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ATLANTA — Damia Mitchell was sentenced to 140 years on voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and gang charges tied to the February 2021 shooting death of Faith Burns.
Allen Burns, Faith's father, tells 11Alive this helps bring some justice for his daughter, who was 20 years old at the time of her death.
“I feel a sigh of relief for for my child, just getting some type of justice," he said. "My family, we're trying to heal now we've dealt with this for like 16 months.”
Mitchell, who was 17-year-old at the time, and four others were charged with the killing of Faith Burns.
Prosecutors argued Mitchell and four others got into a fight with people at a Gwinnett County home, where Faith was. The fight led to at least 19 shots being fired and to Faith's death.
"At the end of the day, it's a no-win situation for everybody," Burns said. "We all lose. They lose their child in jail; we don't have our child. Who wins? Nobody wins."
Burns says his daughter did not know Mitchell but knew Mitchell's ex-girlfriend.
“Faith was hanging out with her ex-girlfriend and they came over that house that day because they were going back and forth with beef. My daughter was an innocent bystander," Burns said. "Faith did not even know any of the girls that day."
Court documents state Mitchell was associated with the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods. This criminal street gang has had an extensive history in the Atlanta area, and she was attempting to elevate her status within the gang.
But Mitchell's family claims the trial was incomplete and the prosecution did not present ample evidence.
“These gang charges, those were just trumped up charges, false charges they put on my child," Vanissa Jackson, Mitchell's mother, said. "She’s not affiliated with gang members. She’s not in a gang.”
Jackson said Mitchell and another victim listed in the indictment broke up, and Burns was a new girlfriend of the victim. But a fight broke out when Mitchell went to pick up her things and turned deadly.
She was indicted in August 2021 and found guilty nearly a year later. A judge sentenced Mitchell to consecutive sentences totaling 140 years in prison.
“Basically they’re saying you’ll never see daylight ever again in your life," Jackson said. "They want my baby to die in jail for something that’s false and bogus.”
Mitchell’s family wants a new trial and told 11Alive the sentencing was excessive. Burns says his family faces the worst sentencing of all.
“I'm sentenced to life without my baby," he said. "They have the right to go on appeal court and do everything they wanted, that's their right to do. I don't have no right to appeal. I can’t say, let's appeal February, 14 2021.”
Burns, who has been present at every court date and hearing, says he’s not surprised the other defendants received much lower sentences.
“They’re up here wondering why the other girls got 4 to 10 years," he said. "She's the one that assembled that posse to come over there. They’re like well she ain't the shooter, but you brought the shooter over to the house that day."
Burns wants people to remember his daughter as the happy, funny, soccer-loving sister, aunt, and daughter she was. He hopes her legacy stays alive in those who knew her and shared her memory with others.
"She was giving," he said. "I seen all these kids that came out on her funeral who where like, "Faith did this, Faith did that," and me and my wife would look at each other, like, "You're talking about Faith... she is such a amazing giving person. [This] hurts so bad. Never to have that again, you know?" | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/140-damia-mitchell-gwinnett-faith-burns/85-c1ac270e-73ab-4234-88b3-84847f2e3a90 | 2022-06-22T04:20:01 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/140-damia-mitchell-gwinnett-faith-burns/85-c1ac270e-73ab-4234-88b3-84847f2e3a90 |
ATLANTA — The owners of a majority share of a nuclear power plant being expanded in Georgia are suing lead owner Georgia Power Co., claiming the company is trying to bilk them out of nearly $700 million by unilaterally changing a contract.
The lawsuits, filed in recent days in state court in Atlanta by Oglethorpe Power Corp. and the Municipal Electrical Authority of Georgia, lay out the clearest version yet of a contract dispute that's been simmering for months.
At issue are the billions in cost overruns for a third and fourth nuclear reactor being built at Plant Vogtle, east of Augusta. If Oglethorpe and MEAG win, it could hold down bills for the millions of customers of electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Georgia, as well as for customers of the municipal utility in Jacksonville, Florida, and for some Alabama cooperative and municipal utility customers.
If Georgia Power loses, the shareholders of its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Co., would most likely have to absorb more losses. The company has said it's unlikely that its regulator, the Georgia Public Service Commission, will let Georgia Power charge customers above a certain amount for Vogtle.
Oglethorpe and MEAG say a judge should enforce the contract and order Georgia Power to repay disputed amounts, plus interest and attorneys fees. They aren't trying to stop the completion of the Vogtle units east of Augusta.
“Despite its solemn, written promise to accept increased responsibility for cost overruns over the threshold, Georgia Power has quite simply reneged. The time has come for Georgia Power to honor its agreement,” Oglethorpe's lawyers wrote in the Fulton County Superior Court lawsuit.
Georgia Power spokesperson Jacob Hawkins said the company hasn't seen the lawsuit and "will continue to engage with our co-owners productively.”
At issue is a 2018 deal. Oglethorpe threatened to back out unless it was protected from additional overruns. Because Oglethorpe's 38 cooperatives and MEAG's 49 municipal utilities don't have shareholders, unlike Georgia Power, there's no one to absorb overruns except electric customers.
Georgia Power owns 45.7% of the two reactors, compared to Oglethorpe's 30% and MEAG's 22.3%. The city of Dalton's utility owns the remaining 1.6% and hasn't sued.
Georgia Power agreed that above a certain point, it would pay 55.7% of the next $800 million in construction costs, and then 65.7% of the next $500 million. Those extra contributions total $180 million. After that, the co-owners can require Georgia Power to cover all remaining overruns. In exchange, the co-owners would sell part of their ownership shares to Georgia Power.
Oglethorpe and MEAG say the agreement activates once shared construction costs rise $2.1 billion above $17.1 billion. That doesn't count financing costs and some other costs. Associated Press calculations show the reactors will cost at least $30.34 billion overall.
Oglethorpe and MEAG say Georgia Power should already be paying higher shares of construction costs under the agreement. Oglethorpe announced on Saturday that it will freeze its costs and force Georgia Power to pay additional overruns in exchange for part of Oglethorpe's ownership, saving Oglethorpe a projected $400 million.
But Georgia Power says the base construction cost should be $18.38 billion and that the agreement doesn't kick in until shared costs reach $20.48 billion. If Georgia Power can raise all the thresholds in the agreement by $1.3 billion, the other owners would have to pay an extra $695 million.
Southern Co. has acknowledged it will have to pay at least $440 million more to cover what would have been other owners’ costs, saying other amounts are in dispute.
Georgia Power has also argued that COVID-19 was an act of God that drove up costs and delayed work, and it shouldn’t have to pay for that slowdown, although that claim is barely mentioned in the lawsuits.
Oglethorpe and MEAG say Georgia Power has continued to bill them for the original shares of the construction costs in recent months, and not reduced shares. Months of private talks preceding the lawsuits produced no agreement.
Vogtle is the only nuclear plant under construction in the United States. Its costs and delays could deter other utilities from building such plants, even though they generate electricity without releasing climate-changing carbon emissions.
When Vogtle was approved in 2012, the reactors were estimated to cost $14 billion, with the first electricity being generated in 2016, compared to 2023 now. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/co-owners-sue-georgia-power-in-vogtle-contract-dispute/85-1d400024-8d8f-4a63-9ada-be935658753e | 2022-06-22T04:20:07 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/co-owners-sue-georgia-power-in-vogtle-contract-dispute/85-1d400024-8d8f-4a63-9ada-be935658753e |
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Crews continue their search for a man who went overboard a boat on Lake Lanier over the weekend.
Around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Hall County Fire and Rescue responded to the scene near Holiday Marina on Lake Lanier in search of 29-year-old Kaiyan Ding. Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Game Wardens arrived on the scene soon after. Both agencies began searching for Ding with SONAR in water ranging from 60 to 100 feet, a spokesperson with the agency said.
In an update on Facebook Tuesday, DNR said Game Wardens have been working through the night for the past several days to locate the drowning victim, but they have come across some challenges.
"Submerged standing timber in the area have made getting equipment to the bottom very challenging, but the search will continue until all reasonable efforts are exhausted," they said.
Photos show the crews working through the night as they continue their search efforts. 11Alive will continue to provide updates as this story develops. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lake-lanier-search-drowning-victim/85-db3dc6f6-fe43-4390-a11d-003a30526e99 | 2022-06-22T04:20:13 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/lake-lanier-search-drowning-victim/85-db3dc6f6-fe43-4390-a11d-003a30526e99 |
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A crash where a pedestrian was killed in Cobb County is being investigated by police.
The crash happened near the East-West Connector and Brookwood Drive.
Investigators said 22-year-old Marcelle Ines Kounou Essengue was walking in the right lane of the East-West Connector going east. A driver in a 2019 Toyota Corolla was also driving east in the left lane.
Police said Toyota crashed into Essengue, and came to a rest in the right lane, according to officers.
Essengue died at the site of the crash.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact investigators with Cobb County Department at 770-499-3987. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-hit-killed-cobb-county-east-west-connector-brookwood-drive/85-ac40a375-638c-447c-b1f0-432342289320 | 2022-06-22T04:20:19 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-hit-killed-cobb-county-east-west-connector-brookwood-drive/85-ac40a375-638c-447c-b1f0-432342289320 |
TRACY, Calif. — One man is dead and another is in the hospital after a car lost control and crashed in Tracy, police said.
The crash happened around 4:37 p.m. at the Patterson Pass Road and Schulte Road intersection. Arriving officers found two people inside a car and closed the roadway to give firefighters an opportunity to get them out.
Police said the driver, a 22-year-old out of Manteca, was taken to a hospital where he ultimately died from his injuries. A 19-year-old passenger was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the Tracy Police Department, the car tried to make a turn but lost control and hit a parked semi-truck and loaded trailer.
The investigation is ongoing. No additional information on the crash has been released at this time.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deadly-crash-tracy/103-088b12d8-3eeb-4053-987f-eda6a150a5fa | 2022-06-22T04:23:21 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/deadly-crash-tracy/103-088b12d8-3eeb-4053-987f-eda6a150a5fa |
ROCKLIN, Calif. — A man's body was found by law enforcement after they say he didn't make it to an island with companions he was swimming with at Folsom Lake.
According to Gloria Sandoval, spokesperson for California State Parks, around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, a man was reported missing after being last seen in the water at the Rattlesnake Bar entrance of Folsom Lake.
"The man was swimming from shore to a nearby island with two women," said Sandoval. "When the women reached the island, they realized the man was no longer behind them."
Sandoval said State Parks' lifeguards found the man's body about 75 to 100 feet from the shore.
At this time, it is not known who the man was or how he drowned. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/rocklin/folsom-lake-california-state-parks/103-b40f4223-70c1-4153-abb5-17c1937f51c9 | 2022-06-22T04:23:27 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/rocklin/folsom-lake-california-state-parks/103-b40f4223-70c1-4153-abb5-17c1937f51c9 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An 85-foot boat is expected to sink into the water after catching fire Tuesday, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.
Officials said the boat fire happened near the 2100 block of Garden Highway, and that access issues have made extinguishing the blaze improbable.
In a tweet, the Sacramento Fire Department said the boat is likely going to sink into the Sacramento River.
Fire officials said the Coast Guard and the California Department of Fish and Wildfire have been made aware of the incident.
No injuries have been reported.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/boat-fire-garden-highway/103-fcf0c843-a260-4827-8867-b23f155143c1 | 2022-06-22T04:23:33 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/boat-fire-garden-highway/103-fcf0c843-a260-4827-8867-b23f155143c1 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After months of work to craft a new use of military equipment policy following police clashes with protesters, Sacramento Police Department officials are ready to take their draft to the City Council.
Officials revealed on Tuesday their stock of weapons and items listed as military equipment and "less lethal" force in its first Annual Military Equipment Use Report for 2021-22.
The weapons and equipment currently held by Sacramento police include:
- 2 Bearcat armored vehicles
- 4 long range acoustic devices (sound canons)
- 79 unmanned aircraft (drones)
- 322 Semi-automatic AR-15s
- 644 chemical agent and smoke canisters
- 3,149 rounds of less lethal shotgun and bean bag munitions.
Click here to view the police department's entire stock.
New Military Equipment Use Policy
Police Chief Kathy Lester told committee members the department's new military equipment use policy came after receiving 1,274 public comments through an online survey in partnership with the City Clerk's Office.
Public comments from this 2022 survey will be published on the police department's transparency website, according to Lester.
"They've done a ton of work on this policy and have adopted a number of the recommendations made by (the Law and Legislative Committee)," she said.
Among the significant updates to the Sacramento Police Department's Use of Military Equipment policy include:
- Identifying which weapons and items police are allowed to purchase and own
- Further specifying in which settings and situations to use certain force
History
California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved Assembly Bill 481 on Sept. 30, 2021, which requires law enforcement agencies to get approval from local officials for funding, purchase and use of military equipment.
The bill came after nationwide protests against police brutality in 2020 led to near-deadly confrontations between protesters and police using militarized equipment and projectiles.
Sacramento Police Department officials now have to seek approval with the City Council to purchase and use military equipment, as well as approval on their policy for use of military weapons.
However, Lester said that not everyone has the same characterization of military-grade weapons. Another police official added that some of the items listed as military equipment can be purchased by civilians at local stores.
"I do think there is a misunderstanding between what is military equipment and what the law says," Lester said on Tuesday. "Just because it's listed as military equipment does not mean it is from the military or militarized."
Councilmember Katie Valenzuela said during the committee meeting that the police department's proposed use of military equipment policy does not define who, or what will provide oversight for the policy.
Sacramento Community Police Review Commission Chair Graciela Castillo-Krings called into the meeting and said she was optimistic about a future meeting between the citizen-led commission and the police department.
She said the groups would talk about the military equipment use policy before it goes to the City Council for final review.
"During (our) call, (they) said more public input would be solicited, and we have a commitment that we're going to sit down with the Sacramento Police department to go over the adjusted changes in further detail," Castillo-Krings said "I hope this collaboration will lead to the changes that will strengthen this general order and fully reflect the committee's input before this item goes to the City Council for a vote." | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-police-reveal-military-equipment-stock-report/103-0b998345-7f28-4e57-b60c-030d461e65a6 | 2022-06-22T04:23:39 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-police-reveal-military-equipment-stock-report/103-0b998345-7f28-4e57-b60c-030d461e65a6 |
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Until the early 1940s, when people in Fredericksburg wanted to visit San Antonio without having to drive, they took a train.
The route by the long-forgotten San Antonio, Fredericksburg and Northern Railroad Company took travelers through the Hill Country. When it was discovered that one of the hills was too steep for the locomotive to climb, workers dug a tunnel in 1913 for the train tracks.
The route lasted until 1942 when the railroad company went bankrupt and the tunnel was abandoned.
Several years later, a nearby landowner thought he saw smoke rising from the old tunnel one evening at sunset. He went for a closer look and discovered that it wasn’t smoke but the nightly swarm of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats leaving their home for the nightly feast of insects.
PHOTOS: Old Tunnel State Park
Their sunset-flight continues to this day. Nearly every evening from May through October visitors can catch their emergence from the tunnel at Texas’s smallest state park, known simply as the Old Tunnel State Park.
Located south of Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, the park offers its visitors a front-row seat to the nightly ritual. The best months for viewing, according to park rangers, are August and September after bats give birth to their offspring.
It’s considered one of the best “bat shows” in the state, but one that has limited seating, so it’s best to check out the details at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/old-tunnel-state-park-bats/269-00679c7d-5890-4f30-bb2b-55c1c5a80e00 | 2022-06-22T04:25:46 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/old-tunnel-state-park-bats/269-00679c7d-5890-4f30-bb2b-55c1c5a80e00 |
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — After a tragic mass shooting at a Texas elementary school claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers, districts are re-evaluating safety measures.
Port Arthur Independent School District officials are considering installing metal detectors at all district campuses.
Port Arthur ISD police don’t expect the detectors to be a foolproof line of defense. However, they hope they will at least act as a deterrent against armed individuals trying to enter schools.
“This is just another tool in our toolbox to help increase security in light of all the violence that's been occurring in the country, you know, in our schools,” Port Arthur Police Chief Alton Baise.
Metal detectors have been in place at Memorial High School and all middle schools across the district for two years.
“The metal detectors do serve as a deterrent for anyone who wants to bring any kind of metal objects or weapons into the school buildings,” Baise said. “They serve their purpose.”
Port Arthur ISD has also installed metal detectors at various sporting events, including football and basketball games. The detectors have acted as a deterrent.
At a Thursday school board meeting, members will consider and possibly approve the purchase of new metal detectors. If approved, the metal detectors will be installed in all elementary and secondary schools and are expected to cost more than $64,000.
The metal detectors are made by a Texas company, Garrett, and were installed at Santa Fe High School following a school shooting in 2018.
“Each metal detector comes with at least one wand as a secondary in case something may be missed by a metal detector," Assistant Port Arthur Police Chief Eugene Wilson said. "Or a metal detector may alert, and we move into a secondary and use a hand wand just to make sure."
It is unclear when the new metal detectors will be installed in elementary schools if approved during Thursday's school board meeting.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/port-arthur-isd-to-consider-installing-metal-detectors-at-all-elementary-and-secondary-campuses/502-04ed55ed-fbc9-43d7-b72e-5794ba28b2d8 | 2022-06-22T04:26:57 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/port-arthur-isd-to-consider-installing-metal-detectors-at-all-elementary-and-secondary-campuses/502-04ed55ed-fbc9-43d7-b72e-5794ba28b2d8 |
BEAUMONT, Texas — The heat can kill, and it’s especially harmful to the elderly population.
“They are vulnerable to all sorts of heat illnesses, which could be a little milder form of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, to a heat stroke,” Dr. Qamar Afreen said.
With temperatures high and possibly rising, area senior citizens are changing their day-to-day routine to stay out of the heat in an effort to protect themselves.
Actual air temperatures could get into the 100s by the end of the week, and the heat index will make it feel worse, according to 12News StormTrackers. Area doctors are advising senior citizens to take necessary precautions.
Willie Samuel and Willie Orabo are heeding the warning. In the summer, Samuel and Orabo are usually sitting side by side in the front yard.
“I stay in the house,” Orabo said. “But, I'm an outdoors person.”
The time the two men would normally spend outside is now limited due to high temperatures.
“I try to get out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because I don't want to get too heated and fall out,” Samuel said.
Samuel is no stranger to heat-related illnesses.
“Yeah, we were playing golf, and he [Samuel] had a heat stroke out there at Tyrrell Park,” Orabo said.
Samuel remembers the incident because it happened when he was younger.
"And see, I was young then," Samuel said. "I might have been, like, 20 years old."
Heat-related illnesses are extreme, but the treatment is simple, Dr. Arfeen said.
“Whatever you do, you just make sure you stay cool,” Dr. Arfeen said. “But if something happens, just make sure you do something to cool yourself down, or somebody is getting affected to cool them down right away, and that's the instant remedy."
It's important for seniors to stay hydrated and avoid the outdoors during peak hours, Dr. Arfeen said.
“We're not acclimatized to this heat out, so we have to take these things seriously, as a possible threat to your well-being,” Arfeen said.
For now, Samuel and Orabo are adjusting their routines to stay safe.
“We got to accept the fact that it is that way, and we got to deal with it, make changes,” Samuel said.
Headaches, confusion, dizziness, and/or nausea can be signs of a heat-related illness.
Also on 12NewsNow.com ... | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/senior-citizens-changing-daily-routine-to-avoid-high-temperatures-heat-related-illnesses/502-776a20dc-05b0-4fc1-8120-ec7040009f3d | 2022-06-22T04:27:03 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/senior-citizens-changing-daily-routine-to-avoid-high-temperatures-heat-related-illnesses/502-776a20dc-05b0-4fc1-8120-ec7040009f3d |
TEXAS, USA — Texas is planning to add enough electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state to support 1 million electric vehicles with dozens of new stations to allow for easier long-distance travel.
Editorial note: The above video is from a related story.
In a draft plan released this month, the Texas Department of Transportation broke down a five-year plan to create a network of chargers throughout the state, starting along main corridors and interstate highways before building stations in rural areas.
The plan is to have charging stations every 50 miles along most non-business interstate routes.
In most other areas in the state, there will be charging stations within 70 miles, according to the plan. Each station is designed to have multiple stalls so there will likely be one available whenever someone stops to charge.
Kevin Douglass, former president, and current communications officer with the Houston Electric Auto Association, is happy about the plan.
“It’s great,” Douglass said. “We already really have the infrastructure in place for the demand that we have, but as more and more people transition to driving electric vehicles there will be more demand for it.”
Douglass has been driving an electric vehicle for the past 20 years and said he transitioned for a few reasons.
“I like the technology aspect, I like the being a good steward aspect and the economic aspect is phenomenal,” he said.
Douglass said the 17,000 miles he drove last year cost him $360 in electricity. With record gas prices across the country, that’s an incentive a lot of people could get revved up about.
The chargers will be high-powered at 150kW, able to bring most electric vehicles from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, according to the report.
The funding is coming from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year, which is estimated to allocate about $408 million over five years to Texas for the purpose of expanding its electric vehicle charging network. No funds from the state budget will be used. Nationally, the goal is to create a network of 500,000 convenient and reliable electric vehicle chargers by 2030. In total from the infrastructure act, Texas is expected to receive about $35.44 billion over five years for roads, bridges, pipes, ports, broadband access and other projects.
Less than 1% of Texans’ registered vehicles are electric. As of May 31, there were 129,010 electric vehicles registered in Texas, according to the report.
“However, since 2020, the total number of electric vehicles across Texas has nearly tripled as more people adopt the technology,” TxDOT stated in its report. “With rapidly growing adoption rates, it is necessary to ensure Texas will be able to meet the demand of these new vehicles on the road.”
The state is gathering public comment on the plan, after which it will be finalized. To receive the funds, TxDOT must submit a finalized plan by Aug. 1 to the Federal Highway Administration.
Officials plan to award contracts for construction starting in January.
During the first year of implementation, Texas plans to add around 48 new locations to satisfy the 50-mile FHWA requirement. This is in addition to 27 existing private sector locations and 26 planned locations funded by a separate grant.
The next year, the focus will turn to stations in rural counties, small urban areas and areas advised by metropolitan planning organizations.
After that, during the third through fifth year of implementation, Texas will continue building out charging infrastructure in smaller and rural areas. The report states that charging stations might be equipped with a combination of solar and battery equipment to supplement their power supplies.
Gov. Greg Abbott stressed the importance of including rural areas in TxDOT’s plan in a March 22 letter.
“Texas’ sheer volume of roadway miles leaves ample opportunity for EV charging deployment. The plan should ensure that every Texan can access the infrastructure they need to charge an EV,” Abbott wrote. “Additionally, I direct TxDOT and stakeholders to include in the plan a way for Texans to easily get from Beaumont to El Paso and Texline to Brownsville in an EV–with a focus on rural placement and connectivity.”
Chandra Bhat, a University of Texas transportation engineering professor and the director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Center on Data-Supported Transportation Operations and Planning, said the additional charging stations are a welcome upgrade to Texas transportation. Some of Bhat’s research has been funded by TxDOT.
Bhat said there are several barriers to electric vehicle adoption by consumers: the upfront cost, anxiety over how far a driver can travel and the wait times for charging.
This new plan addresses range anxiety by providing many options only 50 miles apart — however, it doesn’t address cost or fully address wait times, he said. Although the planned chargers will be high speed, it still takes around half an hour, he said. A driver might not know how long they may have to wait if someone else is already using the stalls.
That uncertainty can cause consumers to pass on purchasing electric vehicles altogether, he said.
Bhat said he thinks allowing drivers to reserve charging stations at specific times might help reduce that uncertainty. But still, Bhat said he is optimistic that more people will adopt electric vehicles in Texas due to the planned infrastructure upgrades. He also hopes the state will invest in putting information in front of consumers about the increased availability of chargers.
“We will see a clear uptick in the next two or three years, I believe,” Bhat said. “And if we get an announcement that batteries are going to be lasting longer and are going to be less expensive, you're gonna see them bought by the droves.”
This story comes from our KHOU 11 News partners at The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans - and engages with them - about public policy, politics, government, and statewide issues. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-placing-charging-stations-for-electric-cars-every-50-miles/285-36b74fe3-54fa-4af5-a164-348f45461db9 | 2022-06-22T04:27:09 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-placing-charging-stations-for-electric-cars-every-50-miles/285-36b74fe3-54fa-4af5-a164-348f45461db9 |
BOISE, Idaho —
Idaho is obviously not alone in a scenario where the landscape of womens’ reproductive health could change. It seems every state has passed abortion laws in the last few years, in one way or another, anticipating a U.S court ruling on Mississippi's Dobbs versus Jackson Women's Health Organization would overturn Roe v Wade.
13 states have trigger laws, banning abortion in all or most circumstances, if Roe v Wade is overturned. 23 states have plans to institute similar bans, or have it severely restricted, according to the center for reproductive rights data.
Idaho has two abortion laws in the books, one bans it altogether, the other makes the doctor punitively liable for the procedure. But this wasn’t always the case.
For decades, states were unwilling to ‘take it all the way to the supreme court’ since, well, they set the standard in the first place, legalizing access to abortion in America with the Roe v Wade ruling in 1973. Then along came Idaho, in 1990, when the gem state became the first to make a genuine effort to challenge Roe v Wade.
House bill 625 would have outlawed abortion, except in cases of: non-statutory rape, if that rape was reported within seven days; in cases of incest, if the victim is under 18; or in cases of severe fetal deformity, or a threat to the life or health of the woman.
In other words, more than 90% of the 1500 abortions performed in Idaho in 1990 would have been illegal. The arguments for the bill, back then, were about the same as today.
The bill moved forward based on the belief a favorable ruling would come from the highest court in the land.
Then-house majority leader Gary Montgomery said the balance of the supreme court meant abortion was no longer a private matter. The ban passed the house 47-36, and then the senate 25-17. So it was not with overwhelming support that it was sent to then Idaho governor Cecil Andrus, who was running for a fourth term that year, a run on the second floor never seen in Idaho.
The legislature adjourned for the session, and that day, governor Andrus walked out of the capitol to the hall of mirrors, the Joe R. Williams building across the street, to say this:
I did not take the oath of office for governor of the state of Idaho to put my name on bad legislation, therefore I have vetoed house bill 625 and returned it to the house from whence it came,” Andrus said.
Governor Andrus was against abortion, but there were three things he saw as wrong with the bill: the exceptions were too narrow; the bill came from too far away, crafted by out-of-state interests, and that it was unconstitutional and would cost the state a fortune in the courts.
The governor's press secretary that day was Marc Johnson, who organized that press conference across the street because there was not a room big enough at the time in the Capitol to hold all the members of the media. Today, he shared with us his memories of that time and its significance.
“For about a two-week period in late March of 1990, Idaho really was kind of at the political epicenter of what was going on in the country. I remember, distinctly, reporters from national and even international news organizations sort of parachuting into Boise to cover this story, the end of the legislative session, and the reality that the governor was going to have to deal with this piece of controversial legislation one way or the other,” said Marc Johnson. “Telephones were ringing off the hook 24 hours a day, this was pre-internet days, so one way to communicate was through fax machine, and I remember the fax machine was just humming constantly with messages from all over the country and literally from all over the world taking a position on this legislation.”
When asked about the events that took place in 1990, Johnson said they are different, but there were still lessons to be learned.
“What are consequences of a piece of legislation on an individual Idahoan who may find themselves in a very difficult situation, assuming for example that Idaho wants to limit abortion access just to cases of rape or incest or the health of the mother is involved,” Johnson said. “What are the practical applications of how that works? The governor admitted that he didn't think those applications were really workable and they would further victimize people who found themselves in those situations.”
Since 1995, abortion bans have been enacted in more than half the states and challenged in courts throughout the country, but all have been rebuffed because of the precedent set by Roe v Wade. But that might change within the next week, and with it, the landscape of abortion access across the country.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/1990-idaho-becomes-first-state-challenge-roe-v-wade/277-25d31d73-d8c7-4776-b592-31aa228ead59 | 2022-06-22T04:30:47 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/1990-idaho-becomes-first-state-challenge-roe-v-wade/277-25d31d73-d8c7-4776-b592-31aa228ead59 |
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — With only two weeks until Independence Day, the time to figure out what kind of fireworks you can legally buy and set off in Iowa is now.
According to West Des Moines Fire Marshal Mike Whitsell, that answer can vary greatly depending on where you live.
"The Iowa legislature this year actually passed a bill that the governor recently signed, where cities can no longer prohibit through zoning laws, the sale of fireworks within a city," Whitsell said. "So at this particular time, our cities across the state of Iowa can still dictate what fireworks can be shot off and what fireworks can't."
That bill, SF2285, also expanded the ability of firework sellers to set up shop in Iowa cities.
Local building operator for Jake's Fireworks, Kim Sandstoe, said that anything sold in a firework store meets state requirements, but cities and counties still have the final say.
With a new bill in place, it falls on customers to know what fireworks they are allowed to take home with them, even if firework stores are more plentiful than ever.
"We encourage them to check their city's websites or their county's website to find out what's allowed, or to call their city and find out what their rules are," Sandstoe said.
Just because everything in the store is legal, however, does not mean it's guaranteed to be safe. Whitsell cautions against using any type of firework without looking into proper use beforehand.
"Before you actually decide to purchase fireworks, check and see if they're even allowed to be used within the city limits that you live in," Whitsell said. "And if they are, then take a look at the safety aspects of how to use those."
If you're concerned about disturbing your neighbors or pets with noisy fireworks, some stores are offering choices that let you partake in the fun without the entire city hearing it.
"There's lots of options out there for everybody, from things that make a big boom, to things that don't make a lot of noise, to brilliant colors and things that aren't really explosive at all. So we've got lots of options for everybody," Sandstoe said.
If you end up with fireworks that aren't permitted in your city, things can get tricky. Sandstoe said it's illegal to accept returned fireworks, so it's necessary to know your city's rules well before heading out to the store.
To learn more about which fireworks are allowed in your jurisdiction, check out official city and county websites. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/what-fireworks-are-allowed-in-iowa-city-couty-ordinances-senate-file-2258-west-des-moines/524-3ed10a62-ff0e-419b-b1a9-b67d645e3ca3 | 2022-06-22T04:33:04 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/what-fireworks-are-allowed-in-iowa-city-couty-ordinances-senate-file-2258-west-des-moines/524-3ed10a62-ff0e-419b-b1a9-b67d645e3ca3 |
A visitor center dedicated to telling the story of the LGBTQ rights movement will open next door to the Stonewall Inn, according to an announcement Tuesday by the nonprofit that will manage the center in partnership with the National Park Service.
The groundbreaking for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood will take place Friday, with the center expected to open in summer 2024, said Ann Marie Gothard, board president of Pride Live, an LGBTQ advocacy organization.
“The opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is a remarkable moment in the history of Stonewall,” Gothard said. “We honor all those who came before us, most especially the queer people fighting for equality at the Stonewall riots.”
The Stonewall National Monument became the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ history when it was dedicated in 2016 across the street from the Stonewall Inn, where patrons fought back against a police raid on June 28, 1969, and helped spark the contemporary LGBTQ rights movement.
The Stonewall rebellion is commemorated every year with Pride marches in cities across the U.S. and the world.
This year's Pride Month in New York kicked off June 1 with the dedication of a rainbow flag at the Stonewall monument, the first rainbow flag to fly daily on federal land. The ceremony followed a yearslong battle by activists to ensure that a rainbow flag would fly on federal land at the Stonewall monument.
The 7.7-acre monument includes the park known Christopher Park, across from the Stonewall, but does not include the Stonewall itself, which is still a bar. The visitor center will be housed in the storefront adjoining the Stonewall, which was part of the bar in 1969.
Gothard said that when the national monument was created in 2016 “it became clear that a visitor center was needed.”
The Stonewall visitor center will offer in-person and virtual tours, lectures and visual arts displays dedicated to the history of the LGBTQ rights movement, Gothard said.
Although it will be managed by Pride Live, the center will also serve as home base for National Park Service staff members.
“The visitor center and its exhibits will celebrate and acknowledge LGBTQ+ accomplishments and serve as a place where people can learn about and connect with the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing struggle for civil liberties," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a prepared statement.
Corporations including Google and JPMorgan Chase are providing funding for the center.
“It’s vital to create safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ community, and we are proud to support the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a space that will memorialize the legacy of Stonewall,” said William Floyd, Google's senior director of public policy. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/stonewall-visitor-center-in-greenwich-village-will-be-dedicated-to-lgbtq-history/3743835/ | 2022-06-22T04:35:09 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/stonewall-visitor-center-in-greenwich-village-will-be-dedicated-to-lgbtq-history/3743835/ |
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is one step closer to taking the wheel at Twitter after Twitter’s board of directors said the Musk deal is the best one for shareholders.
Musk offered Twitter $44 billion to acquire the social media platform last month.
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While Musk offered $54.20 per share of the company’s stock back in April, the tech entrepreneur threatened to walk away from the deal after saying that Twitter was withholding information about the site’s spambots and fake accounts.
Following Musk’s address to Twitter employees last week, however, Twitter’s board of directors unanimously recommended they vote to approve the sale.
A special shareholder meeting for a vote on the acquisition is one of the final steps needed to close the deal, which could happen in the coming months. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/elon-musk-one-step-closer-to-owning-twitter-after-board-recommends-sale/ | 2022-06-22T04:56:31 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/elon-musk-one-step-closer-to-owning-twitter-after-board-recommends-sale/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — As Indianapolis police investigate the city's 100th homicide for the year, one community has found a solution to keep themselves safe.
For nearly a decade, Castleton Estates has managed to keep crime at bay.
Neighbors said homes don't stay on the market for long here, and they believe that's because people feel safe in this neighborhood.
They credit an active neighborhood crime watch program.
"People love to live here. It's all about relationships," said John Boggs, the retired chairman of Castleton Estates Crime Watch.
Before stepping down last month, the program's longtime leader has certainly formed a few close ones. One of them is Isiah Walton, one of 23 block captains for the neighborhood's 327 homes.
"I think it's just a neighborhood where everybody's watching out for each other," Walton said.
Each block captain has about 14 homes to watch out for.
"They basically are the mayor of their little 14 community area," Boggs said.
"My neighbor's watching if something goes on," said Walton. "If I'm going somewhere, I say, 'Hey, I'm going to be away for a while, keep an eye out.'"
Boggs said it's all about trust. Police say communication is also key.
"I think it's just the open communication and them knowing each other that really is the engine behind the success here," said IMPD Cmdr. Michael Wolley.
In nine years, Castleton Estates hasn't seen a single burglary or property damage of a home, even as break-in cases in that part of the city have trended upward by almost 18% from last year.
Wolley, who leads IMPD's North District, said something is working.
"The fact that this neighborhood has been able to keep without a burglary for nine consecutive years is pretty remarkable," he said.
Now, as Boggs leaves the job, the hope is that the system he helped create will keeping going strong.
"People want to work with people on stuff that works," said Boggs.
That includes the relationships that have formed, built upon a basic principle: Having your neighbor's back.
"Everybody wants a safe neighborhood," Walton said.
What other people are reading: | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/north-indianapolis-neighborhood-marks-9-years-without-a-home-burglary-castleton-community-impd/531-cfd20e38-515b-4cf2-9ff9-01024b6a88cd | 2022-06-22T05:16:14 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/north-indianapolis-neighborhood-marks-9-years-without-a-home-burglary-castleton-community-impd/531-cfd20e38-515b-4cf2-9ff9-01024b6a88cd |
INDIANAPOLIS — At Riley Hospital for Children, they're seeing an unusual spike in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in young children.
"This is very unusual for us," said Dr. John Christenson, associate medical director of infection prevention at Riley.
RSV normally packs its hardest punch in the winter months, particularly in January, but now it's popping up mid-summer.
"In June, we almost never saw bronchiolitis. Now you hear of children in our emergency room with bronchiolitis being admitted to our floors. We've also had cases of children who are immunosuppressed, immunocompromised coming down with pneumonia," Christenson said.
Infants and young children are being admitted to Riley, some even to the intensive care unit.
RSV and bronchiolitis, an inflammation in the lungs, is common, according to Christenson. Almost every child is likely to get one or the other by the time they turn two years old.
But for young kids, it's serious and sometimes fatal.
"So it's very, very common," said Christenson. "Now the good news is that you and I come down with RSV, it will give us a bad cold, right? However, if you're a very young infant, it can put you in the hospital with pneumonia."
So why this unseasonable spike in cases?
Christenson said COVID-19 is likely to blame.
"We had a season where we had no influenza, we had a season when we had no RSV and a lot of other respiratory viruses like parainfluenza, adenovirus basically disappeared," he said. "When mask use started relaxing and lockdowns started being taken down, then we started seeing activity once again on all these."
Global warming, too, could be contributing. Places with warmer climates often tend to see RSV cases spike earlier, sometimes year-round.
With COVID-19 now moving toward endemic levels, Christenson said it's very possible these unseasonable spikes in viruses and illnesses will only continue, just like they're seeing now with RSV.
"We may end up seeing these patterns being the new norm, right? We'll have to see," said Christenson.
Doctors say a vaccine to prevent kids from catching RSV is in the works but isn't completed or available yet. Parents should instead focus on prevention when it comes to keeping children safe.
Doctors say hand washing is the best thing to do, but masking up near babies, gathering outdoors when in groups and avoiding smoking in the house with an infant can help keep kids safe.
“But you need to do everything to protect that baby, especially those under six months of life,” Christenson said.
What other people are reading: | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/rsv-cases-in-young-kids-on-the-rise-in-indiana-children-illness-spike/531-af740e38-f5d0-4f77-b9d0-eebd7bc58509 | 2022-06-22T05:16:20 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/rsv-cases-in-young-kids-on-the-rise-in-indiana-children-illness-spike/531-af740e38-f5d0-4f77-b9d0-eebd7bc58509 |
Arizona lottery numbers, June 21
Associated Press
These Arizona lotteries were drawn Tuesday:
Pick 3
3-0-2
Fantasy 5
01-02-09-28-32
Estimated jackpot: $55,000
Triple Twist
09-14-20-33-38-41
Estimated jackpot: $481,000
Mega Millions
08-13-18-32-42, Mega Ball: 20, Megaplier: 3
Powerball
Estimated jackpot: $312 million | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-lottery-numbers-june-21/7696461001/ | 2022-06-22T05:16:36 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/21/arizona-lottery-numbers-june-21/7696461001/ |
Donna R. Classon, 78, of Iowa Falls, died Monday, June 20, 2022 at Scenic Manor. Arrangements: Counsell Woodley Funeral Home of Iowa Falls.
Mary Smidt, 78, of Britt, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at the Westview Care Center in Britt. Arrangements: Ewing Funeral Home, Britt.
Glendora “Dolly” Wyke, 92, of Britt, died Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Westview Care Center in Britt. Arrangements: Ewing Funeral Home, Britt. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_acfdeccb-738a-535a-82a9-b46f13212633.html | 2022-06-22T05:17:33 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/globe-death-notices/article_acfdeccb-738a-535a-82a9-b46f13212633.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-driver-in-deadly-germantown-hit-and-run/3277543/ | 2022-06-22T05:27:15 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-search-for-driver-in-deadly-germantown-hit-and-run/3277543/ |
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Pa. — A home builder accused of taking payments and leaving clients with nothing appeared for his preliminary arraignment today.
Jeff McCreary, of Nescopeck, faces charges of home improvement fraud, deceptive or fraudulent business practices, and theft by deception.
At his preliminary arraignment near Harrisburg, he was released on unsecured bail.
He is scheduled to be back in court in July.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/columbia-county-contractor-in-court-jeff-mccreary-nescopeck-harrisburg-fraud-improvement-home-theft-by-deception/523-05d57e83-f984-44e7-86af-1dd5f7505441 | 2022-06-22T05:35:44 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/columbia-county-contractor-in-court-jeff-mccreary-nescopeck-harrisburg-fraud-improvement-home-theft-by-deception/523-05d57e83-f984-44e7-86af-1dd5f7505441 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — Joe Snedeker is preparing to take to the open road for Go Joe 25. But before he does, families in Scranton came out Tuesday night to support his annual ride.
The Saint Joseph's Center Summer Solstice Celebration and Family Fun Night was held at McDade Park.
People strapped on their helmets for an evening ride.
"This is great. It's a great event, get people on bikes. They block the park off to make it a little bit safer for people. Just come out and ride a bike," said Michael Goye, Anthracite Bicycle Coalition.
After taking a spin through the park, kids were able to check out a firetruck and meet members of the Scranton Fire Department at McDade Park.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/family-fun-night-in-scranton-for-go-joe-snedeker-lackawanna-county-saint-josephs-center-summer-solstice-celebration-and-family-fun-night/523-9312accf-7782-492d-8381-fa26786c5b3d | 2022-06-22T05:35:50 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/family-fun-night-in-scranton-for-go-joe-snedeker-lackawanna-county-saint-josephs-center-summer-solstice-celebration-and-family-fun-night/523-9312accf-7782-492d-8381-fa26786c5b3d |
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — An informational meeting was held in Lackawanna County Tuesday night to discuss the first county-wide property tax reassessment since the 1960s.
The meeting at Lakeland High School in Scott Township was all so people could learn about the current plan.
The reassessment is slated to begin in July and take about three years to complete.
At the end of the reassessment, the tax burden will be redistributed.
Some homeowners will pay more, some less and some tax bills will stay the same.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/meeting-to-go-over-plan-for-tax-reassessment-in-lackawanna-county-lakeland-high-school-scott-township/523-27c3c64b-bd77-4e01-b6fc-80502d90f9ca | 2022-06-22T05:35:56 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/meeting-to-go-over-plan-for-tax-reassessment-in-lackawanna-county-lakeland-high-school-scott-township/523-27c3c64b-bd77-4e01-b6fc-80502d90f9ca |
Man accused of selling meth had 10K rounds of ammunition, Warren police say
An undercover drug investigation found methamphetamine, weapons and an estimated 10,000 rounds of ammunition, leading to charges for a 45-year-old man, Warren police said Tuesday.
Officers with the Warren Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit bought methamphetamine from the suspect, identified as Denver Hensley, at several locations in the city as well as Madison Heights, where he lives, representatives said in a statement.
The unit executed a search warrant at his home, where authorities said they found:
- 35 grams of methamphetamine along with narcotics packaging materials
- 14 handguns
- 23 rifles
- 24 crates of ammunition in assorted calibers totaling more than 10,000 rounds
- 100 individual loaded firearm magazines
"The seizure of such a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and drugs is yet another example of the department’s proactive approach to ridding the community of illegal drugs," police Commissioner William Dwyer said Tuesday. "Thanks to the efforts of the Warren Police SID Unit, I have no doubt that the community is safer now that these drugs and weapons are off the street and the seller is in custody.”
Investigators presented the evidence to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, which charged Hensley with two counts of delivery and manufacturing of methamphetamine, a 20-year felony; two counts of felony firearm, a two-year felony; and one count of maintaining a drug house, a two-year misdemeanor, according to the release.
Hensley was arraigned Tuesday through 37th District Court in Warren.
Judge Michael Chupa set bond at $100,000 with a mandatory GPS tether and ordered Hensley to have no firearm possession if released.
His next court date is scheduled for July 7. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/06/22/man-accused-selling-meth-had-10-k-rounds-ammunition-warren-police-say/7693271001/ | 2022-06-22T05:49:00 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2022/06/22/man-accused-selling-meth-had-10-k-rounds-ammunition-warren-police-say/7693271001/ |
SEATTLE — A parked ice cream truck is a surefire sign that summer is here.
“That is a big factor, the weather, as people ask us here. When are you going to be here, we said ‘we’re just watching the sunshine,” said Shane Tissot of Cosmic Ice Cream.
Shane and Sabrina are the couple behind the dessert truck. They say they always wanted to run a food truck and used the pandemic as a sign from the universe to try something new, something scary.
“We really needed something to push us a little further,” Sabrina said.
On the longest day of the year – the first day of summer – they’ll take all the customers mother nature can provide. Summer is finally revealing itself after a long wet winter – with warmer temperatures that may remind you of last year, unprecedented triple-digit temperatures that sent air-conditioners flying off the shelves.
“Last summer was ridiculous,” said JJ Mangum of McLendon Hardware in Renton.
Mangum says his shop beefed up the supply of ACs weeks ago and is ready for the next rush as soon as temperatures spike.
“We’re ready to go, for sure I’d say about fifty units and a pallet, we’re ready to go for sure,” he said.
While a heatwave may be around the corner – experts don’t predict will hit triple digits again anytime soon, which is good news for a couple that plans to make their living out of the back of a truck.
“I’m looking forward to just a normal summer where people feel calm and relaxed and happy and looking forward to life to be enjoyed,” Sabrina Tissot said. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/summer-temperatures-seattle-warm-weather/281-3a73b0de-f952-4a8b-bc35-d5c879c054d4 | 2022-06-22T05:57:48 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/summer-temperatures-seattle-warm-weather/281-3a73b0de-f952-4a8b-bc35-d5c879c054d4 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — About $1.1 billion in unused unemployment benefits returned to California on Tuesday, money state officials said was most likely attempted fraud during the pandemic.
The money had been sitting on 780,000 Bank of America debit cards that were never used. State officials worked with Bank of America to make sure those benefits did not belong to people with legitimate claims who were just having difficulty activating their cards. Once they were satisfied, the government took the money back.
Before the pandemic, less than $10 million per year in unused benefits returned to the state. but Tuesday, the Newsom administration announced it was $1.1 billion from 2020, a sign of the size and scale of fraud that targeted the nation's most populous state.
State officials could not say all of the reasons why fraudsters would not use those debit cards. In some cases, people who had not applied for unemployment benefits had received debit cards in the mail — a sign that someone had stolen their identity and used it to apply for assistance. Some of those people then returned those debit cards without using them.
Regardless, Tuesday's announcement was the largest to date of likely fraudulent unemployment claims in California. Most of the money was returned to the U.S. government, not the state, because nearly all of the fraud was aimed at a new federal program designed to benefit independent contractors who are not normally eligible for unemployment benefits.
California was the first state to issue a statewide stay-at-home order during the pandemic, forcing many businesses to close and putting millions of people out of work. Since March 2020, the state has paid $183 billion in unemployment benefits based on 27.3 million new and reopened claims.
The California Employment Development Department was quickly overwhelmed by all of the applications. Facing intense public pressure, state and federal officials relaxed some rules to get the money out faster and to make more people eligible for assistance.
Criminals took advantage of that to steal about $20 billion in benefits through a variety of brazen schemes, including using the names of people who were obviously not eligible to receive the money, like inmates on death row and a sitting U.S. senator. Given the complexity of finding and prosecuting these criminals, experts believe most of that money is gone for good.
A state audit released last year blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration for "significant missteps and inaction" that contributed to the size of the fraud. In the months since the pandemic began, the Newsom administration has implemented new identity verification software that state officials say has stopped another $125 billion in attempted fraud.
Newsom also hired former U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott to help the state investigate and prosecute people for stealing unemployment benefits. In the past 15 months, the state has launched 1,525 investigations resulting in 467 arrests, 162 convictions and more than $3.4 million in money seized.
"We will continue working with law enforcement to put fraudsters behind bars and recover every stolen dollar that we can," Scott said.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-gets-11b-back-likely-fraudulent-benefits/103-162a0886-35d9-4d3a-8e54-fdf0f61dd368 | 2022-06-22T05:57:53 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/california-gets-11b-back-likely-fraudulent-benefits/103-162a0886-35d9-4d3a-8e54-fdf0f61dd368 |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — It has been one year since a 51-year-old waitress was killed inside a Roseville restaurant in domestic violence related incident.
It was a somber day of remembrance at the House of Oliver in Roseville where the deadly attack took place. Customers, friends and colleagues current and former paid homage there Tuesday.
Vita Joga is remembered by colleagues as a vibrant woman who could light up a room. However, those close to her say, in the time leading up to her death, she faced serious domestic abuse and was trying to find safety.
Her long-time boss Matthew Oliver, owner of House of Oliver, helped Joga obtain a restraining order against her ex-fiancé Johnnie Jordan. The 48-year-old man is accused of entering the restaurant on June 21, 2021 and killing Joga, according to court documents.
“She was a bright personality that could change the atmosphere in a room instantly,” Oliver said.
Jordan, a convicted felon not allowed to posses a firearm, was expected in Placer County Court that day to be arraigned on charges related to battery and death threats he allegedly aimed toward Joga. He had bailed out earlier and skipped that court appearance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest, but it did not get to authorities in time to save Joga’s life.
“Every day when I read a headline of another life taken that could have been prevented, it brings me back to this moment,” Oliver said.
Oliver has publicly and privately fundraised to help others who are battling similar situations as his former friend and employee. The restaurant has raised more than $10,000 for Stand Up Placer, an area organization that helps those experiencing domestic violence.
Meanwhile, the business owner is also advocating for changes to legal policy to prevent these incidents from happening again.
“She had gone through all the processes and did everything right and this violent criminal was released and able to commit this horrific crime, and it never should have happened,” Oliver said.
Lawmakers in the California Assembly are pursuing changes that could offer early warning to victims of domestic violence.
“It angers me to know that so many victims continue to die at the hands of their abusers,” said state Senator Susan Rubio.
Rubio’s legislation, known as the right to pause, was written following this year’s deadly killing of four at a Sacramento County church. The bill would require officials to notify victim’s if their alleged abuser was arrested, bailed out of jail or skipped a court appearance.
“We need to keep victim’s informed, every step of the way,” Rubio said.
The bill has stalled over criticism that there are other processes already in place to provide warning, however, Rubio argues they do not work quickly enough.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/remembering-vita-joga/103-269f690b-a2bf-4e7b-bbc5-792c8dbfeb5e | 2022-06-22T05:57:59 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/remembering-vita-joga/103-269f690b-a2bf-4e7b-bbc5-792c8dbfeb5e |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With this week’s high temperatures plus the risk of dry lightning in parts of the area this week, Cal Fire is asking people to be on guard.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jon Heggie said the state could start seeing a more active fire season, after what has been a slower start compared to recent years.
At the latest count (June 17), the number of acres burned at this point in the year is lower than the five-year average for this time, with 16,907 acres burned so far this year compared to five-year average of 21,755.
Plus, California has seen 500 fewer fires at this point - 2,972 - compared to the same time last year - 3,472.
As Heggie explains, “we really haven't had the record heat and hot temperatures and low humidities at this time... where we've seen in years past, so our fire activity has been a bit, a little bit, slower than normal. But the reality is, we're seeing some hotter temperatures on the horizon and some drier temperatures and potentially some monsoonal moisture coming in, which has the potential for dry lightning, and we could be very active within the next few days.”
He pointed out the damage lightning caused two years ago.
“Back in 2020, we were hit with a series of dry lightning up and down the state, which was historic proportions,” Heggie said. “We had thousands of fires burning up and down the state, so really that is the worst case scenario.”
Four of those 2020 lightning-caused fires made the list of California’s 20 largest wildfires. Nearly half of that list were caused by lightning, including two from last year.
“We are in a different era of fire,” Heggie said.
That means people living in areas once thought to be safe from wildfires should come up with an evacuation plan just in case, Heggie said.
“What we're looking at this year is the effects of the lack of rain that we did not receive over the wintertime,” Heggie said. “So with that void of moisture, the potential for fires as we get into these hotter months is just going to increase. So fire prevention and fire awareness is really key as we get into the summer months.”
Cal Fire recommends people check out their wildfire preparedness website HERE, which they call a one-stop shop for wildfire safety and preparation resources.
New this year, Heggie said Cal Fire will start using its Cal Fire Hawk helicopters to do night-time firefighting, something that’s very difficult and dangerous to do. Pilots have been training on the new S70i helicopters over the past year and will start doing night-time drops this fire season, when the conditions and situation merit it.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/cal-fire-warns-possible-uptick-fire-season/103-146e259b-1ed1-4a5c-8a17-1a50de8184c2 | 2022-06-22T05:58:05 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/cal-fire-warns-possible-uptick-fire-season/103-146e259b-1ed1-4a5c-8a17-1a50de8184c2 |
The woman who was responsible for taking care of a 7-year-old boy before he starved to death in a locked bedroom was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in his killing, the district attorney announced.
After pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in March, 40-year-old Leticia Bravo was handed down her punishment for the death of Peter Cuacuas on Tuesday, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said. The prison sentence comes just over four months after the child's father, Arturo Cuacuas, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
Cuacuas had allegedly left Peter in the care of Bravo, his girlfriend, when she brought "lifeless" Peter to Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh back on Feb. 10, 2021. The young boy weighed only 37 pounds and he had died of starvation, the Orange County medical examiner found.
Investigators previously released grim details late in 2021 following an 8-month investigation into the boy's death. Authorities said Bravo had become Peter's primary caretaker sometime after the start of school in September 2020. She allegedly watched after Cuacuas six days a week at her apartment on William Street in Newburgh.
Prosecutors said Bravo kept him in a bedroom behind a door that locked from the outside since January 2021. The boy was allegedly kept in that room at least six days a week, with Saturday being the only day he was allowed out, as he and Bravo stayed at his father's apartment.
Peter never logged on for virtual schooling, despite numerous conversations between Bravo and Peter’s teachers and other school representatives, according to the DA.
Peter's father admitted that in the months leading up to his son's death, he noticed his deteriorating condition, but failed to take the steps to help him. Arturo Cuacuas previously pleaded guilty to a criminally negligent homicide charge for the death of Peter.
News
"There is no more innocent victim than a child," said Hoovler. "The facts and circumstances of this case are unimaginable, and the community collectively grieves the loss of Peter Cuacuas. No one deserves the type of depraved mistreatment the victim in this case suffered."
Bravo initially faced 25 years to life in prison when she faced murder and manslaughter charges.
Now that the criminal proceedings against Bravo are finished, Arturo Cuacuas will face sentencing, as he agreed to testify against her. He faces up to four years in prison, the maximum allowed for criminally negligent homicide charges. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/caretaker-of-7-year-old-ny-boy-who-starved-to-death-sentenced-to-15-years-ny-only/3743941/ | 2022-06-22T06:08:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/caretaker-of-7-year-old-ny-boy-who-starved-to-death-sentenced-to-15-years-ny-only/3743941/ |
Ordinary New Yorkers turned into extraordinary heroes to help save victims, and are describing what the scene was like after two women suffered severe leg injuries when police said an out-of-control taxi cab hit a bicyclist before hopping a curb and slamming into a group on a busy Manhattan sidewalk.
Two people were left trapped under the taxi SUV Monday afternoon, after the 60-year-old driver was trying to turn left on Broadway around 1 p.m., but struck a bicyclist moving southbound near West 29th Street, police said.
"It was like pow, people started shouting, screaming," said Bayo Falaye, who was a block away when the crash occurred. "Everybody's was like, 'What's going on, what's going on?' I was thinking it was a fight until we saw it was an accident."
Law enforcement sources said that a cyclist ran a red light on Broadway and collided with the cab as it was turning.
The impact threw the bicyclist to the road, and the taxi dragged him briefly before it hopped the curb and started traveling down the sidewalk, coming to a rest further down Broadway. Six people were injured in the crash, three critically, police said.
Two women, a 32-year-old and a 48-year-old, were taken to a hospital in critical condition with serious injuries to their legs. Their conditions remained critical as of Tuesday morning.
The four injured pedestrians are all tourists, two from Mexico and two from Ohio.
The driver of the cab was transported to a hospital for treatment of pain to his neck and back, while the 50-year-old bicyclist was taken for treatment of a right arm injury. He was also expected to recover.
A crowd of onlookers tried to lift the vehicle off the trapped women after the Monday afternoon accident. Cops described a "remarkable" scene as some 15 to 20 people rushed over to help move the taxi off the women.
A bike delivery worker, who asked not to be identified, was among those who rushed in to help pick up the car off the victims.
"When I look at her eyes, it's horrible, like I'm in a war or something," he said. "It's not normal, so last night I didn't sleep."
Falaye said he thought the situation on the roads in NYC was getting worse, and the numbers back up his belief. The number of traffic deaths in the city have increased since the pandemic, and Mayor Eric Adams is facing pressure to find a solution.
Adams has promised to redesign 1,000 intersections and beef up police traffic enforcement. On Tuesday, the group Transportation Alternatives blamed the taxi driver for the crash, and said it could have been prevented by making Broadway car-free. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/like-im-in-a-war-hero-who-helped-lift-crashed-cab-off-victims-describes-scene/3743912/ | 2022-06-22T06:08:14 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/like-im-in-a-war-hero-who-helped-lift-crashed-cab-off-victims-describes-scene/3743912/ |
July 20, 1920 - June 16, 2022
CROWN POINT - Edward Gargano, age 101, of Crown Point, IN. The gates of Heaven opened on June 16, 2022, for Edward Gargano. Edward was born on July 20, 1920, to Dominic Anthony and Ann (Rutkowski) Gargano, in Hammond, Indiana.
Mr. Gargano is survived by his very loving children: Sandra (Wayne) of Muncie, IN, Larry (Mickey) of Chattanooga, TN, Louanne Wright of Crown Point, IN and Peggy (Rich) of Crown Point, IN. He also has one brother, Leroy (Jeep) Gargano of Highland, IN. Ed has eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by the love of his entire life, wife, Yvonne, who he married on December 7, 1940; his mother and father: Tony and Ann Gargano; sisters: Gertrude Shaw and Ella Munda; and his brother, Ralph Gargano.
Edward attended St. Casmir grade school, Hammond Tech High School, was a senior journeyman machinist for 40 years at Standard Oil (BP) and was truly a Mr. Fixit. Ed was a World War II Veteran serving in the Pacific in many major battles. In his retirement years, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his only true love, wife, Yvonne (Queen Elizabeth), fishing, helping everyone, assisting the family with anything and everything, and spending time with the grandkids. He loved little kids. Lastly, he loved those Cubs, watched every game and always did a better job of managing from his recliner than the manager on the field.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. The funeral will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet Street, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Kevin Huber officiating. Interment at Maplewood Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/edward-gargano/article_59ad4809-8da8-5aeb-89f9-ce445fd8e21f.html | 2022-06-22T06:28:34 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/edward-gargano/article_59ad4809-8da8-5aeb-89f9-ce445fd8e21f.html |
March 22, 1949 - June 14, 2022
CHESTERTON - Helen Marie Spanopoulos, 73, of Chesterton, IN passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Residences at Coffee Creek. She was born March 22, 1949, in Gary, IN to Peter and Helen (Brzoska) Stecy, received a B.A. from Northwestern University, and a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University in Indianapolis. Helen was most proud of her career as manager of "Infant and Child Special Care" which was a pediatric home care service that produced marvelous results for premature infants.
On May 15, 1993, she married James Spanopoulos who survives along with her brothers: Peter (Lorna Davis) Stecy of Chicago; and their daughter, Madeline, Charles Stecy of Whiting; step-sons: Frank (Sarah) Spanopoulos of Floyds Knobs, IN and Edward (Amy) Spanopoulos of Chesterton, IN; and many loving grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Helen was the first to show up in a crisis, always offering to help without being asked. She put others first and was generous to a fault. She was a trusted friend to many and will be greatly missed.
A private family visitation and memorial service will be held at Moeller Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana or the Alzheimer's Association. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/helen-marie-spanopoulos/article_649ff94c-9cf0-53c3-adae-d18fd07cfaf7.html | 2022-06-22T06:28:40 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/helen-marie-spanopoulos/article_649ff94c-9cf0-53c3-adae-d18fd07cfaf7.html |
May 28, 1924 - June 16, 2022
CHICAGO - Isolina M. Coci (nee DeVincentis), cherished wife and devoted mother, peacefully died the morning of June 16, 2022 on the East Side of Chicago at the age of 98. Born on May 28, 1924 in Bussi sul Tirino, a small village in Italy.
Beloved wife of the late Nicola Coci. Loving mother of Frank (Patricia) Coci, Sarah (James) Policchio, John Coci, and the late Rosemary (Daniel) Crnjak. Cherished Nonna of Kathleen (Rocco) Gotto, Selina Crnjak, Johnny Coci, Elise (Dan) Zeller, Michael (Mary Ryan, fiance) Coci, Danny (Erica) Coci, Jimmy Policchio, and Krista (Anthony Rubino, fiance) Policchio. Cherished Great Nonna of Emma, Evelyn, and Sophia Gotto, Danny Zeller, Mickey and Lucy Coci, and Cecelia Coci.
Preceded in death by parents: Giovanni and Antonietta; siblings: Arturo DeVincentis, Luigi DeVincentis, Bicetta DeAngelis, and Anna DeVincentis. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews, many who still reside in her hometown of Italy.
Isolina was a loving mother, homemaker, and caretaker for her late husband. Her greatest passion was her family. She loved to cook, sing, sew, knit, crochet, work in her garden and admire her beautiful flowers.
Visitation and Funeral Services Friday, June 24, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until time of prayers at 10:30 a.m. at the Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago to Our Lady of Nazareth Church (formerly Annunciata Church). Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum. For more information 773-731-2749 or www.elmwoodchapel.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/isolina-m-coci-nee-devincentis/article_22c0569a-0414-5e6a-86a4-8f1c8eb28836.html | 2022-06-22T06:28:46 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/isolina-m-coci-nee-devincentis/article_22c0569a-0414-5e6a-86a4-8f1c8eb28836.html |
CROWN POINT - John Douglas Girard ("Doug"), age 63, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
John "Doug" is survived by his loving mother, Mary Lou Girard; sister, Lisa (Robert) Treadway; aunts: Nancy J. Gross, Nancy (Will) Houldieson; cousins: Sheila (Casey) Dunn, Amy (Dean) Andrews, Andrea Gross, Lyla Gross; and close family friend, William Kryspin.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, John A. Girard; paternal grandparents: Stanley and Louise Girard; maternal grandparents: Culver and Sally Gross; and his cousin, Glenn Gross.
Doug graduated from Crown Point High School in 1977 and went on to earn an associate degree from Indiana University Northwest. He had a passion for all cars which he fostered by opening his own business.
Doug loved God, his family, friends, and his country.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 S. Cline Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the garden of Apostles.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Doug's name to the American Heart Association.
Visit Doug's online guestbook at dignitymemorial.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/john-douglas-girard/article_6b548fdb-4470-5db3-af3f-381d7718311a.html | 2022-06-22T06:28:53 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/john-douglas-girard/article_6b548fdb-4470-5db3-af3f-381d7718311a.html |
Nov. 15, 1932 - June 19, 2022
SCHERERVILLE, IN - John H. Smith, age 89, of Schererville, IN passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
John was born November 15, 1932 in Newman, IL to the late John George and Elsie Gertrude Smith. He was a graduate of Newman High School, and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He honorably served during the Korean War aboard the Aircraft Carrier Siboney CVE112. After serving the US Navy, John became an electrician, working for Whiting Corporation in Harvey, IL.
John married his first wife, Thelma Joy Smart on July 14, 1953. They were married five years until the time of her passing. On April 1, 1961, John married Betty Strandberg in Hernando, MS. John and Betty loved traveling and had the distinction of visiting all 50 states.
He was very involved in his children's activities as a coach for Dyer Little League and Dyer Girls Softball League. John was an avid trapshooter and hunter. He was a member of the Izaak Walton and the American Legion Brunswick Post.
Surviving to mourn his passing are his daughter, Lisa (Don) Kemling of Lowell, IN; son, John W. (Tracey) Smith of Carmel, IN; stepsons, Dan (Geri) Strandberg of AZ and Mark Strandberg of CA. John is also survived by his grandchildren, Mike Kemling, Jenni Kemling, Alli (Andrew) Monix, Courtney Cooley, Brittany Smith, JD (Kristen) Smith, Jesse (Ashlen) Smith, Kyle (Lacey) Strandberg and Scott (Kelly) Strandberg. John was exceptionally proud to be the great-grandfather of Kaden Kemling, Sophia Dougherty, Malia Monix, Ellie Cooley, Lilly Cooley, Jake Crittendon, Connor Strandberg, Liam Strandberg, Amelia Strandberg, and Harrison Strandberg.
John was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, his first wife, Thelma Joy Smith, the love of his life, Betty Smith and great-granddaughter Kinsley Rae Monix.
Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of his Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Betty, at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Fond Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Smith family. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/john-h-smith/article_c092827a-faa7-5a86-80e0-a7d6a3ca2f76.html | 2022-06-22T06:28:59 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/john-h-smith/article_c092827a-faa7-5a86-80e0-a7d6a3ca2f76.html |
May 12, 1974 - June 19, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - Karl Andrew Milkereit, 48 of Chicago, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 19, 2022. He was born May 12, 1974, in Valparaiso, IN to Gilbert and Carla (Pope) Milkereit. Karl graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1992 and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in History from Wabash College. He was currently a Human Resources Officer with Optimus in Chicago, but his true passion in life was swimming.
Karl began swimming at age 12 and continued through high school, college, and beyond. He was a member of USA Swimming and Illinois Swimming, as well as a former Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL for 14 years. Karl was the owner and operator of Windy City Elite Aquatics, where he was a private swimming instructor for people of all ages and talent levels. His accolades as a coach include state and national championship swimmers and national record holders. Karl's love for swimming was evident but even more so, he loved sharing his passion for swimming with others, especially children. He will be remembered for his kind heart and his abundance of patience. Karl will be dearly missed.
Karl is survived by his parents: Gilbert and Carla Milkereit of Kouts, IN; aunts and uncles: Bill (Yonnie) Pope, Phyllis Milkereit, David Thompson; and many cousins; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: William and Patricia Pope, Karl and Frieda Milkereit; great-grandparents: William and Ena Pope, William and Esther Aulwurm; uncle, Roy Milkereit; and aunt, Sandra Thompson.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. The funeral service will begin on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karl's name to USA Swimming. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/karl-andrew-milkereit/article_e962723d-dfa2-50ab-a67a-b395ec018df6.html | 2022-06-22T06:29:05 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/karl-andrew-milkereit/article_e962723d-dfa2-50ab-a67a-b395ec018df6.html |
CROWN POINT - Michael Copak, age 75, of Crown Point, formerly of East Chicago, IN passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 17, 2022. Beloved husband of Carol Copak; loving father of Joseph (Mariya) Copak, Brian (Irene) Copak, and Rosalie (William) Mulcahy; cherished grandfather of Michael, Teodor, Violet, Esme, Victor, Sean and Edward; dear brother of Jerry Copak and Kathleen Sajdyk; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Michael graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt High School and obtained a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army. Michael was a retired employee of AT&T. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, gardening, fishing, golfing and football. He could build or fix anything. Michael was kind and generous and will be affectionately remembered by his pleasant nature, his smile and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at SOLAN-PRUZIN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Mass Celebrating Michael's Life will be held Thursday, June 23, 2022 directly at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 101 W. Burrell Dr., Crown Point, IN at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. James Wozniak officiating. Michael will lie in state at the church from10:00 A.M. until time of Mass. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-copak/article_e94645ed-d19f-5c6b-be2e-1bc8e4c33272.html | 2022-06-22T06:29:11 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-copak/article_e94645ed-d19f-5c6b-be2e-1bc8e4c33272.html |
April 24, 1936 - June 16, 2022
Michael Joseph Arvay Sr., loving husband, father, and grandfather of five grandchildren, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the age of 86.
Michael was born on April 24, 1936, in East Chicago, IN, to George and Eva (Merchel) Arvay. On July 11, 1959, he married Jeanette Ann Stephens. He was drafted by the Army, where he served in Korea. After the Army, he became an electronics repair technician working at Montgomery Wards until retirement.
Michael was preceded in death by his father George; mother Eva; and brother, George.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; daughter, Pamela (Kenneth) Reid; and son, Michael (Vanessa) Arvay.
His wake will be held at Fagen-Miller Funeral Home in Dyer, IN on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Church in Dyer, IN on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will happen on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Saint Maria Goretti Church to help continue the Ice Cream Truck tradition. www.fagenmiller.com | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-joseph-arvay-sr/article_95f120d5-9fb7-531e-aa84-ad03aa4d3b36.html | 2022-06-22T06:29:17 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-joseph-arvay-sr/article_95f120d5-9fb7-531e-aa84-ad03aa4d3b36.html |
HAMMOND - Richard S. Allen, 75, of Hammond, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, at his home in Hammond. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Divinity Funeral Home, 3831 Main Street in East Chicago, IN. Visitation one hour prior to service. Internment Concordia Cemetery in Hammond. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/richard-s-allen/article_878d572c-a3e2-5762-94c2-ddad2783d0ce.html | 2022-06-22T06:29:24 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/richard-s-allen/article_878d572c-a3e2-5762-94c2-ddad2783d0ce.html |
Oct. 24, 1957 - June 19, 2022
VALPARAISO, IN - Sheryl Vargas, age 64, passed away on June 19, 2022. Born on October 24, 1957 in Gary IN to the late Donald and Patricia (nee Zielaskowski) Smurdon.
Sheryl worked as a bank teller for Centier Bank.
Survived by husband, Christopher X. Vargas I; sons, Eric Vargas, Christopher (Rikki) Vargas II; grandchildren: Christopher III, Alexander, Remy, Scarlett; special niece, Kassie; close cousin, Janet Tsouklis and many more cousins; special aunt, Jean Adenau; goddaughter, Allison; best friend, Kathy Teso.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the DYKES FUNERAL HOME, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Douglas Mayer officiating.
Arrangements made by DYKES FUNERAL HOME, INC., (219) 462-3125. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/sheryl-l-vargas/article_4ba40e69-a0de-57ec-b6bb-0252f135cdc9.html | 2022-06-22T06:29:30 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/sheryl-l-vargas/article_4ba40e69-a0de-57ec-b6bb-0252f135cdc9.html |
Chancelor Maughan, 25, of Twin Falls died June 17, 2022. Arrangements are in the care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home.
Elene Monroe, 73, of Buhl died June 19, 2022, at her home. Arrangements are in care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home.
Gary Richard Betschart, 69, of Eureka, Nevada, died June 19, 2022, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. Services will be held in the future in Eureka. Local arrangements are under the direction of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.
Forence Gertrude Howells-Durk, 100, formerly of Jerome died at her home in Castle Rock, Colorado, on June 18, 2022. Services pending under the care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/death-notices/article_d567e8c6-f1ab-11ec-9308-4f5dd2e155f8.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:09 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/death-notices/article_d567e8c6-f1ab-11ec-9308-4f5dd2e155f8.html |
RUPERT — Connie Schorzman Memorial on Saturday, June 25, 2022.
The family of Connie Gail Schorzman invite classmates, neighbors and friends to a “Lawn Picnic”. You are invited to the Schorzman Family Farm at 148 W 300 N of Rupert, Idaho at 2:00 p.m. We will gather together in “Memory Of” Connie at the place she was born and raised. A picnic lunch with beverages will be served.
Connie was a member of the Minico Class of 1961.
For more information call Gary S. at 436-3982. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/connie-schorzman/article_76ecc63b-2f8f-5136-9ca4-44b84b7215a8.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:15 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/connie-schorzman/article_76ecc63b-2f8f-5136-9ca4-44b84b7215a8.html |
June 30, 1929 - June 6, 2022
GOODING — Dolores Louise Koonce, 92, a resident of Twin Falls and formerly of Gooding, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Heritage Assisted Living in Twin Falls.
Dolores was born along with her twin sister, Dorothy on June 30, 1929, in Windom, Minnesota, to the proud parents, Rachel and Virgil Vandermoon, and were met by their brother, Curtis and sister, Geraldine. Three years later their mother, Rachel died due to complications of child birth. It was the year of the great depression and their father could no longer keep the family together. Clarence and Louise Pettyjohn, an aunt and uncle took the twins to raise as their own.
The twins went to school in Hartley, Iowa and graduated in 1948. Dolores went on to Iowa State Teachers College and Buena Vista State College and graduated with an Elementary Teacher's degree. She went on to teach school for thirteen years in several small towns in Iowa. While in college she met a young man on a blind date. His name was Harry Dwyer, just out of the army, having served in Korea. They fell in love and married in 1956. They had two daughters, Kathy and Kellie.
In 1959 they packed up and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where new opportunities awaited them. Dolores worked at various jobs and continued to teach. She taught at St. Edward's School for two years. Their daughters grew up and married and led their own lives. Dolores and Harry were later divorced.
Dolores later met Curtis Koonce. They fell in love and were married in 1987. They lived in Lewiston, Idaho for a few years and then moved to Gooding. Curtis died in the year 2000.
Dolores had an interest in music, bought a guitar, and learned to play it. She loved music and loved to sing and composed several songs. She belonged to the Idaho State Old-time Fiddlers Association, later The Fiddlers, Inc. She was the Director of Registration for the Idaho State Old-time Fiddlers Contest for several years.
She was a member of the Gooding Methodist Church and a volunteer at the Gooding Senior Center which she enjoyed so much. She also enjoyed playing pool at the Senior Center and she would say she didn't play very well, but she sure enjoyed it.
She is survived by her sister Dorothy Anderson; daughter Kellie Paris; grandchildren – Eric Kolman, and Stacey Boyd; four great-grandchildren - Samantha, Cassidy, Isaac and Kaylee; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother - Curtis; sister Geraldine; and daughter Kathy Kolman and her husband Robert Kolman.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 27, 2022 at Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. Services will conclude at the Chapel.
Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/dolores-louise-koonce/article_70edc8de-1f6a-5153-8b47-66beb1cec730.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:21 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/dolores-louise-koonce/article_70edc8de-1f6a-5153-8b47-66beb1cec730.html |
JEROME — Barbara Janette Zysett, 70, of Jerome, passed away June 20, 2022.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S. Lincoln, Jerome, Idaho. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Barbara’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/barbara-janette-zysett/article_14a0bbe0-16f5-5e3c-89ba-d4326a8ffb10.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:28 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/barbara-janette-zysett/article_14a0bbe0-16f5-5e3c-89ba-d4326a8ffb10.html |
TWIN FALLS — LaVere Larson, 75, of Twin Falls, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on June 20, 2022.
Friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM, burial will follow on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Hyrum City Cemetery in Hyrum, Utah. Arrangements are under the caring direction of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/lavere-larson/article_6a6fce79-7885-51f7-8824-3d3a5f3e4456.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:34 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/lavere-larson/article_6a6fce79-7885-51f7-8824-3d3a5f3e4456.html |
Nov. 2, 1934—June 18, 2022
RICHFIELD — Joseph LaRae Brown, 87, a resident of Richfield, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022 with his family by his side in Richfield.
LaRae was born on November 2, 1934 in Richfield, the son of Jim and Ethel Brown. He was raised in Richfield and had a strong work ethic and began working as a young boy. He began herding cows at the age of 6. He continued to do many jobs throughout his childhood such as pumping gas at the Richfield Motor Service. At age 16 LaRae quit school and went to work on the welding crew for the railroad. Two years later in 1951, his father opened up a service station – Brownie Service and Repair, and LaRae worked alongside his dad.
Around this time, he met the love of his life – Mary Heck, and the two were married on December 11, 1953. He went to work at Pope’s Service Station. While working at Pope’s, LaRae and Mary had three children and moved from town to the farm where they would reside for the rest of their lives together. He then went to work at the canal company as a ditch rider. LaRae then went to work at the Richfield Schools as a bus mechanic, bus driver and maintenance man. He was very loved by many students and families at the Richfield Schools. LaRae went back to the canal company – first as a ditch rider and then as a mechanic in the shop. LaRae continued to farm and milk cows during this time. Throughout his life, LaRae was never too busy to stop and help anyone.
LaRae was loved by all his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The pain of losing him is only softened by the knowledge that he is reunited with his love – Mary.
LaRae was preceded in death by his wife Mary; his parents Jim and Ethel Brown; his brother Jimmy (Alberta) Brown; his sister Nadine Hilderbrand; two infant siblings; and one great-grandson Adler Brauburger.
He is survived by his sister Maxine (Dwaine) Stirton; his sons – Rick (Kari) Brown and Dave (Cheryl) Brown; his daughter Connie (Harvey) Brauburger; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Richfield Cemetery in Richfield.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.
Condolences, memories and photos can be shared with the family by following the obituary link at www.demarayfuneralservice.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/joseph-larae-brown/article_d897f8ce-7d1b-5c6e-803c-f5dbeacb4940.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:40 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/joseph-larae-brown/article_d897f8ce-7d1b-5c6e-803c-f5dbeacb4940.html |
July 28, 1930—June 14, 2022
BURLEY – Picola Grant Hatch Wood departed this life on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, surrounded by loving family while residing at the home of her daughter, Ann Harper.
Picola was born the tenth of 11 children on July 28, 1930, in Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada, to Leo Rufus Hatch and Jemmima Grant. The family moved to West Bountiful in 1936, then to Bluffdale, Utah, in 1942, where she graduated from Jordan High School in 1948.
From a young age, she studied voice and piano from various teachers, some becoming cherished mentors to whom she remained close for many years. In 1948 she attended Brigham Young University, where she met her beloved Elden Leigh Wood while they were both rehearsing for an upcoming opera. They were married on June 6, 1949, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Picola served in a variety of callings in the church. She was adored by the Primary children, who she taught to love music. They loved her because she first loved them. For more than 70 years, she taught piano and voice lessons to thousands of students, young and old, many at no charge. Always striving to be a better teacher, she took voice lessons privately over the years.
Following her marriage to Elden and while expecting their second baby, Picola supported her husband and family while he served for over 2½ years in France as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The subsequent six missions would not separate them again as they served as a family in Charleroi, Belgium; the West Indies as mission presidents; Bordeaux, France (serving in Lyon); Bern, Switzerland; Accra, Ghana, West Africa; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. They gave nearly 16 years of their lives to full-time service to the Lord worldwide. In addition, they served in the Boise Idaho and Twin Falls Idaho Temples for over 12 years.
Picola assisted Elden multiple times as the vocal and drama coach for some of the Burley High School musicals. She organized the Burley Music Festival, prepared countless student participants who won many awards and was a long-time member of local, state, and national music educator organizations. She organized hour-long programs for the Festival of Trees each year and provided music for multiple civic organizations. She was also a long-time member of a Burley book club for which she offered twice-yearly musical programs. She gave her students and family countless opportunities to learn and grow through these performances. With her husband, she was the owner of the Burley Music Store for over 25 years before selling it to Welch Music. In short, Picola’s and Elden’s musical contributions to the Mini-Cassia community simply cannot be measured. As one former student said, “Elden and Picola could have gone anywhere—they were that good. But they chose to come to little old Burley, Idaho, and gift the community with the sound of music.”
But as profound as were Picola’s and Elden’s musical gifts to the community, her greatest gift was her unconditional love for everyone she met. She exemplified a true Christian life by loving and serving the less fortunate, the downtrodden, the discouraged, and the wanderer. She was a one-of-a-kind woman. She held nothing in reserve and gave every ounce of her heart and soul to the very end. Burley, Idaho, was changed forever when she and Elden moved here in 1966 and will never be quite the same now that she has moved on to her eternal sphere of glory.
We express sincere appreciation to the expert and loving care of hospice workers from Horizon Health, members of both the Burley 7th and 3rd wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the unfailing tender service of her daughter, Ann Harper, who for months and years cared for Picola and Elden until their passing.
Picola is survived by her six children, Alan Roy Wood, Ann Leigh Harper (Teague), Janine Wood Green, Renée Packer (Stephen), Claire Lynne Prigmore (Steve), and Lucie Grant Gibbons (Barry); 43 grandchildren; 157 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elden; one grandson, Seth Teague Harper; and all ten of her siblings.
The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Burley 7th Ward, located at 2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with Bishop Eric Pierce officiating. Burial followed at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.
Family and friends were received from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, June 20, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service, at the church. A webcast will be maintained at rasmussenwilson.com. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/picola-wood/article_0e5677fc-d58d-517e-a5d5-a5b2fd6f0ac2.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:46 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/picola-wood/article_0e5677fc-d58d-517e-a5d5-a5b2fd6f0ac2.html |
March 20, 1937—June 16, 2022
HEYBURN — Ronald Lee Davis, age 85, passed away at his home, peacefully in his sleep, on June 16, 2022.
Ron was born March 20, 1937, to Luther and Blanche (Thompson) Davis, in Novelty, Missouri.
As a young toddler, Ron and his parents settled in southeastern Idaho. Eventually, with the birth of Mauretta, Ron’s sister, Bancroft, Idaho became their home. Ron graduated in 1956, from North Gem High School in Bancroft, a place dear to his heart. He always made it a priority to participate in the “The Gem’s” yearly high school reunions.
Shortly after high school, Ronald enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at 307th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he met his beautiful wife, Ruth Colleen Janssen. Ron was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1960.
Ron and Ruth were married in Aryshire, Iowa, on November 29, 1958, and eventually moved to Heyburn, Idaho, where they planted roots and started their family with the birth of Tenna Marie (1962) and Mark Lee (1966). This was their home for fifty-eight years.
After graduating from the Salt Lake City Barber College and completing the board certification with the State of Idaho, Ron began his business at the Barber Center in Burley, Idaho, with his dear friends and business partners, Bob Beaver and Bob McIntyre. Ronald barbered here for over 40 years. After his retirement, Ronald enjoyed the freedom to travel, camp, fish, and spend time with his grandchildren. Ron was a man who knew how to work hard and play hard, something he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
When we think of Ron, we remember his friendly, caring, and compassionate nature; his loyalty to his family and friends; and his dedication to the meaningful things in his life. This was exemplified by traveling for visits, making phone calls and text messages, and being of service with the hope of adding joy to your day. We all knew we were loved by Ron because he showed us. He brought a lasting joy to our lives.
Ron is preceded in death by Ruth, his wife of 62-years; his son, Mark Davis; his parents, Luther and Blanche Davis; and his sister, Mauretta Payne. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tenna and Dennis Walker; daughter-in-law, Kellie Davis; grandchildren and their spouses, Bill Lee and Stephanie Davis and their two sons, Maegan and Brett Wilkinson and their three sons, Kristen and Stephen Pfeiler, and Shannon and Kyle Clark and their newborn son.
A service of remembrance and worship for Ronald will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, 2410 Miller Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. Alexander G. Lissow officiating. A graveside service, with military rites accorded by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group, will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn.
A webcast will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com.
The family suggests memorials in Ronald’s name be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or Minidoka County Senior Center
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ronald-lee-davis/article_1dee5dfa-88cd-5831-87b0-814a345c0bf8.html | 2022-06-22T06:31:52 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ronald-lee-davis/article_1dee5dfa-88cd-5831-87b0-814a345c0bf8.html |
KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A Kanawha County Family Court Judge says he was hit by a bullet while having dinner with his significant other in Portland, Oregon.
Family Court Judge Jim Douglas tells 13 News that it happened Monday evening while he was on board the Portland Spirit, a cruise ship.
Douglas said over the phone Tuesday night that the ship was near the docking area when he thought he heard a champagne bottle being opened.
After that, he says he felt a pain in his arm.
Douglas says beside him was a bullet, which police identified as a 9mm.
A person had shot at the cruise ship and the bullet went through thick glass, according to Judge Douglas and police.
Judge Douglas says that he does have a bruise on his arm but the soreness has gone away. He described the initial pain as similar to being punched in the arm.
He said he did not go to the hospital because there was no open wound on his arm.
Sister station to 13 News in Portland, KOIN 6, reported on the shooting.
KOIN reports that no arrests have been made at this time.
Judge Douglas tells 13 News that he and some law enforcement officials believe he was hit with a bullet, however other law enforcement officials believe his injury could have been from the glass.
The same day the incident happened an op-ed written by Judge Douglas was published in the Charleston Gazette-Mail about Family Court Judges and security issues.
Judge Douglas told 13 News that the incident during his vacation in Portland was not targeted at him, but rather someone just shooting at the cruise ship. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/kanawha-county-family-court-judge-believed-to-be-struck-by-bullet-while-vacationing-in-portland/ | 2022-06-22T06:32:43 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/kanawha-county-family-court-judge-believed-to-be-struck-by-bullet-while-vacationing-in-portland/ |
The body of a veteran FDNY firefighter who was killed by a falling tree limb in North Carolina returned home to New York Tuesday night, ahead of the funeral and department ceremony.
A escort of first responders followed the body of Casey Skudin, as it made its way from a tarmac at Queens' LaGuardia Airport to a funeral home in Oceanside, where where Skudin’s fellow firefighters waited to salute the 45-year-old. He was killed when a tree limb fell onto the vehicle he was driving at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, officials said.
For years, Skudin risked his life to help his fellow man. First as a lifeguard, then as a FDNY firefighter in Rockaway.
"It’s the hero’s welcome that a hero like Casey surely deserves," said Randy Eichin, Skudin's best friend.
Skudin's cousin, Ian Skudin, said he was someone "you just look up to, it's hard not to, right?"
But in cruel twist of fate – it wasn’t a fire or a rip current that took Skudin’s life. It would end up being a broken tree limb that fell onto the SUV that Skudin and his family were driving on Friday. The limb fell across a road at the entrance to the estate amid high winds.
News
Skudin and his family were on vacation to celebrate his 46th birthday and Father’s Day, which happened to fall on the same day. The falling tree limb crushed the car, killing Skudin and leaving his 10-year-old son hospitalized. His wife and their eldest son managed to get out safely.
"For it to turn so tragic on such a meaningful weekend is truly hard to digest," Eichin said.
Eichin hopped on a plane bound for Asheville to make sense of the freak accident and support Casey’s family. Flowers and a FDNY T-shirt now mark the spot where that tree limb once was.
"If one person was to go I know for sure, he’d say take me and please spare my family. A lifeguard, fireman. He would make that choice," Eichin said, fighting back tears.
Visitation services for Skudin are this Thursday, which will be followed by a FDNY ceremony on Friday. Skudin’s widow has asked that mourners not wear black on Thursday, saying she wants it to be a celebration of her husband’s vibrant life.
The surfing community in Long Beach is remembering him too, as Skudin was a longtime surfer and outdoorsman who earned a medal years ago for rescuing a drowning surfer. On Sunday morning, there will be a memorial paddle out for Skudin at Lido West Beach. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/body-of-fdny-firefighter-casey-skudin-killed-by-falling-tree-limb-returns-to-ny/3743972/ | 2022-06-22T07:44:33 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/body-of-fdny-firefighter-casey-skudin-killed-by-falling-tree-limb-returns-to-ny/3743972/ |
A Brooklyn doctor who has devoted her life to caring for her patients is now a patient herself, due to the long-term affects of COVID-19. Dr. Arlene McTeer desperately needs a kidney transplant — and the time to find a donor is running out.
McTeer's sister, Sonja, told NBC New York that Arlene has said since she was just 6 years old that she wanted to be an emergency medicine doctor. She grew up to do just that, following the footsteps of her father, one of the first Black dentists in South Carolina, into medicine.
Sonja also said her sister chose to work in underserved communities, like in inner city Charleston. She ultimately ended up at Brooklyn Hospital as an attending ER physician.
"She was a mentor that led me, and all of us, through our training in emergency medicine," said Dr. Pardeep Thandi, a fellow emergency physician.
Then COVID-19 hit.
"It was very scary, none of us had ever seen anything like this...[McTeer] was there every single day putting herself, her family, her friends at risk," said Dr. Thandi.
Dr. McTeer and her colleagues were featured in a March 2020 New York Times article entitled "We're In Disaster Mode." They were in the cauldron of an ER at the epicenter of the COVID crisis, where frontline workers such as themselves quickly contracted the virus.
"At that time there was no treatment, no vaccine," said Dr. Thandi. "It was one of those things that one of us got it, it spiraled where many of us would get it."
That included Dr. McTeer, who would be infected two months later. Her sister said that she was working at the time, and collapsed. Unlike many, the then-38-year-old doctor never recovered, despite being otherwise healthy beforehand.
"Her kidneys have failed, she has congestive heart failure...she’s so swollen from the fluid retention, she can hardly walk," Sonja said.
"To be in the ICU and not recover from this is just something that scares all of us," said Dr. Thandi.
Two years later, the doctor who devoted her whole life to her work — never marrying, no children — needs a kidney to survive.
"It is a matter of life and death," said Dr. Jed Burack, her physician. "When a 40-year-old in the middle of their life gets put on dialysis, it is a death sentence."
Friends, colleagues and family are putting out the appeal among doctor networks and beyond, urging people to get tested — to possibly help save the woman who has saved so many.
"We use the word hero in society a lot but she is a hero. For someone to devote their lives to others...help get her better so she can go back into society and make her daily contributions," said Dr. Thandi.
Dr. Burack agreed, saying that "if anybody is a worthy candidate for a donation, she is."
Sonja said that Arlene's desire to survive doesn't center on herself, but on her patients.
"She's worried about her patients...she wants to go back to her purpose in life," the sister said. "I’m just begging, somebody to have their heart pricked to help her. Because we don’t want her to die."
In order to donate a kidney, donors can either be a direct blood match or take part in what's known as a kidney exchange program.
Interested in learning how to register to be a potential kidney donor? Click here to get the process started. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/brooklyn-er-doc-saved-lives-now-she-needs-a-life-saving-kidney-donation-due-to-covid/3743874/ | 2022-06-22T07:44:39 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/brooklyn-er-doc-saved-lives-now-she-needs-a-life-saving-kidney-donation-due-to-covid/3743874/ |
Fort Wayne City Utilities plans to invest about $24 million to add a large solar array to a pond and creating a microgrid to supply three of its facilities with emergency backup power.
The microgrid energy project is also a way to reduce rising power costs, said Matthew Wirtz, deputy director of engineering. The City Utilities facilities will still rely on Indiana Michigan Power, but the project will supply solar energy to work alongside electricity.
The Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, where drinking water is processed north of downtown on Spy Run Avenue, has backup generators. That’s not the case for the Water Pollution Control Plant off of North Anthony Avenue near the Maumee River nor the Wet Weather Pumping Station located behind Lakeside Middle School.
A microgrid will allow all three facilities to use backup power during emergencies.
“Our water utility and wastewater utility don’t work without power running every second,” Wirtz said. “When they can’t provide it, then we think it’s our responsibility to have backups in place.”
The $23.7 million project includes the $10 million solar panels, generators, electrical upgrades for the microgrid and the maintenance needed to make the system last 40 years.
The floating solar panels will be placed on a pond at the Wet Weather Pumping Station. The solar array works more efficiently in water because the pond reduces heat on the panels. The panels can also be placed closer together on water than on land.
The solar panels will generate energy during the day, and City Utilities is purchasing a semi container full of batteries to store about a fifth of the power the panels generate during the day for emergency use.
Wirtz said the project will start saving City Utilities money on energy immediately.
“We’ve got to spend some more on capital, but we’re saving about $100,000 a year,” Wirtz said. “That’s at today’s electrical prices.”
The cost of power increases about 5% a year, Wirtz said.
Wirtz shared a projection of the energy costs City Utilities will be able to avoid because of the project. The projection used an annual energy price increase of 3% and showed more than $8 million in energy costs that will be avoided in the first 20 years.
The cost avoidance increases once the project is paid off after the first 20 years, Wirtz said. City Utilities will likely be able to avoid $60 million over the next 40 years because of the project, the projection shows.
City Utilities will finance the project, but City Council members weren’t asked to approve additional financing because the project will fall within the bonds and rates that have already been approved.
The project will also give City Utilities more experience with solar power, which could be expanded when it makes sense financially, Wirtz said.
Fort Wayne City Council members gave preliminary approval to the project Tuesday with a unanimous vote. Councilman Glynn Hines, D-at large, was absent.
Preliminary votes rarely change before final decisions are made. Council members are expected to take a final vote Tuesday. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-gives-initial-ok-on-24-million-solar-energy-project/article_91b71958-f1c9-11ec-85c9-3b241bcdae0b.html | 2022-06-22T08:06:33 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-gives-initial-ok-on-24-million-solar-energy-project/article_91b71958-f1c9-11ec-85c9-3b241bcdae0b.html |
Fort Wayne City Utilities plans to invest about $24 million to add a large solar array to a pond and creating a microgrid to supply three of its facilities with emergency backup power.
The microgrid energy project should also help reduce rising power costs, said Matthew Wirtz, deputy director of engineering. The City Utilities facilities will still rely on Indiana Michigan Power, but the project will supply solar energy to work alongside electricity.
The Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, where drinking water is processed north of downtown on Spy Run Avenue, has a backup generator. That’s not the case for the Water Pollution Control Plant off of North Anthony Avenue near the Maumee River nor the Wet Weather Pumping Station located behind Lakeside Middle School.
A microgrid will allow all three facilities to use backup power during emergencies.
“Our water utility and wastewater utility don’t work without power running every second,” Wirtz said. “When they can’t provide it, then we think it’s our responsibility to have backups in place.”
The $23.7 million project includes the $10 million solar panels, generators, electrical upgrades for the microgrid and the maintenance needed to make the system last 40 years.
Fort Wayne City Council members gave preliminary approval to the project with a unanimous vote. Councilman Glynn Hines, D-at large, was absent.
Preliminary votes rarely change before final decisions are made. Council members are expected to take a final vote Tuesday during the meeting. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-supports-24-million-city-utilities-energy-project/article_4b8802ae-f1c3-11ec-a2ec-67e410e0ad6c.html | 2022-06-22T08:06:39 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-council-supports-24-million-city-utilities-energy-project/article_4b8802ae-f1c3-11ec-a2ec-67e410e0ad6c.html |
Staff at Fox Island County Park felt drained after trying to tread a miles-long path to assess damage caused by last week’s storm.
“It took (the park and education manager) about five to six hours to walk a trail that usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half,” said Jeff Baxter, superintendent for Allen County Parks Tuesday. “That’s just absolutely demoralizing.”
Fox Island will remain closed indefinitely while hundreds of fallen trees still line the park’s roads and trails after the June 13 derecho.
Baxter said cleanup has been “terrible” the past week, with only about four people able to help him each day.
“It’s been more so damage assessment rather than cleanup,” Baxter said. “We’ve only cleaned up enough to get emergency vehicles in.”
Baxter said the parks and education manager for Fox Island has walked the trails in the past week and estimates about 800-1,000 trees are down, with some of them bigger than the park’s equipment can move. He said the damage is so severe that park workers cannot get any vehicles on the trails.
The derecho produced wind gusts as high as 98 mph that toppled trees and power lines, damaged buildings and caused power outages for tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
Each day, Baxter and at least three other people – including the environmental educator, parks and education manager and a maintenance worker – work to clean up Fox Island for about eight to nine hours. In that time, he said they can only partly clear a road for the day.
In addition to cleaning up trees that have fallen onto roads and trails, park employees also must worry about hanging limbs that could potentially fall. Workers need to make sure those obstacles are gone before the public can attend Fox Island again, he said.
After seeing the damage a week ago, Baxter estimated the park would be closed until mid-July. However, after going on the trails, he is now hoping to be open by the end of next month.
“Everyone wants to know when they can come back and go swimming again,” Baxter said. “But we can’t give them that answer right now. We don’t know.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fox-island-remains-closed-indefinitely-as-staff-clear-storm-damage/article_1744fe46-f198-11ec-855b-8f471ccd18ac.html | 2022-06-22T08:06:46 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fox-island-remains-closed-indefinitely-as-staff-clear-storm-damage/article_1744fe46-f198-11ec-855b-8f471ccd18ac.html |
Keeping cool on the first day of summer Jun 22, 2022 3 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email The splashpad at Lutheran Park and Gardens on Fairfield Avenue provides a cool place to hang out Tuesday afternoon as temperatures reached the upper 90s to mark the summer solstice. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Keeping cool on the first day of summer Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Huntington woman pleads guilty to child trafficking Caleb Swanigan, former Homestead, Purdue basketball star, dies Woman dies from storm-related injuries Komets leave Szydlowski off season-ending roster, parting with longtime star Piere's facing fight over outdoor concerts Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/keeping-cool-on-the-first-day-of-summer/article_de5aaf58-f1c5-11ec-9e9f-6bc02b1fe9bb.html | 2022-06-22T08:06:52 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/keeping-cool-on-the-first-day-of-summer/article_de5aaf58-f1c5-11ec-9e9f-6bc02b1fe9bb.html |
Parents who’ve been waiting to inoculate their young children against COVID-19 can now do so. But the Indiana health department’s online system for guiding parents to the shots still had glitches Tuesday.
Federal health authorities say those between 6 months and 5 years old can now receive COVID-19 vaccines that have been deemed safe and effective.
Parents are being advised to check the state’s COVID-19 website for locations. An online map there shows 72 Allen County sites where vaccines are offered, but only two of them said they were administering vaccines to children between 6 months and 5 years old.
Three others, at CVS pharmacies’ Minute Clinics in Fort Wayne, indicated shots were available only to those between 18 months and 5 years old. The Minute Clinic locations were identified as 6279 E. State Blvd., 10170 Illinois Road and 770 E. Dupont Road.
Repeated calls to the state’s 211 hotline recommended for finding vaccination locations provided only busy signals Tuesday afternoon.
“Vaccine rollout hasn’t been to all agencies, and people should call ahead to make sure vaccines are available,” said Matt LeBlanc, spokesman for the Allen County Department of Health. “Some sites can’t accommodate walk-ins, and some can.”
LeBlanc said it’s best to check with your own medical provider about how to get young children immunized.
In Fort Wayne, the state website says the Super Shot clinic at 1515 Hobson Road is administering both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to young children. However, following the state website’s Super Shot prompts lead someone seeking the shots to a dead end – a notice saying those under age 5 were not eligible.
In a news release, Super Shot said it will offer vaccinations to those between 6 months and 5 years old 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Appointments can be made at 424-7468 or Supershot.org. Walk-ins will be accepted if capacity allows.
Dr. Kathleen Bohnke at 1123 Parkview Plaza Drive also was listed on the state’s website as administering shots to those 6 months to 5 years old.
LeBlanc said the county health department’s clinic at its Medical Annex at 4813 New Haven Ave. will start offering the shots to those between 6 months and 5 years old on Monday. He recommended calling the annex at 449-7504 to make an appointment.
Federal health officials say 18 million children 6 months to 5 years are now eligible for vaccination against COVID-19. The children can receive either three doses of the Pfizer vaccine or two doses of the Moderna vaccine, federal approvals say.
The Moderna doses are given a month apart. The second dose of the Pfizer series is given three weeks after the first, with the third doses given at least eight weeks later. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-availability-of-covid-19-vaccines-for-youngest-children-still-spotty/article_4b44ddc2-f195-11ec-b015-b31ff530c598.html | 2022-06-22T08:06:58 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-availability-of-covid-19-vaccines-for-youngest-children-still-spotty/article_4b44ddc2-f195-11ec-b015-b31ff530c598.html |
Fort Wayne/Allen County
Accessibility a goal at Taste of the Arts
AWS Foundation said it will support increased accessibility at this year’s Taste of the Arts Festival.
Funding will help Arts United to ensure that the Aug. 27 festival is an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible experience for festival participants and community members, AWS said.
“Taste of the Arts celebrates the creativity of our community,” says Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO. “This grant enhances access for people with disabilities to attend the event and highlight their talents.”
NIPSCO to award public safety grants
NIPSCO is accepting applications for a grant to support local nonprofit organizations that provide public safety education and training across northern Indiana.
Grant amounts range from $500 to $5,000. Applications are accepted through Aug. 5, with awards announced the week of Aug. 22.
Grant opportunities will include community and youth public safety education programming and training for first responders, police and fire department fire and carbon monoxide safety programs, education, and training in the prevention of damage to underground natural gas lines, and child-related safety education.
To apply, go to www.nipsco.com/SafetyGrant.
– Journal Gazette | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/metro-briefs/article_8b026662-f197-11ec-af49-3773cc014e60.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:04 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/metro-briefs/article_8b026662-f197-11ec-af49-3773cc014e60.html |
Paddle adventure Jun 22, 2022 3 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Jason August sets off Tuesday from Promenade Park while heading for the St. Joseph River for an afternoon of paddle boarding. Mike Moore | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Paddle adventure on the river Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Huntington woman pleads guilty to child trafficking Caleb Swanigan, former Homestead, Purdue basketball star, dies Woman dies from storm-related injuries Komets leave Szydlowski off season-ending roster, parting with longtime star Piere's facing fight over outdoor concerts Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paddle-adventure/article_e1d13094-f1b6-11ec-85fe-3f1a43435ba3.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:10 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/paddle-adventure/article_e1d13094-f1b6-11ec-85fe-3f1a43435ba3.html |
A driver told deputies he was following GPS directions when his delivery van got stuck on railroad tracks and was hit by a train in DeKalb County.
The county’s Sheriff’s Department said the driver was outside the van and called 911 about 2 a.m. Tuesday near Auburn shortly before the passing train train struck the vehicle.
No injuries were reported. The railroad checked the track for damage, one media report said.
Suicide ruled after body found in April
A man whose body was found April 3 along the St. Marys River on Bluffton Road killed himself by hanging, the Allen County coroner’s office announced Tuesday.
The 35-year-old was identified by fingerprints through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Intelligence Integration Branch, and his next of kin has been notified.
The Journal Gazette typically does not identify suicide victims.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/police-roundup-driver-gps-led-him-to-indiana-tracks-where-train-struck-van/article_95734eca-f1a3-11ec-9f1f-cbcc9ddd5e7f.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:17 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/police-roundup-driver-gps-led-him-to-indiana-tracks-where-train-struck-van/article_95734eca-f1a3-11ec-9f1f-cbcc9ddd5e7f.html |
A new comprehensive plan to guide the future of city and county land use will be unveiled Monday at the first of several public meetings.
The plan, All In Allen: Moving Forward Together, has been in development for more than two years. Planning officials and a consultant updated the previous comprehensive plan, Plan It Allen, completed in 2007.
Feedback on the new plan from residents and businesses was sought earlier in the process, but this meeting seeks reactions to a full draft, said Sarah Jones, principal planner with the Department of Planning Services.
Jones said work on the new plan, which began in February, 2020, was delayed because of the pandemic. But the draft is now on track to take revisions from the meetings and solicit necessary approvals in upcoming months, she said.
The first meeting will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, with a 30-minute presentation at 6 p.m., at the Grand Wayne Center’s Calhoun Ballroom in downtown Fort Wayne. Those who attend will have the chance to examine the draft and comment on specifics.
The public also may attend four additional meetings. Three are Tuesday: noon to 1:30 p.m. at AWS Foundation, 5323 W. Jefferson Blvd., and 5:30 to 7 p.m. at McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., and Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, 550 E. Wallen Road.
Another meeting will take place noon to 1:30 p.m. June 29 at Metea County Park Nature Center, 8401 Union Chapel Road.
Jones said the plan also will be presented at upcoming council meetings in Grabill, Huntertown, Monroeville and Woodburn, but dates have not been established.
She added the draft plan and a video will be available online at AllinAllen.org. The draft is expected to be posted Friday.
Planners expect about 150 people to attend Monday’s meeting and about 50 at each of the other meetings, Jones said.
Angelica Pickens, a Fort Wayne spokeswoman, said the plan has evolved since the framework was presented to the community last July.
It has “more detail and refinement of the goals and strategies and will include supporting text and maps,” she said.
GIS mapping was included in the new plan, Jones said.
“It’s important to note that it’s been a long time since the last one,” she said. “With all the growth we’ve had since then, we hope we can continue to set the stage for shared values around land use.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/public-meetings-to-gather-feedback-on-local-comprehensive-land-plan/article_3c0e931c-f17b-11ec-ac1e-43eafe30e573.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:23 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/public-meetings-to-gather-feedback-on-local-comprehensive-land-plan/article_3c0e931c-f17b-11ec-ac1e-43eafe30e573.html |
The Southwest Allen County Schools board is preparing to take the initial step toward a November referendum with an estimated $6.4 million spending plan.
The five-member group is expected to act July 12 on a resolution Superintendent Park Ginder introduced Tuesday about extending the most recent operating referendum tax levy fund.
“This resolution is the first step in moving forward and will enable us to draft materials and explain the referendum more thoroughly to our constituents in the coming days and weeks and months,” Ginder said.
SACS last asked voters to approve an operating referendum in 2016. The district plans to ask for the same rate – 15 cents per $100 of assessed value – for the years 2023 to 2030.
Ginder directed the board to a summary of the estimated $6,405,687 spending plan.
The bulk – an estimated $4.1 million – would fund the salaries and benefits of 43 teachers, two guidance counselors and one school resource officer currently supported by referendum dollars.
About $1.1 million would provide salaries and benefits for 14 new classroom teachers – positions that would help the growing district manage class sizes. SACS had 7,800 students this past academic year, an increase of 610 students since the 2016-17 year, according to state enrollment data.
The remaining referendum dollars would support about a dozen other new employees – including security personnel, guidance counselors and a central office administrator – to benefit educational programs as well as essential health and safety initiatives.
Board members, who discussed the topic in a work session last week, had little to say Tuesday.
In other business, the board considered the proposal to increase most school lunch prices for the upcoming year.
“Food service, worldwide, is seeing an increase in food cost and difficulty receiving inventory, therefore a reflection in pricing must take place,” food service director Ashlee Shroyer said in a memo included in the board packet.
Increases for student meals range from 15 cents to 25 cents. Prices would range from $2.25 at the elementary schools to $3.25 for the high school’s value meal option. There is no proposed change for adults, whose meals are $4.60.
The board is expected to act on the changes next month. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/southwest-allen-nearing-first-step-toward-november-referendum/article_2b5b09bc-f1ab-11ec-abf7-9f6c9cb0fadb.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:29 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/southwest-allen-nearing-first-step-toward-november-referendum/article_2b5b09bc-f1ab-11ec-abf7-9f6c9cb0fadb.html |
The state’s social services agency is announcing a new tool to measure Hoosiers’ recovery from addiction: the Recovery Capital Index.
Designed by the company Commonly Well, the index is designed to measure “internal and external resources available to an individual with a substance use disorder to ensure their continual success in recovery,” the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration said in a statement.
Becky Buhner, deputy director for addiction and forensic treatment at the FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction, said the index measures a person’s internal and external resources to be successful in recovery.
“The higher a person’s recovery capital, the better chance they have at recovery – at maintaining their recovery long-term, sustaining their recovery,” Buhner said.
To gather that information, the FSSA encourages Hoosiers to take a 68-question online survey. Respondents will receive immediate responses, Buhner said, “based on their culture, their community and their personal and/or family relationships.”
The FSSA said that the survey is not limited to only those who are directly affected by addiction. All Hoosiers are eligible to complete the survey by texting “RECOVERY” to 833-638-3784.
The agency is also working with the nonprofit Overdose Lifeline to place stickers with QR codes on 19 naloxone vending machines and more than 200 NaloxBox units around the state. NaloxBoxes are wall-mounted containers filled with the opioid overdose reversal medicine naloxone – commonly known by the brand name Narcan.
“We have a goal of getting 2,000 surveys statewide. However, we’re hopeful we’ll have many more than that,” Buhner said. “Ultimately, we believe we’ve placed the access to these surveys in places where individuals that are not yet in our treatment system will log in and take the survey.”
David Whitesock, founder and CEO of Commonly Well, worked on creating the Recovery Capital Index during his time at a previous job at a nonprofit. He said a healthcare facility approached the organization, Face It TOGETHER, requesting data on recovery.
“One of the co-founders came to me ... and said, ‘David, you’ve got 30 days. Figure out how to measure recovery,’” Whitesock said. “And I looked up at (FIT Founder) Charlie (Day) and said, ‘Well, Charlie, I’ve been sober something like 9,000 days. Is that it?” He kind of winked a bit and said, ‘Well, it’s a data point. But it’s not it.’”
He began looking into social science research and studies of happiness and well-being. He also looked at the Social Progress Index, a metric that measures social and environmental factors.
“There was kind of a better way to structure the information for individuals and organizations and communities to see the data in a much more discrete and quantifiable way,” Whitesock said.
In 2018, Whitesock said, Palm Beach County reached out and wanted to use the Recovery Capital Index, but “we hadn’t thought about a commercial version.” The county inquired again in 2019, and by the end of that year he launched the public-facing version of the index, working with 12 treatment providers.
Now, the index will be used on an even larger scale as the Division of Mental Health and Addiction plans to use the data collected through the surveys to make targeted decisions regarding the investment use of state funds – as well as to measure the eventual effectiveness of those initiatives.
“We’ll be able to look at the data by ZIP code, and then we can say that in a particular ZIP code,” Buhner said, “there are a significant number of individuals – for example – that are worried about having a roof over their head tonight... We can say that in this ZIP code, we need to look at housing solutions and housing assistance.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/state-offers-survey-to-measure-addiction-recovery/article_5a947c14-f1af-11ec-9a05-b75d43c21dae.html | 2022-06-22T08:07:35 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/state-offers-survey-to-measure-addiction-recovery/article_5a947c14-f1af-11ec-9a05-b75d43c21dae.html |
The state will spend $5.8 million on cleaning up or assessing six contaminated sites in four area counties, part of a $192 million effort at 112 sites in 41 counties statewide.
The local projects include one in Greene County, one in Miami County, three in Montgomery County and one in Preble County, according to a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine.
The biggest grant on the local list is nearly $3.7 million for cleanup at the intended site of the Greater Dayton School.
“These funds are significant investments in the future of our communities,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, said in the grant announcement. “By cleaning up these hazardous sites, we’re creating new opportunities for economic growth that will benefit businesses and residents for years to come.”
Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties, often old industrial sites, where possible lingering contamination hinders redevelopment. Identifying brownfields and knowing what sort of contamination is in the dirt, water and air are vital preliminary steps toward reuse of the land.
The state budget passed in June 2021 included $350 million for a new Brownfield Remediation Program through the Ohio Department of Development. Every county got $1 million, with the remaining $262 million available as first-come, first-serve grants.
The state announced $60 million in grants in April. Another $98 million for projects will be announced in the coming months, according to a state news release.
Applications for a third round of grants from any leftover funds will open July 1. In December, DeWine declared brownfields an emergency, speeding up the issuance of grants.
The state funding can pay up to 75% of a cleanup project’s cost, but has to be used within a year.
The latest grant announcements for the Miami Valley area are:
Greene County
· $629,354 for cleanup and demolition of the former Xenia Gas & Light Co. site, which has been vacant since 2004. It is expected to become parking for an adjacent commercial development, part of Xenia’s 118-acre “Hub District” redevelopment plan.
Miami County
· $275,000 for cleanup and demolition of the former S.J. Rudy Grain Elevator and Louis Peters & Co. Tobacco Warehouse. The village of Covington owns the vacant property, and plans to redevelop it as part of the Schoolhouse Park project, which is expected to be finished this year.
Montgomery County
· $823,624 for cleanup, including asbestos removal, from the north wing of the Dayton Arcade, the second phase of the long-vacant landmark’s revitalization.
The nine buildings of the South Arcade are being redeveloped as a mix of housing, commercial and event space. The two buildings of the North Arcade, totaling 87,000 square feet, are expected to house a marketplace, restaurants and “micro-lofts” or hospitality space, according to developers.
Lead developer Cross Street Partners announced in May it plans to invest about $35 million, and is working on financing a 91-room hotel in the North Arcade. The state grant announcement identifies that as a Hilton Garden Inn.
· $264,000 to assess possible contamination at a former wastewater treatment plant in West Carrollton. The 72-year-old plant was built to process water from a paper de-inking mill, according to the grant announcement. Vacant for years, it must be assessed for environmental hazards such as asbestos before demolition. The city plans to redevelop the site as a sports complex, the grant announcement says.
· $3,657,591 for soil and groundwater treatment at Deed’s Point, the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad rivers in Dayton. The site was created after the 1913 Great Dayton Flood by building levees and dredging the rivers. Now it hosts an unused baseball field, parking lot and dog park, but it’s intended to become the site of the Greater Dayton School. The school, backed by area real estate entrepreneur Larry Connor, is to be Ohio’s first private, non-religious elementary school for under-resourced students, according to the grant announcement.
It’s scheduled to open in August with 100 K-3 students; they’ll use a building at Sinclair Community College until the school building at Deed’s Point is finished next year.
Preble County
· $153,437 for an environmental assessment of the former Hines Truck Stop. Developed as a fuel station 70 to 100 years ago, it shut down in 1990. The assessment will look for contamination from any fuel leaks. Following any needed cleanup, the building will be torn down and the site prepared for redevelopment, according to the grant announcement.
“These properties are vital spaces in our communities, ones that are not only being wasted in their current capacity, but oftentimes are a danger to their local communities,” DeWine said in the news release. “Today, we’re reclaiming these spaces for the future of our residents, businesses, and communities.”
There are brownfields in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. There may be as many as 9,000 statewide, including not just industrial sites but smaller businesses such as former gas stations and dry cleaners, according to the Greater Ohio Policy Center, a nonprofit that promotes urban revitalization.
Currently, the state relies on voluntary reporting to identify brownfields. The state’s list includes 309 sites so far, including eight in Butler County; three each in Champaign, Clark and Greene; one in Darke; two in Miami, 16 sites in Montgomery and one in Preble. At least some of those sites have already been redeveloped into new uses.
Only one of the local sites receiving the latest grants appears to be listed on the state’s database: the former wastewater treatment plant in West Carrollton.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/state-grants-bring-millions-for-cleanup-of-local-contaminated-sites/LDH2ITMFEBFV3CY5GXUU5LY634/ | 2022-06-22T08:24:11 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/state-grants-bring-millions-for-cleanup-of-local-contaminated-sites/LDH2ITMFEBFV3CY5GXUU5LY634/ |
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Crews are on the scene of a fire in Halifax Township, Dauphin County this morning, according to 911 dispatch.
The fire is along Armstrong Street and Route 147 is closed in both directions between Fourth and Boyer Streets, according to 511pa.com.
There is currently no word on any injuries or displacements as a result of this fire, and no word on what kind of structure it is that caught fire.
There is also no word on when the scene will be cleared.
This is a developing story. FOX43 will provide updates as they become available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/crews-respond-to-fire-dauphin-county/521-579c60f5-7b0d-4a44-9f7b-323a4efcb5b3 | 2022-06-22T10:24:02 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/crews-respond-to-fire-dauphin-county/521-579c60f5-7b0d-4a44-9f7b-323a4efcb5b3 |
Circle City Forward Phase Four: Indianapolis kicks $13 million boost to road projects
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works plans to give summer road construction a $10 million boost, thanks to income tax dollars the city recently received from the state.
In anticipation of a successful fiscal ordinance in the City-County Council, crews have already begun work on a few road segments that need repaving.
The streets being targeted with the new money — at least one segment in each of the 25 council districts — are areas crews have visited repeatedly this rainy spring to address pothole complaints, director Dan Parker told the public works committee, which unanimously approved the ordinance June 16.
"You just really can't pothole-patch it anymore," he said.
Read: Indianapolis should spend 5 times what it currently does on infrastructure
The $10 million injection will cover about 100 lane miles of road resurfacing — a small dent in the city's 8,400 total lane mileage, with which available infrastructure dollars struggle to keep up.
“The City of Indianapolis continues to do everything in its power to uncover more funding sources to help bring our city’s local roads up to the condition that residents deserve,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a news release.
This year, the small boost is slated to come from the County Option Income Tax. Every year, the state reviews its collection of income taxes and decides how much to distribute to local governments. In May, Indianapolis received its distribution of $15 million.
The ordinance, which goes before the full council for final approval in July, proposes sending $10 million to immediate road resurfacing, $3 million to the design of future residential street reconstruction projects, $1 million to capital projects in city parks, and $1 million to recruitment efforts, particularly for public works jobs.
The city is calling this Circle City Forward Phase Four, controller Ken Clark said.
Mayor Joe Hogsett's Circle City Forward initiative includes three other phases that have already been budgeted and approved. The first phase invested $190 toward government facility upgrades. The second phase includes $25 million in residential street reconstruction projects, which are underway. The third phase invests $25 million toward trail and greenway projects, yet to begin.
The $10 million of repaving projects are on thoroughfares that were not initially included in the department's $160 million transportation capital plan. The $3 million for future residential street projects only pays for design costs.
"Hopefully if Ken can find more money, we can attach construction money to those projects," Parker said during the June 16 committee meeting.
"No pressure," Clark joked.
The proposed park investments include acquiring more land to expand Grassy Creek Park on the east side, and building "comfort stations," or public bathrooms, at Gustafson Park on the west side, and building a football field and parking lot at Bethel Park on the east side.
Though the ordinance still needs final approval from the full council, the public works committee's unanimous vote gave the department confidence to give the green light to contractors to begin work on Tibbs Road and East 91st Street, spokesperson Ben Easley said.
$15 million is small compared to the total capital budget for infrastructure this year, but it's more significant next to the $50 million that the department can rely on year-to-year from taxes and state funding. The capital budget has fluctuated in recent years due to large bonds and budget savings during the pandemic.
More:How Indy's road budget has doubled in recent years and why it's not enough
For the $10 million influx, DPW selected 29 street segments based on pavement deterioration data and councillors' input across 29 target areas. Those roads include:
- Moore Road
- College Avenue
- Allisonville Road
- Hague Road
- East 79th Street
- West 56th Street
- East 46th Street
- West 62nd Street
- West 30th Street
- Burdsal Parkway
- Emerson Avenue
- Tobey Drive
- Cumberland Road
- West and East 10th Street
- West Ray Street
- East St. Clair Street
- East Hanna Avenue
- Superior Road
- East Troy Avenue
- West Morris Street
- Brehob Road
- East Edgewood Road
- East Southport Road
- East 91st Street
- Grandview Drive
- Dugan Drive
- South Tibbs Avenue
Contact IndyStar transportation reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/06/22/indianapolis-potholes-streets-get-10-million-work-summer-road-projects/7685896001/ | 2022-06-22T10:48:09 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/06/22/indianapolis-potholes-streets-get-10-million-work-summer-road-projects/7685896001/ |
A Philadelphia college student returning home was shot during what police said was an attempted carjacking near St. Joe's University's campus.
The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. along Upland Way, near Drexel Road, in the Overbrook neighborhood, Philadelphia police said.
The 20-year-old St. Joe's student had just parked his car near his off-campus home along the dark tree-lined street when two masked men got out of a dark-colored minivan and approached him, Capt. John Walker said.
The men tried to get the student's car keys, but he fought back, Walker said.
As they struggled over the keys, the student was struck in the head with a handgun, Walker said. At least one of the would-be-thieves then fired two shots, striking the student in the knee.
Police officers rushed the man to the hospital with injuries to his head and leg, Walker said. He was listed in stable condition.
The men got back into the minivan and drove off, Walker 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/attempted-carjacking-st-joes-student-shot/3277681/ | 2022-06-22T11:02:16 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/attempted-carjacking-st-joes-student-shot/3277681/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — The Aircraft Maintenance Technology school was not an item on the agenda at the board of trustees meeting, but that didn't stop people from showing up and voicing their opinions.
"We've got to keep this school here, we've got to keep it," said Sylvia O Bailey-Munoz, a supporter of the AMT program.
Six people signed up to make public comment about why they think closing the tech school was a mistake, from multiple different companies in the area.
"In the past five years, CSI aviation has grown substantially they've went from having two part time mechanics to 12 full time in the last five years so the need is there from mechanics," said Jacob Ponter, a pilot with CSI aviation.
Mechanics are necessary for these aviation businesses and for airlines as a whole.
"Every single flight I've been on out of midland has been delayed due to maintenance so American united, its always a maintenance delay so they're hurting also the big airlines us as a medivac company we have to have mechanics", Ponter said.
Some people are concerned about how closing the school will affect Midland as a whole.
"We've got to keep the school open for the kids, that's important, it could cost midland jobs, companies not moving to Midland and that could cost other people jobs," O Bailey-Munoz said.
A lot of people in the community are passionate about this issue,
"You could say there's a really strong community here that wants this for midland and knows the importance of it," Ponter said. "Knowing that there's a huge need in the airlines right now and in aviation period for mechanics you know the planes won't fly without them, everybody knows there's a huge pilot shortage right now everybody knows there's a mechanic shortage with that so I think that there's a huge demand here and this is a great location for it."
Even though people spoke out, right now there is no plan for midland college to reopen the program. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/community-members-ask-midland-college-to-rethink-closing/513-29d209ce-7c6b-4c6a-90a2-847758feb566 | 2022-06-22T11:11:21 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/community-members-ask-midland-college-to-rethink-closing/513-29d209ce-7c6b-4c6a-90a2-847758feb566 |
TUPELO • A pair of Northeast Mississippi drag artists are the subject of a new documentary that will be shown in Tupelo this weekend.
On Friday, the Link Centre in Tupelo will host a showing of Oxford filmmaker Christina A. Huff’s new documentary, “The Hollidays in Mississippi,” which features Northeast Mississippi natives Eric White (GoDiva Holliday) and Justin Tyler (Fendi LaFemme, formerly Deepression Holliday).
The show starts at 7 p.m. inside the Black Box Theatre. This free event is sponsored by the Pride Resource Center of North Mississippi and Kevin Cozart of the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi (UM). It will be followed by a Q&A and an unfiltered drag event, where attendees receive a behind-the-scenes look at drag. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
Huff began creating her documentary while taking a graduate queer oral history class in fall 2019. For a class assignment, she attended a drag show and began documenting the LGBT community outside of Oxford.
Huff connected with White and Tyler with the help of a classmate. White has 23 years of drag experience as GoDiva Holliday. Tyler, aka Fendi LaFemme, is newer to the scene, having performed in drag for three-and-a-half years.
The three formed an easy friendship over the next few years, leading to the creation of a shorter documentary, “Queering the South Through Drag” about White and Tyler’s drag family and the importance of queer spaces.
Huff created “The Hollidays in Mississippi” as a thesis defense to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Mississippi in Southern Studies. When doing preliminary research for her documentary, she found there was a lack of queer documentaries. It became another reason that she wanted to create the documentary.
“I kind of got frustrated with the lack of queer documentation in terms of southern storytelling,” Huff said. “I think my work adds to the conversation of LGBTQ southern storytelling.”
The longer documentary delves into White’s passing the drag torch to Tyler and how the two juggle their lives and their art.
“It’s a challenge to be respected and successful in an area that’s not drag driven, that has a small gay community and not very many opportunities,” White said.
Part of Huff’s documentary goals was to challenge metronormativity, a term coined by J. Jack Halberstam. Metronormativity centers on the idea that queer people can’t thrive in small rural places and need to move to metro areas to thrive.
For Tyler, the film provides a behind the scenes look at what goes into being a drag queen.
“It was brilliant,” White said. “(I’m) very happy to be part of a project that’s been going on almost three years and is such an honest reflection of what drag life is in Mississippi.”
After public screenings at the Glitterary Festival on April 26 and for her thesis exhibition May 10 in Oxford, Huff is excited to bring her film to Tupelo. She hopes attendees take away the importance of community and queer people continuing to create “safe spaces where we can congregate, have fun and continue to tell our stories,” Huff said.
“If we don’t, there are people in power who are working very hard to erase us,” Huff said. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/local-drag-artists-featured-in-new-documentary/article_2ba99894-a3b8-5012-abb0-42f95e3bf351.html | 2022-06-22T11:17:51 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/local-drag-artists-featured-in-new-documentary/article_2ba99894-a3b8-5012-abb0-42f95e3bf351.html |
TUPELO• The owner of Tupelo’s veterans memorabilia museum is looking to sell his collection to the city itself. The price tag? $400,000.
During a work session on Monday afternoon, members of the Tupelo City Council heard from Tony Lute, the owner of the Tupelo Veterans Museum, who offered to sell his collection of wartime artifacts to the city.
The collection, which has lived in the Oren Dunn Museum since 2007, comprises a myriad of war memorabilia and military artifacts Lute began collecting when he was 16 years old. Now at 78, Lute told the Daily Journal he is ready to take a less active role in the museum, affording him more time with his wife to travel.
“It has been a lifelong collection, and I still collect a lot,” he said. “I’m still going to volunteer. I’m not going to abandon (the museum).”
Lute told city officials he’d like the city to pay for his collection in four annual installments of $100,000. Lute also noted he had an offer from a collector outside of Tupelo, but he said he preferred keeping the museum within the city.
"The artifacts are from Tupelo's people; I want them to stay in Tupelo," he said.
Council President Ward 5 Councilman Buddy Palmer asked Lute to draft a proposal. Lute agreed and told the Daily Journal he planned to deliver it to Chief Operations Officer Don Lewis as soon as possible.
None of the members present expressed opinions on whether the city should purchase the expansive collection, but Ward 1 Councilman Chad Mims said he was on board with keeping the collection in the city, depending on the recommendation of the administration and the city’s finances.
“Do I want to spend $400,000 to buy the war memorabilia? It is hard to say yes or no," he said. "The ideal situation would be to find a grant. I’d hate for it to be sold off and taken out of Tupelo.”
Council Vice President Ward 2 Councilman Lynn Bryan said the discussion was just beginning and would require a lot of background work, from authenticating and inventorying the collection to appraising and looking at all loan and grant opportunities available to purchase the artifacts.
“We can’t buy it unless it has been authenticated and appraised,” he said, adding that Lute’s asking price would not be the final figure.
”What (Lute) says it is worth and what it is actually worth are two different things,” Bryan said.
City Attorney Ben Logan echoed this idea, telling the Daily Journal that the first step for the city would be to get a proper inventory of the collection and at least a partial appraisement on which to base an estimate.
With an estimate in hand, the council can decide whether to move forward with negotiations over a price for the collection.
Logan said if the city and council moved forward, he would work with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History about procuring the collection.
“It’ll be a little bit of work to get to a point where we can make a determination,” Logan said. “(Procuring artifacts) is not something that comes up every day.” | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-veterans-museum-owner-wants-city-to-purchase-collection-for-400k/article_37876881-750e-5cec-ae83-e416c1f0df71.html | 2022-06-22T11:17:57 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-veterans-museum-owner-wants-city-to-purchase-collection-for-400k/article_37876881-750e-5cec-ae83-e416c1f0df71.html |
MUNCIE, Ind. — A landmark of Muncie history is up for sale.
"The Neely House," located just a few blocks from downtown Muncie at 617 E. Adams Street, is the homestead of Muncie pioneer Thomas Neely. Experts say he contributed to bringing the railroad and business to the Muncie area in the 1800s.
Neely built his home on Adams Street in 1852, and his years of homestead journals are now housed at the Ball State University.
More recently, The Neely House was converted into a restaurant in 2018 by owner Russell Irving.
"It was fine dining, essentially. Affordable fine dining. They actually had it painted on the wall inside, 'Come as you are. We will provide the class,'" Viking Realty broker Lucius Conner said. "Russell loves to entertain, and the restaurant provides a unique opportunity to do that."
A look inside The Neely House
For four years, The Neely House was known as a place to gather for a nice meal, while soaking in all there is to know about the Neely name.
After 170 years of history, Irving decided it was time for the next chapter of the house's history. That's because he is battling some health issues, according to Conner.
According to Conner, the best way Irving knew how to keep the legacy alive was to sell what he calls "a restaurant in a box."
"He has kept the branding, the licensing, the trademarks," Conner said. "Everything that goes along with The Neely House, as you see it and as you know it, is for sale."
This includes the furniture, decorations, kitchen equipment, gardens, orchard and parking lot.
The 4,000-square-foot building includes four individual dining rooms, a commercial kitchen, a full bar, patio seating and a private chef's table.
When the restaurant opened in 2018, Conner said the property went through some upgrades, both inside and outside.
"Everything on the outside has been repainted," Conner said. "The patio that we are standing on, the decorations inside, the commercial kitchen that's been added to the back is all 4 years old."
Both Irving and Conner hope the right person — or group of people — will carry The Neely House into its next chapter.
"We want to keep The Neely as The Neely the best he can," Conner said. "He is willing to make a lot of personal sacrifices in order to make sure that what he has built here, the legacy he has created will carry on to the next owner."
With everything included in the sale, Conner said the home is listed at a "generous" price.
More information can be found by contacting Lucius Conner at Viking Realty.
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- $10 million in construction begins on Marion County's worst roads | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/the-neely-house-muncie-delaware-county-for-sale/531-07089e3c-0b1c-4e43-9376-79b22e0801d2 | 2022-06-22T11:19:12 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/the-neely-house-muncie-delaware-county-for-sale/531-07089e3c-0b1c-4e43-9376-79b22e0801d2 |
Staying 'Justin Strong': Muncie Central grad awaits a kidney transplant
MUNCIE, Ind. — Justin Gillespie's senior year at Muncie Central High School didn't finish up the way he had expected. Instead of going to prom, he ended up in the hospital, gravely ill, for almost a week — but at least he did get to go to his graduation.
A year later, the 2021 Central grad hasn't been pursuing some of the the post-graduation things he'd once planned — college, a job — and instead has been focusing on his health, and waiting for a kidney transplant.
Gillespie, the son of Garnisha Mason and Robert Gillespie III, has lived in Muncie all his life. As the end of high school approached in 2021, he began noticing inexplicable weight gain. "And then I woke up one morning and my feet were swollen all the way up to my kneecaps, so my mom was like, 'No, we gotta go to the hospital,'" he recalled. That's when he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome.
For subscribers:Former Monroe Central basketball star Israel Nash shares his struggles, new mission in life
He still vividly recalls when that trip to the hospital happened. That was the day before the senior prom.
"I had the suit laid out and everything," he said. He spent six days in the hospital, and was discharged one day before he turned 18, then began dialysis on his birthday.
The weeks between that diagnosis and graduation were "very, very tough," for Gillespie, he recalled. He went back to the hospital with pneumonia, and wasn't discharged that time until the day before Central's commencement ceremony. "I didn't know if I was going to be able walk (at graduation) because my feet were swollen, so swollen. So there were questions on if I would be able to walk the stage.
"But it was something that I wanted to do, because I missed my senior prom," he added.
Since then, a lot of his time and attention have been taken up by his health. "Every day you're trying to understand more and more on what is it because it's all new to you: new diets and starting dialysis, trying to learn what that is while trying to still live day to day as normal as you possibly can," he said.
He's now waiting on a kidney transplant, a wait that could last one to three years, his mother said. On top of kidney disease, he was subsequently diagnosed with heart failure, raising the possibility he might need a heart transplant, too, she said.
Mason called her son's initial diagnosis "very overwhelming. Honestly, I was trying to be strong. ... So we joke now because I'm the crier, and he's like, 'Oh, toughen up, Mom,' stuff like that. Absolutely overwhelming, with him being my one and only child. It's pretty rough."
The family is now working with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to raise funds to help cover the cost of the eventual kidney transplant. The fundraising goal is $40,000, and online donations to the "COTA for Justin Strong" fundraiser can be made at cota.org/campaigns/COTAforJustinStrong.
Working with COTA for the fundraising could have even longer-term benefits for Gillespie, his mother noted. "We know that organs don't last forever," so if he needed a new kidney transplant 20 or 30 years from now, COTA would help again, she said.
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Donation boxes for the COTA fund for Gillespie are available at locations including Calvary Baptist Church, Carey’s Barber Shop, Buddy Love's Barber Shop, BE Beauty, Brothers' Barber Shop, Church of the Living God, The Barking Cow, Fleek Nation, Hair Life Studio, Concannon’s Bakery, McAlister’s Deli, Guardian Brewery, Detail King, Safe Key Insurance and at Humana events.
Sales of "Justin Strong" T-shirts, hoodies and other merchandise and fundraising events are being planned, and his family and supporters plan to have a booth to provide information about kidney failure and free screenings along with merchandise sales at the Aug. 6 Fire Up DWNTWN festival.
Fundraising for the Justin Strong foundation has provided something to focus on while waiting months or years for the call about an available kidney, but it can also be "a little overwhelming" with the need to relive the experiences of the past year by sharing the story over and over, Mason said.
Looking ahead to life post-transplant, Gillespie said he intends to get back to the things he'd once planned to be doing by now: "Getting a job, going back to school and driving."
Contact content coach Robin Gibson at ragibson@gannett.com or 765-213-5855. Follow her on Twitter @RobinGibsonTSP. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/staying-justin-strong-muncie-central-grad-awaits-kidney-transplant/7532437001/ | 2022-06-22T11:23:11 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/staying-justin-strong-muncie-central-grad-awaits-kidney-transplant/7532437001/ |
Food desert in north Alliance creates trouble for residents
ALLIANCE – Five major grocery chains have locations in the city, but David Sheegog Jr. and other residents in the north section of Alliance must travel more than two miles to get to the nearest store.
Sheegog has lived in the city for three years. He buys his groceries at Save A Lot on East State Street, he said, and believes there needs to be more options for people in Wards 1 and 2.
"There should always be a neighborhood store," he said.
There is no shortage of grocery stores on State Street, with Giant Eagle, Walmart, Marc's and soon-to-be Meijer a few of the supermarkets that sit along one of the city's busiest streets. But the grocery landscape in the north section of town looks a lot different. The area has not had a full-service grocery store since Sander's Markets closed three years ago.
The food desert has created a barrier between residents and access to fresh produce and other nutritional food. Many want to see another supermarket come to the area, but an expert said it can be difficult to convince a grocery store to invest in a food desert, leading community organizations and churches to spearhead the effort.
What is a food desert?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as a low-income census tract where a substantial number of residents have little to no access to affordable, healthy food.
The agency considers a census tract low income if it has a 20% or greater poverty rate or median family income below 80% of the statewide or metropolitan area median family income. Meanwhile, low access is defined by a community of at least 500 residents where at least 33% live more than one mile from a supermarket or grocery store. In rural communities, it is 10 miles.
But Chris Post, a geography professor at Kent State University at Stark, said the USDA's definition of a food desert only accounts for distance and fails to address other barriers that prevent people from purchasing healthy food.
"If there's a fence around part of (the grocery store), or if you're forcing people to walk through the shipping area where the trucks come in and out of, that's still incredibly difficult and dangerous. So that food might be across the street, but it's still not really available or easy to get access," Post said.
What leads to a food desert?
One problem that creates food deserts is that many large grocery chains choose not to open locations in low-income areas.
"The big economic factor is that most of your major chain grocery stores will not invest in putting a store in a lower income neighborhood because they're concerned they won't get the profit that they need for that unit to survive," Post said.
This problem is not unique to Alliance. About 13.5 million people live in census tracts with low-access to fresh food, according to the USDA.
Neighborhoods in north Alliance have been without a full-service grocery store since 2019. Sander's Market shuttered its location on South Union Avenue at the end of 2018, citing high operating costs, marginal performance and vandalism.
Sander's was only open for eight months. The grocery chain acquired the building through U.S. Bankruptcy Court after Thorne's, the supermarket that previously occupied the space, went into federal bankruptcy in 2017.
The facility sat vacant until it was purchased by Alliance Ventures in 2020. Sun America currently leases the facility as a warehouse for its commercial bakery and food service products.
The former grocery store is next to the city's poorest census tract. Census Tract 7104 has a median household income of $12,372, according to Census Reporter. That is roughly two-thirds the median income of the rest of Alliance ($21,075) and half of Stark County ($30,168).
Meijer:What the supermarket means for Stark County, other store chains
How has the food desert affected Alliance?
Stacie Weimer, executive director of the Alliance YWCA, said the closure of Sander's Market has made it more difficult for people in the north section of the city to get healthy food.
"When you have lack of availability, and we're talking about the barriers that come with traveling to State Street at a minimum, you're definitely going to see people relying on gas station food because it's what's accessible at that time," she said.
This is a common issue found in areas without supermarkets, Post said. Many people in these communities consume foods with high levels of high fructose corn syrup and cheap proteins like fast-food hamburgers. This can lead to malnutrition and undernourishment, he said.
Post said dollar stores are not enough to supplement full-service grocery stores.
"They still lack a produce aisle, and that's one of the most important things that's needed to be considered a food vendor in these circumstances," he said. "You've got to have the fresh vegetables and fruits and other whole grain options."
Councilwoman Sheila Cherry (D-1) said many residents in the northeast part of Alliance have struggled in the absence of a supermarket.
"It was a challenge (getting fresh food) before Sander's and it's definitely one now," she said.
Cherry said many people rely on food pantries and mobile grocery store programs like StarkFresh for food, but that there are not enough resources to meet the demand in the city.
"I think there should be more efforts being done to get somebody in here that can stay," she said.
Weimer said the Alliance YWCA refers people experiencing food insecurity to the Alliance Community Pantry, but that some residents — particularly those living across the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Viaduct — might have trouble getting to the pantry.
"If you live across the viaduct, the pantry might not be that accessible either, especially if you have to travel, if you don't have the transportation to do so," she said. "And even across the viaduct, there's not even a gas station there available."
Several Carnation City residents agreed that access to fresh food is limited in the north part of town.
Jason Ridgeway has lived in the city for 20 years. He shopped at Thorne's and later Sander's Market before the grocery store shut down. He said he knows there are many people who rely on others to get groceries for them because they cannot go themselves.
"(The city) should try to get a closer store," Ridgeway said
Similarly, resident Tim Stuchell said there needs to be closer places to shop. He buys most of his food at the dollar store and occasionally makes a trip to State Street to get groceries.
He said a lot of people in the community depend on food stamps.
Joe Mazzola: 'I would love to see a grocery store on the north side. We all would here in the administration.'
City Director of Planning and Economic Development Joe Mazzola said city officials want to see a grocery store succeed in the north part of Alliance, but that it has proven to be difficult.
"They simply don't get the traffic counts that State Street gets," he said.
Mazzola said it can be hard for grocery store owners to make money because of overhead costs such as running freezers 24 hours per day.
"If TJ Maxx doesn't sell a shirt, they can discount it and still recover something. A grocery store, if their inventory goes bad, it's a complete loss. They have to throw it out," he said.
Additionally, Mazzola said a grocery store in the north part of town would have the challenge of competing against the other supermarkets on State Street. Alliance has a competitive grocery store landscape, he said, and any store that came to the area would have to compete against supermarkets such as Giant Eagle, Walmart and Marc's.
"I would love to see a grocery store on the north side. We all would here in the administration," he said. "But the challenges of attempting to do that while making money, the level of difficulty is high."
Alliance's Farmers Market was located downtown for its first 10 years of operation, providing people in the area with the opportunity to buy fresh produce. But the organization moved to West State in 2019.
"They took the only source of fresh vegetables to Giant Eagle," Cherry said.
Cimarron Ney-George, Alliance Farmers Market manager, previously told the Repository that low attendance drove the decision. She said the market's board wanted to stay downtown, but that vendors were not making enough money for the market to remain viable.
The farmers market will be operating in a new location this year: the northeast corner of State Street and Union Avenue.
Ney-George said the purpose of the move is to provide better visibility and attract more shoppers and vendors. She said the board hopes this new spot will be more accessible for residents because it is more centrally located than the Giant Eagle parking lot. It also has a Stark Area Regional Transit Authority stop nearby, which could draw in residents who use public transportation.
Resident Susan White, who has lived in Alliance since 2020, thinks the market's move will be good for the community.
"More people can access it," she said.
But Cherry said the market's new location is not close enough for low-income residents without access to transportation. She believes market vendors would have found more success if they stayed downtown and lowered their prices so that lower income residents could afford their goods, she said.
"Four people buying some green beans can still make you profit for the day," Cherry said.
Stark County:Your first look inside the county's first Meijer Supercenter
'Inspiring people to be entrepreneurial.'
Post said that many communities across the U.S. are trying to alleviate food deserts by growing their own fruits and vegetables.
He has worked with StarkFresh in downtown Canton for several years. He said the organization strives not only to provide Stark County residents with fresh produce, but also teach them how to grow food themselves.
"They are inspiring people to be entrepreneurial. They are empowering people to know how to grow their own food," Post said.
The hope, he said, is that showing people how to grow fruits and vegetables themselves will have a "bigger effect" by helping them overcome the lack of fresh produce in their communities.
Cherry said she hopes to see more organizations and churches in the Alliance community join in the effort to bring fresh food to those in need. She said it's important for everyone in the community to step up to resolve the issue.
"Some of it doesn't take money; it takes time and effort," she said.
Reach Paige at 330-580-8577 or pmbennett@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @paigembenn.
Resources available for Alliance residents in need
Alliance Community Pantry
Clients can receive food from the pantry every two weeks. Clients must be a photo ID and proof of residency during first visit. They will register by household by providing their name, birth date and race, along with the names, race and birth dates of the other members of their household.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must live in 44601 ZIP code or Marlington School District
- Must meet federal and state food income guidelines.
Clients are asked to re-register every July and show proof of residency at that time.
The pantry is located at 215 E. Market St. and open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
YWCA of Alliance
The agency's Meals on Wheels program provides hot, nutritious meals delivered by community volunteers to senior homes in the community. Patrons can receive meals up to five days per week, and options are based on dietary needs and taste.
For more information or to enroll in the program, call 330-823-1840.
The YWCA also offers a congregate dining option for seniors and disabled residents living in Alliance Towers. Lunch is served on Mondays through Thursdays in Alliance Towers' dining room. Residents can enroll in the program by contacting the resident services coordinator.
Family Empowerment Ministries
The Family Matters Resource Center provides food to those in need on the first and second Friday of every month. Residents can call 330-913-7007 Monday through Thursday and leave the number of people in their household. They can drive up to the community center at 425 E. Market St. at 6 p.m. and food will be brought out.
Clothed in Righteousness
The nonprofit organization located at 55 E Main St. provides free food, clothing, hygiene and cleaning products to those in need. There are no eligibility requirements. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Emergency assistance is available outside of business hours to Alliance area homeless. For more information, contact 330-501-8262. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/06/22/alliances-food-desert-creates-barriers-healthy-food/9820910002/ | 2022-06-22T11:48:26 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2022/06/22/alliances-food-desert-creates-barriers-healthy-food/9820910002/ |
Stark County emergency rental assistance program to close in August
CANTON – Stark County tenants and landlords have until August to apply for financial assistance to help with rental expenses amid the pandemic.
Stark County Jobs and Family Services will be accepting applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program until 4 p.m. Aug. 5, the agency said.
Applications received after that will be denied.
The program is a federally-funded initiative that started in 2021 to help residents struggling to make rent payments as a result of the pandemic. Eligible residents can receive as much as 12 months' worth of rent payments to pay overdue bills dating back to March 13, 2020.
The program may also be able to help with moving into a new residence in some circumstances.
All payments will be sent directly to the property owner or landlord.
Sarah Hegnauer, communications administrator for Stark County Jobs and Family Services, said the agency has approved 1,338 applications so far for a total of $2.4 million.
"The reason it's closing is because this is how long the U.S. Department of Treasury set the program up to run," she said.
Stark County officials applied for assistance through the U.S. Treasury Department and received roughly $11.06 million in 2021. Hegnauer said any funds not used will be returned to the U.S. Treasury Department.
Who's eligible for rental assistance?
Rental assistance is available to Stark County renters who meet the following criteria:
- One or more members of the household qualifies for unemployment or has seen a loss in household income or experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.
- Can provide evidence of housing instability or homelessness and a household income that falls below 80% of the area's median income. Individuals and families that fall below 50% of the area's median income and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be prioritized.
Applicants must provide a completed application; verification of the most recent month’s income or 2020 adjusted gross income; verification of the hardship caused by COVID-19; verification of the monthly rental fee delinquency or the need for assistance with first month’s rent and security deposit; and completed W-9 substitute tax and automatic deposit forms from the landlord.
Applications can be submitted by email to Stark_Rental@jfs.ohio.gov, fax to 330-451-8925 or mail or in-person at Stark Jobs and Family Services at Midtown Plaza, 221 Third St. SE, Canton, OH 44702. They can be dropped off at the customer service counter between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at any time at the outdoor, no-contact drop box located near the front entrance.
Both tenants and landlords will receive notice about whether an application has been approved or denied. Applications can be downloaded at StarkJFS.org.
To request an application packet by mail, please call 330-451-7368 or email Stark_Rental@jfs.ohio.gov.
Reach Paige at 330-580-8577 or pmbennett@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @paigembenn. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2022/06/22/stark-county-renters-can-apply-assistance-through-aug-5/7658357001/ | 2022-06-22T11:48:32 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2022/06/22/stark-county-renters-can-apply-assistance-through-aug-5/7658357001/ |
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — A search is ongoing for a missing person in Monroe County.
Authorities say after 8 Tuesday night, five people went into the Delaware River near Smithfield Township.
Crews managed to rescue four victims.
As of Wednesday morning, a fifth person is missing.
There's no word on the names of any victims or the condition of the people rescued.
This is a developing story; check back for any updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/one-person-missing-four-rescued-water-rescue-monroe-county-delaware-river-smithfield-township/523-0fe43e45-38c5-4d97-953c-79d5c1a768c8 | 2022-06-22T11:58:44 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/one-person-missing-four-rescued-water-rescue-monroe-county-delaware-river-smithfield-township/523-0fe43e45-38c5-4d97-953c-79d5c1a768c8 |
100 years ago
June 22, 1922: Judge Edward Barry ruled that a 2-year-old from Colfax should remain with his mother, Eleanor Jones, rather than with her ex-husband, Home H. Jones. The couple had been divorced nearly two years earlier, and both had remarried. The custody battle generated "considerable interest" in the community.
75 years ago
June 22, 1947: The McLean County Health Department's 17 employees plan to target infant mortality rates in the coming year. Twenty-seven babies died in the county in 1946, with 12 of those due to illnesses such as diarrhea and enteritis. State law made county health units possible in 1943, and McLean County voters approved the creation of one locally in 1945.
50 years ago
June 22, 1972: The McLean County Board's recreation committee and Bloomington City Council are set to meet on a proposal to develop recreation facilities at Evergreen Lake. The city owns the lake but has no funds to develop it for recreation; the county board, through the committee, is proposing that the county take charge of development.
25 years ago
June 22, 1997: Improving west-side representation on Bloomington's boards and commissions is a needed but difficult proposition, residents say. Chief among the obstacles for working-class families are job demands, inconvenient meeting times and a fear of rejection by the city and east-siders that dominate many boards. Complaints of east-side bias are nothing new: In 1979, they led the city to adopt a ward system.
Compiled by Pantagraph staff | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-colfax-custody-case-draws-courthouse-crowd/article_7e8ebdfc-f162-11ec-9dc1-4f3f01134e08.html | 2022-06-22T12:05:39 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/100-years-ago-colfax-custody-case-draws-courthouse-crowd/article_7e8ebdfc-f162-11ec-9dc1-4f3f01134e08.html |
The Bee Ridge/Beneva intersection has a high crash rate. Why is that?
What sets the areas around Bee Ridge Road, where it intersects with Beneva Road, and Clark Road, from Catamaran Drive to Interstate 75, apart from many other heavily traveled roads in Sarasota County?
Bee Ridge/Beneva and Clark near I-75 rated as the most crash-prone intersection and road segment, respectively, in 2020, according to county traffic data.
Sgt. Darrell Seckendorf, who runs the Sarasota County Sherriff's Office's traffic unit, blames congestion and several factors. Beneva Road, for example, has a continuous left-turn lane that can contribute to accidents.
Previously:What are the worst intersections and stretches of road in Sarasota County?
Other news:Great demand for Sarasota workforce housing at Lofts on Lemon as applications open
The intersection of Bee Ridge Road and Beneva Road
The intersection of Bee Ridge and Beneva had a crash rate of 3.27 per million entering vehicles in 2020, according to the county's annual Crash Summary Report. It had a total of 67 crashes that year.
Seckendorf said congestion is why the intersection has a higher crash rate than other areas. He noted that there are multiple apartment complexes in that area, as well as shopping locations and a Starbucks, which "doesn't have a parking lot big enough" to handle the amount of business volume it draws.
He also said that older drivers come to the Bee Ridge/Beneva area, as do younger drivers attending Suncoast Technical College.
Beneva also has what Seckendorf calls a "suicide lane," which is a continuous left-turn lane in the center of the road.
“Sometimes people don’t know how to navigate that,” he said, “so we’ll have those head-on collisions or side-swipes on those type of roadways.”
Clark Road between Catamaran Drive and I-75
Clark Road from Catamaran Drive to I-75 had a crash rate of 8.15 per million vehicle miles in 2020, according to the county's Crash Summary Report. Fifteen crashes occurred on that stretch of Clark Road in 2020.
Seckendorf said the stretch is congested. Drivers there are also "jockeying" for the left-turn lane when they're trying to get on I-75.
"They don't plan properly to get into that left lane," Seckendorf said. Drivers will often be in the right or middle lane and will "jet over" into the turn lane, which can cause them to cut off other drivers or sideswipe them, he said.
The Florida Department of Transportation is building a diverging diamond interchange at Clark Road.
"That should help out on Clark," Seckendorf said.
Diverging diamond interchanges have free-flowing left-turn lanes onto the interstate, similar to right-turn lanes onto the interstate. Seckendorf noted that traffic flows very well at the diverging diamond on University Parkway.
He said that fender-benders do occur on that type of interchange, but "when it comes to the more serious crashes, I think you'd see a decline in that."
In Venice:Citizens group has ideas for fixing Pinebrook Road traffic problems
What authorities do to promote safety in crash-prone areas
Each morning, Seckendorf looks at an online dashboard that shows traffic data from the previous day, including where crashes occurred. He then communicates that information with other Sheriff's Office personnel, so they can then concentrate more on those intersections.
Seckendorf said the office also receives a grant that allows it to increase the amount of traffic enforcement in certain "hotspots" in the county, one of which is the intersection of Beneva and Bee Ridge.
Enforcement measures include having deputies sit in their vehicles in certain locations and having the motorcycle unit patrol areas.
The Sarasota County Public Works department also plays a role in making county roadways safe. The department determines countermeasures to correct safety issues on roads and intersections, according to county staff. Some examples of countermeasures are pavement markings, signal timing modifications and the addition of turn lanes.
Anne Snabes covers city and county government for the Herald-Tribune. You can contact her at asnabes@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @a_snabes. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/06/22/sarasota-county-traffic-bee-ridge-beneva-clark-near-i-75-most-car-crash-prone-intersection-road/7633011001/ | 2022-06-22T12:16:38 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/06/22/sarasota-county-traffic-bee-ridge-beneva-clark-near-i-75-most-car-crash-prone-intersection-road/7633011001/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A 10-year-old was accidentally shot in south Wichita on Tuesday night, according to the Wichita Police Department (WPD).
According to Sedgwick County Dispatch, they received a call about a shooting in the 3000 block of S. Fern St. just before 10 p.m.
Police said that when they arrived, they learned that a man who was unloading his firearm “accidentally” fired off one of the rounds, which went through the wall and struck the child in the leg.
WPD says the child was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/10-year-old-accidentally-shot-in-south-wichita/ | 2022-06-22T12:29:39 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/10-year-old-accidentally-shot-in-south-wichita/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — ‘Unscripted Wichita’ will soon grace the city’s skyline.
The 155-room hotel is more than just a place to stay. Developers said it will be a gathering place for Wichitans and visitors. A retail and office space will also be added.
Since 2016 the city and partners have worked on making the Riverfront a place to bring people together, and they hope this new $70 million project will make that even more of a reality.
“There is an energy down in Delano. You know new stuff is happening. It is a fun, hip place to be,” said the Owner of Leslie Coffee Co., Sarah Leslie.
Dream Hotel Group will bring in the hotel complete with a skyway over McLean Blvd.
“This was an old area where a lot of people didn’t really come to or spend a lot of time in before,” said the Owner of Sweet ‘n Saucy, Derek Sorrells.
Both Sweet ‘n Saucy and Leslie Coffee Co. have been in Delano for a few years.
They’ve both appreciated the business Riverfront Stadium has brought to their stores.
Organizers are taking a local community approach to building the hotel, making it a unique space to bring people together and advance the quality of life.
“All of those things are going to bring additional people down here to see what is going on, and it is really exciting for what is yet to come to this area,” Sorrells said.
But with the eccentric feel of Delano, Leslie hopes the new projects do not remove the old and current feel of the area.
“That is definitely important to us here that we feel like we are integrating into the neighborhood that is already existing and reflect back what we see here,” said Leslie.
“We have to keep that in mind that it is about not only functionality but about inspiration and throwback to the culture and the history in the area,” said Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple.
Developers hope to break ground this year and plan to have the project open sometime in 2024. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/businesses-hopeful-with-new-70m-development-coming-to-riverfront/ | 2022-06-22T12:29:45 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/businesses-hopeful-with-new-70m-development-coming-to-riverfront/ |
EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — An oil refinery in El Dorado where an employee died in 2017 will pay a $1.6 million fine for violating the federal clean air law.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tuesday that HollyFrontier’s failure to follow the law contributed to a fire that killed the employee.
The EPA says the company did not comply with requirements intended to prevent the accidental release of hazardous substances. The federal agency also says that a heater tube ruptured at the refinery, causing the fire.
A subsequent investigation found HollyFrontier did not design or maintain a safe facility or inspect and replace heater tubes.
To learn more about the EPA, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/el-dorado-oil-refinery-to-pay-1-6-million-for-clean-air-errors/ | 2022-06-22T12:29:51 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/el-dorado-oil-refinery-to-pay-1-6-million-for-clean-air-errors/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Delays are on the way at airports. But it’s a yin and yang outlook with more flyers expected to make airlines healthy.
“COVID was a challenge,” said economic analyst Jeremy Hill. “But people are flying now.”
Valerie Wise with Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport in Wichita says the pilot shortage will not be fixed for a year or more. She also says Eisenhower Airport is busy like most airports now.
“I think next year we will see some restoration of flights that were cut,” said Wise.
KSN News asked Wise if Wichita could see expansion with the six carriers in the ICT.
“No change is a good thing. Right now, we’ve been able to keep all of our destinations,” said Wise. “I’m always working with the airlines, but it’s just real difficult right now because the airlines, even if they wanted to, they don’t have the pilots.”
Hill says flying is not what it used to be with pilot shortages, fuel prices rising, and pent-up capacity from people wanting to fly after the main surge of COVID.
“The pilot shortage is still going to be an issue over the next five to 10 years. The capacity issue, replacing old planes, is still going to be an issue,” said Hill. “Does that mean you’re going to have this wonderful airline experience? Over the next five years? Probably not. But is there going to be demand, is there going to be opportunity for it to grow? Absolutely. It’s just not going to be like it was 10 years ago. And it’s definitely not going to be like it was in the 1980s when everyone had extra room beside them and more leg room.”
Officials at Eisenhower say they continue to look for more carriers as other markets have seen some routes cut. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/expect-more-delays-and-crowds-at-airports/ | 2022-06-22T12:29:57 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/expect-more-delays-and-crowds-at-airports/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Wichita Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.
Police say that 70-year-old James “Jeb” Beck was last seen in the 9000 block of East Lincoln, on foot, at 12 p.m. on June 21. This is near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Webb Road.
Beck is described as a white man, 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt, shorts, and Sperry loafers. He was also seen carrying a black gym bag and a black cane.
James had a stroke a few months ago and has physical limitations that prevent him from walking far and may affect his mental capacity.
If you know of James’ whereabouts or have seen him, please call 911 immediately. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-missing-wichita-man/ | 2022-06-22T12:30:03 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-missing-wichita-man/ |
WICHITA, Kan (KSNW) – Right now, it is illegal to possess a fentanyl test strip in the City of Wichita. But some members of the community say that the strips save lives, and the penalties for possession should be relaxed.
On Tuesday, members of the Wichita City Council came together to discuss the issue. In the end, they decided to table any action on fentanyl test strips, and during their discussion, there were mixed opinions about what the city council should do.
“I think we need to get moving of these fentanyl test strips as soon as possible. This is something that could save lives,” said Wichita City Council Member Mike Hoheisel.
A call to action to remove fentanyl test strips from the city court and into the hands of the district court.
“Do we want our officers out there fighting crime, or do we want them actually arresting a mother who bought test strips for her son who is fighting addiction right now,” said Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple.
Council Members Becky Tuttle and Jeff Blubaugh raised concern over the lack of community input on the potential change.
“At this point, I don’t have a stance. I need to learn more. I think the community needs to learn more,” said Vice Mayor Becky Tuttle.
Another question that has been brought to the table: Do the test strips actually work?
“Are people getting them from an authentic source? Are they going to give them an authentic diagnosis or reading? We certainly don’t want to endorse or support something that could be putting someone in further harm,” said Tuttle.
Wichita Police Department’s Interim Chief Lem Moore shared in the meeting that plans for a town hall are in motion about fentanyl and if the strips could make a difference.
“In my professional opinion, as far as if that is available to identify if there is drugs, if it is a legitimate test strip, and if it is approved by the government or whoever to utilize, it probably would save lives,” said Moore.
All city council members did take action on some other items. They voted to approve several criminal charges to match state law. They will revisit fentanyl test strips and marijuana on August 2. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-city-council-considers-changing-charges-for-fentanyl-test-strips/ | 2022-06-22T12:30:09 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-city-council-considers-changing-charges-for-fentanyl-test-strips/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Wichita Police Department is requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 10-year-old girl with special needs.
Hope Rich, 10, is described as a white female, 4 feet 10 inches tall, and weighs 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white “Budweiser” t-shirt along with red and white striped shorts. Hope is not wearing shoes.
Hope is special needs and is missing her top left tooth.
She was last seen on foot in the 5100 block of south Meridian at approximately 7:20 p.m. on June 21. This is near the intersection of S Meridian Ave and W 55th St S.
If you know the whereabouts of Hope, please call 911 immediately. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/young-girl-with-special-needs-missing-in-wichita/ | 2022-06-22T12:30:15 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/young-girl-with-special-needs-missing-in-wichita/ |
ATLANTA — Damia Mitchell was sentenced to 140 years on voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and gang charges tied to the February 2021 shooting death of Faith Burns.
Allen Burns, Faith's father, tells 11Alive this helps bring some justice for his daughter, who was 20 years old at the time of her death.
“I feel a sigh of relief for for my child, just getting some type of justice," he said. "My family, we're trying to heal now we've dealt with this for like 16 months.”
Mitchell, who was 17-year-old at the time, and four others were charged with the killing of Faith Burns.
Prosecutors argued Mitchell and four others got into a fight with people at a Gwinnett County home, where Faith was. The fight led to at least 19 shots being fired and to Faith's death.
"At the end of the day, it's a no-win situation for everybody," Burns said. "We all lose. They lose their child in jail; we don't have our child. Who wins? Nobody wins."
Burns says his daughter did not know Mitchell but knew Mitchell's ex-girlfriend.
“Faith was hanging out with her ex-girlfriend and they came over that house that day because they were going back and forth with beef. My daughter was an innocent bystander," Burns said. "Faith did not even know any of the girls that day."
Court documents state Mitchell was associated with the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods. This criminal street gang has had an extensive history in the Atlanta area, and she was attempting to elevate her status within the gang.
But Mitchell's family claims the trial was incomplete and the prosecution did not present ample evidence.
“These gang charges, those were just trumped up charges, false charges they put on my child," Vanissa Jackson, Mitchell's mother, said. "She’s not affiliated with gang members. She’s not in a gang.”
Jackson said Mitchell and another victim listed in the indictment broke up, and Burns was a new girlfriend of the victim. But a fight broke out when Mitchell went to pick up her things and turned deadly.
She was indicted in August 2021 and found guilty nearly a year later. A judge sentenced Mitchell to consecutive sentences totaling 140 years in prison.
“Basically they’re saying you’ll never see daylight ever again in your life," Jackson said. "They want my baby to die in jail for something that’s false and bogus.”
Mitchell’s family wants a new trial and told 11Alive the sentencing was excessive. Burns says his family faces the worst sentencing of all.
“I'm sentenced to life without my baby," he said. "They have the right to go on appeal court and do everything they wanted, that's their right to do. I don't have no right to appeal. I can’t say, let's appeal February, 14 2021.”
Burns, who has been present at every court date and hearing, says he’s not surprised the other defendants received much lower sentences.
“They’re up here wondering why the other girls got 4 to 10 years," he said. "She's the one that assembled that posse to come over there. They’re like well she ain't the shooter, but you brought the shooter over to the house that day."
Burns wants people to remember his daughter as the happy, funny, soccer-loving sister, aunt, and daughter she was. He hopes her legacy stays alive in those who knew her and shared her memory with others.
"She was giving," he said. "I seen all these kids that came out on her funeral who where like, "Faith did this, Faith did that," and me and my wife would look at each other, like, "You're talking about Faith... she is such a amazing giving person. [This] hurts so bad. Never to have that again, you know?" | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/140-damia-mitchell-gwinnett-faith-burns/85-c1ac270e-73ab-4234-88b3-84847f2e3a90 | 2022-06-22T12:30:49 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/140-damia-mitchell-gwinnett-faith-burns/85-c1ac270e-73ab-4234-88b3-84847f2e3a90 |
TEMPLE, Texas — A GoFundMe page was set up for the family who lost a father and his 1-year-old daughter in a crash on Father's Day.
Luis Miguel Castillo, 20, was driving east on US 84 in Goldthwaite, Texas when he hit a guardrail for an unknown reason, according to Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS said his car then went down an embankment and crashed into a tree, which then caught on fire. Both Castillo and his daughter, identified as Amilliana Renee Castillo, died a the scene, DPS said.
"This is one of the most tragic things a mother can endure, losing her precious 1 year old baby girl, Amilliana and the Love of her life Luis Castillo, father of her unborn child, on Father’s Day," wrote Alexus Mendoza, who created the GoFundMe page.
"Luis was a strong-minded young man that had one goal in life, which was to build a happy home for his small family the best way he could," Mendoza added.
The goal is to reach $4,000 to help cover costs for both of their funerals. Click here if you'd like to donate.
DPS said the crash is still under investigation.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/gofundme-set-up-for-family-of-father-1-year-old-daughter-who-died-fiery-crash-fathers-day/500-fbed335f-df25-4934-a59c-3f2b98a4faa1 | 2022-06-22T12:30:55 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/gofundme-set-up-for-family-of-father-1-year-old-daughter-who-died-fiery-crash-fathers-day/500-fbed335f-df25-4934-a59c-3f2b98a4faa1 |
SAN ANTONIO — Police are investigating after a man was found dead from a gunshot wound in his apartment.
Police were called to apartments located at Glendora Avenue and Tallulah Drive on the northeast side of town around 1:30 a.m. early Wednesday morning.
When officers arrived, a neighbor told them she heard a gunshot and left her apartment to check and see what happened. The door to her neighbor's apartment was slightly open and she looked inside and saw the victim laying on the floor. She did not go inside, but called police to investigate.
The neighbor told police she didn't witness the shooting, only heard the gunshot. Police say the man, who is in his 30s, was dead at the scene.
Officials say there were no other witnesses and no weapon was found at the scene. Police will be investigating.
This is a developing story.
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Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/neighbor-found-man-dead-from-gunshot-wound-police-say-san-antonio-texas-gun-weapon-shooting/273-ab9e50bc-8aee-4bb4-8ef8-c835e1f5e375 | 2022-06-22T12:31:01 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/neighbor-found-man-dead-from-gunshot-wound-police-say-san-antonio-texas-gun-weapon-shooting/273-ab9e50bc-8aee-4bb4-8ef8-c835e1f5e375 |
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.kens5.com/article/news/local/rear-seat-alarm-installed-new-vehicles-by-2025/285-a8456fb6-861c-49c7-91a9-14bb4143adbc | 2022-06-22T12:31:20 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/rear-seat-alarm-installed-new-vehicles-by-2025/285-a8456fb6-861c-49c7-91a9-14bb4143adbc |
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — When Walter Roy walked out of the Tarrant County Courtroom, he can now officially say "free at last."
"I kept hope. I kept faith and just kept trusting God," said Roy.
The now 46-year-old also trusted his court-appointed attorney Mark Lassiter, who started fighting for his freedom.
Roy, whose real name is Eddie Drisdle, had already spent almost half his life behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. He spent 26 years declaring his innocence while listening to other prisoners also tell their stories about being wrongfully convicted.
Previous coverage: Watch: North Texas man, wife learns that he's not returning to prison for crime he didn't commit
"Two of my sons were born when I was in prison. And so, so I was out of their life for 26 years," said Roy.
In 1995, Roy went to Echo Lake Park with two other men for an alleged drug deal that ended in gunfire.
Police arrested Roy, who was convicted on attempted murder charges. After 26 years behind bars, he told WFAA TV his accomplice was the person who brought a gun with him to the park.
"So, while he's shooting, I stopped him from shooting because ain't nobody pulled no weapons," said Roy.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the gun used did not have Roy's fingerprint after officers located it in a ditch. Eventually, they also learned from witnesses that Roy was not the shooter.
The photo spread of six men shown to witnesses contained a picture of Roy that stood out by being a different size than the pictures of the rest of the people in the photo lineup.
Despite the prosecutor and Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn acknowledging that Roy was over-sentenced, his conviction could not be overturned due to a legal technicality. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found its way around the legal technicality that would have kept Roy behind bars for life, stating that Roy should be granted a new punishment hearing because his due process rights were violated by false testimony presented during his trial.
Roy has been out on bond since August 2021 awaiting a new hearing.
The Texas Court of Appeals granted a new punishment hearing on June 21.
Prior to starting the hearing on Tuesday, Judge Wayne Salvant asked Lassiter if he wanted the hearing to be on record. Lassiter answered "yes."
After reading a few details from the court case file, Salvant re-sentenced Roy to "time served."
Lassiter immediately expressed concerns to the judge about his client being out on bond.
"The court will find the sentence has been served and the court will release you from any bond," Salvant said.
"The judge couldn't do any more than that," said Lassiter, "So what's going through my mind is we got to do better as a country. We got to do better as a state."
Roy's wife, Surnedra Drisdle, has stuck by his side the entire time of his prison sentence. She attended the re-sentencing with him.
When Salvant read the new punishment for her husband, Drisdle held her head down and emerged with a huge smile on her face.
After leaving the courtroom both Roy and his attorney said their fight is not over. They want to make sure what happened to Roy won't happen to anyone else.
"We need to create a law, it's that simple. That no man can be sentenced without due process. That's what we're asking. And that's the fight that we intend to continue," said Lassiter.
"We just got to fight," said Roy. "You know, we can't, and I refuse to give up going too far." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/walter-roy-jailed-for-crime-he-didnt-commit-is-free-at-last/287-e89d8c9a-85e2-4c11-9328-10053ed4fdba | 2022-06-22T12:31:26 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/walter-roy-jailed-for-crime-he-didnt-commit-is-free-at-last/287-e89d8c9a-85e2-4c11-9328-10053ed4fdba |
A Florida missing child alert was issued Wednesday morning for two children, including an infant, out of Fort Myers.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Yazmin Barrios, 2, and Genesis Barrios, 2 months old, were last seen in the 1800 block of Maravilla Avenue in Fort Myers.
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The children may be with Evelin Sanchez-Rojas, 25, and Inmer Barrios, 35, the FDLE said.
Yazmin was last seen wearing a two-piece pink top and bottom with silver stars. Genesis was last seen wearing a blue onesie and has a pink blanket with her.
The four may be traveling in a gray 2013 Dodge Dart with the tag QFGB59.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700 or 911. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/alert-issued-for-2-missing-florida-children/ | 2022-06-22T12:34:47 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/alert-issued-for-2-missing-florida-children/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Almost every commercial pet store in Orange County will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats and rabbits, starting Wednesday.
An ordinance that passed with a 4-3 vote last summer is now in effect.
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The health services department said the ordinance was drafted due to dogs and cats in large-scale pet stores having their health and welfare disregarded in order to maximize profits.
Supporters said it will stop puppy mills that commonly breed thousands of often sick puppies and sell them to stores nationwide.
People in the county will still be able to foster and rescue pets from local animal shelters and animal rescues. Pet stores will also be allowed to provide space and shelter for local rescues and animal shelters.
Three Orlando-area stores challenged the rule, saying it would bankrupt their businesses, but a judge allowed the ban to stay.
Only one store in Ocoee is exempt from the rule after city commissioners voted to opt out. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/orange-county-retail-sale-ban-on-dogs-cats-and-rabbits-now-in-effect/ | 2022-06-22T12:34:53 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/orange-county-retail-sale-ban-on-dogs-cats-and-rabbits-now-in-effect/ |
Police in Warsaw are investigating a shooting that left a burglary suspect dead Tuesday night.
Officers said they were called to a home at 3190 Colony Road about 9:40 p.m. in the Forest Park neighborhood.
Police said the man was suffering from a gunshot blast in the chest. Emergency responders attempted to revive the suspect, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three adults at the home were taken in for questioning by police and a child at the residence was sent to the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center.
No further information was provided. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/shooting-leaves-burglar-dead-in-warsaw/article_a11989c0-f21a-11ec-b91b-f3cb39d43037.html | 2022-06-22T12:40:35 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/shooting-leaves-burglar-dead-in-warsaw/article_a11989c0-f21a-11ec-b91b-f3cb39d43037.html |
“I actually got stood up here one time,” I tell Tay Kim as I sip a drink at the long old bar inside Edinburgh Castle. Scottish flags dangle from the ceiling and year-round Christmas lights twinkle while Kim stands behind the bar and we trade stories about our decadeslong histories at this fabled Tenderloin dive bar.
Even though it's been 17 years and I'm now married, I still remember that indie rock party from 2005 where a girl I had a huge crush on didn't show up, or even bother to leave a message on my Motorola Razr. It’s probably not the first forlorn love story Kim has heard considering he’s been behind the stick at Edinburgh Castle for nearly 30 years. But his history with the place goes even further back than that.
When he was 10 years old, long before he bought the place or even worked there, Kim once peeked his head into Edinburgh Castle, thought it was ominous and weird and decided he wanted nothing to do with the place. He had recently moved to the Tenderloin from Korea and had probably never seen a cavernous dive bar meant to feel like the love child of a Scottish castle and a pub. They didn’t have anything like it back in Korea, but hell, there wasn’t even anything else like it in San Francisco.
The Castle was opened on New Year’s in 1960 — in what was most likely an old auto garage — by a pair of Scotsmen named Douglas Kirk and Robert Johnson. The bar took its theme very seriously. Actual medieval weapons adorned the walls, which must’ve been bolted down tightly because anyone who’s spent enough time in bars knows that booze and battle axes are a dangerous combination. To this day a caber — one of the tree trunk-type things people toss in Scottish Highland Games — is still fastened to a wall near the pool table.
And like so many other San Francisco institutions, of course it has a haunted past. Kim related a story to me about how late one night, he went upstairs to flip a light switch and the spot he was standing in shook like a major earthquake, though nothing else in the building moved. One of the bartenders saw it happen. But Kim isn’t the only one who experienced weird things at the bar — many past barkeeps have told him stories about seeing things move by themselves that shouldn’t and noticed strange dark shadows creep through their peripheral vision late at night.
But after a 30-year-plus run — which included a residency by a cageless parrot named Winston who spent years flying around the bar stealing quarters and hating bagpipes — The Castle closed in the early '90s. Six months later, Kim’s cousins bought the bar in 1994.
At age 24, Kim had just gotten back from traveling and needed a job, so his cousins hired him as a waiter. “When I first showed up, I thought, ‘Oh no, not this bar,’” he laughs, recounting the story of when he first saw the place at 10 years old. The thought that he’d now be working at the bar that gave him the willies all those years ago has a funny irony to it.
“We were the only bar in the neighborhood like this,” Kim explains as he hands me another drink. “Back then everything else around here was either a Korean dive or a gay bar, so we were different.”
Kim was considering going to art school, but when he found out his cousin was trying to sell the Castle, he figured an opportunity like this wouldn’t come up again. So in 1999 at age 29, he became the owner of the most famous castle in San Francisco where you can buy a Tecate and a shot for seven bucks.
I have a lot of fantastic stories about Edinburgh Castle from my 20s as well. When I started hanging out there in the early 2000s, it was known around the city as a spot for young hipsters to knock back cheap drinks and hopefully meet someone sexy at one of the bar’s many diverse events. There were raves, "Star Trek" nights, pub quizzes, a Robert Burns poetry night, a swearing festival and even a haggis celebration. My favorite was a party called 1964 where the DJs only played '60s soul music and we all danced so hard we sweat through our clothes.
It was a regular stop on pub crawls I used to host, because it was one of the few SF bars large enough to accommodate a school bus full of 40 weirdos. And the small front room with the piano was one of the first places someone recognized me for my writing and bought me a drink because of it, which was one of the coolest things that had happened to me at the time and is seared into my memory. I’d always wondered what the hell that small room with the graffitied piano and empty kegs was originally for, and Kim finally supplied the answer.
“It was originally a Scottish gift shop,” Kim explains, “but has since been used as a number of things, like an art gallery, a chill out room, a keg room and a make out room.”
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Edinburgh Castle made an unlikely transition from a 3000-square-foot dive bar popular with Scottish, English and Northern Irish expats to one of San Francisco’s literary hubs. And most of that had to do with the bar manager, Alan Black.
Originally from Scotland, and having been involved with the literary scene there, Black brought his love of words and books with him when he started at the bar alongside Kim in 1994. He also brought a connection to a then-up-and-coming writer named Irvine Welsh who in 1995 was touring behind his new book of stories called “The Acid House.” Welsh did a reading at the Castle’s hidden upstairs stage, and according to an SFGATE article from 2002, “A new chapter in the pub's history has begun, and everyone there knows it.”
Before “Trainspotting” became a hit movie based off of Welsh’s book of the same name, Edinburgh Castle had the exclusive rights to produce the play. Which they did for four straight months, and sold out every night. Kim even helped do some of the set design.
“Too bad there were no cellphones back then,” Kim laments. “I think there's a VHS recording of it somewhere, but I don't know where exactly.” Despite the success of the play, they ended it after four months “out of respect for Irvine.”
Shepherded along by Alan Black, many other great people and things came out of Edinburgh Castle’s literary scene. Well known writers like Po Bronson, Noah Hawley and Mary Roach would do readings there. San Francisco’s famous Litquake literary festival was conceived over pints by Jane Ganahl and Jack Boulware. And in 2005, Black teamed up with writer Luke James and former bartender Sean O'Melveny to put out “Public House,” an anthology of spoken word, short fiction and poetry works from the Edinburgh Castle’s writing scene.
But Edinburgh Castle’s relationship with the arts didn’t stop with the written or spoken word. They used to throw small 50-person concerts in the hidden upstairs room where local bands like Train and Two Gallants had their early shows. The tiny space is still used for comedy and theater. And scenes from the movies “So I Married an Axe Murderer” and “Venom” were shot in the bar. Kim loves to tell the story of the band The Killers trying to cut the line and him saying no. Everyone is treated equally at Edinburgh Castle, even rock stars.
Things are a bit slower than in the 2000s’ salad days unfortunately. The pandemic was “depressing and shocking” for Kim and the Castle since they were closed for a year and a half. And even though they are back open, business is a quarter of what it was in the “before times.” Sadly, even Alan Black had to leave and now tends bar at Specs’ in North Beach. One of the only things that keeping the Castle alive is the fact that Kim bought the building back in 2010.
In fact, Kim has been thinking about selling the place, and there are some interested parties, but, according to Kim, part of the stipulation is that they have to keep it true to the history of the Edinburgh Castle, since it’s such a landmark.
“So, what would you do if you sold the place?” I asked Kim as things were wrapping up. “Would you finally go to art school?”
He laughed and said no, but he would love to buy some property in the East Bay and do some farming and metalworking. Which sounds pretty bad ass.
Luckily for all of us though, neither Kim nor Edinburgh Castle are going anywhere at the moment. So, you should think of it as your duty to pop by for a pint or two and bring a couple dozen friends. The drinks are still cheap, the vibe is still perfect, and if you’re real nice, Kim might even tell you a real-life ghost story.
Stuart Schuffman is the editor-in-chief of BrokeAssStuart.com. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/tenderloin-dive-bar-edinburgh-castle-17255971.php | 2022-06-22T12:42:23 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/tenderloin-dive-bar-edinburgh-castle-17255971.php |
It’s National Onion Rings Day ... and you know what to do! Keep plenty of napkins on hand for all that greasy goodness.
- Start your morning with the Kenosha Library System. An all-ages story time starts at 9:30 a.m. in Schulte Park, 4400 87th Place. Story time is 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by bubbles and music until 10:45 a.m. Admission is free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.
- The Kenosha Pops Concert Band continues its 100th season tonight on the band shell in Pennoyer Park, at 35th Street and Seventh Avenue at the lakefront. The guest vocalist is Lou Rugani. Pre-concert music will start at 6:15 p.m. with The Hungry Five group. Admission is free. Note: Bench seating is provided. Audience members may also bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.
- The "Lakeside Lounge" is back this evening at Kemper Center, 6501 Third Ave. From 6 to 8 p.m., the band Violet Wilder is performing. Food and drinks are available for purchase (no alcohol carry-ins allowed). The "lounge" takes place on the northernmost lawn area at Kemper Center. Picnic tables are available, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free. For more information, go to kempercenter.com.
- All aboard! Kenosha’s Downtown electric streetcars are running seven days a week again, offering wonderful lakefront views. The streetcars run 11:05 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fare is $1 for ages 13 and older and 50 cents for kids ages 5-12 (free for kids age 4 and younger). An all-day pass is $3.50. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-wednesday-june-22/article_cbbeaabe-f0be-11ec-81dc-a33b4444b1b8.html | 2022-06-22T12:44:52 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-events-for-wednesday-june-22/article_cbbeaabe-f0be-11ec-81dc-a33b4444b1b8.html |
The Kenosha Pops Concert Band continues its season-long journey through the past 100 years by visiting the 1930s, the decade of "The Great American Songbook."
And it doesn't get much greater than Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.”
Porter composed the song during a 1935 Pacific cruise aboard Cunard’s ocean liner Franconia, and it was introduced in the Broadway musical “Jubilee.” It has since become a standard tune recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley.
“The beguine is one of the longest song forms to come out of the golden age of standards,” said Craig Gall, the band’s musical director. “There are 108 bars in that piece, and nothing is duplicated. That's amazing.”
Greg Berg, the band’s master of ceremonies, will be the featured vocalist on “Begin the Beguine.” He's also singing "I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern.
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Guest vocalist
It's a big night for vocalists on the band shell. In addition to Berg's three numbers, guest soloist Lou Rugani, host of WLIP-AM 1050's longtime radio show “Music of the Stars,” is singing tonight with the Pops.
Rugani is performing three Warren Barker arrangements of popular standards: “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, “As Time Goes By” by Herman Hupfeld and “But Not for Me” by George and Ira Gershwin. Barker specialized in arranging pieces for vocals with a full band.
Another Barker arrangement — “Irving Berlin: The Early Years” — doesn’t feature vocals but does include several well-known Berlin tunes: “Say It With Music,” “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”
Also on tonight's program:
- A medley of tunes from “The Wizard of Oz,” including “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “Over the Rainbow.”
- “Walt Disney Band Showcase,” a medley featuring such familiar tunes as “Give a Little Whistle” from “Pinocchio” and “Heigh-Ho” and “I’m Wishing” from “Snow White.”
- "Tribute to Count Basie,” a medley including “All of Me,” “Corner Pocket,” “Li’l Darlin’” (with trumpet soloist John Sorensen) and “April in Paris.”
- “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic,” a John W. Bratton piece arranged by Paul Yoder. (The song was written in 1907, but lyrics were added by Jimmy Kennedy in 1932, so it fits tonight's program with a bit of what Gall calls "creative theme stretching.")
- “Thanks for the Memory,” first sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938.” It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Hope's signature tune, with different lyrics adapted to any situation.
Kathy Ripley, the band’s assistant conductor, leads the band on “something completely different” as she calls it: “Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon.” The piece is made up of folk songs from Scotland arranged for band by Percy Grainger. The composer first set the piece for “chorus and whistlers” in 1903 and created the band setting in 1932.
The program also features “Green is Green,” a polka that started life in a 1937 Czech operetta, Gall said.
“Wisconsin polka bands have adopted it as a polka, but it was what they call 'a spring flirtation piece' in the operetta,” he said. The polka version was arranged by Ernest Broeniman, director of the Dorf Kapelle Band (of which Gall is a member).
“There are so many great tunes on tonight's program that will appeal to all ages,” Gall said, "from kids up to grandparents.” | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-pops-band-playing-great-american-songbook-program/article_7a5f9380-f16e-11ec-bfe6-bf1df53fba3b.html | 2022-06-22T12:44:58 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-pops-band-playing-great-american-songbook-program/article_7a5f9380-f16e-11ec-bfe6-bf1df53fba3b.html |
After record-tying heat, up and down week of temperatures in forecast
This week's heat wave decided to match previous records in several Michigan areas.
On Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, the high reached 96 in Detroit, which tied the record set in 1933, and hit 95 in Saginaw, tying the 1923 record. The record in Lansing also was tied at 98, which was set in 1988.
The heat continues today across lower Michigan, with temperatures in the upper 80s to lows 90s. But Wednesday night will return to more normal June temperatures. The end of the week will be mild, but then the weekend heats up again.
The forecast
Thursday: Sunny, high in lower 80s. Lows at night around 60.
Friday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, highs in the upper 80s. Mostly clear at night, lows in mid-60s.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, highs in the upper 80s. Increasing clouds overnight with a chance of showers after midnight. Lows around 70.
Sunday: Chance of showers in the morning, then clearing but scattered showers still possible. Highs in the upper 80s. Cooler at night, lows in the 50s. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/after-record-tying-heat-up-and-down-week-temperatures-forecast/7697375001/ | 2022-06-22T12:51:25 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/after-record-tying-heat-up-and-down-week-temperatures-forecast/7697375001/ |
Man dead after motorcycle crash in Groveland Twp.
Charles E. Ramirez
The Detroit News
Groveland Township — A man is dead after the motorcycle he was riding crashed Tuesday, officials said.
According to a preliminary investigation, the man was riding his motorcycle at about 10:15 p.m. on Dixie Highway near Grange Hall just before the crash.
His motorcycle left the roadway for unknown reasons and crashed, Michigan State Police said. They said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have notified the man's next of kin.
Investigators said it appears alcohol was a factor in the crash. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/06/22/man-dead-after-motorcycle-crash-groveland-twp/7697169001/ | 2022-06-22T12:51:31 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2022/06/22/man-dead-after-motorcycle-crash-groveland-twp/7697169001/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/college-student-shot-during-attempted-carjacking-police-say/3277718/ | 2022-06-22T13:12:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/college-student-shot-during-attempted-carjacking-police-say/3277718/ |
An 18-year-old man was shot and killed while riding in a rented SUV in South Philadelphia late Tuesday night, police said.
Philadelphia police said the victim was in the SUV around midnight, traveling west on Ritner Street near South 6th Street, when about 12 bullets were fired at the passenger side of the vehicle.
The man was shot in the neck, Philadelphia Police Capt. John Walker said.
Officers found the shot-up vehicle and the victim at 4th Street and Oregon Avenue around 11:45 p.m. Police said they rushed him to the hospital where he later died.
Walker said it was not immediately clear whether the victim was the driver or passenger.
Detectives are reviewing cameras in the area to piece together what happened, officials said.
This deadly shooting comes on the heels of several other shootings inside vehicles in Philadelphia in recently weeks.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Last Wednesday, a teen from the Main Line in a rented Mercedes-Benz was killed in Center City in what witnesses told Philadelphia police was an apparent road rage shooting.
Over the weekend, a government attorney from the Philippines who was vacationing in Philadelphia with his mother was shot and killed while the two were inside an Uber in University City.
As of Thursday morning, there were at least 245 homicides in Philadelphia this year, down 6% from the same time last year which was ultimately the deadliest in the city on record.
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/man-shot-killed-in-rented-suv-in-south-philadelphia/3277709/ | 2022-06-22T13:12:59 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-shot-killed-in-rented-suv-in-south-philadelphia/3277709/ |
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