After hitting the railroad tracks at the train depot, the truck went airborne and landed on a car with people inside.
“As we turned around to look back at the building, that’s when we noticed a vehicle bumper in the middle of the street and that’s when we realized that there were more people involved in this than we originally thought.” Said Dickson.
Linda is one of the few eyewitnesses alive to describe the tragedy. She remembers the sounds of the truck crossing the railroad and the collision.
“It haunts me any time I think about it actually because the sounds were horrific.” She recalled.
There was an explosion after the crash, and it took several hours to put the fire out along with several days to clean up the wreckage that had killed nine people.
In 1985, the building that the truck crashed into was a pharmacy, now it is a small park that marks the site where the accident happened. The park is dedicated to the memory of the nine people who lost their lives. Their names are on a plaque near the park’s entrance.
“I think it’s a wonderful way to remember those folks whose lives were taken away from them so early, particularly the children.” Said Dickson.
This accident may have been 37 years ago, but Linda still has a heart full of gratitude that she was not involved in the crash.
"It made me very thankful that we were 2 seconds earlier passing through that intersection,” said Dickson.
The Van Buren City Council passed an ordinance reinforcing a law banning all 18-wheelers from traveling down log town hill. a report from the national transportation safety board showed the driver of the truck ignored posted signs meant to keep tractor-trailers off the road.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/37-anniversary-log-town-hill-crash/527-88fe8e27-2d24-4300-bfbc-896091780a3f | 2022-06-22T03:28:12 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/37-anniversary-log-town-hill-crash/527-88fe8e27-2d24-4300-bfbc-896091780a3f |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — During Monday night's, June 21, Fayetteville City Council meeting, nothing was voted on for their newly recommend water and sewer rate change. The council specifically set aside time to hear from the community.
"I'm concerned," said Greenland City Councilmember Jim Renfrow.
Renfrow along with West Fork Mayor Helth Caudle were the only two speakers during the public comment section of the water and sewage rate discussion.
"West Fork is made of predominately of fixed-income families,” said Caudle. “We are struggling right to pay the bills."
After 14 years, the City of Fayetteville is looking to make changes to its water and sewer rates.
"The water used, by each customer class goes back to configure what their cost service should be," said a man with the City of Fayetteville.
Construction firm Black and Veatch made the recommendations to Fayetteville. Residents within Fayetteville could see a 6% decrease in water rates. However, for residents outside of Fayetteville city limits and use Fayetteville water, like Farmington, West fork, Greenland, etc. it’s recommended to increase the rate by a little more than 10%.
Businesses inside the city could pay 10% more. While businesses outside city limits could face about a 22% increase.
"A quarter of our revenue is going into the water and sewer department just to stay afloat," Caudle said.
He added that his city has dipped into savings to pay Fayetteville. However, Caudle’s main concern is the sewage rate. According to Caudle, the minimum for sewage in West Fork is $47.
"That's before you turn on the dishwasher, the washing machine; $47, that's just for the sewer," Caudle said.
He says the bill would jump to about $68, after the recommended increase.
“The citizens of West Fork, they can't take that type of increase," said Caudle. “We will by far have the highest sewer rates in NW Arkansas."
Both elected officials also mentioned how they did not get enough notice from Fayetteville on the rate change to notify and answer citizen questions. Saying they want the city to do better at notifying them.
The Fayetteville City Council decided to table this measure and will discuss it again on July 19th asking for more public comment.
If approved, the increase would go into effect January 1.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-city-council-discuss-changing-sewage-water-rates/527-e60ee612-de21-41a0-bbae-47ad9f58971c | 2022-06-22T03:28:17 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-city-council-discuss-changing-sewage-water-rates/527-e60ee612-de21-41a0-bbae-47ad9f58971c |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Kingsport city leaders gave final approval Tuesday night to a budget containing a property tax increase plus water and sewer rate hikes.
The budget includes a 12-cent property tax increase, which will bring the rate to $1.99 per $100 of assessed value. According to the city, the tax hike amounts to a 6.4% increase. The owner of a $292,000 home will pay $7.31 more per month, according to the city.
It is the city’s first property tax increase since 2014, when rates were increased by 13 cents.
“We do not take it lightly that we are having to raise taxes,” City Manager Chris McCartt told the board Tuesday night.
McCartt said the increase was necessary for the city to continue offering competitive salaries and wages. Staffing shortages have impacted several city departments. The budget includes a 5% cost of living adjustment and a step increase for city workers that McCartt hopes will increase employee retention and attraction.
“In order for us to stay competitive and to be where we need to be to move the city forward, this was the only option that we had absent of making significant, and I mean significant cuts,” McCartt said.
According to McCartt, most city departments’ operating budgets were kept flat in the budget and operational cuts have been made.
To top it off, the city is also being squeezed by inflation and high gas prices.
“I’ll give you an example, the city is paying, right now, $173,000 a month for fuel – gas, diesel, propane, even,” Mayor Pat Shull told News Channel 11. “And as contracts expire, you know, we’re subject to rate increases for what we pay for fuel.”
Tuesday night, the board also approved water and sewer budgets, both of which include rate hikes. City water customers will see a 7.5% increase and sewer customers will see a 13.5% increase. The new rates will take effect July 1.
During a previous BMA meeting, Deputy City Manager cited flat revenue, aging infrastructure, regulatory pressure, and a state comptroller’s directive as reasons behind the water and sewer rate increases. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-bma-approves-budget-with-tax-rate-increases/ | 2022-06-22T03:32:15 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-bma-approves-budget-with-tax-rate-increases/ |
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A petition is being circulated to stop the closure of Sullivan County’s Innovation Academy.
As of Tuesday night, the petition had more than 300 signatures.
The Innovation Academy is a regional middle school focused on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Sullivan County Board of Education recently voted to close the school, citing a multi-million dollar drop in funding.
In a letter sent Monday to Innovation Academy families, the school’s principal said parents must submit a form telling the school district which school they want their student to attend next school year.
The county commission’s budget committee is set to vote on the school’s budget in a meeting Wednesday afternoon. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/petition-calls-for-innovation-academy-to-stay-open/ | 2022-06-22T03:32:21 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/petition-calls-for-innovation-academy-to-stay-open/ |
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — The pool at Lackawanna State Park is closed for the 2022 season according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources page.
Officials say they can't find enough lifeguards to keep swimmers safe and will continue to work on hiring lifeguards for next season.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lackawanna-state-park-pool-closed-for-season-pennsylvania-department-of-conservation-lifeguards-shortage-hiring/523-dcd0e553-5679-473e-a682-a84f2577291a | 2022-06-22T03:38:16 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/lackawanna-state-park-pool-closed-for-season-pennsylvania-department-of-conservation-lifeguards-shortage-hiring/523-dcd0e553-5679-473e-a682-a84f2577291a |
PITTSTON, Pa. — Low-lying areas along the Susquehanna saw some of the highest flood waters during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. While many remember the damage in Wilkes-Barre, a community miles north experienced significant flooding as well.
"You'd never saw anything like it in your life," said 91-year-old John Williams of West Pittston.
Williams grew up in West Pittston and has lived in the small community for most of his life. He distinctly remembers that day in 1972 and the 5 a.m. wake-up call for a neighbor warning him, his wife, and kids to evacuate.
Steady rains from Hurricane Agnes lead to flooding. Water rose above the banks of the Susquehanna and covered two bridges between Pittston and West Pittston.
"A neighbor of mine, he was over in Pittston working and the river went up. He had his wife and four children next door [in West Pittston.] He walked across the [rail] bridge over the railroad ties," Williams said. "You're stepping on them. The [water was] up to the bottom of the tie. It was nuts."
After taking his kids to a relative's house in Dallas, Williams returned home; later pulling an old wooden boat from a nearby shed and rowing past homes filling with water.
"Going down to York Avenue, most of the houses had flood water in them," he said. "Some up four feet, five feet."
His aunts and uncle lived a few blocks south of his home on Washington Street. There, the flooding was worse.
After trudging through waters to get to higher ground and shelter, Williams said one of his aunts realized she'd forgotten an essential item.
"I took the boat around to the front steps. She hops out with the two six-packs, gets in the boat. I took her through yards, over fences and then we go over near Exeter Avenue," he said. "I pulled into somebody's back yard and they were eating inside and 'there's a boat in our yard.' She just hopped out with the two six-packs and down to my uncle's house."
While his home was spared, Williams said he'll never forget those moments and the destruction.
"It was so quiet. It was eerie," he said. "You didn't hear anything because the river went down this way and then circled around during Agnes."
Williams said it took months for the community to recover. He remembers his neighbors tearing out walls, shoveling mud, and replacing floorboards for weeks.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes, WNEP will have special live coverage Thursday, June 23rd during Newswatch 16 This Morning, beginning at 4:30 a.m.
Later that evening, a special entitles "Agnes: 50 Years Later" will air at 7:30 on WNEP 2 and streaming on WNEP.COM, Roku, and Fire TV.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/remembering-hurricane-agnes-flooding-in-west-pittston-luzerne-county-john-williams-susquehanna-river/523-564c67d5-1a35-4b26-aef1-5e8fe0abb7af | 2022-06-22T03:38:17 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/remembering-hurricane-agnes-flooding-in-west-pittston-luzerne-county-john-williams-susquehanna-river/523-564c67d5-1a35-4b26-aef1-5e8fe0abb7af |
Michigan adds 10,681 cases, 69 deaths from COVID-19 over six days
Michigan's COVID-19 hospitalization and case rates declined for the fifth straight week, according to totals released late Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Starting this week, Michigan's weekly COVID-19 dashboard update "will move from Wednesdays to Tuesdays, the state health department said.
The state added 10,681 cases and 69 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, including totals from the previous five days. Michigan reported an average of about 1,780 cases per day over the last seven days, a decrease from 2,225 cases per day a week prior.
On June 15, the state said it had added 15,578 cases and 137 deaths from the virus in the previous week.
On Monday, the state reported that 681 adults and 18 pediatric patients were hospitalized with confirmed infections, a slight decline from 800 adults and 27 children last week.
Inpatient records were set on Jan. 10, when 4,580 adults were hospitalized with COVID-19.
About 4.3% of the state's hospital beds were filled with COVID-19 patients, and there was an average of 1,192 emergency room visits related to COVID-19 per day in the state as of Monday. That compares with 24% of hospital beds being full and 2,889 daily emergency room visits due to the virus in the first week of January.
Between June 10-16, about 12% of Michigan's COVID-19 tests returned positive.
All Metro Detroit health departments are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend indoor masking for public settings and K-12 schools as the rate of infection has grown from "medium" to "high."
Tuesday’s additions bring the state's overall totals to 2,592,078 cases and 36,774 deaths since the virus was first detected here in March 2020.
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Twelve Michigan counties remain at a "high" level for the increased burden on health care or severe disease: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Delta, Grand Traverse, Iron, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Montmorency and Presque Isle.
Another 22 counties, mostly in northern Michigan, have a "medium" transmission level, according to the state health department.
Case counts are well below early January, when the state set a new high mark with more than 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per day.
In Michigan, variants of the virus have moved at a high rate, proving more contagious than past variants and infecting unvaccinated and vaccinated residents.
A new iteration of the omicron variant, BA.2, now is the dominant strain across Michigan and the country, but experts say another surge of cases is unlikely.
The Food and Drug Administration expanded its approval of Remdesivir on April 25, making it the first COVID-19 treatment for children under age 12.
In Michigan, 302 cases of a rare inflammatory condition in children linked with the coronavirus have been reported to the CDC. About 65% of kids with the syndrome are admitted to intensive care units, and there have been five deaths.
In Michigan, residents ages 30-39 have the highest case rate of any age group.
As of Monday, 36 outbreaks were reported over the prior week. The majority, 22, were in long-term care facilities and senior assisted living centers. Another seven outbreaks were in K-12 schools and seven were in daycare programs. The state is tracking 382 ongoing outbreak cases.
About 66% of state residents, or 6.6 million, have received their first doses of a vaccine, and 60% are fully vaccinated. More than 238,000 children ages 5-11 in Michigan, or 29%, have received their first dose of the vaccine.
More than 3.2 million individuals, or 35% of the eligible population, have received a vaccine booster in Michigan and 5.6 million are fully vaccinated.
Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont Health and Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor were expecting shipments of the newly approved COVID vaccine for infants and preschoolers to arrive this week and said they were gearing up to provide the shots by the end of the week.
srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/21/michigan-adds-10-681-cases-69-deaths-covid-19-over-six-days/7690171001/ | 2022-06-22T03:51:36 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/21/michigan-adds-10-681-cases-69-deaths-covid-19-over-six-days/7690171001/ |
Will Canada become Metro Detroit's closest abortion haven?
Canada might become the closest place for Metro Detroit residents to get a legal abortion if the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion is overturned and anti-abortion forces win their legal battle to let a 1931 Michigan law banning abortion take effect.
Canadian Social Development and Families Minister Karina Gould told CBC Canada that Americans would be allowed to seek reproductive care, including abortions, across the border. Gould made the offer last month, soon after a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court indicated a conservative majority of justices was poised to overturn Roe.
The offer represented a role reversal for the two countries. After the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe, the United States became a destination for Canadian women seeking abortions since the medical practice was still outlawed in Canada.
For now, Michigan residents could still seek abortions in the state if Roe is overruled by the nation's highest court, which is expected to release its decision within the next two weeks. A state judge issued a preliminary injunction barring Michigan's now-dormant 1931 law from going into effect after a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood of Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a similar lawsuit in Oakland County court.
But if the Republican-led Legislature and anti-abortion groups win their legal challenge to the judge's injunction, abortions would be banned in Michigan under the 1931 law. Ohio and Indiana would have similarly restrictive laws against abortion, making Illinois the next closest abortion haven for many Michigan residents in the United States.
Canada — located across the Detroit River in Metro Detroit and the St. Mary's River near Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula — would offer the closest place for legal abortion for Metro Detroiters.
Planned Parenthood of Michigan is confident the preliminary injunction by Michigan Court of Claims Judge Elizabeth Gleicher will hold, spokeswoman Ashlea Phenicie said. The group is expecting a surge of patients in Michigan if Roe is struck down rather than needing to send Michigan residents out of state, she said.
"In the unlikely event that Michigan’s 1931 criminal abortion ban is allowed to take effect, Planned Parenthood of Michigan would serve as a connector, helping patients find care in other states like New York and Illinois," Phenicie said. "Some Michiganders may turn to Canada for care, but traveling internationally involves additional barriers. They would need a passport, enhanced driver’s license, NEXUS card or another qualifying form of identification."
Right to Life of Michigan hopes women in Michigan won't travel to Canada in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned, spokeswoman Anna Visser said, noting Michigan has more than 150 pregnancy resource centers and adoption agencies.
"The 1931 law was put into place to protect all human rights, not deprive women health care, which abortion is not," Visser said. "We know that there may be some who travel to get abortions but hopefully, the majority of families and women in Michigan feel empowered and supported."
Canadian rules for abortion
Abortion is legal in Canada up to 24 weeks of gestation and medical abortions are available up to nine weeks of gestation. Twenty-three hospitals and clinics in the province of Ontario provide abortion care, according to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada.
The main barrier non-Canadians face when accessing any kind of health care services there is affordability, said Access Line Manager for Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Jessa Millar.
“You can call up an abortion clinic or whatever the provider is … you can make an appointment and say, ‘I don't have Canadian health care coverage. I'm going to be paying out of pocket,’ and you're allowed to do that. It’s just that you won't be covered and it could be quite expensive,” Millar said.
While Ontario residents are guaranteed coverage of reproductive health care under the Canadian health system, the cost of medical abortion pills for non-residents or those without provincial coverage is between $300 and $370 while surgical abortions at free-standing clinics range from $400 to $2,300 depending on gestational age, according to Planned Parenthood Toronto.
Another potential barrier is the number of abortion providers. Two providers offer abortion care in the Windsor area — the Windsor Regional Hospital and the Windsor Essex Community Health Center.
Hospital representative Steve Erwin said the hospital would not comment on the accessibility of abortion care for non-Canadians until a decision was made regarding Roe v. Wade. Windsor Essex Community Health Center currently does not offer abortion care to non-Canadian citizens, according to a center employee who wouldn't identify herself.
“In the Windsor area, the hospital does provide abortions and it seems to be able to meet the need for most people in that area,” said Carolyn Egan, a spokeswoman for the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics based in Toronto. “We have not seen many women coming from that part of Ontario to the clinics that exist here in Toronto.”
Although wait times for other medical health procedures in Canada can be longer, most patients don’t have to wait more than one to two weeks for an abortion appointment since the majority of abortions happen in the first trimester, Millar said.
“If somebody's ending a pregnancy later on in their pregnancy, like the second trimester, third trimester, there are less medical professionals who have the training and capabilities to provide that care," she said. "That's when you can see wait times of two or three weeks or even four weeks."
Supply and demand
The main barriers Canadian abortion seekers face are a lack of information about where to go and potential travel-related difficulties, Millar said. There are fewer abortion facilities in rural areas and more in urban areas.
Toronto is a major hub of abortion clinics in the province of Ontario, said Egan with the Ontario Coalition of Abortion Clinics, adding that at the moment, they are not at capacity or overstretched.
“If they were to be overstretched, I think you would see clinics either expanding or new facilities being opened,” Egan said.
Christabelle Sethna, a professor in the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa, agreed with that assessment.
"It may be that there are clinics specifically set up for Americans or parts of clinics specifically set up for Americans, depending upon the volume of the traffic of Americans coming north," Sethna said.
But abortions are functionally inaccessible for individuals without transportation, said Katie Nelson, a doula who offers abortion support services in Stratford, a more rural part of Ontario. She said she expects an increase in wait times if Americans flood the Canadian health care system.
“Here, the access, when it comes down to it, is not all it's made out to be at the end of the day,” Nelson said. “I think it would increase a lot of wait times. Our health care system, in general, is not doing very well right now.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated problems with the Canadian health care system, resulting in average wait times of 25.6 weeks for medically necessary procedures following referral in 2021, according to the Fraser Institute, a Canadian research group.
Michiganians spring into action
Some Metro Detroiters already have sprung into action, posting on the Auntie Network subreddit, an online support system where “aunties” from around the world offer a place to stay, food and transportation to individuals traveling to get an abortion. One Michigan resident offered a place to sleep and recover after getting an abortion in Windsor in one posting, while a Detroiter posted about providing a room and a ride across the border.
Several states, including Mississippi and Texas, have attempted to pass laws limiting or criminalizing travel for out-of-state abortions and the mailing of abortion medications across state lines. Sethna said Americans seeking abortions in Canada might get questioned at the border upon their return.
In 2019, Canada and the United States entered into a memorandum of understanding that allows for the sharing of biographic data collected upon entry to each country to create exit records.
When asked, the Canada Border Services Agency did not specify what information individuals seeking abortions will have to provide when attempting to cross the border either into or out of Canada.
“In light of the possible overturning of Roe v Wade, we are taking proactive steps to ensure there are appropriate guidelines at the border so that American women seeking access to reproductive health services in Canada are treated respectfully, compassionately and in a manner that is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino wrote in an email.
If Roe is overturned, Americans would have to weigh whether it makes more sense to seek an abortion in the United States or Canada, Millar said.
“The abortion providers in America are going to have an influx of patients," said Millar, referring to the states that would still allow abortions. "Wait times are going to go up, and then it's going to be up to the individual seeking abortion care to weigh the pros and cons.
“Do I want to stay in my country and have this longer wait time, or is it worth it for me to maybe travel to Canada, with the expenses that would bring, if it means that I can maybe be seen sooner?"
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/will-windsor-canada-become-detroit-michigan-closest-abortion-haven/7569266001/ | 2022-06-22T03:51:42 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/will-windsor-canada-become-detroit-michigan-closest-abortion-haven/7569266001/ |
Dallas police on Tuesday arrested the mayor of Pilot Point on suspicion of soliciting a minor, the department says.
Matthew McIlravy, 42, was arrested Tuesday morning and booked into the Dallas County jail on a charge of online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14, a 2nd-degree felony, Dallas police said.
McIlravy was arrested at the Pilot Point City Hall building, City Manager Britt Lusk said in a statement to NBC 5. "This pending matter is being handled by non-city agencies and the City has no further information or comment," Lusk said.
Dallas police said McIlravy's arrest was the result of a five-month investigation by Dallas police and involved the department's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and help from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Collin County District Attorney's office.
"This ongoing investigation revealed other communications with minors who have not been identified at this time," Dallas police said in a statement.
No further details about the circumstances of his arrest or the case were immediately available.
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McIlravy was elected to serve a 3-year term as mayor just last month and had served on the council since 2019, including as mayor pro tem since 2021, the Pilot Point Post-Signal reported. His biography has since been removed from the city's website.
His bail has not been set as of this writing. It's not clear if he is represented by an attorney.
The Denton County city of Pilot Point is located about 20 miles northeast of Denton. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/pilot-point-mayor-arrested-on-charge-of-soliciting-a-minor/2997529/ | 2022-06-22T04:03:37 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/pilot-point-mayor-arrested-on-charge-of-soliciting-a-minor/2997529/ |
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News from around the state of Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/north-texas-mayors-join-call-for-gun-reforms/2997554/ | 2022-06-22T04:03:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/north-texas-mayors-join-call-for-gun-reforms/2997554/ |
Mayors from across the state, including five from North Texas, said they want Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session regarding gun reform and mental health in response to the deadly shootings in Uvalde and El Paso.
In a letter, 13 members of "Texas' Big City Mayors" signed a letter asking state lawmakers to "find the right solutions for Texas."
They want Abbott to call a special session that addresses universal background checks, increasing the age to 21 to buy an assault weapon, passing Red Flag laws, increasing funding for mental health support and training, along with resources, for school safety officers.
"I don't want to see our state, our federal government, anybody, sit on their hands any longer about this," said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross.
He signed the letter after it circulated around the Big Cities Mayor group.
"To hear the extreme beliefs that somehow this is taking the Second Amendment away from people is flat out wrong," said Ross. "We have to approach these gun control issues the same way we did seatbelts, the same way we did helmets, the same way we did the pandemic (with masks)."
Mayors from both sides of the aisle signed the letter, including Fort Worth Mayor Maddie Parker and Plano Mayor John Muns, who have in the past identified with the Republican Party.
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"I chose to join 12 mayors of Texas' most populous cities in signing this letter because we must be better for Texans," said Parker in a statement. "The reforms proposed in this letter are grounded in our unified desire to better protect the children in each of our communities. By implementing these kinds of commonsense bipartisan solutions, we will make schools, neighborhoods and cities safer, while continuing to respect American rights to gun ownership."
"After the tragedy in Uvalde, there has been a resounding bipartisan call for action," said Muns in a statement. "I have joined with my Big City Mayor colleagues to ask the Texas governor and legislature to take action by dedicating meaningful resources to protect everyone, especially our children and educators, from active shooters. I believe the actions we are calling for in this letter reflect common-sense policies that will help prevent future tragedies."
The letter came hours before U.S. senators moved forward with their own deal on gun legislation. Sen. John Cornyn (R) was one of the main negotiators for the bipartisan bill, which passed a procedural vote Tuesday night 64 -63. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-mayors-call-for-a-special-session-to-address-guns-and-mental-health/2997509/ | 2022-06-22T04:03:50 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-mayors-call-for-a-special-session-to-address-guns-and-mental-health/2997509/ |
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News from around the state of Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/uvalde-hearings-bring-renewed-calls-for-review-of-school-safety-standards/2997553/ | 2022-06-22T04:03:57 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/uvalde-hearings-bring-renewed-calls-for-review-of-school-safety-standards/2997553/ |
BOISE — When Shiva Rajbhandari was summoned to the principal’s office, the Boise High School student was not expecting a reprimand.
After repeated attempts by him and other students to convince the district’s board of trustees to craft a plan for clean energy use, the administration scolded Rajbhandari for going around administrative officials, Rajbhandari said. He and his peers had not received a response from the board, he said.
It was a pivotal moment in Rajbhandari’s decision to run for a seat on the school board in the Sept. 6 election this year. He made the official announcement at a press conference at Boise High School Tuesday afternoon.
If elected, he would be the first student representative to serve on the board.
“I think the most important thing to me is representation, is school boards recognizing that actually, they do exist to serve students,” Rajbhandari said.
Rajbhandari is a rising senior at Boise High School. Because he turns 18 in August, he is eligible for the school board election on Sept. 6. Rajbhandari will be challenging Steve Schmidt, who was appointed to the board in November 2021, according to a press release from Rajbhandari’s campaign.
Schmidt was endorsed by the Boise School District Parents’ Association, the release said.
The association’s Facebook group description says, “With regards to COVID protocol, we believe that parents and staff should choose which precautions are taken for their own children and/or themselves. I.E. Parents/staff should choose whether or not to mask their children/themselves and which activities they participate in, rather than the district mandating masks or restricting activities.”
Rajbhandari has been active in various local advocacy efforts. As part of the Idaho Climate Justice League, Rajbhandari helped push the district to adopt a sustainability plan, including a move to clean energy, the release said. However, the group expressed disappointment that the commitment did not include a more definitive timeline for implementing needed changes, according to reporting from Idaho Matters and Boise Public Radio.
Rajbhandari is a proponent of education about climate change, and persuaded actress and climate activist Jane Fonda to fund him and eight other students to take a Boise State University class on the subject. He is also the youth engagement coordinator for the Idaho Conservation League, according to his campaign website.
On Tuesday, Rajbhandari highlighted his interest in putting in place policy to slow climate change if elected.
“Energy is the district’s second-largest expense after teacher and staff salaries, so by making common sense cuts, we could save up to 50% on energy costs and reinvest that in our schools and communities, such as mental health services,” he said.
In addition to climate advocacy, Rajbhandari has also worked with the group March for Our Lives, a student-led group that is part of a national movement proposing legislation prioritizing mental health and gun safety.
If elected to the seat, Rajbhandari would serve a two-year term. His priorities for improving mental health include pushing back school start times to past 8:30 a.m., which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for middle schools and high schools. He would also like to increase school funding, in part so that more school psychologists can be hired, he said.
Rajbhandari said it would be impossible for him to be the sole voice of students in the district, and wants to encourage more student participation in board affairs.
“How can we get students to attend school board meetings?” Rajbhandari asked. “How can we get students to talk with their school board officials?”
Sam Sandmire will serve as Rajbhandari’s campaign treasurer. Sandmire worked as Boise Mayor Lauren McLean’s campaign treasurer, and has advocated for initiatives to expand Medicaid, and is a proponent of the Quality Education Act, an initiative to expand public school funding. Rajbhandari has advocated for that initiative, too.
Sandmire said she first met Rajbhandari when he was 12, and has been impressed with his efforts, including testifying in the Idaho Legislature against voter suppression bills and training peers how to do the same.
“So is Shiva prepared to be a school board trustee?” Sandmire said. “Yes. Shiva is knowledgeable. He’s committed, and yes, he is prepared to be a voting voice for students on the Boise School Board.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/the-boise-school-board-may-look-different-next-year-meet-the-teenager-who-announced-their/article_0c801187-d22b-5861-bf08-64ed38bd8c03.html | 2022-06-22T04:13:23 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/the-boise-school-board-may-look-different-next-year-meet-the-teenager-who-announced-their/article_0c801187-d22b-5861-bf08-64ed38bd8c03.html |
The Tri-Cape softball team won all three of its games at the Carpenter Cup Classic, but an unscheduled opponent knocked it out of the 16-team tournament.
Tri-Cape, which was undefeated in its Bracket B at Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy Field at FDR Park on Monday, is out of the tournament, according to a message posted on the event's Twitter account Tuesday night.
"Due to Covid Safety Protocols Tri Cape will not be participating in the remainder of the 2022 Carpenter Cup Tournament," the tweet said.
Tri-Cape, which consists of standout high school players from the Cape-Atlantic League and Tri-County Conference, would have played Mid Penn at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The winner of that game would have then played at noon. The winner of the noon game would have played in the championship game at 2 p.m. Game times from the original schedule were all moved one hour earlier Tuesday.
The top two teams from brackets A, B, C and D advanced to Wednesday’s action. Brackets A and B played Monday, and C and D played Tuesday.
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On Monday, Tri-Cape beat Mercer County 6-4, Inter-Ac BAL 15-1 and Jersey Shore 6-3. Tri-Cape consisted of 16 players (all sophomores and juniors). The eight CAL players were Cameryn Johnson (Buena Regional), Macie Jacquet (St. Joseph Academy), Liz Martin (Cedar Creek), Brooke Joslin (Millville), Sienna Walterson (Egg Harbor Township), Chaneyl Johnson (Cedar Creek), Denver Obermeyer (Mainland Regional) and Riley Lancaster (Hammonton).
Buena Regional’s Pam Pickett and Pennsville Memorial’s Beth Jackson were Tri-Cape’s co-coaches.
The Tri-Cape withdrawal came one day after the team impressed in stringing together three victories to become the top seed in its bracket.
“I thought we played very well today,” Pickett said Monday night. “We did well in the circle, we hit the ball nicely, and defensively we were pretty solid. Macie Jacquet hit well for us all day. We made a few (defensive) miscues in the last game, but overall we were solid. Good catching, good pitching, very exciting.”
Tri-Cape won the Carpenter Cup championship in 2014.
The Carpenter Cup baseball and softball tournaments are showcase events created to give more scouting exposure to players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The tournaments are named after former Phillies owners Bob and Ruly Carpenter.
Contact Guy Gargan: 609-272-7210 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/tri-cape-out-of-carpenter-cup-softball-tourney-due-to-covid-19-protocols/article_1337df84-f1da-11ec-8f07-33eea1bcf319.html | 2022-06-22T04:19:19 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/tri-cape-out-of-carpenter-cup-softball-tourney-due-to-covid-19-protocols/article_1337df84-f1da-11ec-8f07-33eea1bcf319.html |
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