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A man who had walked away from the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln about one week ago returned on his own Wednesday.
He had failed to return from his off-site work assignment on June 14, according to authorities.
Gary Filip, 47, removed his electronic monitoring device and left it near North First Street and Cornhusker Highway, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said.
He was serving a 21- to 37-year sentence on theft, drug, gun and robbery charges from Buffalo and Sarpy counties, the department said. Filip was scheduled for parole eligibility in January 2023.
The facility Filip is accused of fleeing is a community custody center, the least restrictive prison in the state. Inmates are allowed to participate in off-site work opportunities, religious services and school without direct supervision.
Top Journal Star photos for June
Top Journal Star photos for June
Members of a pride color guard perform their routine during the second-ever Star City Pride Parade at the Capitol on Saturday, June 18, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Campers participate in drills during the Nebraska football camp on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Memorial Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Jake Owen performs alongside his band during a performance at the Pinewood Bowl in Pioneers Park on Thursday, June 16, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska freshman guard Callin Hake gets a high five from head women's basketball coach Amy Williams during practice on Thursday, June 15, 2022, at Hendricks Training Complex. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Former Husker Jordan Larson does a demonstration during a volleyball camp, Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Kinetic Sports Complex. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Trent Claus, a VFX supervisor and animation art collector, reminisces with some of his art on a couch for watching Saturday morning cartoons at the Eisentrager/Howard Gallery in Richards Hall on the UNL campus on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Daniel Bartek lounges by the waters of Holmes Lake after a long day of work on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Carpet Land’s Caden Cetak (left) slides for home as Judds Brothers’ Chase Blanchard tags him out during the annual Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion tournament championship game Sunday, June 11, 2022, at Den Hartog Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
New Kids on the Block perform Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska offensive linemen Kevin Williams Jr (center) huddles up with campers before taking a break during a football camp held at the Lincoln Sports Foundation field on Saturday, June 11, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Spectators watch as purebred pigs are showcased Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Cornhusker Classic Swine Show at Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A bicyclist peddles uphill past a field of wildflowers on a section of the Mopac bike trail near Vine Street on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Union Bank’s Reese Kortum pitches the ball against a Millard North batter during a Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion Tournament game on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Anderson Ford's Braeden Sunken bats in the third inning of a Mike Peterson Tournament legion baseball game against Millard North on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Park. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
The flyover bridge that will connect U.S. 77 to the South Beltway has steel beams laid the entire west to east distance on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Salt Dogs left fielder Randy Norris dives but misses the catch after a long ball hit by Chicago Dog's Grant Kay ( not pictured) in the second inning at Haymarket Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A rancher takes a load off while waiting for an auction during the annual Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska at the Cass County Fairgrounds on June 4 in Weeping Water. The annual fundraiser moves around the state, and is held in a new location each year.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
North’s Kamden Dusatko (middle) and his teammates celebrate their win over South in the Shrine Bowl on June 4 at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium in Kearney.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost speaks with recruits to wrap up the Friday Night Lights camp at Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2022. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Tire marks mar the surface of the parking lot of Kohls, at the corner of 84th and O street, in this aerial view on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A memorial to victims of a crash that occurred May 29 is set up on O Street at the site of the crash on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A family-style seafood boil, tossed in butter and Cajun seasonings, is complimented by New Orleans-style beverages at Bourbon Street by Single Barrel, located in the Haymarket in Downtown, on June 1.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Police Officer and CSI instigator Jason Hellmuth talks about using various lights to inspect crime scenes during Bridging the Gap on June 1.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @andrewwegley
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-inmate-who-walked-away-from-prison-returns-on-own/article_98481350-7d9d-58a3-afd0-8c512b786196.html | 2022-06-22T23:25:30 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-inmate-who-walked-away-from-prison-returns-on-own/article_98481350-7d9d-58a3-afd0-8c512b786196.html |
A 70-year-old Lincoln man was charged with two felonies, including third-degree sexual assault of a child, less than a week after a grade school-aged girl told police he had touched her inappropriately, police said in court records.
The girl's mother told police that the girl reported the abuse to mother June 13 after Raymond Maxson had been at the family's house that day, Lincoln Police Investigator Tyler Nitz said in the affidavit for Maxson's arrest.
Three days later, the girl repeated the accusation in a forensic interview, telling investigators that Maxson had touched her on multiple occasions.
He was arrested Sunday and later charged with the sex crime and felony child abuse.
Maxson is being held at the Lancaster County Jail on a $200,000 percentage bond. He must pay $20,000 to be released.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-70-charged-with-child-sex-assault/article_adba0506-e056-54f3-a05f-a7cf142caef6.html | 2022-06-22T23:25:36 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-70-charged-with-child-sex-assault/article_adba0506-e056-54f3-a05f-a7cf142caef6.html |
WASHINGTON (WJHL) — One of Tennessee’s two U.S. senators says he thinks the full Senate should debate a bill that would grant veteran status to women nurses who served in World War II.
In response to the News Channel 11 report, a spokesman for Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) said he supports moving Senate Bill 1220 to honor the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps to the Senate floor for debate.
Last week, News Channel 11 reported on the push by some to give honorary veteran status to surviving members of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. The United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 is the latest federal legislative attempt to acknowledge the work of the estimated 124,000 nurses who served in response to a call for help by the U.S. Government to address a shortage of nurses.
U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps members wore uniforms and worked under the supervision of the government from 1943 to 1948. But despite their critical role in World War II, they’ve never been granted veteran status.
96-year-old Agnes Lowe of Johnson says she and her fellow Cadet Nurse Corps survivors aren’t asking for veterans benefits – only the ability to be recognized for the service at their funeral.
“I think we deserve it because we answered the call,” Lowe said in a recent interview with News Channel 11.
The legislation says, “Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials. The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.”
But while Hagerty is supporting debate on the legislation, his spokesman stopped short of offering his full support, saying he’s “reviewing it carefully to determine whether it serves in the best interest of our honorable service members.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) is the sponsor of S. 1220. The companion bill H.R. 2568 is sponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois). | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sen-hagerty-cadet-nurse-corps-veteran-status-bill-should-be-debated-in-the-us-senate/ | 2022-06-22T23:26:55 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/sen-hagerty-cadet-nurse-corps-veteran-status-bill-should-be-debated-in-the-us-senate/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — $53 million will soon be distributed to child care providers across the state. Some owners are saying these bonuses are appreciated but overdue.
“I have advocated for my staff and for the child care industry for the last few years, even before the pandemic. It is great to finally be heard and be seen for the hard work that they do in the classrooms every day,” said Courtney Cantrell, owner of Family First Child Care.
Cantrell says the bonuses are needed to keep workers and child care centers open.
“Really, they’re helping raise your children for eight or more hours a day. If they weren’t there and they don’t come to work we can’t open classrooms and we can’t add more children for enrollment,” Cantrell explained.
Staffing has been a struggle for several centers as they compete with other higher-paying industries for workers.
“I have other clients that do drop in sometimes because their center had to close because there’s not enough staff,” said Kanetha Brown, K-Bee’s Daycare owner.
Kelly’s announcement to give away up to $2,500 bonuses to those in the child care field is bringing a wave of relief.
“It’s a whole extra paycheck or more,” Cantrell said.
“It is needed, just to keep the upkeep of the cleaning supplies or just extra materials when you do have more children,” Brown said.
While the bonuses are appreciated, Cantrell believes more must be done to help keep talent long-term.
“We cannot give long-term pay raises with short-term funding. We really need to know what is in the future for us so that we can promise these workers to continue their careers and stay with us,” Cantelll said.
The amount given to workers will be based on their hours.
Applications will be sent out to eligible child care providers in a couple of weeks. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/child-care-workers-weigh-in-on-gov-kellys-announcement-of-bonuses/ | 2022-06-22T23:27:11 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/child-care-workers-weigh-in-on-gov-kellys-announcement-of-bonuses/ |
Top VA official laments staff shortages as new VA clinic opens in Phoenix
A top Veterans Affairs official detailed Wednesday the department's response to a staffing shortage that has challenged the VA health care system.
"Staffing shortages are a real thing. Full stop," VA Deputy Secretary Donald Remy said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 32nd Street VA Clinic in Phoenix. "Trying to get adequate staff to provide health care in this country is a difficult task. And that’s why we’re redoubling our efforts to recruit, to retain, to relocate where necessary staff to continue to provide the services that our veterans have earned."
It's about being "competitive in the marketplace," Remy said, providing bonuses and pay raises to meet potential employees "where they are."
Remy was in Phoenix to help launch the 203,000-square-foot clinic at 400 N. 32nd Street. VA medical staff are set Monday to start serving an anticipated more than 40,000 Arizona veterans.
"Our veterans are at the core of everything we do," Remy said. "We focus on what our veterans' needs are and we try to make sure that we can provide facilities, practitioners, clinicians, community environments to meet those needs. That’s what we’re doing here."
Roughly 500,000 Arizonans were veterans as of 2017, accounting for more than 10% of the state’s adult population. And an estimated 73,226 veterans lived in Phoenix in 2020 according to the Census Bureau; more than a third of them fought in the Vietnam War.
Phoenix's growing veteran population has highlighted the pervasive vacancies at VA facilities, which counted 77 primary-care and mental-health provider vacancies as of early June.
Earlier this month, three Republican House members from Arizona — Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and David Schweikert — wrote a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough asking questions about plans to address the staffing shortages and what recourse veterans have if they can't get timely medical attention.
"Our nation has promised care for our veterans and the VA is failing to deliver that promise," Biggs said in a June 7 written statement. "Throughout the greater Phoenix area, there are dozens of vacancies for mental health providers and primary care providers. It’s unacceptable."
In March, Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed the RAISE Act, which will increase salary caps for large numbers of nurses and physician assistants.
More than 10,000 VA nurses will soon see pay raises in accordance with the new law. The VA Department has redesigned its onboarding process with an emphasis on flexibility and put together a task force to address worker burnout.
Travis Burns is an author and veteran advocate who did a tour in the Korean Demilitarized Zone and served in the Gulf War. Emphasizing the organization’s mission could be a key tool in solving its staffing woes, he said.
“Most of the people I’ve met at the VA are connected to the veteran world in one form or another,” Burns said. “They’re here to serve. They do have a mortgage, yes they’ve gotta feed their kids. They do get paid for their work. But they’re not here to get rich, they’re here to be involved.” | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/22/top-va-official-laments-staff-shortages-new-va-clinic-opens-phoenix/7704705001/ | 2022-06-22T23:29:35 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/06/22/top-va-official-laments-staff-shortages-new-va-clinic-opens-phoenix/7704705001/ |
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas —
The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified the drivers in an Ector County crash early Wednesday morning that left one person dead.
According to DPS, Daniel Chaparro Garcia, 31, of Laverne, Oklahoma, was driving a 2006 Mercury Montego southbound on FM 866.
Nicholas Brent Miller, 34, of Midland, was driving a truck tractor with trailer carrying oilfield equipment eastbound on SH 302.
Garcia disregarded a stop sign and pulled out in front of Miller, causing Miller's truck to hit Garcia’s car. During that collision, Miguel Ortiz Huerta, 33, of Odessa, was driving a truck tractor with trailer that was struck with debris.
Miller and Huerta were not injured in the incident. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene by Odessa fire and EMS. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/dps-identifies-drivers-in-deadly-ector-county-crash/513-5a6fe09f-7db8-4280-8711-ca08bd52f900 | 2022-06-22T23:36:01 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/dps-identifies-drivers-in-deadly-ector-county-crash/513-5a6fe09f-7db8-4280-8711-ca08bd52f900 |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new generation of Lime scooters will replace their old units in the Portland metro area, the company announced Wednesday.
According to the company, the new fleet of electric scooters is being rolled out as riders in Portland have now made over two million trips since the service launched locally in 2018.
Lime’s local branch anticipates even more scooter traffic is coming in the future.
The new scooters are part of Lime’s Gen4 line and will be equipped with a locking mechanism so riders can secure the vehicles to bike racks and other places. The company said the new additions will “decrease street clutter and promote safety.”
Interchangeable batteries are also one of the fleet’s new features, which Lime said will improve availability of scooters by keeping them in street-ready condition for longer.
Here are the other features riders will see in the new models, according to Lime:
- Swept-back handlebars similar to bike handles
- Improved braking system with dual hand brakes
- Lower center of gravity from a lowered baseboard
- Double kickstand to keep scooters from being tipped over while parked
- Larger wheels and an enhanced suspension system designed to ride smoother over cracks and warped pavement
The company said it expects to have fully upgraded Portland’s set of scooters within weeks. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/lime-new-generation-of-scooters-will-come-with-locking-mechanism/ | 2022-06-22T23:42:20 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/lime-new-generation-of-scooters-will-come-with-locking-mechanism/ |
PHOENIX — The Arizona House of Representatives voted Wednesday to let any Arizona child get state funds to attend a private or parochial school.
The party-line vote for universal voucher availability for all 1.1 million K-12 students came even after the Republican majority removed the only accountability provision inserted in the original plan — a requirement for annual testing of the students who get these tax dollars.
Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, who moved to delete the requirement, said what's happening at private schools is none of the government's business, even if the test results would not be made public.
But Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said the fact that tax dollars will be flowing to those schools gives the state an interest in accountability.
"We will not know if students are using our tax dollars — $7,000 is the typical award — if they're using that money to learn anything,'' she said.
House Majority Leader Ben Toma, R-Peoria, who crafted the measure, House Bill 2853, said those who demand testing of students in private schools, even if their tuition is being partly or fully funded with state tax dollars, are missing a key point.
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"Parents are the ultimate accountability, not government,'' he said. "They know what's best for their children and we should trust them to do the right thing.''
The Arizona Senate already approved a nearly identical measure written by Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale. If the Senate concurs with the House version, that paves the way for the proposal to be signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who has approved every other voucher expansion that has reached his desk.
That may not be the last word, however.
Critics say they'll go to voters
Opponents pointed out that the last voucher expansion was overturned by Arizona voters in 2018 by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. Leaders of the group Save Our Schools Arizona, which led that successful referendum, have vowed to once again take the issue to the ballot.
They would need to gather 118,823 valid signatures within 90 days after the end of the legislative session — likely meaning by the end of September at this point — to delay implementation until voters could get the last word in the 2024 election.
No matter the fate of this measure, however, it won't affect the rest of the state budget and, specifically, additional aid to public schools.
Toma agreed to remove a requirement in his original plan that linked additional funds for K-12 education to the voucher bill taking effect and not being referred to the ballot.
Expansion over the years
Arizona lawmakers approved the first vouchers, officially called "empowerment scholarship accounts,'' in 2011. Backers said they were necessary for students with special needs who could not get an adequate education in public schools.
State and federal courts ruled that the structure of the plan — giving the money as vouchers for the parents to use — does not violate state constitutional provisions forbidding the state from giving money to private and parochial schools.
There has since been an incremental expansion of eligibility, to the point where vouchers are now available to foster children, children of military families, reservation residents and students in schools rated D or F.
Rep. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix, said extending that to everyone makes sense.
"I think that 'one size fits all' probably doesn't work for all of our 1.1 million public school students across the state,'' he said.
Less clear is how many students would take advantage of universal vouchers. Despite the broadened categories, fewer than 12,000 students now receive them.
Issue of "choice" debated
One issue may be who is able to take advantage.
"Choice is only available for parents that have access to transportation,'' said House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen. "Choice is only available if a child is accepted into a private school.''
And a real key, he said, is whether the parents can afford the tuition charged by private schools, which can run far higher than the typical $7,000 voucher.
Rep. Melody Herandez, D-Tempe, saw the idea a part of an "elaborate strategy'' by those who run private schools to tap into state dollars.
"It's important to note that education is a multibillion-dollar industry and there are many who seek to profit heavily through it, through private schools,'' she said.
At the same time, Hernandez said, these unregulated private schools can determine who to accept "and what the curriculum and rhetoric in those private schools is.''
"This is about keeping people who are not wealthy and who oftentimes are people of color trapped with only schools that severely lack the resources to truly provide that student with the ability to succeed and thrive in our state,'' she said.
Toma rejected any suggestion of racism. "This is exactly the opposite,'' he said. "This is giving everyone an opportunity to make full use of all their potential choices."
He cited testimony by Drew Anderson, senior pastor of Legacy Christian Center, who said private schools can be a path out of poverty, as they were for him.
Hoffman suggested that the reason parents want vouchers is they don't like what public schools have become.
"I don't have any problem with our public schools — except when they go down the 'woke' agenda that they have been recently,'' he said. Hoffman has been a prime proponent of legislation to bar the use of what he calls "critical race theory'' in public schools, a measure that would restrict how race and ethnicity can be taught.
Cost to taxpayers
Legislative budget staffers, in what they call a "highly speculative'' analysis, said the program's cost to taxpayers could depend largely on how many students already in private schools, paying their own way, take advantage of expanded vouchers. One estimate puts the cost by the third year of implementation at $125 million.
For students moving from public schools there would be minimal cost to the state, as the move would reduce state aid to that school.
2018 vote irrelevant?
That leaves the question of whether voters, having rejected a similar voucher measure in 2018, would make the same decision today.
Toma said this is different from that proposal, because the 2018 plan would have made vouchers available only to most — and not all — students. He said even some voucher supporters rejected it amid concerns approving it would have permanently cemented into law the limits on who could get vouchers.
Anyway, Toma said, what happened in 2018 is irrelevant.
"By that logic, then, the voters could never possibly change their mind,'' he said.
He noted there were prior efforts to legalize marijuana for recreational use before that was approved in 2020. And he said just because voters reject a school bond or override does not mean the proposals cannot be put on the ballot again. | https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-house-approves-voucher-access-for-all-k-12-students/article_210f6782-f269-11ec-8ea8-77a9158e26d6.html | 2022-06-22T23:42:25 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-house-approves-voucher-access-for-all-k-12-students/article_210f6782-f269-11ec-8ea8-77a9158e26d6.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland City Council is considering changes to a city ordinance meant to protect renters after landlords sued the city over the new rules.
In 2020, the City of Portland passed protections for renters during the screening process and security deposit return. Those new rules were to ensure renters would not be discriminated against or taken advantage of financially.
But in-state and out-of-state landlords took issue with it.
A rental industry group and two landlords sued the City of Portland over the new housing screening and security deposit rules — claiming they are unconstitutional.
According to the lawsuit, the ordinances Portland City Council passed in 2020 violate landlord’s free speech, are too vague, have penalties that are costly and burdensome, and appear to conflict with state law.
Now, city leadership will soon vote to amend the ordinance.
“The settlement being proposed today would resolve the lawsuit without the payment of any monetary damages or attorney’s fees, but with a number of changes to the existing city code,” Deputy City Attorney Mallory Beebe said.
Renter advocates say the changes completely defeat the purpose of the protections.
“Essentially the city saying that they’re going to choose prioritizing a very small group of rich landlords over the majority of Portlanders,” Alli Sayre, of Portland Tenants United, explained.
Portland Tenants United opposes the city’s current proposal, which removes the security deposit depreciation rule, nixes the requirement of walkthroughs with renters, and takes away the third-party mediator in the event of a dispute.
“We think it’s perfectly fair that if we didn’t create, any damage above regular wear and tear, we should get that deposit back, landlords wanna keep it all for themselves. And with these important protections removed from the fair ordinance, that’s exactly what landlords gonna be able to do once again,” Sayre said.
Meanwhile, the rental industry group that brought on the lawsuit called the settlement a win for advocates of “common sense housing policy” — saying in a statement in part “moving forward we urge lawmakers to stop treating housing providers as bad actors and instead collaborate with them on concrete solutions that will actually address our serious housing crisis.”
Portland City Council is set to vote on these changes to renter protections next week. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-city-council-to-vote-on-renter-protections-after-landlord-lawsuit/ | 2022-06-22T23:42:26 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-city-council-to-vote-on-renter-protections-after-landlord-lawsuit/ |
Arizona continues to bus migrants to Washington, D.C., and a total of 637 migrants had volunteered for the trip as of Monday.
Gov. Doug Ducey began the program May 9 of busing migrants who crossed the border in Yuma and volunteered to go to D.C. Arizona was following Texas’ example in sending migrants to the nation's capital, despite the fact the federal government already pays to transport them.
When asked what Arizona has spent on the program so far, the governor’s spokesman C.J. Karamargin said the final costs have not been calculated.
There is a $15 million allocation in the state’s proposed general appropriations act “for transportation of individuals who entered Arizona seeking asylum to other states,” which passed out of two House committees Tuesday and was on the House floor Wednesday.
The federal government already allotted $150 million in a spending bill passed in March to fund nonprofit organizations that serve migrants entering the country. Part of what those nonprofits do with those federal dollars is arrange transportation for the migrants to get to their sponsors in the United States.
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Pima County has already received more than $10 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency since April of 2021, which will continue to cover costs for migrant services for the next several months. The Tucson migrant shelter Casa Alitas is not taking part in the governor’s program.
The amount that Yuma has received was not readily available.
It’s unclear how long the busing program will continue, but there’s still a demand, Karamargin said.
With the number of migrants arriving at the southern border increasing, the governor's office has said border communities and nongovernmental organizations are strapped.
"We decided to step up and help alleviate the burden on our NGOs and get these folks closer to where they ultimately want to be," Karamargin said in May.
The state is currently paying to transport the migrants and for other border security efforts through the Border Security Fund, established in 2021 in partnership with the Legislature.
And Arizona is poised to spend more money on border security measures in the upcoming budget, currently being debated. The proposed budget includes $335 million for a border fence and another $209 million for the Border Security Fund for things like aid to local sheriffs and prosecutors.
Migrants who volunteer to make the state-funded trip are connected to a nonprofit organization once they arrive in D.C., which then assists them in getting to their final destination where they have a sponsor, who is typically a friend or family member.
The more than 600 migrants who have volunteered have traveled on 17 buses, Karamargin said.
The majority of the migrants were from Colombia at 68%, followed by Peruvians at almost 17%, and then by smaller portions of people from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Chile, as well as very small numbers from the African countries of Senegal, Angola and Congo.
The migrants all had final destinations in East Coast states, with 25% going to New York, 23% to New Jersey, 16% to Florida and smaller numbers going to Connecticut, Virginia, Massachusetts, the Carolinas, Maryland and Georgia.
Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com or 573-4223. On Twitter: @DanyelleKhmara | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-has-bused-more-than-600-migrants-to-washington-d-c/article_de7deb66-f1a3-11ec-aa50-cf2d8dee4019.html | 2022-06-22T23:42:31 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-has-bused-more-than-600-migrants-to-washington-d-c/article_de7deb66-f1a3-11ec-aa50-cf2d8dee4019.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – For 12 hours on Friday, a Southeast Portland hair salon will offer free haircuts and hairstyling to anyone who needs it.
The owners of L&M Hair Studio, Jered and Melody Wikander, said they’ve wanted to hold a free hairstyling event for a long time. With inflation rising sharply and the price of goods increasing, they thought there was no better time than now to help people out.
“The last thing that people pay for is their hair,” Melody said. “You have these expensive gas prices, rent is just outrageous right now, food is so expensive, when you put all those things together, the last thing that someone is going to pay, $50 to $100 for is to get their hair done.”
Melody fell in love with hair styling at a young age. One thing that drew her to it was the way a great hairstyle could not only transform someone’s look — but their confidence as well.
She’s hoping this event can send some people’s confidence through the roof by giving them a hairstyle they feel comfortable in without spending a penny.
“We’re all really doing this because we really, really want to help, so this is a judgment-free zone. Come in and we’ll take care of you,” she said.
There will be five people on staff during the day and people will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
For natural or textured hair, guests will be able to choose from a handful of styles like two braids, ponytails and up to four braids with added hair.
The salon is also bringing in a barber for shorter haircuts. They will be able to work with all hair types.
Visitors are asked to have their hair washed, dried and detangled before arriving, but if this isn’t possible, the salon will also wash and condition people’s hair for free.
“The stylists, they’re already in a position where they serve the community,” Jered said. “I think this is just widening the opportunity to allow more people in the community to see the benefit of those services.”
Melody said she grew up in a family of eight kids and many of her employees at the show know what it’s like to grow up without a lot of resources. She hopes the timing of this event works well for parents and kids as they’re just starting summer break.
Anyone hoping to contribute to the cause is welcome to make a donation on GoFundMe. People receiving haircuts and styles are also welcome to The Wikanders said L&M Hair Studio plans to use the money to host educational classes to teach people how to properly care for their hair and how to teach parents of children of color to care for and style their kids’ hair.
L&M Hair Salon is located in Portland’s Mall 205 at 1010 SE 96th Ave. The event runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 24. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-oregon-hair-salon-to-offer-free-cuts-styles-for-people-in-need/ | 2022-06-22T23:42:32 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-oregon-hair-salon-to-offer-free-cuts-styles-for-people-in-need/ |
Oscar Humberto Stevens Sr., international import and export businessman and a pioneer of Spanish-language radio and television programs in Arizona and Northern Mexico, died June 8 at home. He was 90.
“He died peacefully surrounded by his family,” said son Humberto N. Stevens, of the family patriarch who married Aurora Varela 55 years ago. The couple raised six children and had 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
"My father was always bigger than life to me," said his son. "An energetic and cheerful man who greeted all and lit up most any room where he stood. An entrepreneur, a public figure and community leader, but foremost a loving son, husband and father. He held me in his arms with joy, to shelter me, and in his final days to say for the last time that he loved me."
Stevens was born Jan. 28, 1932, in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, and his parents moved the family to Ciudad Juárez where as a teenager Stevens learned about radio production from his uncle Trini Ríos, a well known radio personality.
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Stevens studied in El Paso, attending Cathedral High School, becoming a naturalized citizen, and after he graduated in 1950, he joined the Air Force, serving for three years. He was assigned to the B-47 StratoJet Bomber squadron and was eventually assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 1952.
When he was not on duty at the base, Stevens worked as a program director and radio announcer on KEVT-AM, the first Spanish-language radio station in Tucson. Listeners were attracted to his voice, and the audience grew as Stevens played mariachi, classical ranchera, boleros and norteño music.
In 1963, he was co-owner and station general manager of Radiofiesta KXEW-AM, and was known for his strong support of local charities, helping families in need and announcing community events of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Daughter Arlette Stevens Castaño recalled heartwarming memories, including when her dad "got home from work after a long day, he was always content and attentive to us as a family. He loved to play music from different groups or singers, particularly in Spanish, and some Big Band type songs in English. Thanks to him, and of course my mom as well, I have learned about the various genres of music in Spanish from romantic songs, such as boleros, to the more upbeat songs, and knowing the titles of songs and the names of the singers."
He also opened his first local furniture store, Stevens Home Furnishings, in 1956 in downtown, and a few years later opened El Gigante Furniture in Nogales, Arizona. He began exporting electrical and home appliances to Mexico as a distributor of major companies, and importing Mexican art and curios. Stevens also worked as general manager at Flash TV furniture and appliance store for decades.
Stevens' interest in television led him to invest and become executive producer at TV station KZAZ Channel 11 (now Fox affiliate KMSB), and he began a community program, "Desde la Frontera" (From the Border), which aired live during the week from studios in Nogales, Arizona. He and his wife, Aurora, also launched the television program "Telefiesta Mexicana," which was televised live Sundays from the Tucson studios to Spanish-speaking viewers in Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico. The program aired between the mid-1960s to the early 1980s.
Stevens' love for music also led him to become a concert promoter, and for years he promoted stars performing locally such as Louie Armstrong, Antonio Aguilar, Agustín Lara, Pedro Infante, María Félix and Alejandro Fernández.
Stevens continued working at the family-owned Stevens Productions company until 2010. The company was founded in 1956.
Stevens son, Humberto N. Stevens, remembered his father as "a thoughtful person, but also a firm and ethical man who advised when I asked, and corrected me when needed. I was privileged to witness his unquenchable love for my mother, Aurora, his 'Vida' (life) as he often called her. His passion for music, song and verse of every kind often filled our home and hearts daily. Though he is gone now, the joy my father found in music will continue in my life with the anticipation of joining him someday for a song."
In addition to his wife Aurora, son Humberto N. Stevens and daughter Arlette Stevens Castaño, the elder Stevens is survived by sons Oscar H. Stevens II and Ramses D. Stevens, and daughters Kim Stevens-Romero and Christianne Stevens-Acosta.
A Mass will be held at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. The public is welcome to a reception and tribute to Stevens' life at the Ginny Clements Ballroom in Cathedral Square, adjacent to the church.
Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or on Twitter: @cduartestar | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-businessman-spanish-language-pioneer-in-radio-tv-dies/article_2c4e4ce0-f254-11ec-a0ac-e331ee79cd2b.html | 2022-06-22T23:42:37 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-businessman-spanish-language-pioneer-in-radio-tv-dies/article_2c4e4ce0-f254-11ec-a0ac-e331ee79cd2b.html |
NAPLES, Fla. – – A record-breaking Burmese python found in the Everglades is now the largest documented of its species found in Florida, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida announced Wednesday.
The female python measures nearly 18 feet long, weighs 215 pounds, and was found with 122 developing eggs in its abdomen officials said.
Biologists used “scout snakes” to find the oversized python which works by implanting radio transmitters into male snakes to help wildlife officials understand the patterns and movement of the animal.
“How do you find the needle in the haystack? You could use a magnet, and in a similar way our male scout snakes are attracted to the biggest females around,” said Ian Bartoszek, wildlife biologist and environmental science project manager for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The scout snakes led biologists to the discovery of the now largest Burmese python in Florida history.
The Burmese python is an invasive species in Florida and is known for rapid reproduction and depletion of native wildlife, officials said.
RELATED STORY: Burmese python hunt in Florida Everglades slated for August
“The removal of female pythons plays a critical role in disrupting the breeding cycle of these apex predators that are wreaking havoc on the Everglades ecosystem and taking food sources from other native species,” Bartoszek said.
Since 2013 the Conservancy has removed more than 1,000 pythons from the southwest Florida area.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Burmese pythons can be humanely killed on private lands at any time with landowner permission and without a permit.
Click here for more information on removing pythons in Florida. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/22/largest-burmese-python-in-florida-history-discovered-in-everglades/ | 2022-06-22T23:49:28 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/22/largest-burmese-python-in-florida-history-discovered-in-everglades/ |
A 31-year-old Oklahoma man died Wednesday after a collision west of Odessa, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS reported that Daniel Chaparro Garcia of Laverne, Oklahoma, was driving a 2006 Mercury Montego and traveling southbound on Farm-to-Market Road 866 around 2:15 a.m. At the intersection of FM 866 and State Highway 302, the vehicle “disregarded a stop sign and pulled out in front of (a 2014 Kenworth truck tractor with trailer),” according to DPS. The truck trailer struck the Montego and during the course of the crash, a 2000 Freightliner truck tractor with trailer was struck with debris.
Garcia, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to DPS. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Oklahoma-man-dies-in-Ector-Co-wreck-17259236.php | 2022-06-22T23:54:37 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/DPS-Oklahoma-man-dies-in-Ector-Co-wreck-17259236.php |
Two more cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Dallas County, health officials announced Wednesday.
Dallas County Health and Human Services said the patients had recently traveled to Spain and Mexico. They have not been hospitalized, are isolated and recovering at home and do not pose a known risk to others, a news release said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to contact airline passengers who may have been in contact with the patients on their flights to North Texas.
County health officials have so far confirmed three cases of monkeypox this year in Dallas County. This year's first case was announced about two weeks ago, when a person came down with the virus while traveling in Mexico.
The names of the people battling the virus have not been released due to patient privacy concerns.
DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang said there is little known risk to the general public.
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Those infected with monkeypox may experience fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious complications.
According to DCHHS, the monkeypox virus spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores.
Recently, monkeypox cases have been linked to men who have sex with other men and participate in high-risk activities, DCHHS said. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-county-reports-2-new-cases-of-monkeypox/2998333/ | 2022-06-22T23:55:36 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-county-reports-2-new-cases-of-monkeypox/2998333/ |
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DASO calls on public to help find missing teen
LAS CRUCES - The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office asked people to be on the lookout for a missing 16-year-old boy.
According to a flyer sent to the Sun-News, DASO said that Ruben Vigil was last seen in Dona Ana County. He wears white-framed glasses, has bad hearing in the left ear, and was last seen in a white Adidas shirt and black pants. Vigil's left ear is also pierced with a stud.
Vigil is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 195 pounds, has brown eyes and brown hair.
"If seen, please contact Central Dispatch non-emergency line at (575) 526-0795, or the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department at (575) 525-1911," DASO said.
Justin Garcia is a public safety reporter covering police, crime and legal proceedings in Dona Ana County. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com.
Others are reading: | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/doa-ana-county-sheriffs-office-calls-on-public-to-help-find-missing-teen/65362753007/ | 2022-06-23T00:00:02 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/doa-ana-county-sheriffs-office-calls-on-public-to-help-find-missing-teen/65362753007/ |
Las Cruces misses deadline to enact fireworks restrictions
Limits still remain on what kinds of fireworks are permissible in city, county
LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces missed a crucial deadline which would have allowed it to enact fireworks restrictions in response to wildfires and drought in New Mexico.
While the Las Cruces City Council intended to act on a 30-day measure restricting the use of city-legal fireworks during its June 21 meeting, the item had to be pulled from the council agenda during the meeting.
The city council would have approved the measure too close to the Fourth of July holiday. By law, a proclamation restricting fireworks due to drought conditions must be issued "no less than 20 days prior to a holiday for which fireworks may be sold."
The city's measure would have restricted legal firework use within city limits only to paved or barren areas, orareas that have a readily accessible source of water. The measure would have barred firework use in areas wholly or partly covered by timber or vegetation and would have banned the sale and use of display fireworks.
City Fire Chief Jason Smith apologized to councilors during comments at the end of the Monday meeting, saying the item should have come before the council two weeks prior but that his timing was off.
"Our goal now is to clarify as much as possible what fireworks are permissible and allowable and what our safety message is to our citizens," Smith told councilors, adding that city staff would work through social media to educate the public and vendors.
What fireworks are permissible?
Fireworks permissible within city limits include cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches, toy smoking devices and wheels.
While the city missed its deadline, Doña Ana County enacted its own measure last week.
The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners approved a 30-day proclamation June 14 that restricts where permissible fireworks can be used within the county.
The proclamation restricts the use of county-legal fireworks in a similar manner in which the city had intended. Cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches, toy smoking devices and wheels can be used only in "areas within the unincorporated areas of the County that are paved or barren, or areas that have a readily accessible source of water for use by the homeowner or general public." The proclamation completely bars legal fireworks from being used in areas partly or wholly covered by timber or vegetation.
According to the county proclamation, display fireworks are allowed by permit only within county jurisdiction.
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The county commission also voted to temporarily prohibit specialty retailers within the county from selling aerial fireworks and ground audibles, which are not allowed to be sold by any business other than a specialty retailer. Specialty retailers are typically only allowed to sell to non-Doña Ana County residents, and those fireworks can't be used inside the county's jurisdiction.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the county is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
In April, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order calling for cities and counties across New Mexico to enact fireworks bans in response to ongoing wildfires and drought conditions.
“Fire conditions across New Mexico remain extremely dangerous — it’s essential that we mitigate potential wildfires by removing as much risk as possible,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham in an April 25 news release. “While many of us like to celebrate with fireworks, no momentary display is worth causing a wildfire that could threaten the lives and property of your neighbors.”
Additionally, the New Mexico State Forester has prohibited firework use and placed restrictions on open burning, campfires and smoking on non-municipal, non-tribal and non-federal lands due to fire and drought conditions. The federal Bureau of Land Management has also placed fire restrictions on federal lands across the state, including parts of Doña Ana County.
Michael McDevitt is a city and county government reporter for the Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/las-cruces-misses-deadline-to-enact-fireworks-restrictions/65362240007/ | 2022-06-23T00:00:08 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/las-cruces-misses-deadline-to-enact-fireworks-restrictions/65362240007/ |
Drive-thru weed? Sunland Park loosens rules on cannabis shops
SUNLAND PARK – City councilors amended Sunland Park's cannabis ordinance Tuesday night, reducing the minimum distance between dispensaries and schools or daycare centers and opening the way for drive-thru purchases at licensed retail locations.
Councilors also voted down a proposal to allow dispensaries to operate up to 24 hours daily, after hearing numerous objections, stated in English and Spanish, from residents, the city's police department and even one dispensary owner.
Intertwined with El Paso, Sunland Park borders Texas, where cannabis remains illegal except for limited medicinal purposes. New Mexico legalized cannabis for adults age 21 and over last year, and commercial sales regulated by a new state agency opened on April 1. Dispensaries near the Texas line are positioned to capitalize on prohibition in the neighboring state.
Cannabis sales in Sunland Park amounted to nearly $1.5 million in May, including $1.3 million in adult-use cannabis, which is subject to gross receipts taxes. Those receipts presented a slight increase from April, when city dispensaries reported $1.4 million in total sales, of which $1.18 million was for non-medicinal products.
'Keep that cannabis in New Mexico, please!' Cannabis dispensary near El Paso sees long lines
The state law legalizing cannabis and regulating commercial sales allows municipalities to set local zoning rules and establish hours of operation, but forbids them from banning cannabis sales altogether.
Councilors stripped the 24-hour proposal from Tuesday's night's motion, leaving in place current rules allowing dispensaries to operate between 7 a.m. and midnight Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. through midnight on Sunday.
Had councilors approved it, Sunland Park would have joined Las Cruces in permitting adult cannabis sales at any hour of the day, while most major cities have set maximum hours of operation similar to regulations on bars.
Mayor Pro Tem Olga Nuñez, who chaired the meeting because Mayor Javier Perea was absent, expressed support for previous police department recommendations that dispensaries be required to close as early as 11 p.m., in order to separate closing times at dispensaries and bars serving alcohol.
Councilors acknowledged public safety questions while seeking to make room for New Mexico's new cannabis industry. Many comments expressed skepticism about making cannabis legal in the first place, while two residents disclosed that medical use of cannabis had helped them break their previous addictions to narcotics.
Over the course of an hour, comments from the public frequently compared cannabis retail shops to establishments where alcoholic beverages are consumed. However, cannabis — like alcohol — can be consumed only at licensed consumption lounges.
Several commenters, including representatives from local homeowners' associations, expressed concern about existing strains on Sunland Park's police department and the possibility of break-ins and burglaries at dispensaries.
Calling for more time and data before making changes, resident Javier Murillo said, "What I'm seeing is a city that wants to take leaps and bounds in uncharted waters."
Three executives from the High Horse Cannabis Co. spoke in favor of loosening the restrictions, while Michael Silver, founder and CEO of cannabis dispensary chain Pinnacle Emporium, expressed support for mandated closing times and argued against changing the required distance from schools and daycare centers after some businesses had already made investments.
"How am I supposed to protect my staff at 3 o'clock in the morning if I have an operation open and running with a police force that's stretched thin to begin with?" he asked rhetorically.
Gadsden Independent School District Superintendent Travis Dempsey and school board president Laura Salazar Flores spoke against a proposal to reduce the buffer zone from 300 feet to 100 feet. Dempsey said the 300-foot maximum distance allowed by statute was "a safe boundary that will help to restrict access to students, sustain workplace safety standards for staff and minimize possible liabilities for government entities."
Councilors ultimately modified the proposal and unanimously approved 200 feet.
Finally, the revised ordinance provides for special-use permits allowing licensed retailers to conduct operations from modular buildings on commercially zoned property while a permanent building is under construction.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/new-mexico-cannabis-sales-drive-thru-sunland-park-loosens-rules-dispensary/65362413007/ | 2022-06-23T00:00:14 | 0 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/new-mexico-cannabis-sales-drive-thru-sunland-park-loosens-rules-dispensary/65362413007/ |
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Two people are accused of igniting separate fires on the East Side earlier this year, including a fire that damaged the Friedrich complex.
Kathryn Bassignana, 34, and Cruz Rivas, 37, are both charged with arson.
On March 15, three small fires were lit at the Friedrich Building on East Commerce, part of which is set to be demolished to make room for apartments.
The fire was one of seven that occurred on the near East Side between March 15 and April 2. Officials have said not all of those fires appeared intentionally set, and that there is no concern of a serial arsonist.
In the case of the Friedrich complex, investigators said that two of the three small fires damaged the abandoned warehouse.
As an arson investigator was searching for clues in another fire that occurred elsewhere that morning, he identified Bassignana, who spoke of the Friedrich fire.
Bassignana, who is homeless, had ignited the small fires to light her way through the building so she could find her belongings, according to an affidavit supporting her arrest. The information was confirmed by another person who saw her, according to the affidavit.
She was arrested April 28, according to court records. She remains at the Bexar County Jail with bail set at $40,000.
The second fire occurred about 9 a.m. May 21 at 901 E. Crockett St. at a structure that had been abandoned for 15 years, according to an affidavit supporting Rivas’ arrest.
The blaze engulfed the two-story building, collapsing it onto itself, firefighters said. There was no way for an arson investigator to get inside, and the cause of the fire was initially listed as undetermined.
A few days later, a neighbor told investigators that he drove past the structure at 8:50 a.m. and did not see smoke or anything out of the ordinary.
His security camera, however, captured footage of what appeared to be Rivas as he threw a backpack over the fence and hopped it himself at 8:11 a.m.
Rivas previously had been arrested and charged with burglary of a building with intent to commit theft May 6. He was released on bond May 16, five days before the incident occurred.
Rivas was arrested June 14 and remains in jail. His bail totals $76,000.
jbeltran@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/2-charged-with-arson-in-separate-East-Side-fires-17259194.php | 2022-06-23T00:01:09 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/2-charged-with-arson-in-separate-East-Side-fires-17259194.php |
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Rene Blancas Jr.’s parents were driving him home after a family barbecue the night of Nov. 4, 2017. The 3-year-old was a lover of baseball and had a T-ball game scheduled the next day.
As the family rode down Briggs near New Laredo Highway on the Southwest Side, Rene’s little sister Kylie Rose sat next to him in the backseat of their parents’ Lexus. Then, Rene’s mother, Melanie Santos, heard “a popping noise,” and her husband asked her to check on the kids.
“I looked at my son, and it looked like he was bleeding from the ear. I went to the back and noticed he had been shot,” she told a Bexar County jury Wednesday as the capital murder trial of Eric Treviño began.
Treviño was 22 when he was arrested in December 2017 after an anonymous tipster sent a letter to a local television station naming him as the killer, and authorities realized the letter included key details that had not been released to the public, according to court documents.
He pleaded not guilty.
In his opening statement, prosecutor David Martin told an all-female jury that Treviño’s mother purchased a Honda Civic in October that matched the description of the car the family saw that night and that the vehicle was returned to the dealership just days after the shooting.
“He tried to cover his tracks and get rid of the car after a picture of the car and a sketch of him was released,” Martin told the jury.
Defense attorney Mark McKay told the panel in his opening statements that neither parent offered a solid identification of the driver and because it was late and the area had bad lighting, they could not say definitively that he was the shooter.
“It was mere seconds, and no one saw the gunfire,” he told the court.
Santos testified of the frantic moments after she realized her son was hit. They drove him to the nearest hospital, Southwest General, but the child had to be airlifted to University Hospital because of his injuries. The bullet struck Rene in the back of the head. He was pronounced dead early on Nov. 5, 2017.
Treviño was taken into custody on unrelated felony warrants before he was charged in Rene’s death. The child’s parents identified Treviño as the shooter through an array of mugshots, which was challenged by the defense because Treviño has numerous tattoos on his head and face, something not identified by either parent.
As he was escorted from public safety headquarters downtown the night of his arrest, Treviño said he “didn’t hurt nobody — I didn’t kill no little boy.”
Treviño also was one of three Bexar County inmates who briefly escaped from the Bexar County jail on March 2, 2018. Online court records indicate he has not yet gone to trial in that case.
The capital murder trial is being held in the 437th District Court with Judge Melisa Skinner presiding.
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is not seeking the death penalty. If convicted, Treviño, now 27, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-man-alleged-to-have-shot-killed-17259248.php | 2022-06-23T00:01:15 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-man-alleged-to-have-shot-killed-17259248.php |
ATLANTIC CITY — A new Stockton University program has helped students develop real world jobs skills while providing local businesses with workers during a labor crunch.
The program titled Live, Work, Learn allows students the chance to apply for a variety of positions at AtlantiCare, Bally’s Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, the Claridge Hotel, FantaSea Resorts, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel and Steel Pier.
Nashia Ara, a sophomore biology major from Ventnor, saw AtlantiCare on the list and thought working there would be a great way to get started in the medical field.
“I saw this as the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door,” Ara said Wednesday during a media event highlighting the program. “AtlantiCare has been very accommodating so far with training, and they covered my CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certifications. I want to be a doctor, so it’s been a great experience so far getting to work around doctors and nurses.”
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The program allows students to live on the school’s city campus on the Boardwalk for free during the summer. They work for one of the premiere resort businesses, earn wages and gain job experience. Also students take a four-credit course on workforce readiness, including mentoring sessions.
About 700 students applied for positions once the program was announced in February. Of those 700, 145 were hired for positions ranging from front desk agents to gaming dealers.
Four seasons, three ways to define them.
Brian Jackson, Stockton’s chief operating officer of the Atlantic City campus, and Provost Leamor Kahanov developed the program to give students an opportunity to connect with area employers.
“This is something that we wanted to see happen since the A.C. Campus opened,” Jackson said. “We want to get students more connected to local businesses and show them the opportunities that exist in the hospitality industry.”
The program has also given a boost to the businesses involved.
“It’s benefited us in many ways; primarily we are in a labor crunch,” said Bob Ellis, vice president of human resources at Hard Rock. “So it’s wonderful to be able to tap into a resource of Stockton, cover students’ housing and give them an opportunity to work here seasonally. Everybody that we can tap from an employment standpoint is benefiting this business.”
Jackson said they hope to expand the program and keep adding businesses.
Michael Mora, a sophomore social work major from Mount Olive, Morris County, works at Borgata as a food and beverage supervisor.
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“When I first heard about this program, I thought it was really cool,” Mora said. “I had a summer class already and I was worried about going home and getting out of the environment of school. But then I saw the opportunity to take another class, live in A.C. and then have a really cool job on top of that.”
For Destiny Craig, a junior who works at Bally’s, the opportunity allowed her to stay in New Jersey instead of moving back home for the summer.
“Initially with this program, I was interested in the free housing because I’m from Georgia. Then I was looking into it more, and I saw all of the positions could help me work on things about myself a little more,” Craig said. “Being around some of the customers has allowed me to get better at not letting my emotions get the best of me. So this program has been a big benefit to me personally.”
Oliver Bruno, a sophomore from Egg Harbor Township, chose the program to get the college experience.
“I was very interested in the program because I’ve only ever lived in my parents’ home,” said Bruno, an engineering major. “This is my first time living on my own and having to do my own grocery shopping and things like that. So it’s been beneficial from that side of things.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stockton-university-jobs-program-is-benefiting-students-and-atlantic-city-businesses/article_22514394-f242-11ec-a220-8fc7638bd40f.html | 2022-06-23T00:06:32 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stockton-university-jobs-program-is-benefiting-students-and-atlantic-city-businesses/article_22514394-f242-11ec-a220-8fc7638bd40f.html |
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif — A swimmer was seriously injured in a shark attack on the central California coast Wednesday, police said.
The attack occurred at midmorning at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) south of San Francisco, the Pacific Grove Police Department said in a statement.
The swimmer, a man, suffered “significant injuries from the shark bite,” and was taken to a hospital, police said. The victim’s identity was not immediately released.
Firefighters deployed a drone to search for the shark, but there were no immediate sightings.
Police said the beach at Lovers Point, on the south end of Monterey Bay, will remain closed until Saturday.
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read
Watch more from ABC10: Tips to cope with stress amid mass shootings, inflation and COVID surges | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/shark-attack-lovers-point-beach-pacific-grove/103-8ec2be69-c09d-4293-8cee-856b736ddd80 | 2022-06-23T00:09:56 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/shark-attack-lovers-point-beach-pacific-grove/103-8ec2be69-c09d-4293-8cee-856b736ddd80 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day, more counties and cities are cracking down on fireworks.
All legal fireworks in California are called 'Safe and Sane' fireworks and must have the State Fire Marshal's seal.
Here's a list of the firework regulations for each surrounding city or county.
Sacramento County
Anyone caught and identified with illegal fireworks could see citations and fines including:
- $1,000 for the first violation
- $2,500 for the second violation within one year of the first violation
- $5,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation
- $10,000 for each violation that occurs within the American River Parkway, due to its previous fire damage.
The ordinance will go into effect from June 24 through July 4.
More information about Sacramento County's firework regulations is available HERE.
Elk Grove
In Elk Grove, anyone found storing, launching, selling, and/or displaying dangerous fireworks in the amount of 25 pounds or less will be subject to an administrative citation.
There will be a late charge for penalties not paid in full within that time in the amount set by the City Council.
More information about Elk Grove's firework violations is available HERE.
Citrus Heights
The City Council of Citrus Heights extended their ordinance in its entirety to the regulation and enforcement of illegal usage of fireworks.
Anyone selling, storing or launching fireworks (including a public display) without a permit from the fire marshal or designee will be in violation, unless otherwise permitted by the ordinance.
Law enforcement can also issue a citation or notice of violation to those responsible at the site where the fireworks were found.
The administrative fines are:
- $750 for the first administrative citation issued to the responsible person.
- $1,000 for the second and/or each subsequent administrative citation issued to the responsible person.
More information about Citrus Height's fireworks policy is available HERE.
Roseville
The Roseville Fire Department is partnering with the Sacramento Regional Fireworks Task Force to enforce a "zero-tolerance" policy as it relates to sales, possession and use of illegal fireworks.
More information about Roseville's firework enforcement is available HERE.
Placer County
According to the Placer County Fire Department, fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the unincorporated areas of Placer County except when approved by the County and executed by a pyrotechnic vendor licensed by the California State Fire Marshal.
More information about Placer County's firework enforcement is available HERE.
El Dorado County
Any person who launches or stores any fireworks within the unincorporated territory of the county can be punished for doing so, according to the general penalties described in Chapter 1.24.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office does not decide the fees associated with these ordinances. Citations are issued for a violation, and the court then determines the consequence of the violation.
More information about El Dorado County's firework ordinance is available HERE.
Folsom
In Folsom, all fireworks other than those classified by the State Fire Marshal as "Safe and Sane" are banned. It is illegal to store, sell, use, display or launch illegal fireworks within the city. These fireworks will be seized and violators will be cited and fined.
The minimum fine for use or possession of illegal fireworks in the City of Folsom is $1,000.
The ordinance will go into effect from June 28 through July 4.
More information about Folsom's firework ordinance HERE.
Stockton
According to the Stockton Fire Department, the City of Stockton fireworks ordinance now includes administrative penalties for fireworks violations.
Penalties consist of:
- $1,000 for a first violation
- $2,000 for a second violation
- $3,000 for additional violations.
The ordinance went into effect on June 14.
More information about Stockton's firework regulations HERE.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: 'Safe and Sane' Fireworks encouraged as illegal fireworks spark Sacramento fires | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/firework-regulations-surrounding-cities-counties/103-4930ff9f-5dfd-4211-b650-456b85a38275 | 2022-06-23T00:10:02 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/firework-regulations-surrounding-cities-counties/103-4930ff9f-5dfd-4211-b650-456b85a38275 |
MODESTO, Calif. — Family identified Michelle Rose Gonzales, 29, as the Modesto mother killed on Tuesday night.
Gonzales leaves behind a 6-month-old baby boy and a 9-year-old daughter. The deadly shooting happened Tuesday night on Ramsey Drive.
Her family said she was shot and killed right in front of her home by her boyfriend, who is the father of her baby.
"Michelle was a genuine person," Norma, Gonzales' sister-in-law. "She had a big, big heart. She was a wonderful mother. She loved her son and her daughter very much."
The still unnamed suspect had driven from San Jose to shoot Michelle and then drove back before being shot by San Jose police there and pronounced dead.
At the time of the shooting, a neighbor who didn't want to be identified said they heard several shots go off.
"We thought they were fireworks going off, and then we heard screaming," the neighbor said.
Mary Hood, who lives a few houses away, said she saw the lights of police cars in the area and came outside.
"An officer was carrying a toddler and then a little girl that looked like she was around 10 (years old) who was crying, and she said 'They shot, they shot my mother,'" Hood said.
The family said Michelle was involved in a three-year relationship with the suspect that she tried to escape. They said, while he was not physically abusive to her, he was a mentally abusive and jealous person.
"She told my daughter, basically, the problems she was having with them. I guess he had, he thought she was messing around with somebody else and then for this to happen to her, her kids - they're orphans now," Norma said.
The family said Michelle was a "good provider" and supported her family by working as a prep cook at a local restaurant.
The family is trying to setup a GoFundMe account to pay for funeral expenses, which is available HERE.
Domestic violence resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
- Voice: (800) 799-7233
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Voice: (888) 373-7888
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
- Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
- California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA)
- W.E.A.V.E.: Women Escaping a Violent Environment 1-866-920-2952
- RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
- NSVRC: National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- National Sexual Abuse Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE 1-800-656-4673
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Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/modesto/michelle-rose-gonzales-modesto-woman-killed/103-60db67a8-6b0f-4ab4-83e5-c2df846bdea0 | 2022-06-23T00:10:08 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/modesto/michelle-rose-gonzales-modesto-woman-killed/103-60db67a8-6b0f-4ab4-83e5-c2df846bdea0 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — The City of Stockton is proposing to pilot its first ever free public Wi-Fi program in select popular areas throughout the city.
A request for proposal was submitted by the city in late May, with the main goal of piloting a program to provide free, outdoor accessible Wi-Fi in gathering places in the downtown core, key neighborhood business districts and high traffic parks.
The proposal is in part due to the city’s rapid population growth over the last decade of nearly 10%, according the the U.S. Census Bureau.
The program would pilot five different centralized locations in several popular business districts in the city including:
Miracle Mile (Pacific Avenue between Harding Way and Alpine Avenue)
Janet Leigh Plaza (near 222 N El Dorado Street)
Weber Point (221 N Center Street)
Yosemite Village (900 N Block of Yosemite Street)
Victory Park (Bounded by Pershing Avenue, Picardy Drive, and Argonne Drive)
Free Wi-Fi would be available in these districts for at least one year up to potentially five years depending on whether or not the city chooses to extend its contract.
Downtown Stockton Alliance CEO Mike Huber said he thinks the potential initiative would have a positive effect on the downtown district for both businesses and residences.
“This pilot program is going to be significant as far as the impact it has on commerce downtown,” Huber said. “Especially in Janet Leigh Plaza where we've got several businesses and restaurants that if people gather here to use the free Wi-Fi, most likely they will shop, eat and hang around or see a movie so it's great for downtown.”
The pilot program, if approved, would be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which aims to improve communities impacted by the COVID-19.
The pandemic has had a massive impact on the city's economy, businesses and residents who became unemployed and have had trouble either finding another job and/or keeping up with the rising cost of living ever since.
Huber said he believes this program could help improve unemployment by providing internet access to low-income residents that cannot afford it.
“I think South Stockton could take advantage of programs like this as there's more low-income families out here that may not be able to afford or have access to Wi-Fi,” Huber said. “In today's world, in order to get a job, most applications are done online, so this is going to give access to people that may not have had the ability to apply for a position because they didn't have access to Wi-Fi.”
Although the proposal says the free Wi-Fi would not be accessible in surrounding residences and businesses, it may be used recreationally by anyone with a short trip to the designated areas.
The proposal is currently in the beginning stages of processing and will be presented as an official proposal to city council in July following review later this month.
Watch more from ABC10: 'Slam dunk' | Stockton basketball court blessed with colorful mural | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/free-public-wifi-program-stockton/103-a5b5ee55-c35a-4a12-808e-a39ab8a15ca1 | 2022-06-23T00:10:14 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/free-public-wifi-program-stockton/103-a5b5ee55-c35a-4a12-808e-a39ab8a15ca1 |
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The City of West Sacramento is is kicking off the summer with its Rhythm on the River summer concert series beginning June 30 at Drakes: The Barn.
A series of local and regional bands will perform at the outdoor restaurant venue from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month through August.
In addition to live performances, the event will also feature several local food trucks and family-friendly activities.
This Thursday’s concert series theme is “Rock Night,” featuring performances from local rock bands Red Voodoo and Bad Mother Nature.
The Rhythm on the River concert series is an admission-free event and all ages are welcome.
Event organizers along with the city of West Sacramento encourage those planning to attend the event to use local ride sharing including West Sac Via, since street parking is limited.
More information on the event such as upcoming performances, dates and ride-share options can be found through the city’s website.
Watch more from ABC10: Sacramento restaurants allowed to keep outdoor dining set ups | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/west-sacramento/free-summer-concert-series-west-sacramento/103-8b4bceab-1f02-49e7-a7b4-655937b78e25 | 2022-06-23T00:10:20 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/west-sacramento/free-summer-concert-series-west-sacramento/103-8b4bceab-1f02-49e7-a7b4-655937b78e25 |
VACAVILLE, Calif. — Crews with Cal Fire are battling a 100-acre vegetation fire in Solano County, Cal Fire's LNU unit said in a Tweet Wednesday.
The vegetation fire, dubbed the Wintu Fire, is burning near the 8600 block of Wintu Way in Vacaville. Authorities are asking people to use caution in the area and give way to emergency vehicles.
The Wintu Fire is currently holding within control lines, according to an update from Cal Fire.
According to ABC10 meteorologist Carley Gomez, winds in the Vacaville area are beginning to pick up speed potentially complicating the firefight.
Evacuation orders were issued for all residents on Wintu Way and Campos Lane in Winters due to the fire.
Crews will be in the area of the 8600 block of Wintu Way in Vacaville for several hours to work on containment and full extinguishment of the fire, Cal Fire officials said.
Fire Map
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, the 2021 fire season started earlier than previous years, but also ended earlier, as well. January 2021 saw just under 1,200 acres burned from nearly 300 wildfires. Fires picked up in the summer when the Dixie Fire burned in five Northern California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen and Tehama. The Dixie Fire started on July 13 and wasn't contained until Oct. 25, burning nearly 1 million acres. It has since become the second-largest wildfire in state history and the largest non-complex fire.
Overall, 2.5 million acres were burned in 2021 from 8,835 wildfires. Over 3,600 structures were destroyed and 3 people killed.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
Watch More from ABC10: Northern California wildfire outlook for 2022 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wintu-fire-vacaville/103-400ac187-19a7-47ec-a3d5-38fd7992682c | 2022-06-23T00:10:26 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wintu-fire-vacaville/103-400ac187-19a7-47ec-a3d5-38fd7992682c |
MILTON, WV (WOWK) — Blenko Glass in Milton is known for its beautiful and unique creations made by hand. This year, they’ve made a limited edition piece for the return of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.
There were only 50 pieces made.
“It is spot on,” said Alex Burdette, the Arts and Community Liaison for Blenko and the person who came up with the design for the Sternwheel Regatta pieces. “The guys did a great job bringing the idea to life.”
Randy Rider has worked at Blenko for 42 years. He is a finisher. Rider helped turn Burdette’s idea into reality.
“They weren’t too hard after we got used to them. They were fun. Alex was proud of them,” Rider said.
Burdette said the shape mimics the smoke stacks on a sternwheeler. The colors reflect the Regatta logo.
“It was really cool watching them make it because it has a lot of moving parts. This color here isn’t even just one color it is a couple of colors. It is our cobalt blue encased in our crystal. Then you’ve got a wrap. Then an additional color ruby lip on it. So that it is four colors in there. It makes a really beautiful piece,” Burdette said.
Wednesday the mold for the glass was part of the public tours at Blenko. Rider said even the intricate swirl around the smokestacks wasn’t too difficult to figure out after a few experiments.
“You just have to learn the glassware of it. You know how to work the glass,” he said.
Rider and Burdette are hoping that their creations will be an important part of the memories from this year’s Regatta.
“It makes somebody happy and it tickles me to death,” Rider said. “The West Virginia pieces and anything special like that I like,” Rider said.
Most of those 50 pieces will go to major donors and the sternwheel boat owners who bring their boats to the event. Plus if you really want to get your hands on one of them Regatta organizers will be auctioning off three of them to raise money for future events. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/blenko-makes-limited-edition-piece-for-regattas-return/ | 2022-06-23T00:10:28 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/blenko-makes-limited-edition-piece-for-regattas-return/ |
CABELL COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – A road slip along Union Ridge Road is causing major concern for residents in the Glenwood area.
“I’ve lived here all my life and this is the worst I’ve ever seen any roads,” said Glenwood resident, Raymond Mount. “It’s dangerous all the way around.”
Residents tell 13 News that the road slip continues to get worse and this has been a major problem now for a few months.
Drivers tell me crossing this road is no easy feat, saying it’s nerve-racking as there’s still loose gravel and the road sits at the top of a steep hill.
“Someone’s going to get hurt seriously and it’s going to slip,” said Glenwood resident, Brenda Bailey. “Someone’s going to fall into that giant hole and if they do, just like the trees they are going to keep tumbling. I’m scared to death for all of us that travel this road.”
Residents say the road is hard to avoid as it’s heavily relied on by community members and many depend on it for their day-to-day drive. Some of those making the commute are students riding the school bus.
“They travel it on a regular basis,” said Bailey. “It’s scary for the kids and very scary to watch it go through because they are literally riding up against the hillside.”
What’s really making residents frustrated is there are dealing with more than one slip on this road, and both are only a mile or two apart. Many are concerned both slips will just get worse.
“It would swallow your little car and it’s scary for the elderly especially,” said Bailey.
In response West Virginia Department of Highways spokesperson, Jennifer Dooley says. “We are coordinating with utilities, with an estimate of approximately 45 days before all utilities involved with have their relocations completed. Once that occurs, we can begin work on the ground.” | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/drivers-say-they-are-scared-to-death-of-a-major-road-slip/ | 2022-06-23T00:10:34 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/drivers-say-they-are-scared-to-death-of-a-major-road-slip/ |
KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – People are getting ready to light up the sky for the Fourth of July.
For Berkeley County resident Mike Pavlik, setting off fireworks is, “something as a family we’ve enjoyed for a long, long time.”
With over 15,000 firework injuries reported nationwide by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2020, firework safety is on the minds of many.
“When our kids were younger, we bought more benign fireworks, but they’re all older now,” Pavlik said. “So, we’ve gotten some heavy-weight fireworks, some aerials, and explosives.”
For families like Pavlik’s, keeping those holiday memories from turning into injuries can be a challenge.
Realynn Mccamick, who’s been selling fireworks for 10 years and is also a nurse, said even the tamest fireworks can cause injuries.
“Especially with children it’s always from sparklers,” said Mccamick, Manager of Nitro Fireworks.
She also said it’s important to know what to expect before you break out the matches.
“Make sure before you let them off you are aware of what you have and what they do and how to light them,” Mccamick emphasized.
As for those sparklers, she has a simple trick and all you need is a plastic cup.
“Put a little hole in the top and slide the stick down the cup,” she said. “So, you can light it, you don’t get that backsplash from it, which typically scares kids.”
For Pavlik, it all comes down to awareness and common sense.
“It’s great if there’s a large pavement area and usually, we like to keep a bucket of water close also,” he said.
Mccamick also said you should keep fireworks away from trees, buildings and flammable objects. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/how-to-stay-safe-with-fireworks-this-fourth-of-july/ | 2022-06-23T00:10:40 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/how-to-stay-safe-with-fireworks-this-fourth-of-july/ |
ONA, WV (WOWK) — Locals are getting ready for one of the biggest fan events of the season, racing and fireworks at the Ona Speedway on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, June 24
The two-day event kicks off on Friday with a four-division racing program and the annual JR’s Frame and Body Fireworks Extravaganza.
The four-division racing program will feature Keaton’s Collision Center Late Models, Greg Chandler Frame and Body Sport Mods, Contempo Trophy and Award UCARs, and Snap Lawn and Handyman Crazy Compacts.
All four divisions will run their longest feature races of the season. Late Models and Sport Mods will do 30 laps, UCARs will do 35 laps, and Crazy Compacts will do 25 laps.
Adult general admission on Friday is $5. Kids 10 years old and under qualify for free with a paying adult.
General admission gates will open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 25
Night two on Saturday will feature a five-division racing program with McCam Builders Modifieds, Bumper Pounding Street Stocks, McCam Builders Classic Cars, Southern Ohio Speed INEX Legends Car Pro, and Geer Brother’s Body Shop INEX Legends Car Semi-Pro.
After the racing program, the Yes Chevrolet/Yes Ford Fireworks Show, one of the biggest firework shows in the region, will light up the night sky.
General admission Saturday is $15 for ages 15 years old and up, $10 for ages 11 to 14, and free for ages 10 and under.
Attendees can also upgrade their experience all weekend long with an all access pit pass. All access pit passes each night will be $30 for ages 15 years old and up, $15 for ages 11 to 14, and free for ages 10 and under.
For more information, visit the Ona Speedway website. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/ready-set-go-racing-fireworks-at-ona-speedway-on-friday-and-saturday/ | 2022-06-23T00:10:46 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/ready-set-go-racing-fireworks-at-ona-speedway-on-friday-and-saturday/ |
Autopsy report determines migrant was stabbed to death by CBP agent in Douglas
A migrant was stabbed to death by a Customs and Border Protection agent in Douglas in late May, a Pima County medical examiner's autopsy report found.
Abigail Román Aguilar, 32, a Mexican immigrant from the state of Chiapas, died on May 24 after a "use of force incident" involving an agent, the CBP said in a statement issued that day.
Román Aguilar had two stab wounds in the chest and blunt force injuries including lacerations in the head and contusions in the head and extremities, according to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office report, obtained by The Arizona Republic.
The forensic pathologist determined the cause of death was "sharp force injuries of the trunk" and the manner of death was homicide, the autopsy report states.
His death was the second reported in 2022 related to agents' use of force in the Douglas Border Patrol Sector.
The confrontation occurred about 12:43 a.m. near Pan-American Avenue and Fifth Street, just a couple of blocks from the international border with Mexico, according to a statement released by CBP on May 24.
According to the autopsy report, Román Aguilar was apprehended by border patrol agents and taken to a hospital after injuring himself in a "barb wire incident" when running from agents. When he was discharged, he was "reportedly involved in an altercation with a United States Border Patrol agent, during which time he was stabbed with a knife." He was reported dead at the scene, the report states.
Pipeline Fire updates:Some evacuation orders lifted along US 89
The identity of the agent involved and the nature of the deadly altercation was not immediately disclosed by authorities.
In an email to The Republic, Brooke Brennan, spokesperson for the FBI Phoenix office, said that the investigation into the "assault on a federal officer" was ongoing. No other information could be released, he said.
In response to initial reports of Aguilar's death, the Mexican Consulate in Douglas called for a thorough investigation into the involved agencies to clarify the facts and assign blame, if necessary.
CBP did not respond to a request for comment.
More: Thousands of migrants are headed for the US in a caravan despite extension of border policy
Second death of 2022 due to use of force in Douglas
On Feb. 19, about 12 miles north of the border on a rugged mountain trail, Border Patrol agent Kendrek Bybee Staheli shot and killed Carmelo Cruz Marcos, a Mexican man who had crossed the border illegally with a group of about 10 other migrants.
The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed he died of multiple gunshot wounds on his chest and abdomen.
The Cochise County Attorney's Office announced it would not prosecute Staheli, whose name was not made public until the announcement by the prosecutor's office. County Attorney Brian McIntyre said the killing was justified under Arizona self-defense laws.
Human rights organizations, migrant advocates and family members of the victim demanded an independent investigation, citing concerns about the involvement of the Border Patrol's Critical Incidents Team.
The Border Patrol unit will be disbanded and won't be involved in critical incidents starting in October, CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus announced on May 3.
Starting in fiscal year 2023, all investigations will be handled by CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility to ensure the agency "achieves the highest levels of accountability," Magnus wrote.
Reach Republic reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at angela.cordobaperez@gannett.com
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/22/autopsy-report-migrant-stabbed-death-cbp-agent-douglas/7684477001/ | 2022-06-23T00:17:17 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/06/22/autopsy-report-migrant-stabbed-death-cbp-agent-douglas/7684477001/ |
FORNEY, Texas — In a few weeks, Brooklynn Hollaman will dig through her closet, looking for clothes to wear on her first day of 10th grade. But this fall, the Forney High School sophomore will have to limit what she can and can't put on.
Forney Independent School District announced updates to the dress code for the 2022 to 2023 school year. The district has a 7-page document detailing the entire dress code, but there are two significant changes.
Students can no longer wear clothing with hoods inside, including hoodies, jackets and coats. Dresses, skirts and skorts can no longer be worn by 5th graders or older. Preschoolers through 4th graders can still wear the latter.
In a statement, Forney ISD writes, "The use of a school dress code is established to improve student self-esteem, bridge socio-economic differences among students, and promote positive behavior, thereby enhancing school safety and improving the learning environment."
Students like Hollaman aren't okay with the changes.
"I think people should be able to wear them as long as they're appropriate," she said.
Hollaman wants hoodies to be able to be worn, as long as the hood is down and the logos are appropriate. She said dresses, skirts and skorts should be allowed as long as the length is appropriate too.
She believes this is more of a disciplinary problem for the students who aren't following the rules, and doesn't believe the rest of her classmates should be punished with a new dress code.
This week, she started a petition. Within two days, she gathered more than 2,300 signatures against the new dress code, and the number of supporters is growing.
Her parents, Amy and Derick Hollaman support their daughter.
Derick Hollaman said he spoke to the district on Tuesday to find out why the dress code is changing.
He said, "I was told that basically hoodies were a safety issue, that kids wouldn't take the hoods off their head. [...] When I asked regarding the dresses, I was told that they were trying to teach professionalism."
The Hollaman family disagrees with the reasoning they were given.
"I don't think this extra dress code is going to help the situation at all," said Amy Hollaman.
Brooklyn plans to present the petition to the school board on Monday, hoping they will revert the dress code back to what it was the previous school year.
The Forney ISD superintendent was not available for an interview by the time of this publication. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/forney-isd-student-creates-petition-to-stop-dress-code-changes/287-620102eb-e247-4631-981f-743d074fb496 | 2022-06-23T00:17:45 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/forney-isd-student-creates-petition-to-stop-dress-code-changes/287-620102eb-e247-4631-981f-743d074fb496 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/a-dry-4th-of-july-strike-could-cause-local-beer-shortage/3278441/ | 2022-06-23T00:23:12 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/a-dry-4th-of-july-strike-could-cause-local-beer-shortage/3278441/ |
A road rage shooting shut down a portion of I-76 eastbound in Philadelphia during rush hour Wednesday evening.
Police said a white Prius was struck by gunfire around 6:30 p.m. near the Montgomery Drive exit on I-76 East. Fortunately, no one was injured during the shooting.
I-76 eastbound is currently closed between the Montgomery Drive and the Route 1 exits as police investigate. Police have not released information on any suspects or the gunman’s vehicle.
This story is developing. Check back for updates. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/road-rage-shooting-closes-part-of-i-76-eb-in-philly/3278674/ | 2022-06-23T00:23:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/road-rage-shooting-closes-part-of-i-76-eb-in-philly/3278674/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-shows-suspect-accused-of-killing-76-year-old-man/3278606/ | 2022-06-23T00:23:25 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-shows-suspect-accused-of-killing-76-year-old-man/3278606/ |
Eastern Idaho Public Health is partnering with Walgreens and Greater Than Aids to provide free HIV testing at two locations in Idaho Falls.
Monday is National HIV Testing Day. For many years, Walgreens and Greater Than Aids have partnered to provide free rapid, on-site HIV testing in Walgreens locations across the U.S. In this year's campaign, free HIV testing will be available in 250 Walgreens locations. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, anyone can be tested for HIV for free at either the Walgreens at 1725 1st St. or at 1604 W. Broadway.
"Walgreens has always been a progressive partner, and, in the last few years, they have been trying to get more involved within the public health circle," said Mimi Taylor, the health district's public information officer. "We thought it would be a great, strategic partner for us to have."
Walgreens has worked with Greater Than Aids, a public information initiative of the Kaiser Family Foundation, in the past. Both organizations believe HIV testing is crucial now more than ever.
“The last two years of COVID-19 saw declines in HIV testing, and many places are still not at the levels they were before,” said Tina Hoff, a senior vice president for the Kaiser Family Foundation, in a Greater Than Aids news release.
Taylor said that, even though people were going out to get tested for COVID-19, they often overlooked other screenings they needed.
"Since the start of the pandemic, we have been seeing a trend throughout all health care that less people are getting screened for cancer, keeping up with routine immunizations and getting tested for HIV," Taylor said.
All Idaho Falls residents should take advantage of the opportunity for free HIV testing, Taylor said.
"We've seen an increase in HIV cases, especially from those not engaging in high-risk behaviors. It's concerning that these cases are outside of those demographics," Taylor said.
She said that most of the people Eastern Idaho Public Health is seeing for HIV are those who say, "this doesn't impact me."
"About 13% of the estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV today are not aware of their status. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preserving health and preventing transmission," according to the Greater Than Aids release.
"No one thinks they are going to drown or fall off their bike and get a major head injury until after it happens. A HIV diagnosis could be the same way," Taylor said. "It could impact you. It's just better to know your status."
Taylor went on to say the fear associated with a positive HIV diagnosis should not stop anyone from getting tested.
"It can be scary, but HIV is not the death sentence it was 40 years ago. We have better treatment, better testing and overall better care now. If you have HIV, it will manifest itself eventually. It's better to find out early," Taylor said. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-public-health-partners-with-walgreens-for-free-hiv-testing/article_d1b03388-29ef-5d3c-8149-6fc47ea7c610.html | 2022-06-23T00:24:57 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/eastern-idaho-public-health-partners-with-walgreens-for-free-hiv-testing/article_d1b03388-29ef-5d3c-8149-6fc47ea7c610.html |
Summer is officially here and people are going outside to enjoy the sun after weeks of wind and rain.
The River Walk was full of people enjoying the nice weather Wednesday afternoon. One dad took his son out roller-skating.
"We came here last week to roller skate, but it was still cold," Isair Labra said. "The sun makes it much more enjoyable."
Isair's son, Tyrann, is enjoying his summer vacation.
"It has been really fun not being in school," Tyrann said. "I like to go roller-skating with my dad. We also really like to go golfing. We went on Monday."
"I just am enjoying soaking up the sun, finally," Isair said.
Others were basking in the sunshine down by the Japanese Garden. Maryn Allgood, ananny, and the two children she watches were splashing in the water near the garden.
"We've been outside this year, but it hasn't been nice," Allgood said as the thermometer approached 80 degrees. "When it's hot like this, they just want to be in the water."
Allgood said that if the weather stays the way it is, she hopes to take the children to the splash pads at Reinhart Park and the Rexburg Rapids this summer.
Two friends at the River Walk were painting in the shade, one with her feet up on a tree.
"We just needed some girl time," Mary Moran said. "Art is therapeutic, so it's nice to do our little project and enjoy each other's company. The weather is beautiful today. It is such a good way to spend the day off."
Moran's friend, Naomi Manzanares, said, "It's been so cold recently. And now that everyone is kind of ruling the pandemic over, we can come out of hiding. We don't have to be afraid to be around friends. The sun is really good for everyone's mental health."
Summer looks like it is here to stay, as the weather forecast shows clear skies and highs reaching into the 80s and 90s through the Fourth of July with nary a rain cloud in sight. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/good-day-sunshine-summer-finally-shows-up-in-idaho-falls/article_1e5145d5-8adf-55d8-8e78-63059e901284.html | 2022-06-23T00:25:00 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/good-day-sunshine-summer-finally-shows-up-in-idaho-falls/article_1e5145d5-8adf-55d8-8e78-63059e901284.html |
CALDWELL — Canyon County has named Kate Rice as its new director of human resources.
“We are excited to welcome Kate to the Canyon County team,” the commissioners said in a joint statement provided in a county press release. “Her wealth of experience in both the public and private human resources sectors will greatly benefit both our county and our employees, as well as the taxpayers.”
Rice, a Caldwell resident, grew up in Alaska, working on the Trans-Alaska pipeline to fund her college education at Oregon State University, the release said. She brings experience working as the human resources manager for Northrim Bank in Alaska, the human resources supervisor for the Idaho Transportation Department, vice president of human resources for Idaho First Bank, and vice president of human resources for Givens Pursley LLP.
“I look forward to this tremendous opportunity and I’m excited to work alongside the County leadership and staff to create a culture of accountability and help foster a level of service that is attractive to the residents and businesses of this county,” Rice said in the release.
The human resources position has been a topic of interest over the past year in the county. In January of 2021, the county’s then-human resources director, Sue Baumgart, was placed on administrative leave and later presented the county with a notice of a tort claim for $1 million for the county allegedly violating an agreement on her termination, as previously reported.
Baumgart alleged that the county posted the job opening for her position ahead of her final day with the county, and that employees, including two of the county’s commissioners had said “denigrating” things about her. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/canyon-county-names-new-human-resources-director/article_b30926b9-d6c2-5276-919e-c375212e1250.html | 2022-06-23T00:25:55 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/canyon-county-names-new-human-resources-director/article_b30926b9-d6c2-5276-919e-c375212e1250.html |
Both of Idaho’s last two U.S. attorneys say the June 11 arrests of 31 members of a white nationalist group for conspiracy to riot at a gay pride event in Coeur d’Alene is the type of thing that federal prosecutors should look into — and likely are examining.
Bart Davis, a Trump appointee who served as U.S. attorney for Idaho from 2017 to 2021, said, “All I know are what the news accounts are. … I don’t know what actually occurred. But I do believe that these are the kinds of matters that the federal government has some role in.”
All 31 men already are facing state misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to riot.
“Oftentimes, the city or the county or the state, they don’t need the help of the federal government,” said Davis, the former longtime Idaho Senate majority leader. “They’ve more than got it handled. … But there are some tools that the federal government does have that can help in either an investigation or sometimes in the prosecution of this kind of an event.”
All but two of the 31 men arrested were from other states besides Idaho; some had traveled from as far as Illinois, Alabama, Texas and Michigan.
“You have the interstate transportation of individuals for a specific purpose,” Davis said. “And if the publicized purpose is correct, then I think that’s another factor for a federal review and consideration of whether there should be a role.”
Wendy Olson, an Obama appointee who served as U.S. attorney for Idaho from 2010 to 2017, said there are numerous federal statutes that could apply to the case, but it would depend on the details, and whether federal hate crime laws apply.
Those include the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, 18 USC 249, which was the first law passed by Congress authorizing federal criminal prosecution of hate crimes motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. However, Olson noted, that law requires a violent act that results in bodily injury, or an attempt to commit a violent act with a dangerous weapon, along with interstate travel and hate-crime motivation.
The Patriot Front members were arrested before they ever arrived at the event that was their intended target. According to news reports based on court records, no firearms were found with them in the U-Haul truck where they were hiding, though they did have metal shields, “abnormally long” metal flag poles and other items, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported.
“They could be used dangerously,” Olson said, “but I don’t think a long pole itself is considered a dangerous weapon under federal law.”
“Sometimes when conduct gets disrupted, that’s the best thing, to disrupt the conduct,” she said, “but you don’t have conduct that that would be a basis for a prosecution.”
Another federal hate crime that at first blush would appear to apply also may not precisely fit the case, Olson said. The Conspiracy Against Rights statute, 18 USC 241, makes it “unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, threaten, or intimidate a person in any state, territory or district in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or the laws of the U.S.”
However, Olson said, “I do not think there is a potential 241 violation. The challenging part with 241 is identifying the underlying statutory or constitutional right.”
While the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to peaceably assemble, it prohibits government action that interferes with that right, not private action.
Another federal law prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations, 42 USC 2000a, which is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, only covers discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin.
Olson said she believes it’s “absolutely” a case that merits federal review. “I’m confident that the U.S. Attorney’s office is looking carefully at all of the facts here, and assessing whether there’s a prosecution to be brought,” she said. “It’s important, obviously, to do their due diligence on what is potentially criminal conduct of this nature. … I also think it’s important for any enforcement agency with potential jurisdiction to give it a long, hard look and if there is a viable prosecution, to move forward aggressively to demonstrate that this kind of conduct is not tolerated in Idaho.”
“If it’s criminal conduct, it will be pursued as strongly as possible,” she said. “It may be that there are not laws that will allow a (federal) prosecution here. But intimidating conduct is certainly something that deserves the whole examination of law enforcement to determine if there are appropriate criminal charges.”
State and federal jurisdictions can overlap in some cases when it comes to criminal prosecutions. In most cases, the different jurisdictions collaborate on which takes the lead, but in some cases, both state and federal prosecutions may occur.
“There’s not a double jeopardy issue, because it’s two separate sovereigns,” Olson explained. Policies established through federal case law determine when that will occur, she said, and outline specific circumstances that could warrant it. “One is that justice hasn’t been done, that there’s some federal interest that has not been met,” Olson said. That federal policy is known as the Dual and Successive Prosecution Policy, or Petite policy, named after Petite v United States, a 1960 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
A famous example of that was the Rodney King case in California, in which multiple California police officers severely beat King, a Black motorist, after stopping him for speeding, a beating that was captured on videotape. King was released without charges, and four officers were prosecuted for the beating. In their state trial, two were acquitted by a jury that included no Black members, prompting riots in Los Angeles that caused widespread damage and led to 53 deaths and 7,000 arrests.
Subsequently, federal charges were brought against the four officers for violating King’s civil rights, and two were convicted.
Olson said federal charges were brought more recently in the Derek Chauvin prosecution over the murder of George Floyd, and in the Ahmaud Arbery case, in which a Black jogger was shot to death by two white men in Georgia in 2020. In both cases, federal prosecutions took place after the state prosecutions.
In the Coeur d’Alene Patriot Front incident, Olson said, “My guess is … if there was a reason to prosecute these guys federally, that the Petite policy likely would not stand in the way.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/patriot-front-members-could-face-overlapping-federal-state-prosecution/article_51355b47-485f-5c37-9f29-938d652572be.html | 2022-06-23T00:26:01 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/patriot-front-members-could-face-overlapping-federal-state-prosecution/article_51355b47-485f-5c37-9f29-938d652572be.html |
Campaign sign controversy fuels high-stakes Manatee County District 6 race
The August primary race between 16-year incumbent Carol Whitmore and political newcomer Jason Bearden has locked the two Republican candidates into battle over campaign signs for the Manatee County Commission's At-Large District 6 seat.
Whitmore removed three of Bearden's campaign signs from display on Saturday, June 11. One sign had been placed on city property and the other two were on private rental properties owned by well-known developer Shawn Kaleta, who did not give Bearden permission to place the signs on his property, according to police records.
On Wednesday, Bearden filed an affidavit with the Holmes Beach Police Department regarding the incident. Whitmore held a press conference just hours after in response to the situation.
Whitmore's taking Bearden's signs is the latest twist in the race for one of the county's two at-large seats already under public scrutiny.
In case you missed it:Write-in candidates close high-profile Manatee County Commission primary elections
More:Budget talks turn political as Manatee seeks tax rate cut for second year in a row
And:Who is running for local, state and federal offices in the Sarasota-Manatee area?
Only residents registered as Republicans can cast a vote in the high-stakes primary race after two write-in candidates who have campaigned in support of Bearden filed to run against him, closing the primary race to more than half of Manatee County's registered voters.
"They got me. I confess, to the people of Manatee County: I want you to know that I did pick up a few illegally placed yard-signs per Holmes Beach ordinance... and delivered them to the police department," Whitmore said Wednesday afternoon from the footsteps of Holmes Beach City Hall.
Campaign signs removed
Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said political signs should not be removed by anyone. That can only be done by city police, code enforcement, or the private property owner.
He told the Herald-Tribune that Bearden's signs would likely have been removed by city police if they had properly been reported, because the signs were not in compliance with city ordinances.
Bearden's sworn statement asked for Whitmore to be charged with theft.
"I'm very upset that she had stolen my signs and I would like to press charges against Carol Whitmore for obtaining and stealing my signs immediately," Bearden wrote to the department.
Tokajer said the case will be forwarded to State Attorney Ed Brodsky's office for review on whether to pursue charges.
"Mr. Bearden has filed an affidavit, the affidavit will be forwarded to the State Attorney's office to see if they want to direct file or not," Tokajer said.
When reached for comment, Bearden simply responded with a photo of Whitmore and Brodsky posing for a photo together, stating he should recuse himself.
"This is why the case should be reviewed by another state attorney," Bearden said. "I would hope the state attorney would recuse himself."
During the press conference, Whitmore said she removed the signs because they violated city ordinances that require campaign signs to be displayed no earlier than 45 days prior to the election, and with permission of the private property owner.
However Tokajer said that the city does not plan to enforce the ordinance against Bearden's signs, because in review of the case the city discovered that the ordinance is likely unconstitutional. He added that the city will likely consider an amendment to the ordinance in the near future.
"We found out after the fact that the 45-day requirement that is written in the city code as to when you can put signs up prior to the election has been ruled as non-constitutional because you can no longer regulate the content of a sign," Tokajer said. "We are working on making changes to the ordinance to bring it up to date, that's something that our city attorney is working on."
Whitmore addressed the sign ordinance during her press conference, simply saying that "to this day, right now, it's still in effect." She also noted that other nearby cities also have similar ordinances in place.
"Carol Whitmore didn't do anything wrong, Carol Whitmore did something right and I took them to the police department so they could be returned to the owner, because according to the city ordinances, and every city on this island has an ordinance of when you could put signs up, I turned them in and asked them to return them to the owner. It wasn't time to put them up yet."
District 6 primary race officially closed after qualifying period ends
The period for candidates to qualify for the upcoming elections officially expired last Friday at noon, and the District 6 race was officially closed because of the presence of the two Republican write-in candidates.
This means that neither Democratic nor independent voters can cast ballots in the Republican primary race between Whitmore, Bearden, and Carol Felts — who qualified to run for the seat despite only raising $100 that she loaned herself as of the end of May.
The race would have remained open to all Manatee County voters until two of Bearden's supporters, Antonio Llamas and Robert Lesher, filed to run against him for the seat at his behest.
Although filing to run in a primary election to close a primary race is not illegal, Whitmore reiterated that there are concerns about the ethics of the move and questions whether any state laws were violated in the process.
"There is something not right with him having friends close the primary and contributing to his campaign," Whitmore said Wednesday. "...I've never, ever, heard of a of a candidate openly saying that they asked somebody to close the primary."
"If he wants to go after things like this, he needs to play by the laws and the rules of Manatee County, and obviously he's not," Whitmore said. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2022/06/22/jason-bearden-carol-whitmore-spar-over-sign-removal-manatee-county-commission-primary-race/7698365001/ | 2022-06-23T00:26:15 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2022/06/22/jason-bearden-carol-whitmore-spar-over-sign-removal-manatee-county-commission-primary-race/7698365001/ |
PHOENIX — American Airlines said Wednesday that customers with PreCheck can go through security checkpoints at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with a face scan and phone app instead of showing their driver’s license or passport.
The airline said that it intends to expand the test, which started Wednesday, to airports in Miami, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere later this year.
American is portraying the service as a convenience factor that will help passengers get through security checkpoints more quickly. Privacy experts have expressed concern about personal information that people volunteer for a convenience benefit, and how that information is used and stored.
At DFW Airport, passengers will need PreCheck, the expedited-screening service sold by the Transportation Security Administration, and an American Airlines mobile app to use the facial-recognition technology.
Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways have used biometric technology for boarding at other airports.
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What is the Valley?:
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
Mesa
Chandler
Scottsdale
Tempe
Glendale
Surprise
Peoria
Gilbert
El Mirage
Avondale
Litchfield Park
Goodyear
Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/american-airlines-testing-face-scanning-at-dfw-airport-phoenix-is-next/75-53b6ddfb-e668-44e4-a638-0f8141d4d487 | 2022-06-23T00:29:16 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/american-airlines-testing-face-scanning-at-dfw-airport-phoenix-is-next/75-53b6ddfb-e668-44e4-a638-0f8141d4d487 |
PHOENIX — Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.
Republicans in the Arizona House approved a massive expansion of the state's private school voucher program Wednesday, voting to allow any of the state's 1.1 million public school students to apply to use public money to attend private schools.
The measure comes just four years after voters overwhelmingly rejected a smaller voucher expansion after an unprecedented mobilization by teachers opposed to using tax dollars for private education. The new bill still needs approval in the Senate, which backed a smaller expansion in February.
Democrats fiercely opposed the bill, saying there is no testing or other mechanism to make sure children are actually learning.
“We are disrespecting the will of the voters,” Democratic Rep. Kelli Butler of Paradise Valley said of the GOP-controlled Legislature. “We are disrespecting the taxpayers who deserve and need accountability for the use of our tax dollars.”
Currently, about 255,000 public school students qualify for the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, although fewer than 12,000 take them.
In addition to all current public school students, about 59,000 current private school students would be newly eligible under the new plan championed by House Majority Leader Ben Toma.
Many private school students currently get state funding though a separate tax credit program, but over time many would opt for the new funding because the $7,000 average voucher exceeds the average tax credit by more than $2,500 a year, the Legislature's budget analysts said in an evaluation of the costs. Homeschooled students would also be eligible.
“I really do wonder often why should private schools be the exclusive domain of the wealthy,” Toma said. “Why shouldn’t every child in Arizona have that same opportunity?”
Parents are the ultimate accountability, he said, and would remove their children from a school that's failing to educate them.
Mesa Republican Rep. Michelle Udall was among a few House Republicans who blocked a voucher expansion last year and was opposed to an earlier version this year because it lacked testing or other accountability. She said last week that she wanted much more K-12 spending to win her support, but a separate new funding bill adding about $400 million in spending did not move Wednesday.
Udall still voted for the voucher expansion. She didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Legislature’s budget analysts said the voucher expansion would cost the state $125 million a year by 2025, and grow each year thereafter. The Legislature is not adding extra funding for that cost.
Meanwhile, Republican legislative leaders will need to drastically trim the nearly $18 billion state budget deal they hammered out with GOP Gov. Doug Ducey or persuade some Democrats to vote for the proposal if they are to get it enacted.
With just one-vote majorities in the House and Senate, GOP leaders need every Republican vote, and they aren't there. Some Democrats were working to get changes they needed to get on board.
Still, the budget plan was moving on Wednesday, with the Senate Appropriations Committee considering the spending package after a delay the day before triggered by a disagreement with the House. The House, meanwhile, scheduled debate on the full plan.
The budget's overall spending is Republican Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita's concern. The Scottsdale lawmaker called the spending plan “unsustainable and bloated” and noted that $2.3 billion in spending is outside the normal budget process and unprecedented.
“That's straight up manipulation and abuse,” she said.
She wants some of the state's $5.3 billion cash surplus used to provide “meaningful tax relief,” potentially a cut in the state gasoline tax.
“Right now, the Biden Administration is acting more Republican than the Republican (House and Senate) leadership and the Republican governor if he signs this,” Ugenti-Rita said.
She noted President Joe Biden on Wednesday proposed a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax and urged states to do the same.
The Senate appropriations committee approved several budget bills Wednesday morning and was to return for work later in the day.
Democratic Sen. Sean Bowie, who has said all session that he could back a Republican budget, said during the morning hearing that he’s close to being able to back the plan, but it will need some specific changes.
They include equalizing levels of new funding for all three state universities. Under the current plan. the University of Arizona is getting more new cash.
Bowie also wants an increase in the state’s private school tax credit program eliminated, more school funding and for the Legislature to waive a spending cap for K-12 schools and community colleges for the coming year.
“I honestly do feel like we’re close,” the Phoenix lawmaker said. “I’d like a little bit more – I think that gets us a long way towards a bipartisan budget."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/arizona-house-backs-universal-school-voucher-expansion/75-bf791ca5-d65d-4f24-a6c9-efe61204ab82 | 2022-06-23T00:29:22 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/arizona-house-backs-universal-school-voucher-expansion/75-bf791ca5-d65d-4f24-a6c9-efe61204ab82 |
Casper plans to reduce parkway parking permit fees from $50 to $25 a year, following backlash from citizens.
Casper City Council members also voted Tuesday to eliminate a $250 fee for the first permit and a $25 application fee.
The parkway parking ordinance was also amended Tuesday to expand the eligible area. Previously, only people on 12th and 13th streets between CY Avenue and McKinley Street could apply for parkway parking permits.
Now, given the ordinance passes its third and final reading in two weeks, anyone living on a narrow street can apply. That’s defined as a street with less than 12 feet of travel space and less than 8 feet of parking space — for example, South Cedar or parts of 15th Street.
Those looking to park on the parkway are still responsible for paving the pad themselves, and for maintaining the area.
Some residents and council members have said that the system is a little confusing. The parkway is city property, meant to separate the sidewalk from the street and add some green space, but the homeowner then has to pay to use it as parking and is also on the hook for paving costs.
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The situation may be most comparable to shoveling sidewalks when it snows in the winter, council member Shawn Johnson said — the city owns the sidewalks, but homeowners are responsible for keeping their sections clear.
Johnson and Freel both said Tuesday they thought the council had spent a “ridiculous” amount of time on this issue. Freel cast the only vote against the ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting.
Despite the hours spent debating the issue, just one household has applied for a permit after the ordinance has been in effect for more than a year. The permit was approved for the 12th Street home.
To get a permit, you have to have the city come out and inspect the parkway to make sure there’s a hard surface of either concrete or gravel where the car would be parked.
The parking spot can’t block the sidewalk, must be at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant and can’t be on a street corner to preserve visibility for other cars and pedestrians. Even if you get a permit, you can’t use it to park larger vehicles like RVs, boats or trailers.
Permit holders can move the placard between cars, so households with multiple cars can be flexible with which ones can park in the parkway. But the permits are linked to an address, so you can’t use a permit for a 12th Street home to park somewhere else.
Police began issuing warnings and citations for people illegally parking on their parkways this spring.
By April, five citations with fines, two written warnings and 39 first warning stickers had been issued across town. Fines start at $25, then increase to $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-to-reduce-parkway-parking-fees/article_d7068dac-f27a-11ec-8ecb-bb763f1924d1.html | 2022-06-23T00:30:23 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-to-reduce-parkway-parking-fees/article_d7068dac-f27a-11ec-8ecb-bb763f1924d1.html |
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder said Wednesday that the state "will not comply" with federal requirements to change nondiscrimination policies. He called on the state to reject federal money tied to lunch programs.
Earlier this month, Schroeder denounced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service's reinterpretation of discrimination based on sex in Title IX. The new interpretation includes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
A blistering statement from Wyoming's schools superintendent is again fanning the flames of debate over gender identity and sexual orientation.
The change requires any organization that gets money from the Food and Nutrition Service to “investigate allegations of discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation” and “update their non-discrimination policies and signage to include prohibitions against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.”
The USDA announced the change May 5. It was acting in accordance with a January 2021 executive order directing federal agencies to examine and change their nondiscrimination policies to include protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
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The interpretation in that executive order was based on the 2020 Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that the prohibition on sex discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Schroeder came out strong against the reinterpretation, claiming it as part of the federal government's "ever-relentless agenda of social engineering." He tied the change with funding for school lunches, which could be jeopardized if schools don't comply with the new nondiscrimination policy requirements.
“We cannot allow children’s safety and well-being to become casualties of politicking in this state," one retired educator said of the Wyoming superintendent's statements on federal sexual orientation and gender identity policies.
In language that hasn't been seen before from a Wyoming schools superintendent, Schroeder reiterated that sentiment in a statement on Wednesday.
"We categorically reject gender ideology and will not bow to the coercive will of a bully government," he said.
Schroeder said Treasurer Curt Meier and "a host" of other state leaders had told him Wyoming has enough money to cover the cost of school lunches. (According to his statement, Wyoming gets about $40 million per fiscal year from the Food and Nutrition Service).
"We can cut ties with these federal lunch dollars and still provide for Wyoming kids – it only requires two things: the will of the Wyoming people, and the determination of Wyoming’s governing leaders," he said.
Schroeder called on Wyomingites to talk with their local legislators about the "liberating prospects of severing our dependence on federal dollars," adding that such action would have to be a "phased endeavor," but that it's "completely doable..."
"Washington has shown its hand, and will never stop at forcing its woke agenda and ever-changing value system on people who refuse to embrace it," he said. "Be fully assured, this is not the end – they will be back (i.e. boys in girls sports, forced usage of pronouns, etc.)."
"This is a defining moment for the identity and future of Wyoming and its schools. We must break free if we are to be free.”
Gov. Mark Gordon appointed Schroeder to the superintendent position in January after former superintendent Jillian Balow left the post to take a similar job in Virginia. Schroeder was among three nominees chosen by the Wyoming Republican Party. Now, Schroeder is contending for the post alongside five other candidates.
Wyoming's schools chief put out another statement denouncing non-discrimination policy changes involving gender identity and sexual origination. Critics accused him of politicking at the cost of children's well-being.
Wyoming Department of Education spokesperson Linda Finnerty said in an email to the Star-Tribune following Schroeder’s first statement on the nondiscrimination policy change that his denouncement was “not related in any way to the race.”
But some think otherwise.
“I think that he’s willing to jump on whatever bandwagon that he needs to jump on to get as many votes as possible,” Casper Classical Academy Librarian Rebecca Murray previously told the Star-Tribune.
Wyoming Equality Executive Director Sara Burlingame also said that Schroeder’s statement had “everything to do with politicizing.”
“Ordinarily people don’t campaign so nakedly from their office,” she said. | https://trib.com/news/local/education/schools-chief-calls-for-rejecting-federal-money-over-nondiscrimination-policies/article_45174348-f27d-11ec-bf6f-432feb235205.html | 2022-06-23T00:30:29 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/education/schools-chief-calls-for-rejecting-federal-money-over-nondiscrimination-policies/article_45174348-f27d-11ec-bf6f-432feb235205.html |
ATLANTA — As Wednesday’s temperature crept upward toward 100 degrees, some Atlanta fire stations went without air conditioning.
Fire stations are unlike almost any other government building. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts and rest and eat inside between calls. It makes the absence of air conditioning a 24-hour problem.
In southwest Atlanta Wednesday, Fire Station No. 9 was using fans to keep the building cool inside – as the outside air conditioner unit stayed silent.
Firefighters said the AC unit at Station No. 11, near Atlantic Station, was recently repaired; it failed to work several days prior.
"They should not have to go from a heated environment to go and fight a fire," said City Councilman Michael Bond, who is on Atlanta's public safety committee.
It’s not clear how many of Atlanta’s 36 fire stations have lost AC during this heat wave. Firefighters aren’t talking about it publicly.
They are trying to get Dickens' administration to raise salaries to help eliminate a shortage of firefighters – a situation that has forced some to work 48-hour-long shifts.
At 51 years old, Station No. 9 is among the many Atlanta fire stations past their structural prime. Councilman Bond said it’s no surprise the city is struggling to keep its air conditioners working.
"We all love the old historic-looking fire stations but it comes at a cost. Because it is old, time will make it fall into disrepair if nothing else," Bond said.
He said a new voter-approved bond issue will fund renovations to many of the city’s fire stations. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-fire-stations-struggle-with-ac-in-record-heat/85-bd7f1565-18c5-42e4-b13e-f3e9f9e2416a | 2022-06-23T00:34:41 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/atlanta-fire-stations-struggle-with-ac-in-record-heat/85-bd7f1565-18c5-42e4-b13e-f3e9f9e2416a |
ATLANTA — With federal health leaders granting approval for COVID-19 vaccines to kids as young as six months old, many families across the metro Atlanta area are eager to get their children protection, but actually finding an appointment to get the vaccine has proven challenging.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended coronavirus vaccines for children younger than 5 on Saturday. Since then, families have been trying to book an appointment.
From calling their pediatrician daily to scouring social media for places to get the pediatric dose, parents said it's been a lot of waiting and searching.
“We’ve been forgotten about for so long because everybody's out living their lives that we have. There's a lot of us who don't have a fully vaccinated family," parent Vanessa Garrett said.
The parent of a four-year-old, Lyse Herrera, added that it feels like their children have been forgotten.
“I felt like it was we've known that this is coming forever and then nothing," she said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Georgia Department of Public Health said doses were expected to be delivered on June 20 to more than 225 providers. They say 37,000 doses of Pfizer have been pre-ordered and 14,000 doses of Moderna, but families said their pediatricians still don't have them.
“My first call was to my pediatrician, and they told me they put me on a waitlist to call when they had the doses available. I still haven't heard from them yet, said parent Amnesty Hadley.
Meanwhile, pharmacies like CVS announced it would begin giving out the vaccine to children on Tuesday. Walgreens said it expects to start administering the shots on Saturday at select locations. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-families-struggle-to-get-their-youngest-children-vaccinated-coronavirus/85-5cd16e1b-f29c-4486-af10-6af98401e202 | 2022-06-23T00:34:50 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-families-struggle-to-get-their-youngest-children-vaccinated-coronavirus/85-5cd16e1b-f29c-4486-af10-6af98401e202 |
DALLAS — Dallas County Health and Human Services said two more monkeypox virus infections have been reported in the area. Both patients traveled internationally.
Officials said one of the two Dallas County residents traveled to Spain and the other to Mexico.
The patients have not been hospitalized and are recovering at home, officials said.
“We continue to work closely with the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services and have conducted interviews with the patient and are continuing to contact persons who have been in close contact,” said DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang in a press release. “We have determined that there is little known risk to the general public at this time. However, monkeypox cases have been spreading globally, and we are actively working with local healthcare providers to ensure they are prepared to recognize monkeypox and report suspected cases to public health officials.”
The news comes nearly two weeks after the first case was reported in Dallas County. A Dallas man had recently tested positive for monkeypox while in Mexico, but refused to isolate and returned to Texas.
According to health officials, monkeypox is spread between people primarily through direct contact with infections sores, scabs and bodily fluids. It can also spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.
It can also spread through intimate contact, like sex, as well as activities that include kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county-reports-2-more-monkeypox-virus-infections/287-2d56bf32-cb50-4dea-b3e4-bef341874894 | 2022-06-23T00:35:01 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county-reports-2-more-monkeypox-virus-infections/287-2d56bf32-cb50-4dea-b3e4-bef341874894 |
DALLAS — Organizers of a summer meal program want to make sure students across North Texas have access to healthy and nutritious food while they’re out of school.
It’s summer break. Many children are out of school and active. Some community members know food can be the fuel children need to help keep them motivated and moving each day.
“We are doing an amazing kickoff for our summer meals 2022 event,” said Ashley Douglas with United Way Metropolitan Dallas.
Staff and volunteers with the North Texas Summer and Supper Council are working hard to make sure students across the region have at least one healthy meal, each day, while school’s out. They hosted a summer meal kickoff event at Beckley-Saner Recreation Center in Dallas on Wednesday.
“A lot of times, people do not understand the importance that out of school time meals really have on households and families and parents,” said Douglas.
Groups like United Way Metropolitan Dallas, Kids Bring Life, Mr. Cooper, Vista Energy, Dallas Park and Recreation, and others are working to combat summer hunger. They’re providing breakfast and lunch to children this summer.
The meals can be picked up during the week from a variety of recreation centers and community sites.
“I’ve actually had parents come up to me and say, hey, thank you very much because things are tight right now,” said Janell Hicks with Kids Bring Life.
Organizers say any child is eligible for the summer meals. No student is turned away.
“Right now, as we know, people are struggling to put food on the table. Gas prices are high, and there’s food shortages. So, we’re actually out in the communities, making sure that these kids are getting at least one nutritious meal, every single day,” said Hicks.
The groups want families to know the resources are available for children. Volunteers are ready to serve.
To find summer meal sites near you, visit www.FeedNTX.org, or text FOODTX to 877-877. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-students-to-receive-meals-this-summer/287-411351ef-c0cc-4156-bd06-275404ba1668 | 2022-06-23T00:35:07 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-students-to-receive-meals-this-summer/287-411351ef-c0cc-4156-bd06-275404ba1668 |
DENTON COUNTY, Texas — Police said they've taken two children into custody in a fire that engulfed a school playground in Providence Village in Denton County.
The Aubrey Police Department posted a picture of the aftermath of the fire on social media. The fire happened at Providence Village Elementary School on Tuesday.
“The playground was fully engulfed in flames,” Aubrey Police Lt. David Bruce said. “I'm sure that it's going to be a significant loss.”
Police said they found evidence at the scene that suggests the fire was set intentionally.
By 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, police posted an update that two juveniles were taken into custody.
They haven't been identified, but Aubrey police say they've been taken to the Denton County Juvenile Detention Center. It wasn't known what, if any, charges the children will face for allegedly setting the fire.
The fire has been another police incident in Providence Village in recent weeks.
The neighborhood, which sits just north of U.S. 380 east of Denton, has been the center of controversy since the homeowners association banned property owners from renting to Section 8 families.
Section 8 is a government-subsidized rental assistance program. According to the Denton Housing Authority, there are 81 families on Section 8 in Providence Village: 91% are black and 4% are Hispanic; 30% include a person with a disability; 2% percent are elderly; and one is a military veteran.
The Providence Homeowners Association also passed new laws this month that allow people to own and rent out only one home at a time.
It’s aimed at investors, who have reportedly come in and bought several properties in Providence Village to rent out.
“This is our home. This is our investment. This is our long-term retirement plan,” a Providence Village homeowner told WFAA. “If all these investors just come and buy up everything, then we're going to have to be forced out because it's no longer a homeowners’ association. It will be an investors’ association.”
The Denton Housing Authority said families affected by the changes have been instructed not to move and that families can file a complaint with the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The housing authority said it plans to take legal action on behalf of impacted families.
As tensions have arose, Aubrey police officers have responded repeatedly to Providence Village.
“I've had my fence kicked in. I've had stuff thrown at my dogs. This is not what I imagined it was like. And it's definitely not like the first year when I first moved here,” the homeowner told WFAA. “We will solve crime eventually, and we're making progress as far as neighborhood watches. But in the meantime, we got to stop the investors now before it's too late.”
WFAA asked police if Tuesday’s fire at the elementary school playground is related to the tension stemming from the new HOA laws.
“It's absolutely not related to that,” Lt. Bruce said Wednesday. “It was two juveniles who had absolutely no connection with what's going on with the HOA and probably would have no idea what it was.”
Other local news: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-playground-fire-elementary-school-providence-village/287-10addd42-cfb3-4388-af6e-7c43bd97a944 | 2022-06-23T00:35:11 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-playground-fire-elementary-school-providence-village/287-10addd42-cfb3-4388-af6e-7c43bd97a944 |
FORT SMITH, Ark. — In Sebastian County, the Sheriff’s Office works diligently to help keep drugs off the street.
Recently, their K9, Goose, has risen to social media fame for his recent drug busts. Last week, we brought you the story of Goose’s largest drug bust from back in December.
His handler, K9 deputy John Michal O’Mara, says the bust helped save countless lives, “the amount of Fentanyl that we got on that stop alone would have, could have possibly killed several people.”
But others within the department say Goose and other deputies can only do so much to combat the rise of Fentanyl-related cases.
“Talking to some folks in our area, they think almost every one of the O.D.’s we’re dealing with now has some connection or nexus to Fentanyl lacing,” said Sebastian County Sheriff Captain, Philip Pevehouse.
One cause related to the spike is due to the little regulation of Fentanyl potency when it is mixed with other drugs.
“You use it once or twice and everything works good, and maybe you use it again and it’s a fatal dose,” said Captain Pevehouse.
Guidance Center Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Vicki Loyd knows addiction first-hand and echoed Captain Pevehouse saying, “it takes a crumb to kill someone.”
Loyd told 5NEWS about her own personal struggle with drugs and addiction – going back to when she was 16 years old. Fentanyl was never a drug she used or came into contact with, but believes it ultimately could have killed her if she was battling addiction just a few years later in life.
“I’ve told the officers I work alongside, if I didn’t get clean when I did, there’s no doubt I would probably be dead today because of the Fentanyl in the area,” said Loyd.
Today, Loyd is six years sober, has her life back on track and works to help others through their own journey from addiction to recovery. Seeing how much Fentanyl has made its way into Fort Smith, Sebastian County and nationwide, she’s concerned about how it can impact the lives of those struggling, their friends and families, and even everyday people.
“It’s very scary,” says Loyd. “It doesn’t discriminate.”
Having exposure to Fentanyl can quickly overwhelm your body and even lead to death if not properly treated with Narcan. In some cases, Narcan isn’t enough. Sebastian County Coroner, Kenny Hobbs has a dire warning given his professional experience.
“I am the person that sees them. I see what it has done. I see what drugs have done to individuals,” says Hobbs. “Most of the time it’s not the first-time user, sometimes it is.”
For anyone that is struggling with addiction, it is important to know where drugs are coming from, but even then there is an increasingly high chance the drug could be laced with Fentanyl. Loyd and many others want you to know they are here to help. Having their own personal connection to addiction and recovery, they can relate more than anyone else.
“It’s a problem, but it’s not a problem that’s not able to be corrected,” said Loyd.
Helping others get back on track one step at a time is one of the best parts of her job she says.
“Seeing the hope come back in people’s eyes and the strength that they can overcome addiction and just watching them regain their life back one goal at a time,” said Loyd.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fentanyl-related-overdoses-deaths-on-rise/527-d2e3a97b-b22f-4ce6-b9b5-f58b58cb04ba | 2022-06-23T00:35:32 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fentanyl-related-overdoses-deaths-on-rise/527-d2e3a97b-b22f-4ce6-b9b5-f58b58cb04ba |
SEBASTIAN COUNTY, Ark. — We first told you the story of a woman who says she was mistreated by River Valley officers back in February. Now, a federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Sebastian County deputies and Greenwood police officers who the suit says mistreated her after a car accident back in May of 2020.
“Now that the wait is over, I feel relieved,” said Tyler "Unique" McClain.
It was in the early morning hours of May 14, 2020, when 19-year-old McClain, who goes by Unique, veered off the road at Highway 10 and Highway 71 south near Greenwood. Both Sebastian County deputies and Greenwood officers were called to the scene around 2 a.m. Medical first responders told deputies they believed McClain was suffering from medical issues.
McClain was asked to get out of her car and when she didn’t comply, that’s when the situation took a turn.
Talisha McClain, Unique's mom says filing the federal lawsuit is a big relief for her family. She says her daughter still suffers mentally and physically from that day.
“It was confirmation that something is going to be done about what those police officers did to my daughter. My daughter didn’t deserve what happened to her. She did not deserve that, nobody does,” she said.
Attorney John Burris says McClain’s civil rights were violated. He says she was subject to excessive force, false imprisonment and false arrest. He says she was manhandled and treated like a criminal.
“The lawsuit seeks to vindicate to get some sense of justice, that what happened to her was wrong, that the officers were wrong in the manner which they conducted themselves and they caused harm to her,” said Burris.
We reached out to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office for comment. A spokesman says they cannot comment on the lawsuit but refer to their statement from February talking about changes they’ve made since the incident. The sheriff’s office says after reviewing the video they have taken several steps to address their use of force policy and more training.
Burris hopes the sheriff’s office has made these changes and they’ll be evaluating if they’ve done enough.
“I think it’s extraordinarily important that there was some acknowledgment that additional forms of training had to occur subsequently to this because if it had happened before, maybe this would’ve never got out of hand like this,” he said.
We also reached out to the Greenwood Police Department for comment but did not hear back.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/lawsuit-filed-against-arkansas-officers-excessive-force-woman/527-f025e31c-8a61-4fd0-9cd9-88f87a6d3a1f | 2022-06-23T00:35:38 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/lawsuit-filed-against-arkansas-officers-excessive-force-woman/527-f025e31c-8a61-4fd0-9cd9-88f87a6d3a1f |
Gas prices fell for the first time in nine weeks this week after hitting an all-time high of $5 per gallon nationally.
The average price of gas is now $4.96 nationally, according to AAA. Drivers are paying an average of $5.09 a gallon in Indiana, $5.49 in Illinois and $5.13 in Michigan.
Gas now costs an average of $5.31 in Lake County, down from $5.59 the previous week; $5.29 in Porter County, down from $5.49 per gallon the previous week; and $5.09 per gallon in LaPorte County, down from $5.24 per gallon the previous week, according to GasBuddy.com. As of Wednesday, the average price of gas was $5.21 in Jasper County and $5.09 in Newton, Starke and Pulaski counties.
“The recent high prices may have led to a small drop in domestic gasoline demand as fewer drivers fueled up last week,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “This dip, coupled with less costly oil, has taken some steam out of surging pump prices. And this is happening right before drivers gas up for what AAA forecasts will be a busy July 4th travel weekend.”
Gas prices spiked in February after Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to widespread embargoes against one of the world's largest exporters of crude oil. The main reason gas prices fell this week was that crude oil prices fell from $122 per barrel to $110 per barrel because of fears of a global recession.
Crude oil production is up nationally, according to GasBuddy.com. Last week's U.S. rig count rose by 7 to 740, or 270 rigs higher than last year, Baker Hughes reported.
“Finally some relief. For the first time in nine weeks, gasoline prices have fallen, following a broad sell-off in oil markets last week, pushing the national average back under the $5 level with most states seeing relief at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “I’m hopeful the trend may continue this week, especially as concerns appear to be mounting that we may be on the cusp of an economic slowdown, putting downward pressure on oil. But the coast isn’t yet entirely clear. We could see the national average fall another 15 to 30 cents, if we’re lucky, by the time fireworks are flying, barring any unexpected shutdowns at a time when the market is extremely sensitive to such.”
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crown Point Burger King reopens this month; Buffalo Wild Wings closes, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Parlor; Lucky Hatchet and Sunset Grille opening
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"Centennial Park has become a regional, destination type of park. The fees were set at a price point to be attractive for visitors but to also capture funds to help offset their impact on the park."
"It's gratifying to be able to help a military family, especially at a time when people in this country say 'thank you for your service' as lip service."
Giant life-sized dinosaurs, including colossal T-Rexes and Brontosauruses that stand up to 14 feet tall, will soon invade Harvest Tyme at 17904 Grant St in Lowell. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/gas-prices-fall-for-first-time-in-months/article_050a93a0-fb67-5a36-8007-97d8b931f534.html | 2022-06-23T00:36:22 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/gas-prices-fall-for-first-time-in-months/article_050a93a0-fb67-5a36-8007-97d8b931f534.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — Over a million dollars in grant money is going toward helping preserve and promote Black history in Indianapolis.
It's an exciting moment for the city.
"There's always this dialogue where they say you need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, but when they take your boots, that's hard to do," said Joyce Moore.
That is something Moore knows about all too well. She's lived in Indianapolis all her life. She remembers the city having beautiful thriving Black communities until they were forced out. Her family went through eminent domain twice. Her husband's grandfather's home and the surrounding community were seized to make room for IUPUI's Cavanaugh Hall.
"Between the highway and eminent domain taking the properties, we lost a vibrant neighborhood. It wasn't a run-down neighborhood. It was a vibrant neighborhood that had businesses," said Moore.
She attended a celebration on Wednesday where they announced the $1.6 million worth of grants from the Mellon Foundation and the Lilly Endowment will be used by the Urban Legacy Lands Initiative to protect, promote, and inform the community about Black history in Indianapolis, especially on Indiana Avenue and beyond.
"We don't want to lose any more land that tells of our history in this neighborhood, in this city, in this state," said the president of ULLI, Claudia Polley.
Polley said Black people in Indianapolis have a lot to be proud of.
"It's not just Madame Walker, but there are a lot of people who did fabulous things. We want to let everyone know not just about the people but the places where all of this took place," said Polley.
They're hoping to build a better future for Indianapolis using the history that brought us here.
"We cannot go back and change history. What we can do is make better history," said Polley.
Moore's son is now part of that change and works with the Mellon Foundation. She said she’s happy to see Black history in the city, that’s long been ignored, move forward.
“We take two steps forward then when something happens, we take three steps back, but we keep doing it. This is just another one of those efforts. Hopefully this time someone will hear and cooperate,” said Moore. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/grant-money-tabbed-to-promote-black-history-in-indianapolis/531-f8f69e30-170b-4f3c-b30b-973e3431c94b | 2022-06-23T00:36:31 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/grant-money-tabbed-to-promote-black-history-in-indianapolis/531-f8f69e30-170b-4f3c-b30b-973e3431c94b |
HAMMOND — A California woman is going to prison for carrying a deadly recreational drug across Northwest Indiana.
Senior Judge James T. Moody imposed a 78-month sentence Wednesday on Katelyn A. King, 26, of San Diego, California.
King pleaded guilty late last year to possession of fentanyl as a drug courier.
Court papers state Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Eagles stopped King’s vehicle Dec. 13, 2020, on the Indiana Toll Road in Porter County for a traffic violation.
The trooper noticed King was so nervous her hands were shaking, and she was traveling with several large suitcases.
The trooper said she told him she was driving to New Jersey to visit family and the suitcases were filled with clothing she intended to donate to shelters there.
When she refused to let him look in the suitcases, he had his police canine, Axel, sniff around the car. The dog was alerted to the odor of illicit drugs.
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Inside the luggage, investigators found packages, wrapped in plastic and brown wrapping tape, containing about 30 pounds of a light powder that tested positive for the painkiller fentanyl.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl caused more than 36,000 overdose deaths in 2019, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
King signed a plea agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office to receive a more lenient sentence than she faced if she had been convicted at trial.
Prosecutors also are going to dismiss a conspiracy count filed against her earlier.
Defense attorney Matthew Soliday states King knew she was breaking the law but was unaware she was transporting fentanyl.
He said King has no juvenile record or previous convictions as an adult.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Porter County Jail
Antoine Whiting
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 49
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number: 2202362
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Terry Markwell
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 30
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202361
Charges: Possession hypodermic syringe or needle, felony
Gloria Maxon
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 50
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number: 2202368
Charges: Theft, felony
Trent Nicholas
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 21
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202371
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Ryan Malarik
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202357
Charges: OWI, felony
Gary Bolcerek
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 48
Residence: Porter, IN
Booking Number: 2202375
Charges: Burglary, felony
Stefan Colville
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 34
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202358
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jacob Henn
Arrest date: June 10, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: LaPorte, IN
Booking Number: 2202359
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Haley Greco
Arrest date: June 9, 2022
Age: 30
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number: 2202350
Charges: Possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, felony
Junice Busch
Arrest date: June 9, 2022
Age: 64
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number: 2202352
Charges: Fraud, felony
DeVante White
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2202345
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Timothy Szparaga
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 52
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202335
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Agustin Rios Guzman
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 37
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number: 2202346
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Henry Scaggs
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 26
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2202334
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Spencer Marsh
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2202337
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Carlos Castillo
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 25
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number: 2202336
Charges: OWI, felony
Ronald Epting
Arrest date: June 8, 2022
Age: 23
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202343
Charges: Possession legend drug, felony
Michael Swienconek
Arrest date: June 7, 2022
Age: 40
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number: 2202320
Charges: Theft, felony
Gregory Devetski
Arrest date: June 7, 2022
Age: 73
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2202324
Charges: OWI, felony
Jamey Goin
Arrest date: June 7, 2022
Age: 43
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202321
Charges: Theft, felony
Michael Miller
Arrest date: June 6, 2022
Age: 59
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202316
Charges: OWI, felony
Nicholas Cervantes
Arrest date: June 6, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number: 2202318
Charges: Resisting law enforcement, felony
Josip Markovich
Arrest date: June 6, 2022
Age: 40
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202317
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Bianca Martin
Arrest date: June 6, 2022
Age: 26
Residence: Crete, IL
Booking Number: 2202315
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Kevin Zaragoza
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 43
Residence: Porter, IN
Booking Number: 2202314
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Travis Ridge
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202305
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Maurice Russell Jr.
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 22
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number: 2202310
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jewel Summers
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2202309
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Crystal Jenkins
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number: 2202308
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jacob Nimon
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 25
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202311
Charges: OWI, felony
Kenneth Clasen
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 22
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202307
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jacob Furlow
Arrest date: June 5, 2022
Age: 38
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number: 2202306
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Tyler King
Arrest date: June 15, 2022
Age: 28
Residence: Westville, IN
Booking Number: 2202437
Charges: OWI, felony
Daniel Brubaker
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 40
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202399
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Bryan Burke
Arrest date: June 14, 2022
Age: 36
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202420
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Patrick Navarro
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 49
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2202406
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Christina Creech
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 36
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202391
Charges: Theft, felony
Debra Veatch
Arrest date: June 15, 2022
Age: 68
Residence: Westville, IN
Booking Number: 2202438
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Rafael Rodriguez
Arrest date: June 14, 2022
Age: 58
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number: 2202419
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Rudolph Carrillo III
Arrest date: June 15, 2022
Age: 41
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202448
Charges: Battery, misdemeanor
Isiaha Gonzalez
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 24
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202400
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Nancy Becker
Arrest date: June 13, 2022
Age: 64
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202408
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Nathaniel Guzman
Arrest date: June 16, 2022
Age: 21
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number: 2202457
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Benjamin Wright
Arrest date: June 14, 2022
Age: 32
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202424
Charges: Habitual traffic offender, felony
Robert Carter Jr.
Arrest date: June 15, 2022
Age: 39
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202439
Charges: Possession of paraphernalia, felony
Nicholas Hadarich
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 22
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202402
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Nicole Culpepper
Arrest date: June 13, 2022
Age: 35
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202418
Charges: Maintaining common nuisance, felony
Sandra Isom
Arrest date: June 16, 2022
Age: 38
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202453
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Tylor Ahrens
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 27
Residence: Stanwood, MI
Booking Number: 2202403
Charges: Battery, felony
Jeremy Hostetler
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 35
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202393
Charges: Theft, felony
Cheryl Pittman
Arrest date: June 13, 2022
Age: 51
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202415
Charges: Battery, felony
Amanda Kesler
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 49
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202392
Charges: Habitual traffic offender, felony
Sierra Gentry
Arrest date: June 15, 2022
Age: 31
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202446
Charges: Intimidation, felony
Anthony Peek
Arrest date: June 16, 2022
Age: 27
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202454
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Robert Brown
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 38
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2202405
Charges: Theft, felony
Susanne Morgan
Arrest date: June 12, 2022
Age: 57
Residence: Harvard, IL
Booking Number: 2202398
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jared Struss
Arrest date: June 16, 2022
Age: 25
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2202456
Charges: OWI, felony
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/illicit-drug-courier-caught-in-nwi-sentenced-to-prison/article_141a8cc9-9641-5507-9b5b-dc78f9cb4c28.html | 2022-06-23T00:36:35 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/illicit-drug-courier-caught-in-nwi-sentenced-to-prison/article_141a8cc9-9641-5507-9b5b-dc78f9cb4c28.html |
CROWN POINT — A Chicago man was wanted Wednesday on charges he broke into an ex-girlfriend's house in Gary, strangled her as she slept, abducted her, bit her face, strangled her and ripped her clothing off as she escaped from a vehicle.
Clarence E. Sistrunk, 32, is accused of threatening to kill the woman's children as she ran from him, stealing her car and sending her death threats.
He was charged last week in Lake Criminal Court with felony burglary, kidnapping, two counts of domestic battery, auto theft, criminal confinement, strangulation, two counts of intimidation and one count of auto theft.
Merrillville police were dispatched May 15 to the 8200 block of Louisiana Street for a report of a naked woman running from a fight with a man who had left the area.
The woman was crying, nude from the waist down and had a wound on her face that was bleeding, records state. She told officers Sistrunk attacked her and fled in her Chevrolet Impala.
Co-worker nabs man with marijuana at Portage business, police say
Man killed in shooting outside gas station, authorities say
County cops release mugs of all OWI arrests in May
UPDATE: 2 killed, mother and children among 5 wounded in shootings, officials say
WATCH NOW: Chase results in narcotics bag exploding in officer's face; Crown Point crash, police say
UPDATE: Brothers get into shootout with each other in East Chicago homicide, chief says
Valpo cops release photos seeking theft suspects
Update: 2 children missing from Crown Point located
Crown Point police mourn death of 18-year veteran officer
Crown Point man dies in Merrillville crash, coroner says
Group robs armored truck at Calumet City bank, FBI says
Man found fatally shot in street, police say
WATCH NOW: Pay to play: Munster's Centennial Park the latest Region park to impose parking fees
Indiana gasoline taxes in July will be highest in state history
Woman on life support says she tried to wrestle gun from suicidal boyfriend, Porter County charge says
A witness told police she had been driving through a hotel parking lot when the woman ran up to the passenger side of her car and asked her to call police.
The victim told police she and Sistruck had been in an ongoing dispute, and he began knocking about 2 a.m. on her window at her Gary home.
She refused to let him in and went to sleep, then awoke to find herself inside her car, court records state.
She told police she started freaking out because she didn't know where she was, and Sistrunk told her to shut up and choked her until she was unconscious. When she awoke again, they were in the Merrillville hotel parking lot, records state.
The woman alleged Sistrunk bit her face near her ear. As she attempted to escape from the car, he punched her and tried to choke her, court records state.
He ripped her clothing off as she got out of the car and drove after her, threatening to kill her when she refused to get back in, court records allege.
The woman told police Sistruck previously stabbed her, but she refused to cooperate with law enforcement and charges were not filed.
Gary police recovered the woman's car June 12, according to court documents.
Sistruck later sent the woman messages that said, "Let's see how many shells u eat," "I just want to kill u every body else can live" and "Until they catch me it's a movie every night."
Anyone with information about where Sistrunk might be located is asked to call Detective Matthew Paunicka at 219-769-3722, ext. 364. Anyone who knows Sistrunk's immediate location is asked to call 219-660-0000.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Salvador Casares
Age : 43
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205089
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jonathan Colon
Age : 35
Residence: Montgomery, TX
Booking Number(s): 2205105
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daniel Swets
Age : 44
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205044
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Karen Sweet
Age : 63
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205025
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amaan Smith
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205033
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Anthony Smith
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205039
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diandre Smith
Age : 25
Residence: Glenwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205029
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeremy Soria
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205045
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Rogers
Age : 28
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205049
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lynn Lessard
Age : 56
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205038
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leondre Lewis
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205028
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Richard Moss
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205042
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Person Jr.
Age : 38
Residence: Steger, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205023
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Consuela Folger
Age : 51
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205040
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Jones Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205050
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ramiro Escamilla
Age : 24
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205022
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING - W/NO INTENT OF FELONY THEFT; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Matthew Evans
Age : 28
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205047
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Evan Alexander
Age : 25
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205037
Arrest Date: June 11, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Edward Anaszewski
Age : 52
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205048
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Andre Bullock
Age : 31
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205046
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amanda Wilk
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205065
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Travis Spoolstra
Age : 21
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205064
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Stibgen
Age : 30
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205056
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jason Miller
Age : 21
Residence: N/A
Booking Number(s): 2205055
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE; THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Tracey Spencer
Age : 47
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205070
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Haley Kniola
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205067
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyler McKenzie
Age : 23
Residence: Perry, FL
Booking Number(s): 2205072
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Noel Garabito Jr.
Age : 34
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205063
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ebonie Byers
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205060
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - INSTITUTION - BANK/FINANCIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Ellis
Age : 30
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205061
Arrest Date: June 12, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Devante White
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204992
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM MACHINE OR DEVICE - $750 TO $50,000; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
David Wszolek
Age : 52
Residence: LaPorte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205010
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sterling Walton IV
Age : 22
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204999
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tavares McKinstry
Age : 37
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204997
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Mezydlo
Age : 54
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204993
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kaleb Wall
Age : 33
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205002
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jenifer Joy
Age : 35
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205008
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jacob Kelley
Age : 19
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205007
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Madden
Age : 58
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204994
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: WEAPON - POSSESSION - DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (EXPLOSIVES) - W/KNOWLEDGE IT WILL BE USED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kori Arguelles
Age : 26
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205003
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rondell Christmas
Age : 23
Residence: Lynwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205011
Arrest Date: June 10, 2022
Offense Description: INVASION OF PRIVACY; BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Michael Tsouchlos
Age : 54
Residence: Marathon, FL
Booking Number(s): 2205206
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Vernon Walters
Age : 61
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205200
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Megan Phillips
Age : 35
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205202
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Antonio Steward
Age : 38
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205190
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Javante Toran
Age : 30
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205192
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kerri Olson
Age : 43
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205188
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: 2205188
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Bowling
Age : 50
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205195
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amy Hunt
Age : 26
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205208
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kevin McGrath
Age : 31
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205204
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicholas Naumoff
Age : 54
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205184
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Nunez III
Age : 28
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205207
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Francisco Tequimila
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205163
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cheri Terranova
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205162
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Clevon Riley
Age : 28
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205155
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Stephanie Sons
Age : 34
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205170
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Mauer
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205165
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kirk McGuire
Age : 32
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205178
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tyrone McKee
Age : 59
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205158
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicole Peterson
Age : 50
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205152
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeremy Jones
Age : 25
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205161
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Artesta Lewis
Age : 69
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205153
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joyce Edwards
Age : 52
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205169
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sarah Fox
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205179
Arrest Date: June 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brandon Johnson
Age : 32
Residence: Dolton, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205182
Arrest Date: June 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Denzel Shaw
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205124
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sade Vigilant
Age : 26
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205112
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amanda Nippers
Age : 25
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205118
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michelle Mendez
Age : 43
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205121
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daniel Lumsdon
Age : 54
Residence: Crete, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205134
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - INDECENT EXPOSURE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Saivion Covington
Age : 27
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205115
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Currie
Age : 28
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205113
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Gutierrez
Age : 22
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205123
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Landrum Coleman Sr.
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205114
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: WARRANT - DEFENDANT IN CUSTODY; ORDER TO APPEAR; DEFENDANT AT LIBERTY; NOTICE TO APPEAR; ARREST UPON FAILURE TO APPEAR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Charles Carter Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205131
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: FAILURE TO REGISTER; RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Joseph Boatman
Age : 31
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205117
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON; POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
James Burnett III
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205116
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joel Acosta
Age : 31
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205109
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - MORE THAN $50,000; THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Tyree Baines
Age : 25
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205140
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcus White
Age : 37
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205107
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daiquan McClinton
Age : 20
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205093
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Douglas Mills
Age : 37
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205085
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Latanya Snelling
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205099
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Malik Ward
Age : 25
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205086
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Manous
Age : 23
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205081
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE V; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Steven Heintz
Age : 52
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205096
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Benjamin Hynek
Age : 23
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205098
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Hynek
Age : 33
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205097
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Krystal Johnston
Age : 45
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205101
Arrest Date: June 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Demarco Dillon
Age : 21
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205087
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Creedon
Age : 59
Residence: Crystal Lake, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205083
Arrest Date: June 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-wanted-on-charges-he-abducted-woman-bit-her-face/article_d5be109c-9f30-5bb7-86f2-3f7525207530.html | 2022-06-23T00:36:41 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-wanted-on-charges-he-abducted-woman-bit-her-face/article_d5be109c-9f30-5bb7-86f2-3f7525207530.html |
Hoosier lawmakers are headed back to the Statehouse next month for a special legislative session focused on returning a portion of the state’s record-high tax collections to Indiana residents.
However, much more may be on the agenda, especially if the U.S. Supreme Court in coming days authorizes states to further restrict or outright prohibit access to abortion.
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday issued an official proclamation directing the General Assembly to convene July 6 “in order to consider and address the current adverse economic conditions,” including rising inflation and abnormal price increases.
The Republican chief executive, in accordance with the provisions of the Indiana Constitution, said in his opinion “the public welfare” requires the Legislature to meet, even though state lawmakers previously adjourned for the year March 9.
Holcomb is urging legislators to spend $1 billion from Indiana’s unprecedented $6 billion budget reserve to provide Hoosier taxpayers a refund of $225 each, on top of the $125 per person automatic taxpayer refund already being distributed because the state’s reserves topped $2 billion at the June 30, 2021, end of Indiana’s prior budget year.
Under the plan, Hoosier taxpayers who received an electronic deposit of $125 would get a second deposit of $225, for a total of $350. Hoosiers still waiting for a paper check with their original taxpayer refund instead would be sent a single check for $350, or $700 for married couples, in August — a few weeks before voting begins in the Nov. 8 general election.
“This is the fastest, fairest and most efficient way to return taxpayers' hard-earned money during a time of economic strain,” Holcomb said.
“Indiana’s economy is growing and with more than $1 billion of revenue over current projections, Hoosier taxpayers deserve to have their money responsibly returned. I’m happy to be able to take this first step and look forward to signing this plan into law as soon as possible.”
While the Constitution allows only the governor to call a special legislative session, once state lawmakers have convened all decisions about the length of the session and the subjects eligible for action solely are in their hands.
That means it’s likely the Republican-controlled General Assembly will take up abortion legislation if given the go-ahead by the U.S. Supreme Court, since 100 GOP members of the House and Senate previously urged Holcomb to call an abortion special session for updating Indiana’s abortion restrictions following the high court ruling.
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, seemed focused Wednesday only on sending excess state revenue back to the Hoosiers who generated it, primarily through sales tax and individual income tax payments.
"Our goal is to take action to provide inflation relief to Hoosier taxpayers as our state and nation continue to see the price of gas, and everyday goods and services climb to record heights. The state's strong fiscal health positions us to responsibly use the state's reserves to quickly return money back to taxpayers,” Huston said.
Ironically, two prominent economists, Micah Pollak of Indiana University Northwest and Michael Hicks of Ball State University, both have pointed out the state sending two rounds of checks totaling $1.5 billion to Hoosiers will lead to even more inflation because inflation is a result of too much money chasing too few goods.
Hicks said his modeling suggests the state payments will boost inflation for Hoosiers by 1.5%, and lengthen the period of price increases in the state by at least one year.
"Even if my estimates are off by half, this is simply a costly gimmick with no real benefits. A very costly gimmick,” Hicks said.
“By the end of next year, Hoosier schools will have fewer inflation-adjusted dollars per student than they had in 2010. The timing couldn’t possibly be worse for filling teaching jobs, so expect the return of the teacher shortage. This time it will be real.”
Holcomb shrugged off such concerns. He said Monday in Michigan City that inflation is due to federal monetary policy led by Democrats in Washington, D.C. In Indiana, Holcomb claimed responsible Republican leadership has made it possible to return a share of the state’s tax revenue to hardworking Hoosiers.
“That federal stimulus printed out of thin air added to the equation. This is apples and oranges when you consider it’s one state sending back a total of $350 to help pay expenses that are right now,” Holcomb said.
Hoosier Democrats, on the other hand, have pressed since March for a temporary suspension of Indiana’s gasoline tax (33 cents per gallon on July 1) and the state sales tax on gasoline (29.1 cents per gallon on July 1) to provide immediate and ongoing relief to Hoosier motorists.
Democratic President Joe Biden on Wednesday likewise called on Congress to suspend the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax.
“If we suspend the state gas taxes, we’ll triple the savings for Hoosiers,” said House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne. “It doesn’t hurt that suspending the gas tax keeps all the benefits here, unlike the automatic taxpayer refund. Why send more of our hard-earned money to Washington in the form of taxes on a refund rather than keeping all the savings in Hoosiers’ pockets?”
Democrats in Indiana say the state easily could use a portion of its budget reserve to replace the lost gasoline tax revenue and maintain current funding for road construction projects all while dropping the price at the pump by upwards of 60 cents per gallon.
“Holcomb should join the president by asking the General Assembly to pause the state gas tax that's reached historic highs, because his one-time check is a band-aid to a larger problem,” said Lauren Ganapini, Indiana Democratic Party executive director.
Hoosier motorists will pay an unprecedented 80.5 cents in taxes, including 62.1 cents in state taxes, for every gallon of gasoline they purchase in July.
The Republican chief executive outlined a plan Thursday for Indiana to pay $225 to all adult Hoosiers in July or August, on top of the $125 automatic taxpayer refund payments already going out.
"We're at a point where families cannot even attend a graduation ceremony without nursing the legitimate fear that it will erupt in senseless gun violence," said state Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary.
A 2021 state law authorizing the Indiana General Assembly to convene itself under certain circumstances, without having to obtain the governor's consent to hold a special session, is unconstitutional.
Petitions signed by some 400 Hoosier health care workers and medical students were delivered Thursday to Gov. Eric Holcomb urging the Republican not to call a special legislative session on abortion.
"Thoughts and prayers are insufficient in the urgency of this moment," the letter says. "We must not wait until January to show Hoosiers we are serious about protecting families."
Republican legislative leaders aren't saying what new abortion policies they plan to implement if the Supreme Court gives states the green light to further restrict, or outright ban, abortion access.
Transgender girls in Indiana, regardless of their physical characteristics or gender identity, are prohibited by law from participating in girls sports teams at all K-12 schools beginning July 1.
Republican state legislators are urging Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to call the Indiana General Assembly into special session if the U.S. Supreme Court limits or rescinds the right to abortion.
Gov. Eric Holcomb signs a proclamation Wednesday at his residence in Indianapolis calling the Indiana General Assembly into special session beginning July 6. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/governor-calls-indiana-lawmakers-back-to-statehouse-july-6/article_5021ae68-a5b9-5aee-ab8e-f8a7ffc4f04f.html | 2022-06-23T00:36:47 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/governor-calls-indiana-lawmakers-back-to-statehouse-july-6/article_5021ae68-a5b9-5aee-ab8e-f8a7ffc4f04f.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said technological advancements are breathing new life into a suspicious death from 1984, moving deputies closer to identifying the cold case victim.
Detectives said the new advancements are connected to a cold case from Nov. 9, 1984 when the body of a Black female was found in the area of Frank and Liberty streets. They believed she had been shot and likely dumped in the location, but there was little movement in the case.
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On Wednesday, deputies released a new digital rendering of the victim in the hopes of identifying her, along with reconstructions of the victim’s clothes. The sheriff’s office said it teamed up with the Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science to create the rendering using her skull.
The cold case team is also working with forensic genealogists to try and find distant relatives.
If you have any information about this victim, please call Crimeline to submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477), or email the cold case team at OCSOColdCase@ocfl.net. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/do-you-recognize-her-orange-county-deputies-trying-to-id-victim-in-1984-cold-case/ | 2022-06-23T00:42:12 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/06/22/do-you-recognize-her-orange-county-deputies-trying-to-id-victim-in-1984-cold-case/ |
Calling all Broadway fans! BroadwayCon is back in New York, and this is the convention’s first in-person gathering in two years.
The convention is set to take place at the Manhattan Center and The New Yorker Hotel for three full days from July 8-10.
The event comes in the same month that Broadway set an optional mask policy for their theaters. The Broadway League said in a statement that all owners and operators along The Great White Way would transition to a "mask optional" policy beginning July 1.
The premiere three-day event allows theater lovers to come together, meet their favorite Broadway stars, and celebrate some of Broadway’s newest and most exciting shows.
Guests will be able to hear from casts, crews, and creative teams from their favorite shows. This year’s lineup features a star-studded slate of interactive Q&As, live performances, sing-along sessions, and more from hit Broadway shows such as A Strange Loop, POTUS, Disney Princess - The Concert and Dear Evan Hansen.
On the convention’s last day, participants will have the chance to show off their best costume in the 2022 BroadwayCon Cosplay Contest.
“Whether you want to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest shows on Broadway right now, show off your latest Broadway-inspired cosplay outfit, or learn from industry experts and fellow fans, BroadwayCon is the best place to celebrate your love of all things theatre this summer,” said Melissa Anelli, CEO & Founder of Mischief Management.
News
For tickets or more information, visit the BroadwayCon site. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/broadwaycon-returns-to-nyc-after-2-year-hiatus/3745141/ | 2022-06-23T00:43:55 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/broadwaycon-returns-to-nyc-after-2-year-hiatus/3745141/ |
A former New Jersey Transit bus driver who caused the death of a passenger who was dragged when his arm became trapped in the bus door has been sentenced to five years in state prison.
Fayola Howard, 36, of Bloomfield, was sentenced Monday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. A native of Trinidad, she is expected to face deportation proceedings once she’s freed from prison.
Howard had pleaded guilty last month to reckless vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of the accident resulting in death and tampering with records by filing a report containing false information about the Dec. 31, 2019 incident in Newark.
The passenger, 55-year-old Newark resident Kevin Thomas, had stepped off the bus to return a pocketbook to a woman who had left it on the vehicle, authorities have said. When he attempted to return to the front door of the bus, Howard closed the door on his arm.
Instead of releasing him, authorities have said Howard drove away, dragging Thomas even as he and other passengers yelled for her to stop. The bus then turned right, at which point Thomas came free and fell before the bus ran him over.
Thomas died from his injuries a week later. Howard was arrested the following month as she tried to board a plane at Newark Liberty International Airport, authorities have said.
Howard’s lawyer, Michael Robbins, said Wednesday that it was never her intent to injure Thomas.
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“What started out as a good deed by Mr. Thomas unfortunately ended in tragedy,” Robbins said. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-nj-transit-bus-driver-gets-prison-term-in-passengers-dragging-death/3744842/ | 2022-06-23T00:44:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-nj-transit-bus-driver-gets-prison-term-in-passengers-dragging-death/3744842/ |
BOISE, Idaho — You cannot stop time or progress. Both have done their best to remove the remnants of our past across the Treasure Valley.
Old buildings, specifically, are reminders of what we used to be. One Boise artists has taken it upon himself to capture those things in color and detail.
For the past several months, Chi Westin has put up his painter's box in a place - that for the last seven years - hasn't put up with much activity.
"It's wonderful to have a place where you can paint, where it's quiet and just be left alone," Westin said.
Westin's subject; the horse barns on the north end of Les Bois Park.
"I just want to catch all the small stuff that you don't see in photographs," Westin said.
For decades during the summer, the breezeways at the horse track were bustling. It's a stable scene Westin has never seen.
"No, no. I can imagine," Westin said. "I see an incredible beauty, just hard work, people coming out year-after-year and different horses moving through. You know, I kind of see the story of a life out here. So, when I'm painting, I'm trying to capture that feeling.
"Right now, this is just tiny detail work, just to capture the real feel of the place that's been used, no longer pristine. Some of them have more boards. Some of them go all the way up. Some of them have been eaten on by the horses and some not. So, they're all very, very different."
Westin has an eye for feelings.
"If we wanted it perfect, we would just take a photograph. We don't need that. We're trying to paint what it feels like," Westin said. "I think a part of it is the type of life we're leading right now, does not have room for reflection."
That sentimentality is why Westin has made old structures, like the horse barns, his mission.
"A couple of years back, I was spending a lot of time over on Eagle Island and I finished this beautiful painting, it was about this size, of one of the buildings out there," Westin said. "I went back the next week to paint another angle of it, because it was so perfect and the building was gone. I went, 'what happened? What are they doing?' That's when I started looking around and realizing things are disappearing and I didn't even notice.
"Painting old fence lines that are full of weeds - they're gone - they're really hard to find now. Any of those old places, they're getting torn down. So, I started looking for that, looking for the places that are disappearing."
Westin's paintings may give these places another life, in acrylic on canvass.
"Just to record them and say, 'hey, this is where we live, this is our home.' Nowadays, this is going to be our memories," Westin said.
The stalls at Les Bois park were supposed to be torn down this summer, but the schedule for demolition has been delayed and likely won't happen until this fall. So, they won't be there much longer.
Westin's work can be seen on the next First Thursday on July 7 in downtown Boise. He has a studio space in the Alaska Building on Main Street.
The Boise artist plans to do a few more of these smaller painting and then make six larger painting over the next year - if you want to get your hands on some Treasure Valley history.
Join 'The 208' conversation:
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boise-artist-painting-scenes-at-les-bois-park/277-ec40c497-fe88-4860-b048-6c6cd893902a | 2022-06-23T00:48:29 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boise-artist-painting-scenes-at-les-bois-park/277-ec40c497-fe88-4860-b048-6c6cd893902a |
BOISE, Idaho — For the first time Eagle Police Department established a Special Enforcement Team and Park Officer unit. Officers will patrol nearby trails, parks and the greenbelt in the city of Eagle.
"I love the greenspace, I love the river,” said Paul Lim, Ada County Deputy Sherriff. "This is what I describe to people when I say how lovely it is in this state," he said.
During the summers in Idaho, many locals and visitors flock to places like the Greenbelt, but as Lim said, sometimes people forget the rules. Lim said the reason the unit was created was to address community concerns.
"It was mainly because of the call of the citizens, what they needed on the greenbelt,” Lim said. "Not that people need to be enforced on the greenbelt, but there's a lot of rules, one of the major ones is dogs off-leash."
Paul Lim and another officer use electric bicycles to patrol the outdoor areas to make sure citizens are following the rules.
“We are very well equipped we are all trained the same as other officers that are on the street,” Lim said. “We have been quite busy."
According to Lim, patrolling the sidewalks instead of the streets creates a lot of advantages for the department.
“There’s not a lot of access on the greenbelt for vehicles where I have this bicycle and it's electric-assist and I can get there quickly and assess what's going on,” Lim said. “Us being there it’s huge, I think we have cut the factor down by seconds other than hours."
While some days are less eventful than others, Lim hopes the community knows the police department is putting in an effort to keep Idahoans safe.
"We are out here, I'm lugging 35, 45 pounds of extra weight and it makes a difference out here that people actually see us doing something,” Lim said.
Join 'The 208' conversation:
- Text us at (208) 321-5614
- E-mail us at the208@ktvb.com
- Join our The 208 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/the208KTVB/
- Follow us on Twitter: @the208KTVB or tweet #the208 and #SoIdaho
- Follow us on Instagram: @the208KTVB
- Bookmark our landing page: /the-208
- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/eagle-police-expand-patrolling-greenbelt-parks-trails/277-8a19b046-5487-4689-af51-de3cf5d80b0d | 2022-06-23T00:48:35 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/eagle-police-expand-patrolling-greenbelt-parks-trails/277-8a19b046-5487-4689-af51-de3cf5d80b0d |
22 Chihuahuas removed from Monroe County home, officials say
Monroe County officials have worked to rehome 22 Chihuahuas found at a house last week, the Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.
County Animal Control was alerted about the dogs at a basement in Monroe on Saturday, officials said in a statement.
Animal Control Officer Madison Bohmer removed 22 Chihuahuas.
Other details about the incident or the circumstances were not released Wednesday.
Sheriff Troy Goodnough thanked the rescue groups that helped find housing for all 22, including ChiHaven of Michigan, Furget us Not, the Fulton County Humane Society and Midwest Small Breed, as well as Kim Canales, a county resident who networked with them.
ChiHaven, which is based in Rockwood, announced on Facebook that it had taken two Chihuahuas on Sunday from a hoarding situation but didn't specify where. The group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/22-chihuahuas-removed-monroe-co-home-officials-say/7706155001/ | 2022-06-23T00:49:25 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/06/22/22-chihuahuas-removed-monroe-co-home-officials-say/7706155001/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/drivers-react-to-bidens-gas-tax-holiday-proposal/3278609/ | 2022-06-23T00:49:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/drivers-react-to-bidens-gas-tax-holiday-proposal/3278609/ |
HARPSWELL, Maine — The Maine Marine Patrol is investigating the death of a boater after lobstermen found his boat drifting early Tuesday morning.
Gary Hawkes told NEWS CENTER Maine he and his crew on the fishing vessel "Family Condition" had set out from Cundy's Harbor and were traveling near Flag Island around 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday when they spotted a blue speed boat drifting near the island's southern ledge.
Initially, Hawkes thought whoever was driving the boat had gone in close to the rocks to fish for stripers before realizing something had gone wrong.
"We took a closer look and we saw that the boat had hit the rocks, and the bow underneath – you could see where they hit the rocks," Hawkes recalled.
He said the boat's bow had been smashed in considerably.
"So, we started looking around to see if there [were] any people up on the island, and we tried to go in to get the boat and we couldn’t get close enough with mine, so, I called marine patrol," Hawkes said.
Once marine patrol officials were able to get to the scene and drive in close to the boat, they found the body of Vincent Wells, 37, inside, according to Hawkes and a statement from marine patrol spokesperson Jeff Nichols.
Wells was a Phippsburg native and Harbormaster Doug Alexander described him as "a good kid from a good family" who have lived in Phippsburg for 100 years. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/fishermen-find-deadly-boat-wreck-off-maine-coast-investigation/97-fdf45a17-7187-48ad-9261-717ed5cf46eb | 2022-06-23T00:49:32 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/fishermen-find-deadly-boat-wreck-off-maine-coast-investigation/97-fdf45a17-7187-48ad-9261-717ed5cf46eb |
MILLINOCKET, Maine — A post on social media has now been shared more than 9,000 times and counting, calling out a business in Millinocket for a sign it posted ahead of the Juneteenth holiday.
The post shows pictures of Harry E. Reed Insurance Inc. on Penobscot Avenue in Millinocket with a sign on the door that reads, "Juneteenth, it's whatever... we're closed. Enjoy your fried chicken and collard greens."
This post sparked outrage throughout the community and beyond, even gaining national attention.
Melanie Higgins, an insurance agent at the company, is the one who posted the sign.
"I would never purposely set out to hurt anyone and I would never purposely set out to hurt my mom's business at all. She had nothing to do with this," Higgins said.
Higgins' mother, Karen, has owned the business since she purchased it more than 30 years ago. Now, just the two of them work there and run the business together.
Higgins said she posts signs to the door ahead of every holiday they plan on being closed for. Since the start of the pandemic, she said she tried to make those signs more lighthearted and comical to bring some levity to a difficult time. She said she often mentioned food in those signs, as well.
Showing a number of examples of past signs, she pulled one from Memorial Day, reading in part, "...thank you to all service members for your sacrifice for this country. A country now that is going to hell in a hand basket faster than my dog stealing a piece of pizza off the counter.... now that I mention pizza, I'm craving it... remember, the more you weigh, the harder you are to kidnap."
"I truly apologize, I'm mortified that this is even happening," Higgins said.
Higgins said she had a rough week, and when she wrote the sign last Friday she was in a rush to go home for the weekend.
As the pictures of the sign continue to circulate social media, she said they've had to take the phone off the hook.
"We are receiving death threats. We are receiving phone calls calling us really inappropriate words," Higgins said.
Higgins said she hopes she can make this right and that the public will accept her apology.
Meanwhile, many people online are posting in comments of the post claiming the town of Millinocket is a racist community.
Peter Jamieson, Millinocket's town manager, said he wanted to set the record straight.
"We feel very strongly that we just have no place for this in our community," Jamieson said.
Steve Golieb, Millinocket's town council chairman, said they are in the process of discussing how they want to move forward, while also trying to make one thing clear, "an unfortunate incident like this does not characterize who we are as a community," Golieb said.
The business, also posting an apology message Wednesday afternoon to Facebook. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/millinocket-business-responds-to-backlash-over-controversial-juneteenth-sign-community-maine/97-f6f105d8-5188-46e3-84a4-cc3beac75b45 | 2022-06-23T00:49:38 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/millinocket-business-responds-to-backlash-over-controversial-juneteenth-sign-community-maine/97-f6f105d8-5188-46e3-84a4-cc3beac75b45 |
Dallas Airport officials commissioned an economic impact study that includes the suggestion of expanding Dallas Love Field Airport.
The study was presented Tuesday to the Dallas City Council Transportation Committee.
It comes as a surprise to Love Field neighbors who recall years of controversy about noise and traffic at the Dallas airport.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea for the neighborhood, and the reason why we fought this some time ago and thought we were through with it,” neighbor Olga Smith said.
The Wright Amendment that limited Love Field to serving only adjacent states as protection for DFW Airport was repealed in 2006.
In return for allowing long-haul service by Southwest Airlines at Love Field, a 5-party agreement between Dallas, Fort Worth, DFW Airport, American Airlines and Southwest capped Love Field at just 20 gates.
“And now we're going to go back again and say now we're going to dump even more traffic on these neighborhoods,” said neighbor Judd Bradbury.
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Before DFW Airport was built, Love Field once had more than 70 gates when it was the dominant North Texas Airport.
With the long haul service allowed, Southwest Airlines business has been soaring at Love Field.
Tuesday, Economist Bernard Weinstein who did the study for Dallas Airport officials dropped the bombshell suggestion.
“Staff asked me to deal with the following issue. Is it time to expand Love Field,” Weinstein said.
His assessment was that it would be a big economic benefit for the City of Dallas.
“If we were to add five to 10 gates at Love Field, that would also have no impact on growth at DFW airport. I think it’s time to at least consider expanding capacity at Dallas Love Field,” Weinstein said.
City Council Members at the meeting knew there would be strong feelings among neighbors.
Gay Donnell Willis represents neighborhoods just northwest of the airport.
“And all I can think of was I would buy all the Kevlar I need to wear when the neighbors start complaining to me about the sound,” she said.
Judd Bradbury, who lives under the Love Field flight path, said more flight would hurt property values.
“We don't include what the negative economic impact is on the people in that economic study,” he said.
Neighbors were not consulted in the information presented to the city council committee.
“I really don't see that being economically beneficial to anybody but the airport,” Smith said.
The City of Dallas also owns Dallas Executive Airport in Southwest Dallas. Some Council Members wanted small plane traffic shifted there before adding any new gates at Love Field.
“As much as we are a city for business, we're also a city for people to live in peace,” Council Member Cara Mendelsohn.
But the committee members thanked airport officials for considering options.
Aviation Director Mark Duebner confirmed that it was a request to Weinstein.
“Come back and tell us and that’s part of the analysis. We’re not advocating that’s the direction we want to take right now,” Duebner said.
Weinstein said it could be good for consumers.
“Adding more gates would offer the opportunity to get more competition and perhaps more carriers,” he said.
A spokesperson said Southwest Airlines was not part of the inquiry and declined to comment on the potential expansion. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/airport-officials-recommend-dallas-love-field-expansion/2998330/ | 2022-06-23T01:00:50 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/airport-officials-recommend-dallas-love-field-expansion/2998330/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/difficult-road-to-recovery-for-hair-world-salon-victim/2998347/ | 2022-06-23T01:00:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/difficult-road-to-recovery-for-hair-world-salon-victim/2998347/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-business-owners-navigate-lingering-effects-of-pandemic/2998346/ | 2022-06-23T01:01:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-business-owners-navigate-lingering-effects-of-pandemic/2998346/ |
SAN ANTONIO — June 21 was the first full day of summer. It is also the time of the year where you have the highest chance of getting a sunburn, which could result in skin cancer.
Most of us know, the fairer the skin, the more likely you could get a sunburn. But when it comes to African-Americans, protecting skin from sun damage is still just as important. Dr. Milton Moore from Sonterra Dermatology told us, "It is important that we break this this misconception that African-Americans or people of color shouldn't be wearing sunscreen daily."
He says he tells his black patients they should get skin checks just as regularly as those with pale skin, especially when it comes to the deadly melanoma. Dr. Moore said, "Which is very rare in African-American population, actually accounts for only 2% of cancer in blacks altogether. They still can get melanoma, but actually black patients get melanoma in places that are not so much sun exposed."
Dr. Moore says African-Americans are also diagnosed more often in late stages of skin cancer compared to Caucasians. 52 percent of patients diagnosed with melanoma in advanced stages are black patients, compared with just 16 percent being white patients. Dr. Moore added, "There's this misconception that the risk of skin cancer is negligible and it really does, you know, hinder the black population."
Dr. Moore says another issue facing African-Americans is the disparity in the black population and lack of access to care and African-American dermatologists. Dr. Moore told us, "Some people may feel like they won't see somebody who looks similar to them, who understands their skin. And then also without the professional, learning in residency and training, depending on where you go to school, you may not see any black patients. So things get misdiagnosed."
He also says using a daily moisturizing sunscreen plays a huge role in those with acne, in preventing post-inflammatory pigmentation, which is a thermal burn caused by the sun.
If you would like to see more of our Wear The Gown stories just head to here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wear-the-gown/wear-the-gown-african-americans-and-skin-cancer-summer/273-f466f042-b9d6-47ca-8544-f75709ae8923 | 2022-06-23T01:01:11 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/wear-the-gown/wear-the-gown-african-americans-and-skin-cancer-summer/273-f466f042-b9d6-47ca-8544-f75709ae8923 |
Henrico County police said three individuals have been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred May 19.
Police arrested and charged one juvenile male a day after the crime occurred. In a statement Wednesday, police said they arrested a second juvenile male and Martel Marrow, 18, of Henrico.
Officers responded to the initial incident around 4 p.m. along Interstate 64 on the Shockoe Valley Bridge. A Virginia state trooper was assisting a disabled vehicle when a second vehicle pulled alongside them, and the driver requested help, police said.
Police discovered a juvenile female passenger was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. A trooper and a Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Service Patrol officer aided the girl, who was transported to a hospital, where she later died, police said.
Detectives determined the shooting occurred on Byron Street near the Glenwood Farms community, said division spokesperson Karina Bolster.
On May 20, Henrico police arrested and charged one juvenile boy in connection with the incident. He faces several charges, including attempted robbery and murder.
The second juvenile was arrested Tuesday and faces several charges, including second-degree murder, robbery and use of a firearm. Both juveniles are being held in the Henrico Juvenile Detention Home.
Marrow was arrested Monday and charged with accessory after the fact. He’s being held in the Henrico Jail without bond, police said.
PHOTOS: Jefferson Davis statue from Monument Avenue on display at The Valentine | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-3-arrested-in-connection-to-henrico-homicide/article_46d7262c-e271-5c54-a886-3aa1951f488c.html | 2022-06-23T01:01:17 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-3-arrested-in-connection-to-henrico-homicide/article_46d7262c-e271-5c54-a886-3aa1951f488c.html |
SAN ANTONIO — At more than 300 million gallons per day during the last few weeks, the San Antonio Water System isn't breaking pumping records yet. But they say usage is so high it is putting a lot of stress on their system.
SAWS Communication Manager Anne Hayden said "That amount of pumping is really hard on the system. All the pipes, all the pumps that move that water around? They're undergoing a lot of pressure at the same time that the soil is drying up and pulling away from the pipes."
Hayden says in house crews and contractors they have hired are working as fast as they can but the breaks are fast and furious.
"All of that pumping, all of that dryness, is causing a lot of main breaks. So far in June we've had 444 main breaks. Just in June!" Hayden said.
Hayden said even when breaks are reported, there are no immediate fixes. Hayden said they have to triage the breaks and fix the most dangerous problems first. They also have to make sure to locate and avoid other underground services in the area around the break.
"When a main break is reported we send a tech to evaluate the situation and see if he can valve it down. After that we still have to do the locates," Hayden said. She said the goal is to address problems that impact large numbers of customers first, as well as breaks that may cause dangerous traffic conditions if leaking water floods a heavily traveled road.
Hayden says until the area sees significant rainfall, the problems are bound to continue.
"Regarding rainfall, this is the lowest amount of rainfall that we've had, year to date, since 2011 so in more than ten years, this is the driest it's been," Hayden said.
Because SAWS has diversified water supplies over the past decade, Hayden says even though this is a very dry year, there is a bit of wiggle room with regard to usage.
"It's not a dire situation but we need to respect that it's very dry. It's very early in the year to be this dry and we have to work together to make sure we pull through," Hayden said.
Hayden said because water restrictions have been in place for a while, everyone should now understand and follow the rules for watering.
"We've been in stage two for a while now and everybody should know their days so if it's your day to water? Get out there and water. You can do that. But - don't water not on your days. We're counting on everyone to stick to that once a week," Hayden said.
With about two million people in the local area relying on SAWS, Hayden said any help they can get from customers is appreciated.
Click here to access information about all the programs SAWS has to help save water and money. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/water-main-breaks-have-saws-crews-scrambling-san-antonio/273-1133a7b1-adf7-4c3e-8219-695c9fd071ce | 2022-06-23T01:01:17 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/water-main-breaks-have-saws-crews-scrambling-san-antonio/273-1133a7b1-adf7-4c3e-8219-695c9fd071ce |
The babies arrived to the Henrico Health Department building Wednesday carried in the crooks of their parents' arms, wearing brightly colored T-shirts and dresses. It was the first day of health department-sponsored COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters, and some parents saw it as a milestone.
The clinic gave 60 Moderna shots to 60 babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 5 years old, either in the leg or arm.
A study suggests most parents will wait to vaccinate their children - there are concerns over the amount of time it takes to build immunity, and about side effects.
But Dr. Suzanne Lavoie, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, called the shot safe and urged parents to consider it as soon as possible.
"What's important is getting your child vaccinated," Lavoie said.
For Breanna Detwiler, vaccinating her kids means a chance to visit her husband's family in Ireland, who haven't seen in years. Since the pandemic began, it felt too risky to travel internationally without vaccinating their children.
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They bought plane tickets for late July hoping the vaccines would arrive in time. On Wednesday, her 3 1/2 year old son, John Maverick Corkey, got his first of two Moderna doses. He showed no signs of distress as he exited the building.
"It's huge," Detwiler said of childhood vaccination.
She understands the vaccines won't necessarily prevent infection, but they give kids an immune response expected to keep them out of the hospital.
"I feel like we've been waiting two and a half years for this," Detwiler said.
There was enough interest in shots Wednesday that the Henrico Health District filled all its appointments and by late morning could accept no more walk-ins. There was a line of people waiting outside the building when staffers arrived at work.
Gregg Couch brought his 2-year-old daughter, Birdie, for her first shot of Moderna. Birdie was born in the pandemic, and vaccination is key, he said. He didn't think long about whether he would vaccinate his daughter.
"We're all about it," he added.
While interest was strong on the first day, a national poll suggests most parents aren't eager to vaccinate their kids immediately. Only one in five parents will do so right away, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Dr. Melissa Viray, interim health director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, understands their hesitancy. But she still urged parents to vaccinate their children.
Weighing the costs and benefits of vaccination points toward vaccination, she said.
While cases and hospitalizations are relatively low right now, new variants will continue to be a threat. The safest way to prepare families and to try to return to normal life is through vaccination, Lavoie said.
"We know this is a safe vaccine," she added.
Lavoie doesn't recommend one shot over the other. Whichever shot you can get, go ahead and get it, she said.
The Moderna vaccine requires only two shots, but one in six children developed a fever of 100.4 or higher in trials. That's not out of the ordinary, Lavoie said. In most vaccines, a percentage of recipients show some kind of reaction. In childhood vaccines, fever is the most common reaction, and with the Moderna vaccine, the fevers were generally mild. They can be treated with Tylenol or ibuprofen.
While she'd prefer the rate of fever be lower, it's not fair to call Moderna a bad vaccine because of the rate of fevers, she said.
The Pfizer shot requires more time to develop a strong immune response. Recipients get three shots, and the last shot comes 11 weeks after the first.
While a third shot requires more patience and another doctor's visit, it amps up the immune response similar to what an adult gets with a booster. Pfizer had an efficacy in trials of 76% for children 6 months to 2 years and 82% for children 2 to 4.
Lavoie said authorities may soon recommend a third shot for Moderna to heighten its immunity. With two shots, Moderna was 37% effective for 6 months to 5 years old and 51% effective for babies 6 months to 2 years.
Those numbers may sound low, but the highly contagious omicron variant rewrote experts' understanding of the kind of protection vaccines provide. While contracting the virus after full vaccination is common, getting so sick a person needs hospital care is rare.
Once a booster is added, vaccines have shown in adults an 80-to-90% efficacy for preventing hospitalization, she added.
"There was still protection against severe disease and hospitalization, which are the key things as we're thinking about getting out of this pandemic - preventing deaths, preventing those severe outcomes," Lavoie said.
More local pediatricians have requested Pfizer than Moderna, Viray said. But she doesn't believe the efficacy or side effects are the reason why. It's probably logistical - pediatricians have been giving Pfizer shots to school-age children for months, while a Moderna shot wasn't available for that age group.
The children who got their shots Wednesday at the health department all received Moderna. Then on Wednesday afternoon, the first shipment of Pfizer arrived, and the district will begin offering them Thursday.
With more inventory, extra appointments have been added. There are about 40 slots available at each event in Henrico and Richmond, and each event still has availability. If not every appointment fills, walk-ins will be accepted. Each recipient will receive a private clinical room.
The health district recommends parents make an appointment at vase.vdh.virginia.gov to guarantee their spot. Residents can also call 804-205-3501.
The health district plans to have events at the Henrico East Health Department on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; at the Henrico West Health Department on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and at the downtown location on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
You do not have to live in Henrico or Richmond to get a shot. Residents also can request shots be delivered to them at home.
Pediatricians and pharmacies also have vaccines for babies and toddlers.
Every parent who wants a shot for their youngster should be able to get one in two weeks, Viray said.
"It's re-energizing to see how excited families are to get their youngest vaccinated," she said. | https://richmond.com/news/local/weve-been-waiting-2-5-years-for-this-vaccination-of-babies-and-toddlers-begins-in/article_b8ca876e-ba0e-553a-8bd7-58c6143d610d.html | 2022-06-23T01:01:23 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/weve-been-waiting-2-5-years-for-this-vaccination-of-babies-and-toddlers-begins-in/article_b8ca876e-ba0e-553a-8bd7-58c6143d610d.html |
CHURCH HILL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities are investigating a man’s death Wednesday evening at a Hawkins County boat ramp.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, a man was found dead next to a single-passenger boat next to the Christians Bend Boat Ramp.
An official with the TWRA says the man was found lying face down in the water about 200 yards upstream from the boat from which officials believe he fell.
While the identity of the boater has not been released, officials say he was 51 years old and from Kingsport.
A TWRA agent at the scene said the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and officials say the body is being sent for autopsy.
This is a developing story. Look for updates on WJHL.com. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/twra-man-found-dead-near-hawkins-county-boat-ramp/ | 2022-06-23T01:01:54 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/twra-man-found-dead-near-hawkins-county-boat-ramp/ |
'We have to do something': Phoenix police launch 'Gun Crime Crackdown' to combat gun violence
A gun “crime crackdown” program will come to Phoenix this summer on the heels of the mass shooting that killed a 14-year-old girl, Phoenix police Chief Jeri Williams announced at a Wednesday news conference.
At Phoenix police headquarters, Williams stood on a podium bookended by images of faces of those shot and killed over the last few months in Phoenix. They represented the reason behind the summer operation, Williams said.
“Looking at the faces on the two posters in front of you, each one of them is a victim of gun violence, and just imagine the number of lives that have been impacted by their losses," Williams said. “Plain and simple, we have to do something.”
One of the images was of Emily Morgan, 14, who was killed during the June 4 mass shooting near Hatcher Road and 10th Avenue in north Phoenix. Eight others were also injured in that shooting.
Her parents, Gabe and Jennifer Keely, spoke about how the loss of their daughter to gun violence has impacted them, while urging the community to help them obtain justice.
“Most definitely not what we had planned for our lives, and for (Emily),” Gabe Keely said. “Not for her little sister, her older sister, her brother or the many friends and family that unfortunately won’t be able to watch her grow.”
“Operation Gun Crime Crackdown” aims to prevent similar tragedies across the city, Williams said, describing the operation as a multiagency and multifaceted effort, meaning that both federal and state agencies would be involved with the Phoenix Police Department’s enforcement.
“Together with the ATF, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the community, Phoenix PD is going to be laser-focused on curbing the recent rise in gun crimes in our city," Williams said.
'Operation Gun Crime Crackdown'
Williams said that the department will "deploy resources" all over the city. The operation also involves assigning 10 detectives to precincts they see as having “the highest gun related crimes,” the department said in a news release.
Those include South Mountain, Maryvale Estrella Mountain, Cactus Park, Mountain View and Desert Horizon, according to Williams.
Supervisors from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office also will be assigned to work with precincts. Additionally, County Attorney's Office liaisons will work with detectives to review gun cases that were sent back to detectives or turned down from being charged.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona, Gary Restaino, will review cases that could fall under federal charges.
“ATF will embed special agents inside Phoenix Police Department’s crime gun intelligence unit,” ATF Special Agent Brendan Iber said during the conference.
These agents will assist in investigating leads pulled from the National Intelligence Ballistic Information Network, a national database of cartridge case images fed by local, state and federal agencies.
'It's scary right now': Phoenix police officers facing more attacks, data shows
Officials described the public as the "third leg" in this partnership between federal, state and local agencies and urged community members to call police whenever they heard gunshots. “Too many times our communities have become immune to hearing gunfire in their neighborhoods and not doing anything,” Williams said.
A tip line also was established for people to call the Police Department and inform officers of someone illegally owning a gun. The line will launch on July 5 and can be reached at 602-644-5805.
Emily's family in search for justice
With Emily's baby sister in their arms, the Keelys described their slain daughter as someone who “was full of energy,” who “had ambitions and loved her family” and who “loved to cheer and loved to make TikToks.”
They described a 14-year-old girl who had the same dreams, hopes and interests that any regular teen has. “She loved people. She could talk to just about anybody. She was my partner in crime — my best friend,” Gabe Keely said.
“I tried to educate my daughter on gun violence. I’ve always told her to be safe, and my daughter always told me, ‘Mom that’s never gonna happen to me,’” Jennifer Keely said. “And we put our daughter to rest two weeks ago.”
They pleaded for anyone with information on the June 4 shooting to speak up and to share what they know so that they can find justice.
“We need your help,” Gabe Keely said, “Not just us but other families. Our community, our leaders, they’re only as good as their foundations, and we are a part of the foundation.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had no updates in the case.
Reach criminal justice reporter Miguel Torres at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @mtorrestweet.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/23/phoenix-police-launch-operation-combat-gun-violence/7695341001/ | 2022-06-23T01:05:09 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/06/23/phoenix-police-launch-operation-combat-gun-violence/7695341001/ |
The Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s Office is open extended hours for in-person early voting in advance of Tuesday's special congressional election to pick a replacement for former 1st District Rep. Jeff Fortenberry.
The office, 601 N. 46th St., will be open through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 9-11 a.m. and Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election day is Tuesday, when polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Anyone with questions should call the office at 402-441-7311.
Top Journal Star photos for June
Top Journal Star photos for June
Members of a pride color guard perform their routine during the second-ever Star City Pride Parade at the Capitol on Saturday, June 18, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Campers participate in drills during the Nebraska football camp on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Memorial Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Jake Owen performs alongside his band during a performance at the Pinewood Bowl in Pioneers Park on Thursday, June 16, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska freshman guard Callin Hake gets a high five from head women's basketball coach Amy Williams during practice on Thursday, June 15, 2022, at Hendricks Training Complex. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Former Husker Jordan Larson does a demonstration during a volleyball camp, Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Kinetic Sports Complex. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Trent Claus, a VFX supervisor and animation art collector, reminisces with some of his art on a couch for watching Saturday morning cartoons at the Eisentrager/Howard Gallery in Richards Hall on the UNL campus on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Daniel Bartek lounges by the waters of Holmes Lake after a long day of work on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Carpet Land’s Caden Cetak (left) slides for home as Judds Brothers’ Chase Blanchard tags him out during the annual Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion tournament championship game Sunday, June 11, 2022, at Den Hartog Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
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New Kids on the Block perform Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
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Nebraska offensive linemen Kevin Williams Jr (center) huddles up with campers before taking a break during a football camp held at the Lincoln Sports Foundation field on Saturday, June 11, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Spectators watch as purebred pigs are showcased Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Cornhusker Classic Swine Show at Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A bicyclist peddles uphill past a field of wildflowers on a section of the Mopac bike trail near Vine Street on Friday, June 10, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Union Bank’s Reese Kortum pitches the ball against a Millard North batter during a Mike Peterson/Coach K Legion Tournament game on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Anderson Ford's Braeden Sunken bats in the third inning of a Mike Peterson Tournament legion baseball game against Millard North on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Densmore Park. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
The flyover bridge that will connect U.S. 77 to the South Beltway has steel beams laid the entire west to east distance on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Salt Dogs left fielder Randy Norris dives but misses the catch after a long ball hit by Chicago Dog's Grant Kay ( not pictured) in the second inning at Haymarket Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A rancher takes a load off while waiting for an auction during the annual Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska at the Cass County Fairgrounds on June 4 in Weeping Water. The annual fundraiser moves around the state, and is held in a new location each year.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
North’s Kamden Dusatko (middle) and his teammates celebrate their win over South in the Shrine Bowl on June 4 at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium in Kearney.
JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost speaks with recruits to wrap up the Friday Night Lights camp at Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2022. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Tire marks mar the surface of the parking lot of Kohls, at the corner of 84th and O street, in this aerial view on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A memorial to victims of a crash that occurred May 29 is set up on O Street at the site of the crash on June 2.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
A family-style seafood boil, tossed in butter and Cajun seasonings, is complimented by New Orleans-style beverages at Bourbon Street by Single Barrel, located in the Haymarket in Downtown, on June 1.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for June
Lincoln Police Officer and CSI instigator Jason Hellmuth talks about using various lights to inspect crime scenes during Bridging the Gap on June 1.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
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Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/extended-hours-offered-for-voting-in-special-congressional-election/article_664d1bd1-ffcf-599a-b045-ac342a70e188.html | 2022-06-23T01:05:20 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/extended-hours-offered-for-voting-in-special-congressional-election/article_664d1bd1-ffcf-599a-b045-ac342a70e188.html |
Since local leaders asked the Lincoln community two weeks ago to contribute to a fund to help with refugee resettlement, more than 50% of the campaign's goal has been reached.
There are still two weeks left to reach the $400,000 goal set for the monthlong campaign, which ends July 7. About $245,000 has been raised, according to Peter Schnake, communications manager for United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County.
"Right now there are so many family services that are strained. If we can direct this money to these services, families will be better off," he said.
When the campaign kicked off June 9, United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, along with local philanthropic leaders, announced about $128,000 had already been raised.
Although several local resettlement organizations were already providing help to refugees, the recent influx of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees required more assistance.
Local resettlement agencies identified areas where they could build on already existing resources. Those areas included transportation support, child care and additional case management.
Some local companies, including Duncan Aviation, Nelnet, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and Ameritas, have donated $10,000.
Although the campaign is still active, applications for grants opened Wednesday and will remain open until July 11, when the review process will begin.
According to Schnake, applications are open to any 501(c)(3) organization that provides services in Lincoln and Lancaster County to resettling families.
Those interested in contributing can visit unitedwaylincoln.org or text "RESETTLE" to 41444 and a link to the donation page will be sent back.
Checks can be made out to United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, with "Lincoln Resettlement Fund" in the memo line and mailed to United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, 238 S. 13th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.
Evelyn Mejia is a news intern and current sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She covers breaking news and writes feature stories about her community.
In this week's City Hall column, Margaret Reist looks at why supporters of a fairness ordinance in Lincoln aren't simply satisfied by a mayor's executive order.
A group of longtime Lincoln advocates disappointed in the City Council's decision to rescind the so-called fairness ordinance plans to launch an initiative to get the question on the November ballot.
The stretch of Nebraska 2 that runs through the city will be called Nebraska Parkway when the South Beltway opens; and the old Muny Pool bath house is getting a mini-facelift.
Bennie Shobe, the only council member not to say publicly how he would vote, ultimately sided with Richard Meginnis, Tom Beckius and James Michael Bowers in voting to rescind the ordinance the council passed on a 5-0 vote in February.
The City Council heard plans to put a luxury apartment complex, new office buildings, retail and commercial space and make upgrades to the Bishop Heights shopping mall at 27th and Nebraska 2.
Lincoln -- like cities around the country -- are battling a lifeguard shortage; advocates want to keep StarTran rides free; and Lincoln has a new director of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights.
Voters must now register to vote in person at the Election Commissioner’s Office. The date to register online or to have a mail-in voter registration application form postmarked has passed.
Lincoln City Council is set to consider a motion on Monday to rescind the so-called Fairness Ordinance — a broad update that extends protections to include sexual orientation and gender expression. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-resettlement-fund-reaches-more-than-50-of-its-goal/article_b6cad3ed-cdf0-5601-9f1a-6993ce7a6c98.html | 2022-06-23T01:05:27 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-resettlement-fund-reaches-more-than-50-of-its-goal/article_b6cad3ed-cdf0-5601-9f1a-6993ce7a6c98.html |
While Jehovah’s Witnesses have chosen to temporarily suspend their door-to-door ministry due to the pandemic, their activity was almost permanently banned by one U.S. village in the late 1990s — that is until the United States Supreme Court stepped in with a historic 8-1 decision on June 17, 2002, declaring the local ordinance unconstitutional.
As the 20th anniversary of that precedent-setting decision nears, some Coos Bay residents wonder what their lives would be like if one of their neighbors had not knocked on their door and shared a life-changing message with them. Constitutional scholars marvel at the outsized impact the decision has had on the protection of free speech for all, agreeing with Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion in the case, “The free-speech claim exempts everybody, thanks to Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
Bonnie Brewster, a long-time Jehovah’s Witness volunteer in Coos Bay, has personally seen the impact that decision has made.
“After knocking on one of my neighbor’s doors, I saw a definite difference in her outlook in life,” she said. “She had hope.”
Studying the Bible moved Brewster’s neighbor to give up drugs and alcohol and subsequently find happiness.
The 2002 Supreme Court decision in Watchtower v. Village of Stratton, affirmed that a local village ordinance in Stratton, Ohio, requiring a permit to knock on doors violated the rights of any person who wanted to engage in free speech with their neighbor, including Jehovah’s Witnesses who practice door to door evangelizing. The court overturned two lower court rulings that upheld the ordinance, and thus paved the way for all citizens to maintain open dialogue with their neighbors on any number of issues including environmental, civic, political or educational.
“Looking back on the two decades since the decision, it’s clear to see the wide-ranging impact that Watchtower v. Stratton has had on free speech for all,” said Josh McDaniel, director of the Religious Freedom Clinic at the Harvard Law School. “This is just the latest of some 50 Supreme Court victories by Jehovah’s Witnesses that have helped establish and broaden First Amendment jurisprudence throughout the last century.”
The village of Stratton became a center of controversy in 1998 after the mayor personally confronted four Jehovah’s Witnesses as they were driving out of the village after visiting a resident. Subsequently, the village enacted the ordinance “Regulating Uninvited Peddling and Solicitation Upon Private Property,” which required anyone wishing to engage in door-to-door activity to obtain a permit from the mayor or face imprisonment. Jehovah’s Witnesses viewed this ordinance as an infringement of freedom of speech, free exercise of religion and freedom of press. Therefore, they brought a lawsuit in federal court after the village refused to modify their enforcement of this ordinance.
“Our motive for initiating the case was clear: We wanted to remove any obstacle that would prevent us from carrying out our scriptural obligation to preach the good news of the Kingdom,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Making it a criminal offense to talk with a neighbor without seeking government approval is offensive to many people, but particularly to God who commanded Christians to preach the gospel.”
For Brewster, the motivation to knock on doors is strengthened by the positive results of preaching that gospel. She has seen some find real peace and contentment when they study the scriptures and apply its advice.
“Everybody deserves to hear all the good news that the Bible has,” she said.
While Brewster continues to engage in a productive ministry through letter writing and phone calling, she is looking forward to knocking on doors again.
“I have a very important message to share with my neighbors,” she said.
Brewster is just one of thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses across the nation who place a high value on their door-to-door ministry.
“We are thankful that we have the legal right to practice our ministry from door to door,” said Hendriks. “When the time is right and conditions are safe, we hope to visit our neighbors in person once again.”
This victory is one of more than 250 rulings in cases brought by Jehovah’s Witnesses in high courts around the world that have expanded the rights of people of all religious faiths. “It's hard to point to any organization, let alone a religious organization, that has had such a profound impact on the shaping of constitutional law over many decades in the Supreme Court," said Harvard professor McDaniel.
For more information on the Stratton case, go to www.jw.org and type Stratton in the search field. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/coos-bay-residents-reflect-on-impact-of-2002-historic-supreme-court-ruling/article_5f64fa0e-f1ad-11ec-92c1-d7288dc5860a.html | 2022-06-23T01:09:31 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/coos-bay-residents-reflect-on-impact-of-2002-historic-supreme-court-ruling/article_5f64fa0e-f1ad-11ec-92c1-d7288dc5860a.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Some Washington County residents whose water bills accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic could have their outstanding expenses covered thanks to American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The county announced Wednesday its partnering with Clean Water Services to reduce the number of low-income households experiencing past-due water bills.
People who qualify to have their account cleared will be contacted directly by their water utility service provider.
“The goal of this initiative is to provide some economic relief that will benefit populations traditionally underserved by application-based programs, and to remove barriers to access including Washington County communities who may not have internet access at home or have limited English language proficiency,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington.
Anyone who is not contacted but still needs assistance paying for water should contact their utility provider directly to see what financial assistance opportunities are available.
Clean Water Services, which provides sewer and stormwater services in Washington County, is working with city water providers and the Tualatin Valley Water District to collect data and will work with the district to distribute the money.
Assistance for other utility bills such as gas or electricity is available through Washington County’s Community Action web portal. People can also call (503) 615-0771 for help filling out an application. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/federal-funds-cover-2m-in-outstanding-water-bills-for-washington-county-residents/ | 2022-06-23T01:17:58 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/federal-funds-cover-2m-in-outstanding-water-bills-for-washington-county-residents/ |
The main union representing workers at Tucson-based Asarco LLC says the company is illegally trying to withdraw recognition of the union at its Silver Bell Mine.
The United Steelworkers union has filed formal charges with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging Asarco has unlawfully and inappropriately refused to bargain while seeking to withdraw recognition of the union at the mine west of Marana.
The latest charges come as hearings on the NLRB’s fifth amended complaint against Asarco — based on charges leveled by the unions since 2015 — are set to begin in August, after being rescheduled from July 26.
In charges filed with the NLRB on June 16, the Steelworkers allege Asarco has refused to bargain in good faith by withdrawing recognition of the union at Silver Bell facility “without untainted, objective evidence that the union lacked majority support.”
The company also has unilaterally changed wages for union employees without bargaining, in some cases, “granting wage increases to some employees, while denying wage increases for others, in order to discourage membership in the union.”
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Under federal labor law, employers may withdraw recognition of a labor union if they can prove the union has lost the support of a majority of workers.
In a letter informing Asarco of the new NLRB charges, United Steelworkers District 12 Director Gaylan Prescott cited a June 14 letter from the company detailing its decision to withdraw its recognition of the Steelworkers at Silver Bell.
“The union continues to enjoy majority support among bargaining unit employees,” Prescott wrote. “And, in any event, the company’s two-plus years of unremedied unfair labor practices, which are now the subject of a fifth consolidated complaint, have tainted any evidence that you may have gathered suggesting a loss of majority status.”
The latest charge comes as the unions’ main case against Asarco comes to a head with hearings before an NLRB administrative law judge planned to start Aug. 19 via videoconference, followed by in-person hearings tentatively to be held at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Phoenix.
The case, originally filed in 2015, is based on charges filed by the United Steelworkers and six other labor unions representing about 1,800 members at mines and processing plants in Arizona and Texas that the company unlawfully refused to bargain, improperly made unilateral work changes and engaged in coercion and other anti-union tactics.
The NLRB filed its initial complaint against Asarco in 2015 and has since consolidated charges involving different work sites and amended its complaint to add new charges filed by the unions.
Besides the Silver Bell mine, Asarco operates the Mission Mine in Sahuarita; the Ray Mine and Hayden smelter in Central Arizona; and a refinery in Amarillo, Texas.
Asarco's unions went on strike in October 2019, rejecting the company’s final offer and accusing the company and its Mexican parent, Grupo Mexico, of bargaining in bad faith.
In July 2020, the unions ended their strike and offered to return to work, while seeking a ruling that Asarco had engaged in unfair labor practices, which would require the company to reinstate striking workers.
The unions since have filed numerous charges against Asarco, including allegations that the company failed to reinstate some striking workers as required and made workplace changes without bargaining with the unions.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-based-asarco-faces-new-union-charges-as-nlrb-hearings-loom/article_64fe2650-f263-11ec-a595-2f9818f3eea1.html | 2022-06-23T01:21:38 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-based-asarco-faces-new-union-charges-as-nlrb-hearings-loom/article_64fe2650-f263-11ec-a595-2f9818f3eea1.html |
A man is dead after he fired shots at a Pima Community College police officer and fled from a traffic stop near downtown on Wednesday afternoon.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., a man fired at the PCC officer during a traffic stop at West Saint Mary's Road and Interstate 10, Tucson police said. The man then fled in his vehicle and got into a collision near North Linda Avenue and West Congress Street.
After the collision, the man fired more shots at officers and bystanders and ran away.
Officers searched the area and eventually found the man dead with a gunshot wound. Police said it appeared to have been self inflicted.
No officers or community members were injured in the incident. There are also no outstanding suspects, police said.
Officers did not return fire at the man during the incident, police said.
Congress between South Grande Avenue and South Freeway Road was shut down in both directions | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-police-man-found-dead-after-shooting-at-officers-near-downtown/article_e0f87b6a-f273-11ec-be77-7391e5fb498f.html | 2022-06-23T01:21:44 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-police-man-found-dead-after-shooting-at-officers-near-downtown/article_e0f87b6a-f273-11ec-be77-7391e5fb498f.html |
Redding council stays the course on South City Park despite Colt 45s' lobbying efforts
A split Redding City Council voted Tuesday to continue working with a New York City consultant to redevelop South City Park.
In voting 3-2 to move forward, the city did not make any mention of carving out the northwest corner of the park to build a youth baseball field and bandstand, something Redding Colt 45s General Manager Rick Bosetti and others lobbied for before the vote was taken.
Vice Mayor Michael Dacquisto and Mayor Pro Tempore Mark Mezzano also supported Bosetti. They pushed to give the consultant an unspecified amount of more money to come back with an alternative plan that would include a baseball field. That proposal never came to a vote.
The Redding Colt 45s play at the park’s Tiger Field and have made improvements to the facility to bring people back to a park that had been abandoned.
“We would like you to just peel off that north end there and allow us to go ahead and build the field for the Little Leagues,” said Bosetti, adding the field could also accommodate 13- to 15-year-olds and softball leagues.
Before the meeting, Bosetti told the Record Searchlight that their plan would cost an estimated $700,000 to $900,000 and would not cost the city any money.
Bosetti said they have collected hundreds of signatures from residents who support building a new baseball field in South City Park.
The city also hosted an open house at the park in January, when it asked the public to choose what activities they want to see at the park. A baseball field, as a write-in candidate, was the top choice, said Lee Lamp of West Redding Little League.
“So, your money will go a lot of further if you can focus on the part below where we build the baseball field and the bandstand,” Bosetti said.
The city initially directed $3 million of its federal COVID-19 relief money allotment to South City Park. It later decreased the amount to $2.5 million when the council decided to put $500,000 toward updating the Sacramento River specific plan.
On Tuesday, Kim Niemer, the city’s community services director, countered that a new baseball field would require too much park property to enact meaningful change within there.
“There just isn’t enough real estate left to accomplish that variety of activities that you need to have, and so if you want to put another baseball field there, you are really giving up on reactivating the rest of that space in a meaningful way … ” Niemer said when asked by Dacquisto what guarantees the city is willing to give Bosetti.
As it is, the city will pay Project for Public Spaces up to $49,000 to do preliminary design work that will include:
- Types of experiences and programs for the park, which would include infrastructure needs to make it happen
- The character and scale of buildings, should they be needed, and desired type of retail, community, civic and cultural uses.
Project for Public Spaces, which has worked with cities across the United States, including Santa Cruz and Shafter in Kern County, will also work with the city of Redding on a list of recreational and organized activities, daily uses, and conceptual diagrams.
Niemer’s department has solicited public opinion on what do with South City Park through three open houses and an online survey that generated 1,300 responses. Safety, usability and community were the top three characteristics that respondents said were critical for the success of redeveloping the park.
In February, Project for Public Spaces officials visited Redding and met with focus groups before drawing up two plans for the park. Both included a dog park, areas for festivals, youths and a big community draw, a pavilion, courts, lawns, and bocce courts, which are already in the park. The two plans did not include a baseball field.
In November, Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto Architects Senior Partner Les Melburg, who also is chairman of the board for the Redding Colt 45s, presented at a City Council meeting a vision for the park that included a Little League field, a 30-by-60-foot high-tech scoreboard on Tiger Field, a centerfield bandstand, and a shady outdoor family reading zone near the Redding Public Library.
Niemer told the council Tuesday night that in January the Colt 45s board withdrew its proposal.
“The Colt 45s have done a tremendous job in renovating that field. This council and our staff have supported them. I go to games. It’s a great program for a two- to three-month collegiate baseball season,” Niemer said.
She said the city wants to keep the Colt 45s at Tiger Field as part of a mix of activities to get people to the park.
“But do we want to dedicate a fair amount of space to very seasonal use or do we want to create multiple destinations?” Niemer said.
Bosetti said his board pulled its proposal after members learned the city was seeking $3 million for South City Park improvements.
“In our very early meetings within our community, and I’m talking about probably 900 businesses and organizations that represent us. … In our meeting, they said once the city comes after the money, we gotta get out, cause we’re not going to compete,” Bosetti said.
Bosetti told the council that it’s “nonsense” that the ballfield would be a single-purpose use.
He noted the Colt 45s in April hosted a Kool April Nites car show that drew over 800 people and hosted 10 music concerts at Tiger Field last year and that six are scheduled for this year.
Earlier in the meeting, longtime Colt 45s board member and Redding business owner Bill Kohn told the council that he believes Bosetti and the Colt 45s don’t get enough credit for what they’ve brought to South City Park.
“There’s been a lot of financial support from businesses in this community. There’s been a ton of volunteer people within the community who have come down and supported them,” Kohn said.
Meanwhile, Niemer on Wednesday told the Record Searchlight that it is not known at this time how far $2.5 million will go at South City Park.
“We haven’t even started a design and we haven’t even prioritized uses,” she said.
One thing that came up a lot in public scoping meetings was a multi-use indoor facility that could host things like a winter farmer’s market, craft fairs or a place musicians could rent out, she said.
“So, if we do a structure it’s going to be a fair amount of money,” Niemer said.
Other sources of money to redevelop the park could come from state grants.
“Right now, the city has been very successful getting a fair amount of state grant money flowing in. So, if we can get the design done this year, we can hit the cycle of funding still coming.”
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/redding-stays-course-south-city-park-redevelopment-plans/7699446001/ | 2022-06-23T01:23:57 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/redding-stays-course-south-city-park-redevelopment-plans/7699446001/ |
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Severe storms knocked left thousands without power in portions of northern Virginia and snarled the evening commute on Wednesday, while other areas contended with flooding and hail, fallen trees and downed power lines, officials said.
Warrenton Town Manager Brandie Schaeffer said storms raced through the town, leaving scattered power outages and toppling trees and taking power lines across major streets leading in and out of downtown. No injuries were reported, Schaeffer said.
WRC reported one Warrenton resident was trapped in her home because of fallen trees.
Trees blocked US-15/US-29 Lee Highway between Warrenton and New Baltimore, authorities said.
Forecasters said the Shenandoah Valley could face a second round of thunderstorms overnight. The main threat would be rains that could lead to flooding if the ground is saturated after the earlier storms. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/severe-weather-causes-multiple-problems-in-northern-virginia/2022/06/22/f7ed1f4c-f28c-11ec-ac16-8fbf7194cd78_story.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:08 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/severe-weather-causes-multiple-problems-in-northern-virginia/2022/06/22/f7ed1f4c-f28c-11ec-ac16-8fbf7194cd78_story.html |
Audrey Edmonson appeared ready to tussle U.S. Rep Frederica S. Wilson for the congresswoman’s seat. But the former Miami-Dade County commissioner bowed out of the Democratic primary for District 24 before the opening bell. Edmonson failed to qualify for the Aug. 23 election last week, scuttling a presumed serious challenge against Wilson.
In a statement, Edmonson claimed she didn’t want to cause divisions among voters in Wilson’s district, which includes portions of Miramar, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach, North Miami, El Portal and Miami.
“I entered this race because I care about our community and its future,” Edmonson said. “But I believe, at this time, it’s vital to come together as Democrats and join forces for the betterment of the community that both Congresswoman Wilson and I care so much about.”
Edmonson also said she would not rule out another run for office “in the near future,” and that she will continue to “fight for our families and advocate for issues that matter to us all.”
Edmonson’s decision not to take on Wilson came as a surprise after she took several swipes at the congresswoman’s job performance in Washington, D.C., when she announced she was running in March.
“Neglecting to do the job that voters elected her to do is simply unacceptable,” Edmonson said during a press conference at the time. “Our residents deserve a real voice in Congress, and someone willing to show up for work and fight for Florida families.”
It was a criticism aimed at Wilson’s frequent use of proxy voting, which was instituted during the pandemic so that any member who was sick or in quarantine could still cast a vote without physically having to appear in the chamber. According to a 2021 report by The Floridian, Wilson was one of two congressional members who voted the most by proxy during the 117th Congress, which occurred Jan. 3 to Nov. 26.
Edmonson also dinged Wilson for challenging a hat ban in the House chambers during sessions so that the congresswoman could wear her flashy and colorful trademark toppers.
“I will guarantee you that my first order of business will not, and I repeat, will not be to change House rules to my own self-interest,” Edmonson said in March. “And certainly not related to my own personal style of clothing.”
Congresswoman Wilson declined to comment regarding Edmonson's failure qualify and of her departure from the race, but Wilson's office told The Miami Times she plans to put out a written statement on the matter next week.
Meanwhile, only two years removed from county elected office, Edmonson appeared to have trouble raising campaign cash to mount a realistic bid against Wilson. According to federal campaign finance reports, Edmonson raised a paltry $3,000 compared to a $273,650 war chest for Wilson.
Edmonson’s 14-year tenure on the Miami-Dade County Commission ended in 2020 when she was termed out. A political campaign consultant for county commission races, who requested anonymity in order to speak candidly, told The Miami Times that Edmonson simply couldn’t drum up campaign contributions in the same manner as when she was in office.
“Had Edmonson still been a county commissioner, then she could have raised substantial money,” the consultant said. “I don’t think Audrey is very popular now and I don’t think she can raise money anymore. Whatever juice she had, it evaporated when she left office.”
On the other hand, Wilson is one of the strongest Black elected federal officials in Florida, the consultant said. In addition to her storied career as a Democratic politician that began on the Miami-Dade County Public Schools board in 1992, Wilson founded 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk male youths to guarantee their success.
“Frederica has been a fixture in Miami for decades,” the consultant said. “She is very well liked and has a broad base of support.”
And in Miami’s Black political ecosystem, candidates targeting popular elected officials typically don’t fare well, they added.
“The ‘wait your turn, pay your dues’ sentiment is a lot stronger in the Black community than elsewhere … It is rare that an established Black politician gets beat,” said the consultant.
Some of Wilson’s political supporters certainly feel Edmonson was wrong to even think of challenging the congresswoman.
“Instead of coming together, working together, we fight for the limited seats we have,” Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Reggie Leon said. “That is part of the problem we have in the African American community.”
Leon, who was in Wilson’s 5000 Role Models program as a teen, said the congresswoman is doing a phenomenal job.
“We need to work together and when someone is termed out, we can help bring the next person up,” Leon said. “But to go in and to fight for these limited number of seats that we have, we are splitting the community. It’s very counterproductive.” | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/audrey-edmonson-s-challenge-to-frederica-s-wilson-fizzled-out/article_97295e1e-f18d-11ec-ba44-abb3b0e2d7ca.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:15 | 0 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/audrey-edmonson-s-challenge-to-frederica-s-wilson-fizzled-out/article_97295e1e-f18d-11ec-ba44-abb3b0e2d7ca.html |
In a collaborative effort to identify and resolve health disparities in South Florida, dozens of health experts and advocates convened last week for the first annual Black Health Summit.
Though the summit, organized by the Health Foundation of South Florida (HFSF) and aimed at generating solutions, community leaders shifted the focus to funding access as more organizations seek ways to finance existing efforts to achieve health equity.
“While corporate America and politicians get their act together to figure out the best way to address these problems on a large scale, on a smaller scale, we need to fund and draw to scale smaller organizations that are doing great things, like the Healing and Justice Coalition, Circle of Brotherhood, Dade County Street Response (and) Miami Climate Alliance,” said Armen Henderson, Dade County Street Response co-founder and director of health programs for Dream Defenders.
Henderson, who was a panelist at the summit, opened a free urgent care clinic in Liberty City earlier this year to bridge the gap between clinical care and unmet social needs in the local community.
He says local grassroots efforts – such as street medicine teams that serve the county’s homeless population, a mobile crisis hotline as an alternative to calling 911 and a disaster relief team that educates people on the impacts of climate change – are key examples of targeted solutions that are being implemented now.
But the work is struggling to be fueled financially.
“We work on a shoestring budget,” said Henderson. "These are the types of programs that need to be implemented on the county level, on the local level. The sad thing is we brought all these programs to our county officials and we’ve been turned down at multiple times.”
“We need to be thinking creatively about what are the financing mechanisms that will scale up or sustain what we know is working in the community,” said Janisse Schoepp, HFSF vice president, at the event. “But we’re excited because we’re here to be a co-investor … We know that it will take cross-sector collaboration, cross-sector solutions ... one sector cannot really achieve the optimal health for our Black and brown communities.”
If such programs aren’t sustained, she said, the community will pay the price.
Breakout sessions created a think tank environment for industry experts to discuss improving maternal and child health, the health impacts of climate change and how to curb gun violence, which is considered a public health threat.
In attendance were CEOs, CFOs, professors, developers and community members who listened attentively to data presented on the respective issues.
“We, of course, can’t address health disparities without addressing racism. We need to remember that maternal mortality is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s one aspect of a larger problem,” said Ozeki Otovo, an associate professor of history and African diaspora studies at Florida International University.
Maternal mortality
The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has more than tripled in the last three decades and rose during the pandemic.
Pregnancy-related deaths among Black women increased to 55 per 100,000 births in 2020 compared to 44 in 2019, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That number remained at 19 for white women during the same time period.
An attendee shared her traumatic birth experience with the audience. At 40 years old, the high-risk mother was told that she flatlined three times at Broward General Hospital during an emergency C-section to retrieve her son at 32 weeks.
“The last thing I remember was the doctor performing the C-section said there was so much blood that she had to throw her shoes away,” said the woman, encouraging funding support for organizations like the Urban League. “The doulas are needed. The people doing the groundwork, and even case workers, because moms need to be heard ... I am a product of those services.”
Midwives and doulas were identified as being part of the solution since research indicates that 22% of Black women receive lower-quality care and are subject to discrimination during childbirth.
A holistic approach that includes better communication and collaboration between medical providers, extended hospital staff and community organizations was proposed during the workshop.
HFSF board chair Melida Akiti believes the solution to these issues requires both funding and legislative support.
“There has to be more done legislatively because when we look at infusing advocacy and policy, then we are looking at the entire picture,” she told The Miami Times. “[The foundation] is looking throughout to see who is doing what and who is trying to do what, and then we want to infuse into those entities financially, whatever they need to bring [those solutions] into fruition.”
HFSF is looking into pilot programs like a project Memorial Health Care System developed with the American Health Care Association to monitor Black and brown pregnant mothers with underlying health conditions. The women would receive a medical assistant who follows them through their pregnancy and offers support in finding transportation and scheduling doctor appointments.
Climate change & health
The CLEO Institute, a climate crisis education and advocacy organization founded 12 years ago, presented findings on the impact of climate change on health alongside Cheryl Holder, founding faculty member of FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
Focusing primarily on South Florida’s rising temperatures, representatives from the institute expressed grave concern about lingering disbelief in climate change though dozens of heat-related deaths were reported in Miami last year.
More than 1,300 deaths in the U.S. are caused by extreme heat annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Extreme heat does not impact people equally – poorer communities and Black and Hispanic people bear the brunt of the public health impacts,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement announcing the hiring of the county’s first chief heat officer last month.
The heat index in Miami reached 108 degrees last June, breaking an August 2015 record. A heat advisory was issued just last week for several counties in the Florida Panhandle, with indices reaching 110 degrees.
Caroline Lewis, founder of CLEO, says her goal is to ensure that at least everyone has a working air conditioning system to get through the extreme heat.
She recalled a time when a Little Haiti resident without air conditioning had no choice but to endure the heat because she didn’t feel safe enough to leave her windows open.
Lewis has reached out to county officials to see what can be done to address the problem.
The group plans to host more education sessions on the impacts of climate change in Black and brown communities, as requested during the breakout session.
“K-12 and even community education is always pushed for but there’s usually no funding to back it,” said Nayshma Jones, climate resilience and equity manager at CLEO. “So really, what it means is being able to lead requires funding, it requires money [and] us being able to stretch the dollars that we already have.”
“We go where the funding lets us go,” said Lewis.
With the help of FMU and faculty from other universities, CLEO will create a certificate program that would let people from low-income communities be a part of the solution through a career path.
“There were no dollars behind getting Black people equal rights in this country,” added Jones, who says she’s determined to stay in the fight despite lack of funding. “These were grassroots movements by people who cared enough and lost sleep and even compromised the health and safety of their families.”
HFSF is putting together a report with all the solutions proposed at the summit and will work with various organizations to create action behind them. Next June, another summit will be held to assess what progress was made. | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/black-health-summit-tackles-health-gaps/article_6b675760-f1a4-11ec-9b45-ab3ff65d91c3.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:21 | 1 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/black-health-summit-tackles-health-gaps/article_6b675760-f1a4-11ec-9b45-ab3ff65d91c3.html |
Cornelius Shiver, former executive director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, has been appointed executive director of the North Miami CRA, one of the largest in Miami-Dade County.
Shiver, 64, a lifetime Coconut Grove resident, succeeds Rasha Cameau at the North Miami CRA, which encompasses 65% of the city. CRAs use property taxes from new development to improve neglected neighborhoods, create affordable housing and promote economic development.
Shiver left his Overtown position in November 2021 after eight years, four as executive director. He has served as president and CEO of the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, as a member of the city of Miami zoning board, and legal and political advisor to former Miami District 5 Commissioners Jeffrey Allen, Michelle Spence-Jones and Jeffrey Watson, where he was also acting chief of staff.
Shiver holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a BBA from the University of Miami, and JD from St. Thomas University School of Law. | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/cornelius-shiver-to-head-north-miami-cra/article_e30ee166-f1a9-11ec-a4ce-9b0d29e90a96.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:28 | 0 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/cornelius-shiver-to-head-north-miami-cra/article_e30ee166-f1a9-11ec-a4ce-9b0d29e90a96.html |
wire
The Children’s Trust reinvests in Neighborhood Support Partnerships
- Updated
- Comments
THIS WEEK'S TOP 10
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Five Ways Men Can Take Charge of Their Health
-
Florida Memorial starts anew with accreditation probation lifted
-
Shake up in district 24 congressional race
-
Kamala Harris edges out Ron DeSantis in another poll of 2024 presidential possibilities
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HBCUs present ‘Field of Possibilities’
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Tenants organize for more rental protections
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Gillum faces 21-count federal indictment, proclaims innocence
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Top 19 events for Juneteenth
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COVID is still here. Don’t make my mistake.
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The rise of Juneteenth-washing
June 22-28, 2022
Recent Obituaries
Recent Headlines
- Gillum faces 21-count federal indictment, proclaims innocence
- Florida Memorial starts anew with accreditation probation lifted
- Audrey Edmonson’s challenge to Frederica S. Wilson fizzled out
- Black Health Summit tackles health gaps
- Cornelius Shiver to head North Miami CRA
- The Children’s Trust reinvests in Neighborhood Support Partnerships
- Youth funding and new street name announced
- Freedom Riders’ 1947 convictions vacated in North Carolina | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/the-children-s-trust-reinvests-in-neighborhood-support-partnerships/article_fbe33bd6-f174-11ec-b0d4-fb53fc56bfd0.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:34 | 0 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/the-children-s-trust-reinvests-in-neighborhood-support-partnerships/article_fbe33bd6-f174-11ec-b0d4-fb53fc56bfd0.html |
wire
Youth funding and new street name announced
- Updated
- Comments
THIS WEEK'S TOP 10
-
Five Ways Men Can Take Charge of Their Health
-
Florida Memorial starts anew with accreditation probation lifted
-
Shake up in district 24 congressional race
-
Kamala Harris edges out Ron DeSantis in another poll of 2024 presidential possibilities
-
HBCUs present ‘Field of Possibilities’
-
Tenants organize for more rental protections
-
Gillum faces 21-count federal indictment, proclaims innocence
-
Top 19 events for Juneteenth
-
COVID is still here. Don’t make my mistake.
-
The rise of Juneteenth-washing
June 22-28, 2022
Recent Obituaries
Recent Headlines
- Gillum faces 21-count federal indictment, proclaims innocence
- Florida Memorial starts anew with accreditation probation lifted
- Audrey Edmonson’s challenge to Frederica S. Wilson fizzled out
- Black Health Summit tackles health gaps
- Cornelius Shiver to head North Miami CRA
- The Children’s Trust reinvests in Neighborhood Support Partnerships
- Youth funding and new street name announced
- Freedom Riders’ 1947 convictions vacated in North Carolina | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/youth-funding-and-new-street-name-announced/article_f3b56276-f17f-11ec-8994-2753fcf23155.html | 2022-06-23T01:24:35 | 1 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/youth-funding-and-new-street-name-announced/article_f3b56276-f17f-11ec-8994-2753fcf23155.html |
GREENSBORO — A chance to check out new body scanners at Smith High School on Wednesday drew a slew of school principals and assistant principals from across the county, as well as some community members, first responders and parents.
The scanners are designed to detect and deter concealed guns from being brought into the buildings. A second community meeting is planned for Thursday at High Point Central High School from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"Really we want the community to come out and tell us what they think, tell us how they feel about it and a lot of our opinion will be based on that," said Mike Richey, the district's executive director of emergency management. "If the community is supportive of it, then we will probably go forward. If we do go forward, we would love to go forward fairly quickly, for the simple reason that any change goes much more smoothly when we put it in place before the school year comes."
Guilford County Schools is borrowing the Evolv Express touchless body scanners before deciding whether to lease them for its traditional high schools across the district. Leaders expect that could cost between $750,000 and $1 million per year, with the money to come from the district's federal COVID-19 relief dollars.
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The number of scanners needed per school would depend on the configuration of the school. Richey said that Smith will eventually need two scanners, for two different entrances, and High Point Central may require three. For now, only one scanner is in place at each school.
Prince Canty, an assistant principal at Eastern High School, said he thinks the new scanners would add a layer of protection and security at his school. He visited Smith to learn more about them and give some thought to how scanners might be implemented at Eastern, including how to assign roles among staff and administrators.
Chanetta Arnold, a staff member at Greensboro's SCALE school who also has a child at Smith, said she feels it would be safer for her child to have the device in place.
Smith alumnus Kim Stroud and her mother, Gail Stroud, were two community members who came out to see the scanners. They had a variety of questions for the county's director of emergency management, Mike Richey, including how the district picked where the scanners would be.
Richey said Smith and High Point Central are hosting students from multiple schools for summer school, so they have a good number of students in the buildings and they are centrally located in Greensboro and High Point for the community meetings.
If district officials like how the scanners work in the high schools, he said, they may consider adding them in middle schools as well.
Both Kim and Gail Stroud said they thought it made sense to have the scanners in schools, due to school shootings across the country in recent years. But they expressed horror and frustration that they should ever be needed.
District leaders already were looking at getting the scanners prior to the recent shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Richey said the scanners are unlikely to prevent that sort of shooting, during which an adult gunman came in a back door bent on mass murder.
Most school shootings, however, don’t fit that profile.
At the most recent school board meeting, Richey shared an analysis by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security of data on school shootings from 1970 through the present. That data found that the most common reason for a school shooting was the escalation of a dispute, followed by accidental shootings and suicide attempts. Students were the most common assailants.
Under the district's plans, students would walk through a scanner upon entering the school building. As they go through, a staff member would watch and listen at a nearby screen. If the scanner detects items that resemble a gun or disassembled parts of a gun, it beeps and brings up an image on the screen. That image includes a brief video clip of the person walking through, with an orange box showing where the scanner detects a possible gun or gun parts.
According to the Washington Post, the Evolv scanners create images using a light-emission technique known as active sensing and then use artificial intelligence to analyze the images.
Richey said the scanners do not display or record any images that would show a person's body under their clothes.
He expects the scanners could flag items for about one out of every ten people, with the extreme majority of those harmless. Some laptops will set it off, he said, as well as umbrellas, camera equipment, or even a stack of three-ring binders.
Ana Perez, an assistant principal at Smith, said Tuesday that the school had just under 300 students and other people go through the scanner, with about 18 flagged, all of them for routine items like laptops and binders.
"One of the things we are going to tell them is that instead of carrying their laptops in their book bags, to come with them in their hands," Perez said. "I imagine that, as we go, they will learn what to do and what not to do, so it is going to get better."
Richey said if the scanner flags a person during morning arrival for a concealed item, the person at the screen will let the student know to walk over to a nearby table, where a second staff member will check their bag, or hip, or whatever area was flagged.
Later in the day, he said, the scanners will be monitored from within the school office by the staff typically in charge of letting people into the building with the door intercom system. Those staff members can ask the person to come to the office, or call for assistance, if a suspicious item is detected.
Akeyvion Millner, a rising junior, said he was surprised to discover the scanner when he came to school on Tuesday, but is happy the district is trying it.
"It's about time they put scanners in," he said Tuesday, referencing stories he's seen on the national news about students who committed shootings with guns they brought to school. Millner said the scanner didn't appear to be delaying students, beyond the wait they already have to scan their student IDs when they come into the building.
Contact Jessie Pounds at 336-373-7002 and follow @JessiePounds on Twitter. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/scanners-in-schools-community-turns-out-to-see-how-they-work-at-smith-high-in/article_123380c0-f248-11ec-b25f-ef7bfbafad87.html | 2022-06-23T01:35:38 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/scanners-in-schools-community-turns-out-to-see-how-they-work-at-smith-high-in/article_123380c0-f248-11ec-b25f-ef7bfbafad87.html |
LEE COUNTY, Fla. — You can find dozens of pets waiting for their forever homes every day in Southwest Florida.
There are dozens of pets on a waitlist to be surrendered at various shelters. That’s because the shelters are already practically full.
“Seeing them, when we walk the dog or the cat out away from them, it’s heartbreaking,” Gulf Coast Humane Society community relations coordinator Brian Wierima said. “I wish it would never have to happen to anyone.”
“I think owner surrenders are definitely up in our area,” Cape Coral Animal Shelter executive director Liz McCauley says. “It’s probably worse than I’ve seen, and especially for big dogs.”
People working in animal shelters said there can be many reasons owners might surrender their pets, but they all agree that one trend is rising in our area.
“It’s mostly people surrendering them because they just can’t keep them in the housing where they’re living,” McCauley said.
It’s keeping shelters and rescues from helping more animals in need.
“That means they’re filling a kennel,” Wierima said, “that means we cannot take in as many animals when your adoption numbers are down.”
Florida doesn’t ban any dog breeds on a state level. Landlords and HOA’s can create any restrictions they want, and that goes beyond the pet’s breed. Breed restrictions aren’t the only obstacle.
Ashley Barron and Marcelo Doria just adopted their dog Zeus a few weeks ago.
“I was on Facebook,” Barron said. “I was just scrolling and I saw that there was a husky that they wanted to rehome within the next two hours.”
Size does matter when it comes to finding pet-friendly housing. At two years old and 42 pounds, Zeus is heavier than what many rentals would allow.
“Some of them are as small as a 25 [pound] animal,” said McCauley, “so that doesn’t give you a lot of options for breeds of dogs.”
McCauley said individual landlords might have their hands tied when it comes to allowing pets.
“I think what we hear from a lot of people who own properties is they wouldn’t mind having the pets. It’s just the insurance companies won’t insure them if they allow their tenants to have them. So that’s an issue too.”
Shelter workers said they hope more who can adopt bigger dogs will do so.
“They’re going through the roof and what compounds the problem is again, larger dog adoptions have gone stagnant,” said Wierima. “So again, then we’re full. Then we can’t take in any more owner-surrenders. So it’s a vicious cycle, definitely.” | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/22/southwest-florida-animal-shelters-near-full-capacity-with-surrendered-pets/ | 2022-06-23T01:36:06 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/06/22/southwest-florida-animal-shelters-near-full-capacity-with-surrendered-pets/ |
Colquitt Road closed after 4th notable crash this year
The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office has confirmed that a section of Colquitt Road is shut down after a crash involving two pickup trucks.
Just before 4:30 p.m., the driver of a green Ford Ranger headed south overcorrected and crashed into a tan Chevy Silverado in the northbound lane.
This is the fourth notable crash on Colquitt Road this year.
When deputies arrived on scene they found a Ford pickup truck upside down blocking traffic in both directions.
The driver of the Chevy pickup truck is okay.he driver of the Ford pickup truck has been taken for a test to determine if she was driving under the influence.
Colquitt will remain closed until a tow truck is able to remove the vehicles.
More:Shreveport man receives maximum sentencing for 2019 shooting
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/colquitt-road-closed-after-4th-notable-crash-year/7706702001/ | 2022-06-23T01:38:58 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/colquitt-road-closed-after-4th-notable-crash-year/7706702001/ |
Shreveport man receives maximum sentencing for 2019 shooting
Makenzie Boucher
Shreveport Times
A Shreveport man received the maximum sentence for the shooting of Kerion Mims Wednesday.
On Nov. 6, 2019, Tyrone Terry Braden, 47, shot Mims in both of his legs in a parking lot on David Raines Road. Braden was charged and convicted of second-degree battery in connection.
On June 22, Braden was sentenced to eight years in prison and was also ordered to pay the costs of court proceedings through inmate banking.
More:Dads on Duty gifted Shreveport student a car
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/shreveport-man-received-maximum-sentencing-2019-shooting/7703082001/ | 2022-06-23T01:39:04 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/06/22/shreveport-man-received-maximum-sentencing-2019-shooting/7703082001/ |
Skaters cruise the makeshift roller rink in the Hood River Elks Lodge ballroom on June17 to celebrate Pride Month.The emblematic Pride flag sits in the background during the Roller Disco.Party-goers take a second to catch up. At bottom right, skates were available for anyone who didn’t own a pair. The Elks Lodge is accepting roller skates donations. If you’d like to donate your old skates, you can bring them to the Elks Lodge on Cascade Street in Hood River.
Hood River celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Roller Disco
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- COMMENTARY: Even offensive letters have value | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/hoodriver/news/local/hood-river-celebrates-lgbtq-pride-month-with-roller-disco/article_c1481952-f1a0-11ec-aeb2-43cf46b0a40e.html | 2022-06-23T01:40:23 | 0 | https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/hoodriver/news/local/hood-river-celebrates-lgbtq-pride-month-with-roller-disco/article_c1481952-f1a0-11ec-aeb2-43cf46b0a40e.html |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark — North Little Rock School District (NLSRD) has been working on a new safety and security plan for months, according to superintendent, Dr. Gregory Pilewski.
District leaders said that this specific plan will work as an enhancement of their previous one.
This is an aspiration for Pilewski, as well as the school's new Director of Safety Services, Hayward Finks.
Both have said the district's aiming to upgrade security protocols that align with national safety recommendations for best practices in schools.
"Chief [Finks] and I have been working on this since his arrival. That was back in February so for the past four months," Pilewski said. "Prior to the Uvalde shooting we were already moving in this direction, but it has certainly enhanced with the support of our board."
As for the reorganized plan, here's a look at what the specifics could consist of:
- 11 armed school security officers at the nine elementary campuses, Pike View Early Childhood Center, and North Little Rock Academy.
- 27 unarmed security officers in partnership with armed school resource officers from the North Little Rock Police Department at the Center of Excellence, North Little Rock High School, North Little Rock Middle School's 6th, 7th and 8th grade campus.
- 1 security captain and 2 security sergeants to provide supervision and accountability throughout the Safety Services Department.
If approved, there will be enhanced security measures during extracurricular events and other special events that are sponsored by the school district.
Additionally, 3 people will oversee the digital safety, which consists of things such as security cameras, alarms, and badge access. There will also be threat assessment teams at each campus and in Central Offices.
"I have heard that there's some parents that might be concerned that there's now an armed component at each one of our elementary schools," said Pilewski. "However, we've had school resource officers. They were just not assigned or there every single day."
It's a plan that school leaders like Finks are in favor of, as he said it would help NLRSD reach a national level of recommended education safety.
"Every armed security officer in the school will work and train with the North Little Rock Police Department, as far as responding to active shooter events. Nationally, best practice is [that] we do not wait to stop a threat," said Finks.
He said the security will be trained to go to that threat and stop it to ensure that lives are saved.
Alongside that, comes a new technology pilot program, which Finks said will help detect weapons that go into the high schools. That same detection system will be in place on the first day of school.
"The system's called 'Open Gate,' it's the latest technology-- it's like a metal detector on steroids. Students won't have to have bags or pockets checked. It'll allow them to come through quickly and the system will detect weapons on someone," said Finks.
He said they wanted to make sure they utilize every possible measure to ensure school environments are as safe as possible.
"Having a school-aged child myself, I know how important it is that when a parent drops their child off at school in the morning they know that that child is going to be safe," said Finks.
As for Pilewski, he said their plan would either meet or even exceed the recommendation from the Arkansas School Safety Commission.
They presented the plan to the school board last week and even met with their local CPCC, a policy group of classified licensed personnel on Monday.
The policy group unanimously approved the plan, and now the district will be taking their final vote to the Board of Education on June 23 at 5:30 p.m.
With final approval, the Board of Education plans to invest more than $700K over a two-year period, which will fully implement the proposal. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/north-little-rock/nlrsd-proposes-armed-school-security/91-e2204ba1-42da-450f-8004-6938ecad0ecc | 2022-06-23T01:42:20 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/north-little-rock/nlrsd-proposes-armed-school-security/91-e2204ba1-42da-450f-8004-6938ecad0ecc |
DALLAS — Two siblings need our help to bring them back together.
Collin and Damien are teenagers separated in foster care. But they have fierce advocates doing everything they can to find them a forever family -- together.
Damien and Collin are today's Wednesday's Child.
The way to a teenage boy's heart is usually through his stomach, and that is certainly the case with 16-year-old Collin.
"Chicken nuggets and pizza!" he said, smiling from ear to ear.
Collin and his sibling 15-year-old Damien have colorful personalities!
"I respect all animals," said Damien, talking about how we should show both humans and animals compassion.
"Even if it's creepy, cute, cuddly, spikey, I don't care. It's an animal and they have rights," he said emphatically.
Immediately, you notice that Damien and Collin are very unique and talented. WFAA met with them at J's Art studio in Dallas.
The teens love to draw. WFAA interviewed them while they drew their own pictures.
Damien and Collin are kind and caring, and also a little quirky and shy. They love and love a lot.
"Their art, obviously, for one. Each other. They love each other. They love seeing each other. Unfortunately, they're not able to see each other very often right now, only virtually," said their court appointed special advocate Layla Beaty.
"It's been a really long time since they felt a lot of that love and appreciation for who they are without having to struggle to survive," said Beaty.
Collin and Damien have been in foster care for three years -- separated in the system nearly the entire time.
"They want to be somewhere together. They are very close. They love each other," said Beaty.
Until they're together, it'll be hard to put a smile on their face. Collin, the master of solving Rubik's cubes, wants to be under the same roof with Damien.
And Damien, the lover of animals, also wants a loving family who will adopt them both and help them to picture a new future.
For more information on how to adopt Collin and Damien, send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov. Please remember to include Collin and Damine's name within the subject line.
If you're not licensed, please visit adoptchildren.org to find out more information on how to become licensed to foster and/or adopt or contact LaQueena Warren at 817-304-1272.
For more Wednesday's Child stories, click here. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-siblings-collin-damien-want-adopted-together/287-1adf3585-263e-4289-b373-2c3a63ba43c3 | 2022-06-23T01:42:26 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child-siblings-collin-damien-want-adopted-together/287-1adf3585-263e-4289-b373-2c3a63ba43c3 |
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