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POTTSVILLE, Pa. — A Schuylkill County municipal worker was killed Thursday morning while on the job.
It happened just before 11 a.m. along Nichols Street.
Police say an SUV veered off the road and hit Jeremy Smith, who was on the sidewalk.
Smith later died.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that charges are pending.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscasts were like in 1983 and 1984? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/schuylkill-county-worker-killed-while-on-the-job-jeremy-smith-nichols-street-pottsville-pa-wnep/523-d45ab104-32cc-4d3d-bb59-f1edede72c4c | 2023-04-27T20:56:40 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/schuylkill-county-worker-killed-while-on-the-job-jeremy-smith-nichols-street-pottsville-pa-wnep/523-d45ab104-32cc-4d3d-bb59-f1edede72c4c |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/local/a-night-of-recovery-puts-focus-on-treatment-resources/3554782/ | 2023-04-27T21:00:36 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/local/a-night-of-recovery-puts-focus-on-treatment-resources/3554782/ |
The 31st Annual Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby Steering Committee is pleased to announce the Derby has grant funds available for fishery enhancement projects in the Umpqua River Basin.
Over the past 30 years, due to the generosity of our many supporters, the Umpqua Derby has awarded $1.83 million for over 400 fishery enhancement, restoration, and educational projects in the Umpqua Basin.
These funds are matched with other donations to support hundreds of fishery and educational projects throughout Douglas County. In 2022, Umpqua Derby Projects included: Rock Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration; South Umpqua Winter Steelhead Smolt Acclimation; and the new North Umpqua Live-Streaming Fish Video (UmpquaFish.com).
The application forms are available by calling Douglas Timber Operators, (541) 672-0757. Following is a partial list of the grant qualification guidelines:
• Projects on private lands will have priority funding;
• Project ability to achieve success in a variety of management objectives;
• Projects which are cost-shared by the applicant (funds or contributed goods and services);
• Projects completed by June 30, 2024 (applicants may reapply in succeeding years);
Projects that improve or restore habitat and/or improve fish passage will have priority over other projects; and
Projects which benefit wild populations of salmon, steelhead and trout will have priority (not to the exclusion) over other fish species.
All project applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 31, 2023.
2023 Derby Project Grant Awards will be announced by July 1, 2023. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/umpqua-fishery-enhancement-derby-2023-project-grant-funds-available/article_774f8d74-e53a-11ed-b087-6f78d5fe1d69.html | 2023-04-27T21:07:25 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/umpqua-fishery-enhancement-derby-2023-project-grant-funds-available/article_774f8d74-e53a-11ed-b087-6f78d5fe1d69.html |
Ahead of World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish office in Phoenix is getting a new statue
The sculptor of the statue that memorialized Chris Greicius, the 7-year-old boy whose battle with leukemia inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, has started recasting the sculpture.
Around 10 p.m. on Jan. 3, the statue was stolen outside of the foundation's office. Troy Burke, 32, was arrested in connection with the theft. Burke was booked into jail on felony charges including theft and trafficking of stolen property.
According to court documents, Burke took pieces of the statue to two scrapyards and earned $180. The statue was worth more than $25,000.
The foundation granted its first wish in 1981 and is still headquartered in Phoenix. Make-A-Wish is celebrating World Wish Day on April 29, which is the anniversary of the original wish from Greicius that inspired the organization's creation.
The statue, installed in 2018, was created by Arizona-based artist Tom White. White's wife, Marcey White, confirmed her husband is working on the replacement statue and told The Arizona Republic more details are to come May 12. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/04/27/arizona-artist-tom-white-to-recreate-make-a-wish-statue-after-theft/70159304007/ | 2023-04-27T21:07:31 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/04/27/arizona-artist-tom-white-to-recreate-make-a-wish-statue-after-theft/70159304007/ |
Where do driverless cars go when they're on break? Some idle in Phoenix neighborhoods
In downtown Phoenix, cars with no drivers are slowly becoming part of the landscape.
Since Waymo rolled out its robo-taxi service to the metropolitan center last year, it's more and more common to see the autonomous vehicles nimbly — or not so nimbly — navigating Roosevelt Row.
The smart white SUVs prowl the streets, cameras and detectors whirring, picking up and dropping off passengers in what seems like a seamless dance.
It's still odd to glance into a passing car and see nobody at the wheel. But the Waymo vehicles have a job to do: pick people up and take them where they want to go.
Simple, kind of.
What's harder to grasp — at least existentially — is what they do in their downtime.
In between passengers, a taxi driver might grab a snack. Use the restroom. Read a book. Browse social media. Call their parents.
But a self-driving car doesn't need to eat, or go to the toilet. It doesn't yearn for the escape of literature, or curate an Instagram feed, or have a mom.
So what's an unoccupied Waymo vehicle to do?
'It's just kind of weird'
Downtown Phoenix resident David Clarke knows.
“They’re picking spots where it’s perfectly legal to park. And they’re taking themselves there," he said. "And they’re waiting, with the lights on, and the sensors still running."
"It might seem less strange if they turned off."
Clarke lives in Garfield, an eclectic neighborhood just east of downtown. Last fall, he began to notice Waymo vehicles congregating on the street outside his apartment.
"Pretty much any time I’m home I can look out and there’s a 50/50 chance of one being there," he said.
He would watch them pull up smoothly and stop at the curb, lights on, motors running, signature lidar detectors spinning endlessly. Sometimes there would be more than one, as if they had planned to meet at that very spot and hang out.
And then what happens?
"They just sit there and they wait," Clarke said. "It's just kind of weird. It’s creepy because it’s new. I’m sure that in a few years when this kind of thing is more commonplace it won’t seem creepy."
"It doesn't bother me," he added. "It's just unusual."
Clarke has wondered what makes his street so enticing to Waymo vehicles. He has a theory: "I think they must be picking spots that are geographically central to their average call location."
Keep reading:Waymo vehicles are stalling in Phoenix. What to know about the driverless rideshare service
So what's going on?
According to Waymo, there are multiple factors that cause autonomous vehicles to park in certain spots.
First, parking locally makes the most sense, a company spokesperson explained over email.
Continuing to drive around would add to traffic congestion and be inefficient, he said, and waiting nearby — as opposed to going back to a Waymo facility — means vehicles can arrive quickly when called.
The company identifies potential parking spots using publicly available information and by following city curb restrictions.
"Some examples of criteria for determining parking spaces could include proximity to anticipated pickup locations, streets with consistent availability, type of maneuver required, style of space, etc," he said.
The sensors keep running to maintain awareness of what's going on around the vehicle, he said.
"This awareness lets us understand the environment and helps us protect the vehicles from any actions like unintended interference," he said, a category that includes things like random people touching or trying to get into the car or if the car is struck by another vehicle.
So that's what's happening as the Waymo vehicle sits and waits.
"Once the vehicle is matched with another rider," the spokesperson said, "it continues on its way."
Honking the horn
Sometimes the waiting Waymo SUVs make themselves heard.
On a recent Saturday evening, an autonomous vehicle drove into a mostly empty parking lot just north of downtown. It sat there and waited, sensors whirring, not pulling into a car space.
After a couple of minutes of sitting there, it honked its horn.
A short period passed before it honked again. Then a longer pause. Another honk. All in all, the self-driving car honked four or five times before a passenger finally appeared at the other end of the parking lot, walked over to the vehicle and got inside.
Again, the taxi driver comparison comes to mind. Were the honks an oddly human show of irritation toward a tardy passenger?
No, according to Waymo.
"Similar to a car horn on a typical key fob, riders can use the app to honk the horn to locate and identify their vehicle," the spokesperson said.
The feature is useful for those who simply can't find their waiting ride, he added, but particularly useful for people with visual impairments and other accessibility needs.
'They seem very polite'
The Waymo rollout hasn't gone without a hitch.
On April 7, a busy First Friday night downtown, a number of self-driving Waymo vehicles came to a stop along First Street, the resulting traffic jam captured in a viral TikTok.
And on Wednesday morning, an autonomous Waymo vehicle stopped unexpectedly in the middle of Roosevelt Row, forcing commuters to drive around it.
And when it comes to illegal parking, self-driving vehicles can be hit with tickets like any other car.
Sgt. Phil Krynsky from Phoenix Police told The Republic that if an autonomous vehicle was parking illegally it could receive a citation, as it goes to the registered owner, not the driver. He said Phoenix Police does not maintain a database of whether tickets were issued to autonomous vehicles.
Waymo said its autonomous vehicles have not received any parking citations in Phoenix to date.
"They seem very polite," said Clarke. “They’re very courteous. They always use their blinkers. They yield to pedestrians. They’re actually probably very safe.”
But despite these kind observations — which Waymo vehicles would probably appreciate, if only they were sentient — Clarke has yet to hop in for a ride. The technology is neat, he said, but just a little too new for him.
“I’ll probably take them in a few years," he said. "I’m looking forward to a vacation on the moon some day, after 50,000 other people have gone and returned safely."
"I will not be the first one.” | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/04/27/driverless-waymo-cars-phoenix-neighborhoods/70152066007/ | 2023-04-27T21:07:37 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/04/27/driverless-waymo-cars-phoenix-neighborhoods/70152066007/ |
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – A privately-owned glass company is investing $40 million into an Abingdon location.
Cardinal Glass Industries held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site on Oak Park Drive Thursday morning.
Company leadership told News Channel 11 that the expansion will create upwards of 30 jobs.
Cardinal Glass plans to complete work on the building before the end of 2023, and the company expects all machinery and equipment to be ready by sometime in 2024. The project is anticipated to be complete in its entirety by early 2025.
“It’s a major investment in capital funds for the building and the machinery and tools,” said David Matlock, chairman of the Washington County Industrial Development Authority. “Secondly it’s important because it creates new jobs more people are going to be employed in our county and have employment opportunities because of this expansion.”
Cardinal Glass also operates out of facilities in Church Hill, Tennessee. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/cardinal-glass-to-add-30-jobs-with-abingdon-expansion/ | 2023-04-27T21:08:21 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/cardinal-glass-to-add-30-jobs-with-abingdon-expansion/ |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Legislation by two local lawmakers to incentivize doctors to provide care in underserved rural areas passed the Tennessee General Assembly.
The bill creates a program allowing the state Department of Health to award family medicine student loan repayment grants to qualifying doctors, who could receive up to $40,000 per year for up to five years.
Sen. Rusty Crowe of Johnson City and Rep. John Holsclaw of Elizabethton sponsored the legislation.
According to the bill, in order to qualify for the program, a doctor must have:
- Graduated from an accredited medical school
- Be actively enrolled in a Tennessee family medicine residency training program, matched through the existing matching process used for graduate medical education and accredited for certification by the American Board of Family Medicine;
- Apply to the department of health for a grant, on forms provided by the department, during their family medicine residency training; and
- Enter into a contract with the department to provide medical health services in a Tennessee health resource shortage area, as defined by the department of health, office of rural health, for at least five years following residency training in family medicine.
The Department of Health may use private donations, grants, federal and state funds to maintain the program.
The legislation currently awaits Gov. Bill Lee’s signature. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-bill-to-incentivize-rural-doctors-passes-general-assembly/ | 2023-04-27T21:08:22 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-bill-to-incentivize-rural-doctors-passes-general-assembly/ |
Editor’s Note: The Tri-Cities is growing and News Channel 11 wants to keep you informed of new construction underway commercially and residentially. Our weekly series “Who’s Building That?” uses public documents, research, community connections and hard work to bring you information about who’s building or renovating what, where, and for what use. You’ll also get facts and figures about project costs and potential property tax revenue as well as trend data. Don’t drive by and wonder anymore!
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — There will be plenty of room to roam the aisles at the first Mardel Christian & Education to open in Tennessee at the Johnson City Crossing shopping center.
A building permit shows the company, founded by Mart Green of the family that owns the Hobby Lobby store chain, is putting about $2 million into the former Stein Mart location at 3211 Peoples Street.
The renovation will result in about 24,000 square feet of retail floor space in the 36,000-square-foot building.
“Mardel has been steadily expanding into more and more states, starting with increased presence on the east coast, primarily along the Bible Belt (I-40 corridor),” a company spokesperson said in an email to News Channel 11. “We’re excited to be branching out to new markets that fit our demographic.”
The company’s 40th store is expected to open early this fall and employ 15 to 20 people.
The Oklahoma-headquartered chain currently operates in 11 states.
WHAT: Tennessee’s first-ever Mardel Christian & Education store with 24,000 square feet of retail space.
WHERE: 3211 Peoples Street Johnson City (Johnson City Crossing).
WHO: Mardel (affiliated with Hobby Lobby).
WHEN: Work is underway. The store is expected to open in early fall.
YOUR TAX BENEFIT: Significant local option sales tax revenue in addition to property taxes. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/whos-building-that/tennessees-first-mardel-christian-bookstore-coming-to-former-johnson-city-stein-mart-location/ | 2023-04-27T21:08:23 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/whos-building-that/tennessees-first-mardel-christian-bookstore-coming-to-former-johnson-city-stein-mart-location/ |
Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame to induct new members – here's who is being honored
Nine to be inducted into Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame May 6
The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame will induct nine new members in its 58th induction ceremony Saturday, May 6, at The Crowne Plaza Pavilion in Warwick.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1965 to honor “any individual who has brought credit to Rhode Island, brought Rhode Island into prominence, and contributed to the history and heritage of the state,” according to board president Albert Beauparlant.
Members include Roger Williams, Massasoit, Sen. Claiborne Pell and former nun, attorney general and radio host Arlene Violet.
'Everybody's scrambling':RI law enforcement agencies are grappling with a staff crisis
Here's a list of this year's inductees, with brief descriptive information provided by the Hall of Fame:
- Gail Cahalan-Conley, real estate developer, business woman, patron of the arts, philanthropist, humanitarian,and advocate of Native American rights.
- Steve Kass, national and local radio and TV commentator, animal rights activist,philanthropist, and director of Big Brothers of Rhode Island.
- Robert “Rocky” Kempenaar, developer of commercial real estate and hotel operations, civic leader, and longtime supporter of the programs of the U.S. Naval War College.
- Barbara A. Papitto, businesswoman, accountant, philanthropist, and champion of communitiesof color through her Papitto Opportunity Connection.
- J. Lynn Singleton, manager for more than four decades of the Providence Performing ArtsCenter (PPAC), called by Providence Business News “a driving force in the Rhode Islandbusiness community.”
- Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson, Rhode Island attorney and Superior Court judge who rose to the high rank ofSenior Justice of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
- Gene Valicenti, radio host at WPRO and TV anchorman at WJAR who has raised money for charitablecauses and earned many broadcasting awards for excellence.
- Robert “Bob” Venturini, Rhode Island cable TV host for more than 30 years who is noted not only for hisprogramming but also for his many charitable campaigns, especially his Toys for TotsTelethon.
- James R. Winoker, successful jewelry manufacturer, real estate developer, historical preservationistand philanthropist.
The ceremony will start with a 5 p.m. social hour, and 6 p.m. dinner, including entertainment and then the inductions. The cost is $105 per person or n or $975 for a table of 10.
Reservations must be purchased by April 29. The invitation and reservation form can be downloaded at www.riheritagehalloffame.com, or emailed to you by calling (401) 273-1787, Penelope Ames, Hall of Fameadministrative assistant. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/27/nine-people-will-be-inducted-to-the-rhode-island-heritage-hall-of-fame/70158862007/ | 2023-04-27T21:12:42 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/27/nine-people-will-be-inducted-to-the-rhode-island-heritage-hall-of-fame/70158862007/ |
ORISKANY, N.Y. – An inmate at the Oneida County Correctional Facility died from an apparent overdose on Thursday, according to Sheriff Robert Maciol.
Correctional officers found 25-year-old Milik Burnett in an altered state while doing routine checks around 8 a.m.
Maciol says this appeared to be from an overdose and medical staff immediately responded. Narcan was administered and other life-saving efforts were made, however, Burnett ultimately had to be taken to St. Luke’s via ambulance where he died around 11:30 a.m.
Maciol says an autopsy will be performed by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the cause of death.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate any death in police custody. The case has been assigned to the AG’s Office of Special Investigations.
Maciol says the sheriff’s office will conduct its own investigation as well.
Burnett was booked at the jail on March 31 on charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/inmate-dies-after-apparent-overdose-at-oneida-county-jail/article_dbaa7cba-e536-11ed-b56d-cfd2f6f28293.html | 2023-04-27T21:12:58 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/inmate-dies-after-apparent-overdose-at-oneida-county-jail/article_dbaa7cba-e536-11ed-b56d-cfd2f6f28293.html |
VERNON, N.Y. – The woman who was killed in a three-car crash in Vernon Wednesday evening has been identified as 72-year-old Gorgene Schmidtka, of Oneida.
The crash happened around 4:50 p.m. on Route 5 near Bleeker Road.
Schmidtka was the passenger in a vehicle that was heading east. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, the driver, 60-year-old MaryKay Neville, crossed into the other lane and hit another vehicle head on. After the first impact, Neville’s vehicle struck a second car before coming to a stop in a ditch on the north side of Route 5.
Schmidtka was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neville and the other drivers involved, 77-year-old Viola Ducatte, of Canastota, and 63-year-old Patricia Miles, of Oneida, were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries not considered to be life-threatening.
Part of Route 5 was closed Wednesday evening as authorities reconstructed the scene, but has since reopened.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/woman-killed-in-head-on-crash-on-route-5-in-vernon-identified/article_2047a554-e52e-11ed-b73b-0b5339e6f5f8.html | 2023-04-27T21:13:00 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/woman-killed-in-head-on-crash-on-route-5-in-vernon-identified/article_2047a554-e52e-11ed-b73b-0b5339e6f5f8.html |
All Lions in Midland were recognized Tuesday at City Hall with a proclamation for their 95 years of service. We don’t do it for the thanks, but we thank you for the recognition. Whether providing free eye exams and eyeglasses to those in need or Midland College scholarships or sponsoring sending young Midlanders abroad, the Lions in Midland have answered the call because the one thing we do well is answer the call to serve.
We ask you to join us as you always have -- from the times we had a bunny as our mascot, through a pandemic, when we pivoted to provide takeout in the parking lot -- and now that we are back to normal. Those joining us Saturday can look forward to Ballet Folklorico, a DJ and a juggler and not having to juggle a mask while entertaining you – our guests, our community, our neighbors.
Ask any Lion “Why do you do what you do?” Selfless service isn’t a hobby for us, it’s our way of life. It is our way of serving the needs we see in our community. Those needs aren’t necessarily monetary though. Ask any student who has competed in our Peace Poster Contest and has had the joy of making a work of art to promote peace. Our children have such creative minds, and we serve to foster their creativity. There is something to be said for recognition if you are a young aspiring child or what we like to call little Leos.
This Saturday we look forward to preparing a meal we can serve and observing the happiness of seeing families sit down and spend time together laughing, filling their tummies and looking on as our volunteers energetically create an atmosphere of joy. We’ll set the tables, prepare your meal, brew some hot coffee and set the stage for memories that you grew up with and your children and grandchildren will remember for years to come.
Join us this Saturday from 7 to 10 a.m. in the food court at the Midland Park Mall for “We Serve Breakfast” and let the Northside Lions serve you. Our joy is introducing a little bit into yours. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/northside-lions-midland-serve-breakfast-mall-17922299.php | 2023-04-27T21:14:15 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/northside-lions-midland-serve-breakfast-mall-17922299.php |
The city of Valparaiso is getting five extra alcohol-sales permits for downtown restaurants after all.
A House-approved plan for additional Valparaiso liquor licensees that died earlier this month in the Senate was revived Thursday as part of House Enrolled Act 1200 and immediately endorsed by both chambers — sending the proposal to the governor to be signed into law.
Since 2005, Valparaiso has benefited from special legislation granting 10 extra permits for on-premises consumption of beer, wine or liquor in restaurants within a designated historic district centered on the Porter County Courthouse.
Mayor Matt Murphy told lawmakers in February the permits helped turn around downtown Valparaiso, which he said once had a 50% vacancy rate.
The legislation seeks to build on that success by allowing the new permits to be deployed at properties up to 1,500 feet outside the historic district, instead of the 700-foot maximum in current law.
Murphy said expanding the area where the additional permits can be used will spur development and bring additional restaurants to downtown streets a few blocks away from Lincolnway.
The measure also raises the initial $6,000 fee for each permit to $25,000. | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/lawmakers-revive-approve-plan-for-extra-downtown-valparaiso-alcohol-sales-permits/article_82b0b7a2-e539-11ed-86bd-877c09fc1d1c.html | 2023-04-27T21:14:20 | 1 | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/lawmakers-revive-approve-plan-for-extra-downtown-valparaiso-alcohol-sales-permits/article_82b0b7a2-e539-11ed-86bd-877c09fc1d1c.html |
Trinity School of Midland officials again called on the City of Midland to follow through with promises made by former Mayor Patrick Payton in May of 2022.
It was then that Payton stated that city leaders would “continue evaluating and taking a good, hard look at why we did what we did, how we can improve and get better as we seek to serve and protect this community.”
In November, Midlanders representing Midland Christian School and the Trinity School of Midland packed Council Chamber inside City Hall to call for that review to take place.
On Wednesday, Michael McWilliams, president of the Trinity School board, released a statement that reminded the community of Payton’s comments on that late May evening.
“From the beginning, we have expressed concern about arrests being made and indictments handed down given the lack of prior investigation by the arresting officer and the District Attorney’s office. I have attended every day of the trial and the testimony and evidence expressly validated these concerns. In May 2022, then-Mayor Payton asked Midlanders to ‘let the process work itself out.’ He went on to say, ‘That doesn't mean we won't continue evaluating and taking a good, hard look at why we [the city] did what we did, how we can improve and get better as we seek to serve and protect this community. We will continue to assume the best of those who serve us in law enforcement, but we will seek to be even better when we come out [of] the other side of the process.’ I hope you will join me in asking the leadership of this city to follow through with those promises. To take a good, hard look. To improve. To get better. To ensure that our prosecutorial ‘process’ does the hard work to protect the civil liberties of all concerned before arrests are made and juries are empaneled.
Current Mayor Lori Blong said in a statement that “In matters of criminal investigations and trials, it is important to note that the court system, the District Attorney’s Office and the police department act as three independent entities which provide checks and balances on one another. The Midland Police Department is a City of Midland department, but the courts and the District Attorney’s Office are entirely separate and apart from the city.”
“The initial arrests in this case were made by the police department, with a warrant issued by the court, and at the direction of the District Attorney’s Office,” Blong noted. “Certainly, this will continue to be a topic of conversation and consideration among our city leadership and Council, as well as throughout our community in the days ahead.”
Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf released a statement on Thursday that said Sgt. Jennie Alonzo drafted and signed the arrest warrants and complaints in the Trinity Case and that the only involvement in the only discussion between the Midland County District Attorney's Office and Sgt. Alonzo about the warrants happened when Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Lively offered to review any warrants prior to them being signed by a judge.
“ADA Lively was never asked to review any arrest warrants,” Nodolf wrote. “ADA Lively and I both learned that the warrants had been served both through local news outlets.”
The City of Midland added it will make no further comment on this issue.
Five previous or current educators from Midland Christian School have sued the City of Midland, the Midland Police Department and Detective Jennie Alonzo, following the grand jury’s decision to not indict in May. The five had been charged in February 2022 with failure to report a sexual assault with intent to conceal or abuse. The case is Jared Lee et al. v. City of Midland et al in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
The five plaintiffs are former superintendent Jared Lee, former Principal Dana Ellis, former Assistant Principal Matthew Counts, former Athletic Director Greg McClendon and former head baseball coach Barry Russell. The lawsuit states the defendants’ actions, both jointly and severally, deprived plaintiffs of their protected rights under the United States Constitution, federal law, and Texas state law.
The city has been limited in its comments about the arrests of Trinity and MCS administrators – partially because of the lawsuit. Blong said so as recently as her mayoral campaign last fall. The statement provided on Thursday also stated the following,
“This has been a difficult season in the lives of many Midland families,” Blong said. “My prayer is that the events of yesterday will be the first step toward healing.” | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/trinity-school-midland-officials-call-review-2022-17922822.php | 2023-04-27T21:14:21 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/trinity-school-midland-officials-call-review-2022-17922822.php |
Four Virginia Commonwealth University students were arrested Wednesday night after protesting a second anti-abortion rally in the university's student center.
VCU police arrested Cassandra Mellor, 20; Casey Lockledge, 19; Joseph Friedman, 21 and Theo Mastio, 19.
All four were charged with misdemeanor trespassing and released on bond. Mastio also was charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest.
It was the second anti-abortion rally in the past month held by Students for Life of America at VCU that was disrupted by protesters. This time, police broke up the protest, allowing the event to continue.
On Wednesday night, the pro-life group Students for Life at VCU gathered in the student center for a second time with their national leader, Kristan Hawkins. When they gathered last month, protesters effectively shut down the meeting. A brief tussle ensured and two Richmond residents were arrested. Both sides complained that VCU did not protect them adequately.
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This time, VCU told protesters it would not tolerate shouting or any attempt to stop speakers from talking. Officers were stationed in the commons before the night began.
Dozens of protesters gathered in the back of the room, holding signs and linking arms, according to videos posted by Kristopher Goad, a local activist who documents protests and other public events on Twitter. Then they began chanting.
Officers warned them they would be arrested if they continued. After the four students were arrested, the other protesters left the room, and the event continued.
"VCU is dedicated to promoting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to gather and speak freely in a civil manner," university spokesperson Michael Porter said.
Porter added that VCU spoke with organizers and protesters days before the event to explain the university's policy. Police would first issue a warning, and those who continued to interfere with the event would be asked to leave and could face criminal prosecution. A sign posted outside the room indicated that canceling or attempting to discontinue the speech of any speaker would not be tolerated.
Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, commended VCU for how it handled the protesters.
"The expectations for those attending the event were made clear from the beginning, and when those rules were violated by protesters, campus police quickly and professionally removed them," Gilbert said in a statement.
On Thursday, another pro-life group called Created Equal, which often displays pictures of aborted fetuses, visited VCU's campus. | https://richmond.com/news/local/4-vcu-students-arrested-protesting-second-anti-abortion-event/article_3278da16-e521-11ed-b335-032d0fc8bb02.html | 2023-04-27T21:15:54 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/4-vcu-students-arrested-protesting-second-anti-abortion-event/article_3278da16-e521-11ed-b335-032d0fc8bb02.html |
Oregon’s first director of outdoor recreation steps down
Oregon’s first director of outdoor recreation has stepped down.
Cailin O'Brien-Feeney was hired in 2018 to lead the state’s newly-created Office of Outdoor Recreation, a job focused on collaborating with businesses, nonprofits and public agencies to improve the state’s recreation policy.
O’Brien-Feeney announced on April 7 that he was leaving the position and taking a job with Quantified Ventures in Central Oregon.
“I’m proud of the work between 2018 and now, which included building consensus on a broad range of priorities that can guide the office and the state for years to come,” he said in a resignation letter. “With this foundation in place the time is right to step aside and allow new energy to lead the work forward.”
The office, created by the state Legislature in 2017, is housed within the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. A search for the next director could begin in May following a meeting of the department’s executive team, OPRD associate director and spokesman Chris Havel said.
Havel said some priorities for the office moving forward include recreational liability, an issue that fizzled in the Legislature this session, along with funding for search and rescue, equity and dealing with the effects of high visitation in the outdoors and more.
Havel said the new director would also coordinate a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan in collaboration with Oregon State University’s Center for Outdoor Recreation Economy.
The job pays $83,160 to $122,436 per year.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon." Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/27/oregons-first-director-of-outdoor-recreation-steps-down-cailin-obrien-feeney/70159490007/ | 2023-04-27T21:16:14 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/27/oregons-first-director-of-outdoor-recreation-steps-down-cailin-obrien-feeney/70159490007/ |
Have you heard the news? After this year’s storms, California is glittering with gold. Gold here, gold there, gold everywhere.
As the theory goes, there is, or will soon be, an abundance of gold-bearing gravel — the result of a terrible drought and fires, followed by torrential rainfall and runoff of sediment — in the rivers of the Sierra Nevada. “California’s prodigious winter rainfall blasted torrents of water through mountain streams and rivers,” the New York Times recently wrote. “And as the warmer weather melts the massive banks of snow … the rushing waters are detaching and carrying gold deposits along the way.”
Garry Hayes, a geology professor at Modesto Junior College, told me it’s true there might be slightly more gold than usual in some of California’s rivers, but “with any kind of gold rush, anyone hoping to get rich will most likely be disappointed.”
For one thing, California has stringent restrictions on mining, given the environmental implications. “Because of the amount of overhead required for permitting, and because the time lag is so long, the rivers could be littered with gold — but at a commercial scale, you won’t be able to touch it for a number of years,” said David Lawler, a local geologist and historian.
That means prospectors hoping to find gold in the state are relegated to old-fashioned methods of sifting. You have to read physical maps and embark on back-breaking methods like gold-panning for hours and hours. You also have to make sure you’re not accidentally on private property. In a best-case scenario, where you’re rooting around sand and gravel (perhaps while using a snorkel), Hayes likened gold-sleuthing to fishing: “You might not get a bite all day, but you’ve got a nice day sitting along the river.”
Lawler offered a more sobering read: “You may have to go to the chiropractor after hours of bending over panning; it requires you to be in a crouched position for a long time.”
Lawler said there’s been one helpful development for hobbyists — a “silver lining,” he called it — which is that metal detectors are actually pretty useful in detecting gold, and they aren’t wildly expensive. But, you know, you still have to buy, and then lug around, a metal detector.
And like Hayes, Lawler cautioned that the winter storm runoff might not prove to be as fruitful as some are making it out to be. “What you’re hoping is that Mother Nature would just expose a little bit more [gold] for you and save you the trouble,” Lawler said. “No, she also takes what she wants and moves it up and out of sight, and all of a sudden, reconfigures the damn stream. So it works both ways.”
Nevertheless, on Wednesday, CBS Bay Area issued a report from Placerville, an hour east of Sacramento, titled, “Biggest gold rush in years could unfold in California due to winter storms’ runoff, miners say.” A few days earlier, the New York Times wrote up a feature of their own on the same subject, in the same town: “Eureka! After California’s Heavy Rains, Gold Seekers Are Giddy.”
The Times feature is thoroughly reported and careful to explain that gold-bearing gravels are almost exclusively being sought after by treasure-hunting hobbyists. The CBS Bay Area report, on the other hand, relies on a “metal detector expert” and a local hardware store owner — the latter of whom stands to benefit from newfound gold sifters — to make the case that there’s gold over yonder for brave adventure-seekers. (No judgment toward the store owner for trying to boost business; it’s not like he asked CBS to parachute into his shop.)
There will surely be more gold rush headlines in the coming months. Take the advice of local geologists: Avoid temptation. Enjoy the relative success stories of longtime hobbyists who know which rivers to navigate — live vicariously through them! — but unless you have the financial means and free time, do not head straight to the Mother Lode. This is not a get-rich opportunity. It’s barely even a get-lucky opportunity.
As Lawler put it, “There’s no harder way in the world to make money than gold mining.” | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/local-geologists-wary-of-california-gold-rush-17921632.php | 2023-04-27T21:16:55 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/local-geologists-wary-of-california-gold-rush-17921632.php |
A version of Arizona's 'stupid motorist law' could be coming to Volusia County
The Volusia County Council will talk about trying to enact something like Arizona's "stupid motorist law" at its next meeting, according to an agenda item.
The law allows people to be billed for the cost of their rescue if they drive around barricades and get stranded in floodwaters. But for it to go into effect here, it would have to be modified under state law.
Volusia County saw major flooding during Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
The meeting is Tuesday, May 2, and starts at 9 a.m. at 123 W. Indiana Ave. in DeLand.
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How does the law work?
The Arizona law allows governments to charge drivers for emergency response expenses if they get stranded after driving around barricades to get onto a flooded street or highway, according to Volusia County Attorney Mike Dyer. Drivers can be charged up to $2,000 per incident for the cost of emergency response for getting people and vehicles out of trouble. That doesn't include ambulance charges.
What can the council do here?
Florida law limits what local governments can do when it comes to assessing fees and enacting traffic regulations.
The council could adopt an ordinance similar to the law in Arizona that could be used during a state of emergency, such as a hurricane.
"This could apply countywide. The penalty for violating an emergency order is set by state law as a second-degree misdemeanor," according to Dyer.
The council could also lobby the Florida Legislature to allow local governments to enact something like Arizona's law outside of just emergencies and to include a monetary fine.
Whose idea is this?
Councilman Danny Robins asked for county staff to bring back information on the topic at a March 7 meeting.
"I think it could possibly be very fitting here locally especially after what we experienced when it came to public emergency response after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole," he said. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/04/27/volusia-council-could-create-version-of-stupid-motorist-law/70159077007/ | 2023-04-27T21:18:37 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/04/27/volusia-council-could-create-version-of-stupid-motorist-law/70159077007/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The United States Food and Drug Administration has updated its food code to now allow pet dogs to join owners for outdoor dining.
Dogs are still not allowed indoors or wherever food is being prepared, but they can now join their owners during outdoor dining — with state, local and restaurant approval.
It's still a no-go for cat owners. The New York Post reported that cats and other pets are still not allowed, per FDA regulations.
The CDC says dogs of any age can sometimes carry harmful germs that can make people sick. "Germs from dogs can cause a variety of illnesses, from minor skin infections to serious illnesses," the website reads.
The CDC does recommend people wash their hands after touching their dogs, especially for preparing or eating food. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/fda-okays-dogs-outdoor-dining/67-999e8593-a676-4ef8-97d7-14d39abedb88 | 2023-04-27T21:18:37 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/fda-okays-dogs-outdoor-dining/67-999e8593-a676-4ef8-97d7-14d39abedb88 |
ATLANTIC CITY — A fight at Atlantic City High School involving a group of students and a teacher led to an altercation between the teenagers' guardians at police headquarters Wednesday, authorities said.
Monique Spellman, 42, Tanika Joyce, 45, and Brandi Braxton, 31, all of whom are city residents, were each charged with disorderly conduct after being involved in a fight at the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building, police said in a news release.
Separately, three girls, 14, 15 and 16, were each charged with aggravated assault from a fight at the high school earlier that day, police said.
Police were called to the school at 12:37 p.m., reaching the building after the altercation was dissolved by security.
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ATLANTIC CITY — Four people were charged in a fight on a city street that led to a dog's dea…
Police said the three girls assaulted a 15-year-old student. A 24-year-old substitute teacher intervened and was attacked during the fight.
The teens were taken to police headquarters to be picked up by Spellman, Joyce and Braxton, whom police identified as the girls' guardians, but all six began fighting, police said.
Both the adults and teenagers were issued summonses pending court.
Police said an investigation into the fight is ongoing, possibly leading to more charges. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/3-teens-3-adults-charged-in-atlantic-city-high-school-fight/article_d8ddcdca-e536-11ed-8a0b-2f8def62ef5c.html | 2023-04-27T21:19:48 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/3-teens-3-adults-charged-in-atlantic-city-high-school-fight/article_d8ddcdca-e536-11ed-8a0b-2f8def62ef5c.html |
Monique Donyale watches as a modular home is lifted into position at 100 N. Massachusetts Ave. in Atlantic City.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
Atlantic City resident George McCalla secures a cable onto the building before the crane lifts the first piece of the modular construction onto the foundation.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
Contractors Tony Walker, left, and George McCalla help guide the floating building onto the foundation.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
The first of four building components is lifted from the ground to be placed on the waiting foundation.
ATLANTIC CITY — Standing near Gramercy and Massachusetts avenues Thursday, Monique Donyale saw a career endeavor lift off.
"I just wanted to be part of the renovation going on down here," said Donyale, of Willingboro, Burlington County, minutes before the first piece of a modular home she's building was set on top of its gray-brick foundation.
Donyale, whose last name is Singleton but professionally uses her first and middle names, said the home's lot, which was previously occupied by a commercial property, was the perfect place for a first home in a building career.
The home is a part of Muncy Homes Inc.'s Shoreline Collection.
Reaching the construction phase hasn't been easy, as Donyale has dealt with water billing issues and having to finance the home herself.
Those aspects, specifically her perseverance, make the project an ideal pilot episode for a reality television series, "Women in Construction — Jersey Shore Edition," that Singleton Builders is planning to film, she said.
Donyale and her team didn't want to elaborate on which companies are interested in producing the show, but Qadree El-Amin, of Southpaw Entertainment, said both broadcast and cable networks are in the mix.
ATLANTIC CITY — At least 115 of the city's streets, or sections of roadways, have been renam…
"This is really what Hollywood is looking for," El-Amin said, having flown in from California to watch Thursday's construction work. "They're looking for stuff that's happening in communities."
By about 11:30 a.m., Donyale and her family, with cellphones in hand, watched, smiling, as the home's kitchen section was lifted by crane and then installed on the foundation.
Donyale hopes her new home will inspire other women, especially in Black and brown communities.
Before entering real estate, Donyale, owned about five North Jersey salons.
"When I was younger, I was always the one who would beat everyone in Monopoly, so I said when I got older, I was going to play Monopoly in real life, so that led me to this," Donyale said.
Donyale is also a real estate wholesaler, she said, and manages two AirBnB properties in the city.
ATLANTIC CITY — A fight at Atlantic City High School involving a group of students and a tea…
Being a Black woman in construction isn't easy, Donyale said. She said she often is faced with people not taking her seriously in a male-dominated field.
She'll meet people, she said, who will ask who she works for, only to learn she's her own boss.
"It's very challenging," Donyale said. "Once I get through that red tape, they kind of are a little more accepting of me, once they know what I'm talking about and I'm actually doing projects and not just talking about them."
Thursday's house lift couldn't have happened without help from a local Realtor, Jerry Barker, from Weichert Realtors Asbury Group, Donyale said.
The land was his listing, he said, and Donyale approached him with an offer.
"I can't take any real credit," Barker said, visiting the site briefly before the kitchen piece was strapped onto the crane. "She's the mastermind of all of this. It's amazing because we rarely see any new construction in this city."
Donyale represents more than just a home builder wanting to make money through a sale, said Dennis Sharpe, one of the resort's building inspectors tasked with overseeing Thursday's operation.
"This is just a small sign of the rebuilding of Atlantic City," Sharpe said. "This is a good example of people investing in this town."
GALLERY: Singleton modular home placement in Atlantic City
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Monique Donyale watches as a modular home is lifted into position at 100 N. Massachusetts Ave. in Atlantic City.
Atlantic City resident George McCalla secures a cable onto the building before the crane lifts the first piece of the modular construction onto the foundation. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/hopeful-reality-tv-builder-completes-first-career-home-in-atlantic-city/article_20bbbbcc-e51c-11ed-a508-0ba3e2a96f7d.html | 2023-04-27T21:19:55 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/hopeful-reality-tv-builder-completes-first-career-home-in-atlantic-city/article_20bbbbcc-e51c-11ed-a508-0ba3e2a96f7d.html |
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., left, talks with Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman and his wife, Lynne, during the unveiling of a "Dr. Harvey Kesselman Way" street sign near the campus Thursday.
Taylor Massey, For The Press
Dr. Harvey Kesselman Way can be found on South Albany Avenue between Pacific Avenue and the Boardwalk.
ATLANTIC CITY — At least 115 of the city's streets, or sections of roadways, have been renamed after people, according to data from the Atlantic City Free Public Library.
Add Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman to that list.
The city renamed the portion of South Albany Avenue between the Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue as Dr. Harvey Kesselman Way on Thursday, in recognition of the soon-to-be-retired president's services to the university, as well as the community.
“I am deeply humbled by this extraordinary gesture. Atlantic City holds a very special place in my heart,” Kesselman said, recalling his parents saving for summer trips to Atlantic City as a child. “Sixty years later, they would be so proud. This street dedication is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the strong partnership between Stockton and this great city. Together, Atlantic City and Stockton will continue to build a brighter future for this community."
Kesselman has been Stockton president for over 40 years and has been involved with the university since it was located at the Mayflower Hotel in 1971. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stockton, a master’s degree in student personnel services/counseling from Rowan University and a doctorate in higher education administration from Widener University.
“We are so proud to have him as our leader and see him recognized in such a meaningful way by the City of Atlantic City. The street naming honors his accomplishments and serves as a testament to the strong partnership between our university and this great city,” said Ray Ciccone, chair of the Stockton Board of Trustees.
ATLANTIC CITY — Stockton University’s second residence hall in the city is nearing completio…
City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to rename the portion of Albany Avenue along Stockton's Residential Center in December. The ordinance commends Kesselman for his commitment to the public-private partnership he negotiated to build the university's Atlantic City campus, which opened in 2018 and will expand with the opening of a new residential building, a ribbon cutting for which will be held next week.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. praised Kesselman and Stockton for being part of the resort's "renaissance."
“Stockton is here to stay, and as an alum, I could not be more proud,” said Small, who graduated from the school in 1998. “We couldn’t think of a better way to honor you and your legacy for being a part of the rebirth of Atlantic City.”
The university has campuses in Atlantic City, Galloway, Hammonton, Manahawkin and Woodbine. More than 11,000 people applied to Stockton in 2021, according to the university, and more than 9,000 students were enrolled during the fall 2022 semester.
"We're giving you your flowers today," Small said before unveiling a white street sign with blue lettering that read "Dr. Harvey Kesselman Way" on a pole at Atlantic and Albany avenues.
Kesselman will retire as Stockton’s fifth president June 30. He is to be succeeded by Joe Bertolino.
The university will name the original Atlantic City residential complex after Kesselman and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the second residential building, located across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, on Wednesday.
GALLERY: Portion of Albany Avenue dedicated to retiring Stockton President Kesselman
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Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., left, talks with Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman and his wife, Lynne, during the unveiling of a "Dr. Harvey Kesselman Way" street sign near the campus Thursday. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/portion-of-albany-avenue-named-after-stockton-president/article_eb945024-e527-11ed-8c3e-c3489b2319fe.html | 2023-04-27T21:20:01 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/portion-of-albany-avenue-named-after-stockton-president/article_eb945024-e527-11ed-8c3e-c3489b2319fe.html |
GREENWOOD, Ind. — Destruction of an embattled hotel that Greenwood city leaders are poised to take down due to ongoing health and sanitary hazards there has been put off after a judge granted a stay for the project.
A judge in the Johnson County Superior Court prohibited the city from taking action that would destroy the hotel until a full judicial review and decision happened.
The stay was requested by the owner of the Red Carpet Inn & Fanta Suites in Greenwood on April 10. A preliminary injunction order decided back in December 2022 already required tenants to vacate the property while crews worked to fix the unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.
That order allowed Greenwood Police, Fire and Building Departments to have access to the property. The hotel was allowed to make repairs on the property between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the judge ordered the hotel to notify everyone "working, residing, staying, sleeping, or carrying out the ordinary activities of daily life" at the hotel of the injunction. The city of Greenwood would be financially responsible for costs and damages that any affected parties incur.
13 Investigates has shared issues at the Red Carpet Inn & Fanta Suites for years.
The problems at the hotel have been persistent and well-documented.
Our investigation found rolling up to the Red Carpet Inn & Fanta Suites happens every other night for Greenwood police.
From overdoses outside to drugs and deaths discovered inside, this hotel had 165 police runs in 2021 and 151 by October 2022, according to the Greenwood Police Department.
That's on top of hundreds of health violations over the years.
Officers and city leaders said it's been a problem property for decades.
"We've had a lot of drug activity. We've had prostitution. We've had people die. We've had murder suspects yanked out of there," said Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers. "It's a drain on my public safety."
"I've been here at this department for 28 years," said Greenwood Assistant Police Chief Matthew Fillenwarth, "and that's been a place I've gone my entire career. I think I've been in about every room there — and not as a guest. I won't even sit on the furniture when I've been in there for work."
In the last few months, city leaders said enough is enough.
Following a hotel manager's overdose death inside in September, the mayor himself went along with police, firefighters and the health department to evaluate conditions.
In October, city leaders revoked the hotel's certificate of occupancy, essentially shutting it down.
Sixteen hours after Greenwood shut down the troubled hotel, 13News went room by room with the city, fire marshal and police as they enforced the order to vacate, making sure guests, workers and people who live at the hotel are gone.
What we witnessed inside was part of what caused the hotel's closure in the first place: cockroaches, open electrical sockets, and disabled smoke alarms.
Red Carpet Inn and Fanta Suites
On Nov. 14, leaders voted unanimously to give the owners until Thanksgiving Day to bring the long-troubled building into compliance.
But when firefighters, the health department and the city's building commissioner made a surprise inspection on Nov. 28, they found problems persisted.
In a room-by-room safety sweep, inspectors found minimal progress.
With guests gone through a vacate order issued by the Greenwood Planning Commission, the hotel was supposed to clean up its act. But after the inspection, the owner admitted that some people are still living at the hotel, in violation of that order.
Inspectors called the conditions inside alarming. They discovered that some smoke detectors were still not working and said most of the rooms are unlivable.
"We still found some cockroaches, a couple of bedbugs, GFCI's not operating properly, a lot of mold," said Greenwood Building Commissioner Kenneth Seal. "We still have one of the rooms that are open to the outdoors completely, plus what appears to be a roof leak that may or may not have been repaired. Just a lot of other items that are in disrepair. Just based on the hallway alone, we couldn't even think about allowing any occupancy."
13News spoke with the hotel's owner, Ahmed Mubarak, who denied the problems at his property.
Mubarak told 13News he had made fixes and that Greenwood has treated him unfairly during the order to vacate process.
"It needs some maintenance, yes, but we are trying, and if anybody goes through the property now, he or she will see that things are coming on spec," Mubarak said. "People here feel safe. No unsanitary or unhealthy conditions, and the ultimate judge of any operation of any hotel stay is the guest, is not the health inspector." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/judge-halts-destruction-of-red-carpet-inn-fanta-suites-in-greenwood-hotel/531-c1b5f2a4-63b9-48cc-9402-cf4a6f44d9b0 | 2023-04-27T21:30:55 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/judge-halts-destruction-of-red-carpet-inn-fanta-suites-in-greenwood-hotel/531-c1b5f2a4-63b9-48cc-9402-cf4a6f44d9b0 |
A 23-year-old Wyoming man is suing an industrial equipment manufacturing company after he was sucked into a conveyor belt while unloading train cars, leaving him “permanently injured, disabled, and disfigured,” a court filing states.
Bret McCoy was using a Wilson Manufacturing & Design portable conveyor belt to unload aggregate from railroad hopper cars into truck hoppers on Dec. 18, a complaint filed on Tuesday states. He was working south of Cheyenne at Granite Peak Transloading.
While attempting to open the train car, McCoy came in contact with the belt, the complaint states. It quickly grabbed him.
“He was pulled into the machine and taken by the belt from the bottom, where the aggregate enters, all the way to the top, where the aggregate exits,” the complaint states.
McCoy became trapped at the top. He was unable to go down because the belt was still running, and he was unable to escape through the top because he couldn’t fit through the funnel.
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Laramie County Fire Department eventually extricated McCoy from the top of the machine.
He sustained a slew of injuries -- spine fractures, multiple broken ribs, a closed breastbone fracture, a broken left hip and numerous others.
McCoy was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center before being transferred to the Medical Center of the Rockies.
“He continues to need medical care and treatment,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit accuses Wilson Manufacturing & Design of building the conveyor belt without proper safety devices to prevent this type of incident. Specifically, the open area of entry was wide enough that a human could pass into the machinery.
McCoy’s attorneys say the Kentucky-based company acted negligently when it designed and sold the product in a “defective condition” that was unreasonably dangerous to users, the complaint states.
He is seeking "substantially" more than $75,000 in damages, but an amount was not specified, the complaint states. The damages include needing attendant care, now and in the future, due to how badly McCoy was injured.
James and Michael Fitzgerald, McCoy's attorneys, declined to comment Thursday. No lawyer yet is listed for the company; Wilson Manufacturing & Design did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
What you missed this week in notable Wyoming crimes and court cases
This week's local crime and court updates from Casper Star-Tribune.
Carolyn Aune is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 2-year-old Paisleigh Williams. The father, Moshe Williams, will have a separate trial.
In his appeal, Christopher Tarpey argued that COVID-mandated restrictions violated his constitutional rights.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol dog named Becky sniffed out a large quantity of drugs after a driver ran out of gas on Interstate 80 east of Rock Springs.
Wayne Kenneth Sanchez was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation after his arrest. He then died of an overdose on the way to jail.
The baby died Aug. 27, 2021 after being transported from Powell Valley Healthcare to a hospital in Salt Lake City.
Officials are searching for a 25-year-old woman wanted for felony escape from the Casper Reentry Center, where she was serving time for a manslaughter conviction.
Authorities suspect a pair of boys, ages 16 and 15, set the fire that severely damaged two homes in Cheyenne.
The Wyoming Supreme Court on Monday reversed the conviction of a Cheyenne man who successfully argued officers' warrantless entry into his home violated his rights.
The trial of a Casper man charged with murdering his father did not begin Monday as planned as lawyers wait to receive reports on his mental health.
Deborah Palm-Egle says a search warrant came from a misinformed tip from a neighbor who believed she was growing marijuana on her farm.
Police arrested a 12- or 13-year-old girl for terroristic threats, a felony, at about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office arrest log.
Listen to the second chapter of Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles that examines the circumstances surrounding a death in a New Jersey resort town.
Salvador Salas, Jr. was found guilty of one count of possession of child pornography and five counts of production. | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/wyoming-man-severely-injured-after-being-sucked-into-conveyor-belt-files-lawsuit/article_dc6a1574-e519-11ed-8150-e70d03159b89.html | 2023-04-27T21:31:04 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/wyoming-man-severely-injured-after-being-sucked-into-conveyor-belt-files-lawsuit/article_dc6a1574-e519-11ed-8150-e70d03159b89.html |
CORSICANA, Texas — A former cheerleader from Navarro College – the college prominently known from the Netflix docu-series "Cheer" – is now suing the college, it cheer team coach Monica Aldama and another former Navarro cheerleader regarding an alleged sexual assault that occurred in September 2021.
WFAA is not naming the victim or suspect in the lawsuit because criminal charges have not been filed.
In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday and obtained by WFAA, a "rookie" female Navarro cheerleader said she was sexually assaulted by another "rookie" male Navarro cheerleader after a party on Sept. 2, 2021. The lawsuit says the victim told several team members about the assault the next day, to which they encouraged her to come to a party so a "veteran" could ask her about the assault.
The lawsuit says this veteran cheerleader, who the lawsuit says was the team's unofficial captain, told the victim "you just need to drink it off and get your mind off of it because that's what Navarro girls do — they drink. We don't tell anyone. We just keep it to our self." The lawsuit goes on to allege that the veteran cheerleader told the victim not to report the assault to Aldama because it would stress her out and the school would cut the cheer program. The same veteran cheerleader later told the victim she "needed to talk it out like adults" with her alleged attacker.
Two days later, on Sept. 4, 2021, the veteran cheerleader assigned two male cheerleaders to accompany the victim while meeting with her alleged attacker, at which point the lawsuit says he apologized. The same two male cheerleaders were then "assigned to escort [the plaintiff] everywhere to ensure she did not report the assault," the lawsuit says, but she was able to call her boyfriend when she wasn't being watched to tell him about it.
The lawsuit says the victim, her boyfriend and three of his friends then went to the alleged attacker's room only to find another cheer member guarding the door. The victim's boyfriend and the cheer member guarding the door then "exchanged words," the lawsuit says, and they left to gather the victim's things from her apartment. The lawsuit says that the person guarding the door then called the police to report that the victim's boyfriend had assaulted him, and while they were packing the victim's dorm, campus police arrived to tell the boyfriend he was banned from campus property and needed to leave.
The boyfriend told the campus police that the only assault that occurred was the one that happened to his girlfriend, the lawsuit says.
The victim, her boyfriend and his friends all left in his car after grabbing what they had packed, the lawsuit says, and then noticed a vehicle following them that was occupied by several veteran cheerleaders, who allegedly pointed a gun at them and threatened to kill them for reporting the assault.
According to the lawsuit, the victim then called Aldama to tell her about the assault, and Aldama allegedly interrupted her by saying, "Let's not make this a big deal. I want the best for you and I will help you cheer wherever you want."
The victim then hung up the phone and called her mother to report the assault to her, according to the lawsuit. A few days later, after the victim had quit the cheer team, Aldama allegedly told her "If you keep quiet, I'll make sure you can cheer anywhere you want," according to the lawsuit.
The victim then tried reporting the alleged assault to campus police and the college's Title IX office, the lawsuit says. Campus police reportedly told the victim "this type of thing happens all the time, that she can report the assault, but that nothing will happen because nothing ever happens." She still reported the assault to campus police, the lawsuit says.
Navarro College's Title IX office informed the victim that it did not have the proper documentation to report a sexual assault and instead gave her a piece of paper to write down the answers to questions, the lawsuit claims. The Title IX office also told the victim that neither it nor the campus police department nor the Corsicana Police Department keep rape kits on hand, and that the regional medical center does not have a registered Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
The closest rape kit available would have required a drive to Waco or Dallas, the lawsuit says.
The victim's mother reached back out to both campus police and the college's Title IX office for an update, the lawsuit says, but the campus police did not have a report and the Title IX office told the victim's mother there was "no record of Plaintiff's sexual assault, insisting instead to the report Plaintiff attempted to make as 'allegations'."
The victim withdrew from Navarro College and enrolled at a different Texas university where she currently is on the cheer team. The victim claims in the lawsuit that she's being "blackballed" from many nationally ranked programs with former Navarro cheerleaders as coaches or team members.
The lawsuit also claims the victim suffered from a "pervasive culture of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and intimidation," citing previous instances at the school -- including the conviction of former "Cheer" star Jerry Harris, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for coercing teenage boys. The lawsuit names two other instances where male cheerleaders within the program were arrested and charged with sexual assault and a third where a male was sued for allegations of sexual assault.
The victim is seeking "damages in an amount within the Court's jurisdictional limits" and a trial by jury.
Reached by comment, Navarro College provided WFAA the following statement:
"The College denies any allegations of wrongdoing and is prepared to vigorously defend itself in court. The safety and welfare of students is always of utmost priority. Navarro College prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct against all students and is deeply committed to providing an educational environment free from sex discrimination and sexual assault."
More Texas headlines: | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cheer-cheerleader-sexual-assault-lawsuit-navarro-college/287-afed0c85-ca79-43e6-b01f-800fd1ff6fca | 2023-04-27T21:34:06 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/cheer-cheerleader-sexual-assault-lawsuit-navarro-college/287-afed0c85-ca79-43e6-b01f-800fd1ff6fca |
COOK COUNTY, Illinois — Editor's note: The video above is from a previous web story
Gwinnett County Police have arrested two men in connection to a deadly shooting that happened last Sunday a at Shell gas station.
Keonte Anderson, 29, and Jonas Albright-Gillis, 28, were arrested Thursday during a traffic stop in Illinois after Gwinnett County Police alerted law enforcement about the men's alleged crimes.
Prior to their arrest, investigators in Georgia identified Anderson and Albright-Gillis as suspects after their Audi SUV was spotted driving away from the gas station.
The pair are believed to be involved in the shooting death of Marcus Bush, also known as "Slick Rich Juv." The father of three was found dead behind the gas station at Peachtree Industrial and Jimmy Carter Boulevards.
Investigators believe a shootout began at the pumps after Bush was seen arguing with several men. When officers arrived on scene just before 1 p.m., they found Bush's remains behind the gas station.
Following the shooting, officers learned that the SUV spotted at the scene had traveled to Illinois. Calumet City Police Department in Illinois was alerted of the men and later arrested them.
Anderson and Albright-Gillis are both facing several charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.
Ablright-Gillis also faces an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Currently, the pair are being held in the Cooke County jail in Illinois, waiting to be extradited back to Georgia, police said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pair-wanted-deadly-shooting-gwinnett-co-gas-station-arrested-illinois-police/85-19c06a9f-425c-4e76-b956-f84a57b653c0 | 2023-04-27T21:34:12 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pair-wanted-deadly-shooting-gwinnett-co-gas-station-arrested-illinois-police/85-19c06a9f-425c-4e76-b956-f84a57b653c0 |
After expanding its shopping area, staff at Nifty Thrifty Resale Shop, 4200 39th Ave., which donates all its proceeds to Women and Children's Horizons, were overjoyed to see the store grow into a comfortable space for customers to shop.
But there was one problem: The new space's walls were a musty, two-tone brown.
"This whole room was dingy and dark, but it used to be a warehouse," said LeAnn Zadler, assistant manager at Nifty Thrifty.
While mulling over what to do to brighten up the space, Zadler mentioned to local retired painter Carl Sanders she wanted to "get back there and paint it."
"And he responded with 'I'll do it for you,'" Zadler said. "He didn't even hesitate. This is just the kind of person he is. I've known him for nearly 20 years and he's just got a heart of gold."
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"I was much-needed because the way it was, it was dingy and dirty," Sanders said. "People don't like to shop like that."
Through the repainting process, Zadler and Sanders, who was joined by his son, Chris, rallied local businesses that helped provide materials and resources.
"Kevin (Becker) from Hallman Lindsay (4105 52nd St.) donated several five-gallon tubs of paint," Zadler said. "We did have to put in a little (money) to finish the back area here, but there's no way we could have afforded to get that."
Becker, the Hallman Lindsay store manager, said part of the company's values is giving back to local communities.
"Hallman Lindsay is huge in being part of community participation," Becker said. "When I was told about Nifty Thrifty, I wanted to be part of that."
Tyler Nehls, owner of Lift Pro, 3120 64th St., also donated his services by donating a lift twice for the painters to reach higher parts of the walls during the painting process.
"It's a good feeling to be part of the community and give back," Nehls said. "We know how difficult it is to run a nonprofit ... It's just a way for us to give back."
Zadler said shoppers have taken notice of the change.
"They love it," Zadler said. "I hear 'Oh my gosh it's so nice and so big in here,' and I've had so many people say the store was always nice before but it is so extra-nice now."
Zadler also emphasized the project could not have been done without the support of Carl and Chris Sanders, Nehls and Becker.
"The whole thing would have cost us well over $6,000, easy. Between labor and renting that lift, there's no way we could have done it. We're a nonprofit, and there's just no way we could have done that," Zadler said. "We couldn't have made it look like this without them. And it makes us happy when people come in and they say that it's nice." | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/community-members-collaborate-to-repaint-nifty-thrifty-resale-shop/article_40019464-dec0-11ed-be5e-63e71fabb9ce.html | 2023-04-27T21:34:41 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/community-members-collaborate-to-repaint-nifty-thrifty-resale-shop/article_40019464-dec0-11ed-be5e-63e71fabb9ce.html |
SOMERS — Gov. Tony Evers visited with students and staff of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside during a tour of the campus Thursday afternoon ahead of Chancellor Debbie Ford’s exit.
Parkside staff and faculty ushered Evers through campus as he entered classrooms and chatted with surprised students. Many students stopped Evers and took selfies with the Democratic governor who was re-elected in 2022.
One of the first things he did Thursday was stop at a booth run by students and write them a note reading “Congratulations! Class of 2023.”
“It’s good to be here at Parkside,” Evers said said after visiting classes with students studying applied health sciences, social psychology, work-based learning and statics. “They just do a great job and I’ve always been impressed with them. They are the go-to place in southeast Wisconsin.”
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Evers was accompanied by Ford, who after 14 years of leadership at university will be leaving to assume the role of chancellor of Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind.
Evers presented Ford with a certificate of commendation in honor of her efforts at the public university that enrolls some 4,000 students annually.
“The chancellor’s done a great job,” Evers said. “I’ll miss her. She was somebody who made this school what it is today.”
Ford said she was “truly honored.”
“I am grateful to Gov. Evers for taking the time to meet with our students today. I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Ford said in a statement. “It has been my absolute pleasure to serve and be a part of the UW-Parkside community and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. Although I am leaving, I will never stop being an avid supporter and advocate for UW-Parkside and the success of our students. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”
While touring classrooms Evers reminded students they should focus on their mental health.
“Mental health is such a significant issue for our young people, and it didn’t just come with the pandemic,” Evers said. “I just think life has become more and more complex for them. Whatever they can do at the end of the school year to take care of themselves, that’s a step in the right direction.”
Evers said the university can make young people “superstars” despite the state’s support for the public university system “not where we want it to be.”
He highlighted a recent report in conducted by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum that found the University of Wisconsin System ranked 43rd nationally for per-pupil funding in 2021.
“People have to understand how important (education) is and we need to do more,” Evers added.
Evers was also joined by state Reps. Tip McGuire, D-Kenosha, and Tod Ohnstad, D-Kenosha.
“Parkside is such an important part of our Kenosha community, and it’s great to have the governor down here and recognizing the contribution that Parkside makes to Kenosha,” McGuire said. “I think Parkside is well respected in Kenosha.”
Ohnstad said the tour was “bittersweet” because Ford is leaving by the end of the school year. Ohnstad said she’s been one of the most impactful leaders in the area.
“She’s done such a great job and Gov. Evers is certainly no stranger to Kenosha,” Ohnstad said. “Parkside is always a special place to come visit.”
Ohnstad said the university has been transformed inside and out by Ford.
Senior Dylan Oberbroeckling didn’t expect to meet the governor.
“We just looked up and here he is walking through,” Oberbroeckling said. “That was awesome.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gov-tony-evers-tours-uw-parkside-visits-students-staff-and-honors-outgoing-chancellor-debbie-ford/article_63940184-e530-11ed-93b1-376c5f21cf7e.html | 2023-04-27T21:34:47 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gov-tony-evers-tours-uw-parkside-visits-students-staff-and-honors-outgoing-chancellor-debbie-ford/article_63940184-e530-11ed-93b1-376c5f21cf7e.html |
Kenosha County Board supervisors Daniel Gaschke, left, and Brian Thomas listen as Supervisor Monica Yuhas calls on her colleagues to discuss position eliminations with division and department directors before the county executive presents the budget in the fall during the `vision session' held at the Job Center Tuesday night, April 25, 2023. On Yuhas' right are supervisors John O'Day and Andy Berg.
Terry Flores
Kenosha County Chief Information Officer Shawn Smith discusses cybersecurity and protecting county data during the 2024 budget vision session held at the Job Center, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Terry Flores
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman, left, Finance Director Patti Merrill, Budget Director Barna Bencs, Sheriff David Zoerner, County Board Chair Gabe Nudo and Supervisor Erin Decker at the 2024 budget vision session held at the Job Center Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Terry Flores
Kenosha County administration, County Board supervisors and county staff gather at the inaugural budget vision session held at the Job Center, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Kenosha County administration, department directors, staff and elected officials converged this week to collaborate on what success means as they look toward building a budget for 2024.
During the inaugural “vision” session Tuesday, County Executive Samantha Kerkman facilitated presentations from department heads. Overviews and project updates were presented in county finance, law enforcement, human services public works and development and information technology.
County Board Chair Gabe Nudo, likewise, moderated questions and comments from supervisors.
The two-hour session, which was open to the public, gave elected officials and staff in county government the opportunity to become acquainted with the issues they handle on a daily basis and how they might be addressed in the budget process that begins next month and continues throughout the summer.
During the session supervisors also weighed in with their concerns and wish lists.
Curtailing last-minute position cuts
Supervisor Monica Yuhas called on her colleagues to confer with department and division heads about cutting jobs or positions before the county executive presents the budget in the fall.
“My understanding is budget work starts in June, July and August. That’s plenty of time for elected officials to sit down and talk with division and department heads to explain why they feel someone should be eliminated,” she said. “I would like to see that done prior to the budget being presented in October so we don’t have what we had last November.”
She said it was “only fair to those employees, as well as those division and department heads so they’re not caught off guard” during the budget committee hearings.
Last fall, last-minute budget adjustments led to position eliminations in facilities, highways and the county’s UW-Extension program. A vote on bonding for millions of dollars in county projects was held up as a negative quorum, which included Yuhas and five others, voted against the mechanism to fund them. While the board voted 17-6 on the bonding, it did not have 18 votes needed to pass the financing.
The impasse resulted in administration considering additional layoffs in the highway division and the possibility of closing county parks over the winter. County officials reached a compromise in December, ending the impasse.
Kemper needs
Supervisor Laura Belsky said among things administration will need to consider is the eventual replacement of the lakeshore at Kemper Center, which has undergone significant revetment.
“We don’t want to lose another 20 feet of it,” she said. “We really need to plan for the $24 million that’s probably going to cost to replace the lakeshore.”
Belsky, who is also a member of the Kemper board, asked for new lighting for the grounds and WiFi access.
Supervisor David Geertsen complimented Kerkman for gathering administration, staff and elected officials for the mid-week summit and presentation of department plans.
“This is great. This shows you’re listening,” Geertsen said. “A lot of the things we talked about and worked on are in this plan.”
Geertsen, who worked for the county for three decades, retiring as its finance director, said he continues to learn new things about the county, including the 15th District he represents.
“I learned that the poorest district in the county is in my district,” he said.
Siren replacement
Supervisor Zach Stock wondered about the feasibility of returning a tornado siren to his district that was removed during the construction of the 60th Street fire station.
The analog system was dismantled but never replaced, which has many of his constituents concerned about not having a warning system nearby.
“I would just be curious to see the feasibility of at least bringing one back online,” Stock said addressing Zoerner.
“I assure you, that’s going to be addressed,” Sheriff David Zoerner said.
Supervisor Brian Bashaw wondered about the possibility of creating a special entertainment district, as multiple Indian tribes have purchased lands in Kenosha. Last year, the Village of Bristol sold nearly 60 acres of land it owned to the city of Kenosha for $15.2 million, land located on the city’s west side that could one day have a casino and entertainment center.
Bashaw who was looking into the possibility of applying a special assessment district, wondered how the county might create an entertainment district that could enable it to collect revenue.
“I don’t know. I’m just thinking out loud … but we’re a growing community, rapidly growing,” he said. “Is there a strategy whereby we could find money through taxable revenues for a specialized district?”
Kerkman, a former state legislator, said a special taxing district would require action from the Legislature “because we just can’t create that here in the county.”
Following the session, Kerkman said that she believed it was helpful for board members.
Sometimes, they know who the (department) directors are, but they don’t know the people behind the scenes that help them do their jobs,” she said.. “And, it was a great opportunity to really hear from the supervisors what their constituents are saying to them, and what we are hearing.
“I hear certain things. People come up to me. But, (supervisors) represent the entire county, as well,… so it was an opportunity to really listen and learn today. I pride myself on that.”
She said that going forward she hopes that ideas from staff and supervisors can be implemented next year, but said it might not all happen at once.
“Some of it might not be able to be done right away, but it’s giving us a roadmap forward into the future,” she said.
Ahead Saturday: Kenosh County staff and administration discuss plans for doing things differently and updates for a number of projects.
UPDATED: IN PHOTOS: Images from the 2022 Kenosha County Fair
Kenosha County Board supervisors Daniel Gaschke, left, and Brian Thomas listen as Supervisor Monica Yuhas calls on her colleagues to discuss position eliminations with division and department directors before the county executive presents the budget in the fall during the `vision session' held at the Job Center Tuesday night, April 25, 2023. On Yuhas' right are supervisors John O'Day and Andy Berg.
Kenosha County Chief Information Officer Shawn Smith discusses cybersecurity and protecting county data during the 2024 budget vision session held at the Job Center, Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman, left, Finance Director Patti Merrill, Budget Director Barna Bencs, Sheriff David Zoerner, County Board Chair Gabe Nudo and Supervisor Erin Decker at the 2024 budget vision session held at the Job Center Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Kenosha County administration, County Board supervisors and county staff gather at the inaugural budget vision session held at the Job Center, Tuesday, April 25, 2023. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/with-2024-budget-vision-session-kenosha-county-administration-board-look-early-to-incorporate-ideas-avoid/article_4cd1beac-e4c5-11ed-885c-1bea43eedd2f.html | 2023-04-27T21:34:53 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/with-2024-budget-vision-session-kenosha-county-administration-board-look-early-to-incorporate-ideas-avoid/article_4cd1beac-e4c5-11ed-885c-1bea43eedd2f.html |
TEXAS, USA — Gov. Greg Abbott announced the locations for the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits.
The first summit will be in Temple Thursday, May 4. A summit will be held in Abilene May 18 and one will be in San Angelo Oct. 19.
The summits are aimed at helping Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business.
"Small businesses have made Texas the economic legend that we are today, and people from across America continue moving to our state in droves to take advantage of the unique freedom and opportunity only offered in our great state,” Abbott said in a release. “As we kick off the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits next week in Temple, we will also be celebrating the spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship of millions of Texans whose economic contributions have become the lifeblood of our mighty economy during Small Business Week in Texas. Working together, and by sharing best practices and experiences, we will build the Texas of tomorrow and keep our state the best place in the nation to do business, live, and raise a family."
The kick-off in Temple will provide Texas small business owners and entrepreneurs key insights on critical business topics and the opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who can share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics.
The event will be co-hosted by the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office, the Temple Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Governor’s Small Business Summit ─ Temple
8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. 3rd St.
Panel topics:
- Finance & Funding
- Workforce Development
- Cybersecurity
- Marketing & E-Commerce Essentials
Keynote speaker: McLane Group Chairman Drayton McLane Jr.
Guest speaker: Texas Workforce Commissioner representing employers Aaron Demerson.
The $20 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and sessions. For more information and to register: gov.texas.gov/business/event/the-governors-small-business-summit-temple
Upcoming dates for the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits:
- Abilene – May 18
- Amarillo – June 1
- The Woodlands – June 15
- Kingsville – June 29
- Arlington – July 13
- Stephenville – July 27
- McAllen – Aug. 10
- Marshall – Aug. 24
- Horizon City – Sept. 7
- Fredericksburg – Sept. 21
- Beaumont – Oct. 5
- San Angelo – Oct. 19
- San Antonio – Nov. 8
- Zapata – Dec. 7
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and Office of Small Business Assistance also offer the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal providing on-demand and customized business resources: gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-portal. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/abilene-san-angelo-among-locations-for-2023-governors-small-business-summits/504-3c14d34e-aaba-4971-9cc7-f32cf9cf3111 | 2023-04-27T21:35:19 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/abilene-san-angelo-among-locations-for-2023-governors-small-business-summits/504-3c14d34e-aaba-4971-9cc7-f32cf9cf3111 |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Former "One Day at a Time" actress, Mackenzie Phillips, was the keynote speaker Thursday at the sixth annual Alcohol & Drug Awareness Center for the Concho Valley spring luncheon.
The event took place at the Bentwood Country Club, where more than 20 tables were full to hear Phillips's story. She opened her dialogue discussing her childhood and beginnings, but closed with how grateful she is to be alive.
"I also know that you know, God's been sitting on my shoulder, or at least keeping an eye on me for a long, long time. So that's always been, even though I always felt different and other and weird and wrong, I always knew I was loved," Phillips said.
She appeared vulnerable through her talk, citing examples of her own trauma and abuse and how "lucky" she is to have her son, Shane, in her life. Phillips credits both her faith and her son for her turning point.
"I felt like God was always knocking on my consciousness saying, hey, I'm here, hey, I'm here. Wake up. Wake up to the reality of your situation. Wake up and know that I can show you the way. And sometimes I would remember that, and sometimes I wouldn't," Phillips said.
There were multiple themes throughout her speech. She mentioned she has hopes that the justice system can offer rehabilitation programs instead of incarceration for addicts and for helping hands to be offered prior to those hitting rock bottom.
"I have to say that people quite often say, well, you know, you shouldn't step in until so-and-so reaches their bottom and they're in their addiction. I am imploring people, don't wait until someone hits their bottom. It's like waiting for someone to die. Get in there while there is still breath," Phillips said.
For more information on ADACCV and its services, click here. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/mackenzie-phillips-speaks-about-life-addiction-healing-at-adaccv-luncheon/504-16ba2c0b-c793-40f4-9fdf-54dbc41ecdd6 | 2023-04-27T21:35:25 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/mackenzie-phillips-speaks-about-life-addiction-healing-at-adaccv-luncheon/504-16ba2c0b-c793-40f4-9fdf-54dbc41ecdd6 |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Texas Leadership of San Angelo high school campus was placed on lockdown Thursday after administrators received information about a social media threat made by a student.
Once it was determined the student was not on campus, the lockdown was reduced to a 'hold'. Administrators worked with the San Angelo Police Department who "very quickly apprehended the student," a release from the school said.
As of 2 p.m. Thursday, the hold was lifted and normal activities commenced.
Administrators issued the following statement to parents:
"Texas Leadership Families:
We want to communicate to you that the San Angelo High School Campus administration received intel concerning a social media post made by a student today.
Because of this, the campus was placed on lock down but reduced to a hold once it was confirmed the said student was not on campus. We actively worked with SAPD who very quickly apprehended the student.
The campus was never in danger and steps taken were according to protocol and out of an abundance of caution. The hold has now been lifted and normal activities have resumed. Our student’s safety is our greatest priority and we are thankful for the SAPD’s quick response in helping in the situation. Because we take these types of actions by anyone very serious, we have asked the SAPD to take the highest level legal action possible.
Thank you,
Texas Leadership Administration" | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/tlca-san-angelo-hs-campus-placed-on-lockdown-after-social-media-threat/504-c9deb11f-9418-4726-99f2-7a7b4d612aaa | 2023-04-27T21:35:31 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/tlca-san-angelo-hs-campus-placed-on-lockdown-after-social-media-threat/504-c9deb11f-9418-4726-99f2-7a7b4d612aaa |
TEXAS, USA — You've heard people say, "There's nothing to do in town." Here is a list of events happening in San Angelo, Abilene and beyond to do with your friends and family.
BIG COUNTRY
FRIDAY
10 a.m. - Third annual Reentry Celebration Expo, Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St.
6 p.m. - Second annual Hideout Flameout After-Party, The Hideout Golf Club and Resort, 185 Hideout Lane - BROWNWOOD
7 p.m. - Adult Prom, The Mill, 239 Locust St.
7:30 p.m. - Cassidy Sooter, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
7:30 p.m. - 5 'n Dimers, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
8:30 p.m. - Braydon Zink, Blue Agave Cattle Company, 107 Main St. - BLACKWELL
8:30 p.m. - Ghost of Gray County, Heff's Burgers and Bar, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
SATURDAY
8 a.m. - Kiwanis Club of Abilene 73rd annual Pancake Day, Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St.
8 a.m. - WASP Homecoming and Fly-In 2023, National WASP WWII Museum, 210 Avenger Field Road - SWEETWATER
9 a.m. - State Park Service Day, Abilene State Park, 150 Park Road 32 - TUSCOLA
11 a.m. - Teddy Bear Tea Party, Brown County Museum of History, 209 N. Broadway St. - BROWNWOOD
1 p.m. - Adult Dungeons and Dragons Club, Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane
1 p.m. - Healthy Kids Day, YMCA of Abilene - Redbud, 3125 S. 32nd St.
4 p.m. - Kiwanis Club of Abilene 73rd annual Pancake Day, Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St.
4 p.m. - Abilene Preservation League 2023 Living History Cemetery Tour, Abilene Municipal Cemetery, 1133 Cottonwood St.
5 p.m. - Tails and Ales Crawfish Boil, SunnHaus Brewing, 344 Clark Road
6 p.m. - Zoobilitation Gala - A Wild Encounter, Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane
6 p.m. - The Remedy and the Backyard Boys, Wild Duck Marina, 320 High Top St. - BROWNWOOD
7 p.m. - Chorus Abilene BackBeat Spring Concert, The Witherspoon, 370 Mesquite St.
8 p.m. - Marvel at the Moon, Lake Brownwood State Park, 200 State Hwy Park Road 15 - BROWNWOOD
9 p.m. - Jamie Richards, Heff's Burger and Bar, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road
9 p.m. - Free Ride, Doc's Bar and Grill, 2042 FM 1750
SUNDAY
1:30 p.m. - Pokemon Meet-up, Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St.
CONCHO VALLEY
FRIDAY
10 a.m. - Lone Star Market at the Warehouse, Ballinger Wool & Mohair, 608 Railroad St. - BALLINGER
4 p.m. - Runnels County Film Festival barbecue cookoff and benefit auction, Old Town Old Times, 8601 US Hwy 67 - BALLINGER
5 p.m. - Celebration of Music Downtown Strong Stroll, downtown San Angelo
5 p.m. - Guy Choate & the Three Man Band, Plateau Brewing Company, 214 S. Chadbourne St.
5:30 p.m. - Artists' Gallery Talk by McKay Otto and Orna Feinstein, Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
7:30 p.m. - Shakespeare on the Concho "Hamlet", Be Theatre, 82 Gillis St.
9 p.m. - Micky and the Motorcars, The House of FiFi DuBois, 123 S. Chadbourne St.
9 p.m. - Mike Gonzalez and the Iconiczz, The Penny Tap House, 2412 College Hills Blvd.
SATURDAY
7 a.m. - Annual Mertzon BBQ Cookoff, Mertzon Community Center - MERTZON
9 a.m. - Little Mermaid Camp, Ballet San Angelo, 82 Gillis St.
9 a.m. - Junior League of San Angelo Touch-A-Truck 2023, Foster Communications Coliseum, 50 E. 43rd St.
9 a.m. - Lone Star Market at the Warehouse, Ballinger Wool & Mohair, 608 Railroad St. - BALLINGER
9 a.m. - Christoval Community Center ribbon cutting ceremony, 4698 Rudd St. - CHRISTOVAL
9 p.m. - Get Crafty, Stephens Central Library, 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
10 a.m. - Forty-eighth Texas State Festival of Ethnic Cultures - BALLINGER
11 a.m. - Concho Valley PAWS free pet adoption event, Petco, 4157 Sunset Drive
11 a.m. - Painting Fun at the Grind, The Grind Coffee & Café, 220 N. Chadbourne St.
11 a.m. - Kids Day Out, Kirby Park, 1401 Edmund Blvd.
2 p.m. - Saturday Story-time and Crafts, Stephens Central Library, 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
2 p.m. - Tom Green County Libraries Teen Republic Draw Together, Stephens Central Library, 33 W. Beauregard Ave.
4 p.m. - Martial Pint's fourth annual Crawfish Festival, The Martial Pint, 19 E. Concho Ave.
6:30 p.m. - Bid and Boogie 2023, Cooper's Bar-B-Q, 20809 US Hwy 277S - CHRISTOVAL
7 p.m. - Susan Kolb, The Gin and Granary, 8663 Loop 570 - WALL
7 p.m. - Comedy Night at the Vineyard, Christoval Vineyards, 5000 Cralle Road - CHRISTOVAL
7:30 p.m. - Shakespeare on the Concho "Hamlet", Be Theatre, 82 Gillis St.
7:30 p.m. - Wall Western Dance Club Dance with Ray Vanek, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 8602 Loop 570S - WALL
7:45 p.m. - Golden Hour Sunset Hike, San Angelo State Park, 362 FM 2288
8 p.m. - Star Party, San Angelo State Park, 362 FM 2288
8:30 p.m. - Reload, The House of FiFi DuBois, 123 S. Chadbourne St.
9 p.m. - Latin Breed and Evoluzion, Koronazz, 4611 S. Jackson St.
9 p.m. - The Vegas Stars, The Penny Tap House, 2412 College Hills Blvd.
SUNDAY
9 a.m. - Women's Hike, San Angelo State Park, 362 FM 2288
4 p.m. - Lumpy Sunday Funday with Charles Reyes, The House of FiFi DuBois, 123 S. Chadbourne St.
7:30 p.m. - Shakespeare on the Concho "Hamlet", Be Theatre, 82 Gillis St.
Want your event listed? Email srojas@foxsanangelo.com by noon Wednesdays
. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/west-texas-weekend-events-april-28-30/504-c1096fa2-68d2-4ae8-bcc1-b268309b3cc7 | 2023-04-27T21:35:37 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/west-texas-weekend-events-april-28-30/504-c1096fa2-68d2-4ae8-bcc1-b268309b3cc7 |
BANGOR- A former Glenburn man convicted of killing a man and dismembering him is challenging his conviction.
It's based on new evidence that Maine's Attorney General's Office says Jimmy Lipham knew about for years.
A jury found Jimmy Lipham guilty of murdering 53-year-old David Langway of Winterport in 2003.
During his trial, Lipham claimed he accidentally killed Langway when he tripped and the gun went off.
Prosecutors said he shot Langway in the back of the head intentionally and cut off his arms and legs so he could be buried more easily.
This afternoon the judge hearing his case denied a request by the State to dismiss Lipham's post conviction review and requested an evidentiary hearing. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/former-glenburn-man-challenges-2004-murder-conviction/article_d08a741c-e53f-11ed-abe3-87cd542b7726.html | 2023-04-27T21:38:00 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/former-glenburn-man-challenges-2004-murder-conviction/article_d08a741c-e53f-11ed-abe3-87cd542b7726.html |
The Bismarck City Commission is beginning the process of reestablishing a Renaissance Zone in the city.
The commission on Tuesday voted 4-1 in favor of the move. Commissioner Mike Connelly was the dissenting vote, saying he thinks the Burleigh County Commission should be the first to vote on the matter.
The program that seeks to revitalize and redevelop communities by providing tax incentives was created by the Legislature in 1999 and has seen 62 communities join, with 54 still having active zones. The zones are active for 15 years, with extensions available in five-year increments.
Bismarck’s Renaissance Zone encompassing downtown and a length along Main Avenue was established in 2001 and expired last year after the County Commission declined to support another five-year extension of the zone. Some commissioners raised concerns including the impact of the program's tax incentives, accuracy of the program's impacts and costs, and projects they said appeared to have strayed from the program's intent. They also questioned whether developers building outside of the zone were at a disadvantage.
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A total of 138 projects have been completed in Bismarck's Renaissance Zone and an additional six are under construction. Major projects include the Patterson Building, First Street Lofts, The Trestle, The Prince Hotel and Renaissance Lofts.
A packet put together by the Bismarck Planning Division and overseen by a subcommittee of the Renaissance Zone Authority found that the program has paid for itself in fiscal impact to the city, county, schools and parks.
Projects that were granted five-year property tax exemptions have reentered the tax rolls at significantly higher values. By 2020, the total amount of tax revenue generated from completed projects exceeded the total amount of exemptions granted for the history of the program, according to the packet.
It also said a total capital investment of just under $85 million has been verified on Renaissance Zone projects, and another $23.4 million in investment is underway.
A renewal of the zone is made possible under House Bill 1266, by Rep. Jason Dockter, R-Bismarck, which allows cities with expired zones to reapply to the program. The Legislature passed it and Gov. Doug Burgum signed it into law.
Burgum on Thursday signed Senate Bill 2391, which provides some additional benefits and flexibility to local Renaissance Zone programs. One provision in the bill would see reauthorization be increased to 10-year increments over the current five-year increments.
Bismarck’s Renaissance Zone Authority -- an advisory board to the City Commission -- decided during an April 13 meeting to make a bid to renew the zone. Officials hope the zone can be reinstated on Aug. 1 -- the earliest date possible.
“We're doing the legwork in advance in case it takes a little time to do this,” Bismarck Senior Planner Daniel Nairn said.
The program would come back just as it was prior to its expiration but changes could be made after the renewal. There are no specific changes being discussed, but examples of potential changes include modifying the zone boundaries or changing project selection criteria, according to Nairn.
The request for reinstatement of the program must be formally made by the City Commission, with support from Bismarck Public Schools and Burleigh County. All three are needed for the State Department of Commerce to accept the application. The Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority also will seek support from the Bismarck Parks District.
The Authority and City Commission members have discussed the best way to make a new pitch to the county.
“I just think that it would show a good precedent to offer this to the county first before coming through the others and stacking all the yeses towards one side and then having them (the county) be the final decision,” Connelly said at Tuesday's meeting.
Three of the five current county commissioners were not on the panel last year when it declined to support a renewal of the Renaissance Zone. Chair Becky Matthews and Commissioner Brian Bitner are the two who were.
The Renaissance Zone Authority plans to invite Matthews to a meeting to address the county’s concerns prior to formally presenting the renewal to the county. The County Commission will meet in May to discuss the new legislation and determine its next steps, according to Matthews.
Bismarck is the first city to begin the process of renewal under House Bill 1266 provisions, according to Nairn.
Authority opening
Connelly’s recent appointment to the City Commission to fill an opening leaves the citizen member seat on the seven-member Renaissance Zone Authority open.
The city is seeking someone to serve until December 2024, when the term expires. Any resident of Bismarck is eligible for the term expected to start in June.
Application forms can be obtained at bit.ly/3N4ndQK or during normal business hours at the Community Development Department Office on the second floor of the City/County Building at 221 N. Fifth St. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on May 5.
For more information contact the department at 701-355-1840. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/talks-to-reinstate-renaissance-zone-underway-in-bismarck-county-must-agree/article_b64c8378-e50e-11ed-ab26-ab1657694377.html | 2023-04-27T21:43:07 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/talks-to-reinstate-renaissance-zone-underway-in-bismarck-county-must-agree/article_b64c8378-e50e-11ed-ab26-ab1657694377.html |
TEXAS, USA — Two of the eight Trump supporters accused of participating in a “politically-motivated conspiracy” by closely following, honking at and slowing down a campaign bus for President Joe Biden on a Texas highway in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election have settled with former state Sen. Wendy Davis and three others on the bus.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs announced Thursday they have filed papers to dismiss Hannah Ceh and Kyle Kruger as defendants in the lawsuit. The case against the six other defendants remains pending.
The terms of the settlement were not made public, but the two issued formal apologies for their involvement in the “Trump Train,” according to a press release from Project Democracy, the lawyers representing the plaintiffs.
“Looking back, I would have done things differently. I do not feel that I was thinking things through at the time, and I apologize to the occupants of the bus for my part in actions that day that frightened or intimidated them,” Ceh wrote in her apology.
The plaintiffs, who also include a Biden campaign volunteer, a former campaign staffer and the bus driver, claimed in the lawsuit that Ceh, Kruger and six others violated the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 and Texas law when they, along with dozens of people in trucks with Donald Trump flags, surrounded the bus as it drove up Interstate 35 from San Antonio to Austin, shouting and honking at the bus and successfully slowing it to a crawl in a deliberate attempt to intimidate supporters and disrupt the campaign.
“I knew that my driving was risky, but I wanted to express my opposition to their campaign and send them a message to leave my community,” Kruger added in his apology. “While I regret now participating in such risky activity, and apologize to the occupants of the bus for my part in the actions that day, at the time I and other Trump Train participants were happy that, after our actions, the Biden campaign canceled the rest of the bus tour.”
The confrontation, which was captured on video, made national news in the days leading up to the 2020 presidential election. It featured at least one minor collision and led to Texas Democrats canceling three scheduled campaign events in Central Texas due to “safety concerns.” The confrontation infringed on their First Amendment rights, the plaintiffs argued in the lawsuit.
The Klan Act bars groups from joining together to obstruct free and fair federal elections by intimidating and injuring voters, or denying them the ability to engage in political speech.
John Paredes, a lawyer representing some of the plaintiffs, previously told The Texas Tribune that people had rarely been sued under the provision of the Klan Act cited in the lawsuit in past years, but it has been increasingly used in legal arguments during the Trump administration. It was also cited in the federal lawsuit against Trump after the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Ceh and Kruger, who represented themselves in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to the lawsuit, a group of Trump supporters who documented their progress on social media showed up at the campaign’s stops throughout Texas for several days. On Oct. 30, a social media user using the hashtag #TrumpTrainTexas posted on Twitter, “Trolling is FUN.” The user called for other Trump supporters to “escort the Biden [bus] coming through San Antonio.”
Across the country, caravans of Trump supporters dubbed themselves “Trump Trains” and gathered to support the former president’s reelection campaign throughout the fall of 2020 leading up to Election Day. The groups largely organized themselves on social media.
Two of the other defendants who have not settled, Steve and Randi Ceh, were leaders of the New Braunfels Trump Train, according to the filing. Hannah Ceh is their daughter and a member of the group.
The filing alleges that Kruger, who is engaged to Ceh, according to her social media, was driving her white Toyota Tundra while she sat in the passenger seat. According to the filing, Ceh posted videos to social media that showed her license plate number, which matched the license plate of one of the cars that allegedly surrounded the bus. Screenshots of Instagram posts attached to the lawsuit show Ceh in the passenger seat with text on the image that says “#operationblockthebus.” The filing said the social media posts show Ceh and Kruger driving “within inches of the bus.”
At one point, the filing claims, Ceh told Kruger that she was “getting too nervous” and participating in the caravan was “stressing her out.”
“Nevertheless, Defendant Kruger continued to come close to the Biden-Harris Campaign bus and abruptly swerved next to it,” the filing read.
Davis and the other plaintiffs filed a second lawsuit against San Marcos police, alleging they turned a blind eye to the attack. 911 transcripts filed in that lawsuit revealed San Marcos police refused to send help despite repeated requests for those on the bus. That lawsuit is ongoing.
The lawsuit against the “Trump Train” participants remains ongoing against the six other plaintiffs. In March, U.S. District Judge John Pittman set a trial date for April 22, 2024.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
>MORE TEXAS POLITICS NEWS: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-trump-train-biden-campaign-bus-lawsuit-election/273-f89b6daf-5976-4917-a783-38fc32477007 | 2023-04-27T21:46:41 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-trump-train-biden-campaign-bus-lawsuit-election/273-f89b6daf-5976-4917-a783-38fc32477007 |
The College of Southern Idaho is having an open house Saturday, and you might be on campus for a while if you want to see everything being offered.
“It’s a way to celebrate the community and tell its members what CSI has to offer,” said spokesperson Courtney Salmon, adding that planning has been going on for months.
There are many events at CSI that people might not be aware of, including community education classes for both young and old.
The open house will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and visitors are invited to pick up a map and passport guide at either the Falls Avenue or North College Road entrances, which will show visitors the activities to do around campus. People visiting all the places on their passport will be eligible to win prizes, including a big-screen television, Samsung tablet or Arts on Tour season tickets.
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There will be free hot dogs, french fries and ice cream ubiquitous to many open houses, and a lot more.
A few of the free activities include a petting zoo and face painting, or, for the more adventurous, a zip line. The Herrett Center will be giving away free passes to the planetarium (two passes per family), and people can pick up a child’s book at the library.
And for the more scientific-minded, the Engineering, Physical, and Computer Science Department will display a magnetic DNA model and a demonstration to measure the speed of light.
The event is part of Community College Month, being celebrated by more than 1,000 community colleges across the nation. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/csi-open-house-set-for-saturday-in-twin-falls/article_48857028-e538-11ed-8085-87764e11b125.html | 2023-04-27T21:47:28 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/csi-open-house-set-for-saturday-in-twin-falls/article_48857028-e538-11ed-8085-87764e11b125.html |
The Rupert Historic Wilson Theatre is returning a kind gesture by allowing the Oakley Valley Arts Council to hold a May 13 fundraiser dinner and show for repairs to the Howells Opera House at no cost to the arts council
OVAC is presenting “The Veiled Vocalist," directed by Eric Wardle, at 7:30 p.m. with an offering of a prime rib dinner at 6 p.m.
The cost of the dinner and show is $40; the show ticket only is $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.historicwilsontheatre.com. The auditorium doors open at 7 p.m.
A silent auction will also be held.
All of the proceeds will go towards OVAC’s Howells Opera House ceiling, trusses and roof reconstruction and restoration project.
OVAC temporarily closed the opera house in 2021 after a youth performer pointed out that the curved decorative tin ceiling was sagging.
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The organization has worked with architects to develop a repair plan and to raise money for the project.
The group has $127,000 available and still needs to raise about $200,000, OVAC board member Denny Davis said.
Recently, the group received the good news that the tin would not need to be removed to complete the repairs, Davis said.
When the weight of the ceiling insulation was removed last week it revealed they could shore up the ceiling with new trusses without removing the tin.
“We have to have more money to go forward,” Davis said.
The time frame for the project’s completion is still unknown, he said.
“We hope the fundraiser will help us to continue to move forward with the project and it should be fun,” Davis said.
Wardle said the show will be similar to The Masked Singer with five contestants competing.
“They will go head to head to become the Mini-Cassia Veiled Vocalist,” Wardle said.
The contestants were selected from audition tapes and the audience will vote on their favorite.
Dustin Heath is the assistant director of the show.
Wardle said if the fundraiser is successful it may become an annual event at the opera house.
“We are so grateful to the Wilson Theatre for not charging us anything,” Wardle said. “Their board is awesome; they just said pick a night.”
Historic Wilson Theatre Administrator Kris Faux said OVAC helped direct the Wilson Theatre board when the theater was trying to get established after its extensive remodel.
“It was kind of just paying it forward, we need to do more of that,” Faux said.
Faux said OVAC has done all of the work for the event.
“We were just doing our small part,” Faux said.
Judge B.P. Howells, began building the Howells Opera House in 1904. The Howells family and the entire community looked forward to the entertainment it would provide.
The construction was completed in 1907 at the cost of $22,000, and it was deemed one of the most luxurious theaters between Boise and Salt Lake City.
The Howells family sold the opera house to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the last 1920s. It was known as the Cassia Stake Playhouse and later the Oakley Playhouse.
Deterioration of the building and rising costs forced the church to consider demolishing it in the 1970s.
Oakley residents, who had seen at least one of the town’s cherished old buildings destroyed, didn’t want that to happen to the opera house.
Residents formed the Oakley Valley Arts Theater and two years later they purchased the playhouse from the church and began restoring it.
Shortly afterward, the group reorganized as Oakley Valley Arts Council and gained nonprofit status. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/wilson-theatre-donates-venue-for-howells-opera-house-fundraiser/article_dabae614-e518-11ed-babc-bf446e815bd7.html | 2023-04-27T21:47:34 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/wilson-theatre-donates-venue-for-howells-opera-house-fundraiser/article_dabae614-e518-11ed-babc-bf446e815bd7.html |
State highway department planners revealed plans for the Interstate 30 segment from Ferguson Road in East Dallas to Bass Pro Drive in Garland in a public and virtual meeting Thursday evening.
The Texas Department of Transportation meeting will be held at the Mesquite Arts Center at 1527 N. Galloway Avenue in Mesquite for those who wish to see the plans, hear from state officials and share comments in person.
It will be available online here.
The online meeting materials will be available through May 12 for public comment.
“We’ve got a very preliminary plan and we’re taking it to the public tonight to show them our thoughts on it and get their thoughts on it, and we want to make sure that with the investment we’re putting into this corridor that it’s meeting as many needs as possible,” TxDOT spokesperson Kenna Mitchell said.
The estimated cost for the improvements is $622 million.
Drivers said the current roadway road gives them plenty of headaches.
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“You’re trying to get home and you’re sitting in traffic for two hours and you’re five minutes from home, so yeah, it gets pretty bad,” driver Breana Chappell said.
The segment east of Ferguson has no feeder roads beside the main freeway lanes. So, accidents cause big delays with no parallel alternative path.
“Certainly, reducing congestion is a very big part of this, and improving safety as well,” Mitchell said. “We’re looking at not only doing improvements to the highway lanes but also in constructing continuous frontage roads, that would have shared use paths for bicycles and pedestrians.”
The 12-mile segment currently includes a reversible express lane with a zipper barrier moved back and forth to change the direction of travel.
Driver Dez Moncurley said he hopes the state plan improves that situation.
“Make it wider so you could have one side going and one side coming back this way,” he said.
A construction project is already underway for new ramps to Interstate 635 that crosse over I-30. A new and wider bridge over Lake Ray Hubbard to the east of this segment is also under construction. Separate plans for the I-30 segment west of Ferguson Road are soon to be released, Mitchell said. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/plans-for-i-30-east-of-downtown-dallas-revealed/3245735/ | 2023-04-27T21:52:42 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/plans-for-i-30-east-of-downtown-dallas-revealed/3245735/ |
A Texas man has been accused by authorities of pausing his dinner date to fatally shoot an individual who had allegedly posed as a parking attendant and scammed him out of $40, according to court records.
Erick Aguirre has been charged with murder in the April 11 death of 46-year-old Elliot Nix.
During a court hearing on Thursday, Aguirre’s bond was set at $200,000. His attorney, Brent Mayr, declined to comment.
Police say Aguirre, 29, and his date had parked their vehicles near a downtown Houston restaurant when Nix approached them, saying it would cost $20 each to park their cars, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Aguirre paid the $40 but was later told by a restaurant employee that Nix didn’t work for the parking lot and had scammed them, police said.
An employee at a nearby smoke shop later told police he saw Aguirre run back to his car, grab a pistol and go after Nix. The employee said both men went out of his view but he heard a gunshot before 8 p.m. and then saw Aguirre “nonchalantly walking back to his car with the gun in his hand” before putting the gun back in his car and walking back across the street to the restaurant and going inside with his date, according to the affidavit. Nix was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Aguirre’s date later told police she did not see or hear what he had done and was only told by Aguirre that “he had just scared the guy and everything was fine,” according to the affidavit.
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Aguirre’s date said the couple then started walking to their table but they left and ate at another restaurant after Aguirre looked uncomfortable and suggested they go someplace else, according to the affidavit.
Aguirre’s date contacted police two days later after police had released photos of the couple, who had been identified by tips to Crime Stoppers.
“She wanted to do the right thing. She wanted to make sure that she came forward and told the police what she knew,” Rick DeToto, the woman’s attorney told KPRC.
Aguirre, who lives near Corpus Christi, located about 200 miles southwest of Houston, was arrested earlier this week. He remained jailed Thursday.
Houston criminal defense attorney Grant Scheiner, who’s not affiliated with the case, said that under state laws related to the protection of property, Aguirre’s attorney will likely be able to make an argument that the use of deadly force was justified.
But the circumstances related to this case, including retrieving a weapon when there was no immediate danger and then continuing with one’s dinner after the alleged shooting, will not help Aguirre, Scheiner said.
In 2021, Texas lawmakers approved legislation allowing people to carry handguns without a license, and the background check and training that had gone with it.
“The problem is that guns are just so widely available and there’s a lot of misinterpretation on when you can use deadly force,” Scheiner said. “You have a lot of guns and not very much knowledge.”
Nix’s fatal shooting comes after several high-profile incidents around the U.S. where nonviolent situations — going to a mistaken address, getting into the wrong car or going into a neighbor’s yard to retrieve a basketball — devolved into shootings. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/houston-police-say-man-continued-date-after-fatal-shooting-over-40/3245642/ | 2023-04-27T21:52:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/houston-police-say-man-continued-date-after-fatal-shooting-over-40/3245642/ |
A private company that ran a Texas jail where a woman allegedly went blind following days of medical neglect before her 2019 death has agreed to a $7 million lawsuit settlement along with other defendants, her family’s attorney said Thursday.
The payout over Holly Barlow-Austin’s death after being held at an East Texas jail operated by LaSalle Corrections is among the largest public settlements of its kind, attorney Erik Heipt said in a statement. Her death was one in a string of other deaths and incidents that led to lawsuits and investigations of the company, which runs facilities where thousands of people are incarcerated.
“If you’re going to cut corners and put profits over people’s lives, there will be a steep price to pay,” said Heipt, a Seattle-based lawyer who represents Barlow-Austin’s husband and mother. He said the payout ”should serve as a wake-up call to all private jail and prison operators.”
The family’s federal lawsuit was resolved ahead of a trial after more than two years of litigation. They had claimed that LaSalle guards and medical staff at the Texarkana jail ignored obvious signs of Barlow-Austin’s worsening health, falsified records, deprived the 46-year-old of food and water and only took her to the hospital after it was too late.
They sued LaSalle along with Bowie County and several guards and medical staff at the Bi-State Jail. Court records do not show details of the agreement, including what share of the settlement was paid by which of the defendants. Heipt said the specific terms were confidential.
Lawyers for LaSalle — which runs facilities in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia — and Bowie County did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The county sheriff’s office took over management of the jail in 2021, after a decade of LaSalle running it.
In April 2019, Barlow-Austin was arrested for a parole violation by police in Texarkana, a city that straddles Texas’ northeastern border with Arkansas.
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She arrived at the jail with serious health conditions, including HIV, but normal vital signs and full mobility, according to the suit. It said she left the facility “blind, emaciated, and barely able to move.”
Over a period of days guards and medical staff didn’t check on her or, when they did, ignored her calls for help and water, according to the suit. It also says staff falsified observation logs — something state inspectors found they had done in another case that was settled.
The family of Michael Sabbie reached an undisclosed settlement with LaSalle two months before Barlow-Austin died in a hospital. They alleged in a lawsuit that company employees at the same jail deprived him of medications and treatment for his heart disease and diabetes.
In 2017, LaSalle also agreed to a settlement when a severely diabetic woman died after a nurse at the jail refused medical treatment. The former nurse subsequently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent homicide.
In a statement Thursday, Barlow-Austin’s mother and husband, Mary Margaret Mathis and Michael Glenn Austin, said they hope the settlement in their case “will save some lives in the future.” | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/lawsuit-over-texas-womans-jail-death-settled-for-7-million/3245698/ | 2023-04-27T21:52:44 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/lawsuit-over-texas-womans-jail-death-settled-for-7-million/3245698/ |
A Texas man was sentenced on Tuesday to more than three years in prison for his role in an online romance scam in which the identities and images of real U.S. military generals were used to cheat victims from across the nation out of a total of $1.5 million, federal prosecutors said.
In addition to three years and a month behind bars, Fola Alabi, 52, of Richmond, Texas, was also sentenced in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island to three years of probation, ordered to pay full restitution and forfeit his home valued at $560,000, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office.
The victims were often women in their 70s and 80s and either widowed or divorced, according to court documents.
In one case, a widow from Rhode Island was contacted by a member of the conspiracy claiming to be a “General Miller,” who convinced the woman to hand over $60,000 to help pay for the shipment of his personal belongings to the U.S., prosecutors said.
A check from the victim was made payable to a company created by Alabi and mailed to Alabi’s home, authorities said.
The victim almost sent another check to the fake general, but her bank and local police intervened.
Other victims sent money, usually in the form of bank checks or cash, to addresses and companies that were controlled by Alabi, prosecutors said. The money was deposited in bank accounts he also controlled and then quickly withdrawn or transferred.
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The funds were often wired overseas to China and India and some were used to pay Alabi’s mortgage, prosecutors said.
Other victims were based in Tennessee, North Carolina, California, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and South Dakota, authorities said.
Alabi pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy and money laundering.
Two real generals in victim impact statements told the court that they continue to be victimized by online romance scams, authorities said.
Last month, a Massachusetts man was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for helping to steal millions of dollars from hundreds of people in online romance scams. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-man-involved-in-online-romance-scams-gets-three-years-in-prison/3245711/ | 2023-04-27T21:52:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-man-involved-in-online-romance-scams-gets-three-years-in-prison/3245711/ |
Six charged with using lawyer hotline to scam Michigan accident victims
Six people have been charged with compounding the pain of Michigan auto accident victims who called the (800) USLawyer hotline by allegedly sending them to doctors for unnecessary medical treatment and prescriptions that resulted in some clients becoming addicted to drugs, the Michigan Attorney General's Office announced Thursday.
Michael Angelo, 61, of New Jersey, owned the hotline along with a network of medical companies that allegedly worked together to scam Michigan auto accident victims, according to a Thursday release from the AG's Office detailing the results of a four-year investigation that followed an FBI probe.
"Starting in 2013, Angelo ... owned, operated, and controlled a lawyer hotline, 1-800-USLawyer, that he allegedly used as a source of car accident victims for this scheme," the release said. "Angelo and his assistant Ybana Agrelo, also from New Jersey, maintained this hotline and referred the callers to Michigan Accidents Associates, and other law firms Angelo conspired with, for legal representation."
From there, it's alleged that the law firms sent clients to be treated at medical companies that were allegedly owned or controlled by Angelo. The companies involved include Mercyland Health Services, Greater Lakes Ambulatory Surgical Center, Tox Testing, Inc. dba Paragon Diagnostics, US Health Pharmaceuticals dba Meds Direct, and 800-USLawyer, according to the AG's Office.
Charges were filed Thursday in Clinton Township's 41B District Court against Angelo and five other defendants: Chitra Sinha, 80, of Bloomfield Township; Robert Presley, 49, of Ferndale; Mohammad Ali Abraham, 70, of Dearborn Heights; Thomas Quartz, 36, of Grosse Ile; and Hassan Fayad, 37, of Dearborn.
Angelo was charged with a range of felonies including conducting a criminal enterprise, insurance fraud and prescribing/dispensing schedule 2 controlled substances. The other defendants also face charges of conducting a criminal enterprise, along with other alleged offenses.
It was unclear Thursday why Agrelo, who the release said was Angelo's partner in the alleged scam, was not charged. An email to the AG's Office Thursday was not immediately returned.
Arraignments have not been scheduled.
The case was handled by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the AG's Auto Insurance Fraud Unit.
"In this case, people underwent care that wasn't for their health or benefit, leaving them with substance abuse problems and other concerns," DIFS Director Anita Fox said in a statement.
After accident victims called the (800) USLawyer hotline and were funneled to local law firms, Sinha, an obstetrician-gynecologist, spearheaded the patients' treatment at various entities that were reportedly owned or controlled by Angelo, the release alleged.
Sinha "took the patients through the organization's predetermined protocol that included office visits, alleged medical devices and injections completed at the Greater Lakes Surgical Center, prescribing medications that were then dispensed by Robert Presley at Meds Direct Pharmacy, drug screens every 30 days billed by Tox Testing/Paragon Diagnostics, and referrals to physical therapy and diagnostic imaging with other co-conspirators," the release said.
"The businesses then billed no fault auto insurance carriers or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan for the uninsured accident victims," according to the release.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a written statement: “This type of fraud is not just dangerous to the well-being of accident victims and a drain on the no-fault system; it exploits citizens who may be financially vulnerable and puts them at risk of harm."
According to the release, the FBI referred the case to state authorities following a "years-long" federal investigation that resulted in federal charges against three of the defendants. The FBI provided the AG's Office with more than 15,000 wiretapped conversations and more than 67,000 documents, the release said.
"The department continued the investigation by interviewing and taking sworn testimony from more than a dozen witnesses and executing 18 search warrants, which resulted in more than 100 GB of additional data to review which took four years for Michigan investigators, including the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit, to review," according to the release.
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
Twitter: @GeorgeHunter_DN | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/04/27/ag-nessel-charges-six-in-800-us-lawyer-hotline-scam-michigan-auto-accident-victims/70159626007/ | 2023-04-27T21:53:27 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/04/27/ag-nessel-charges-six-in-800-us-lawyer-hotline-scam-michigan-auto-accident-victims/70159626007/ |
US average for gas prices drops 5 cents, but not in Arizona
Pump prices across the country are receiving some much-needed relief as a lower oil price has caused the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline to drop by a nickel, according to AAA.
In a news release last week, AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said a break in surging oil costs caused the price to come "tumbling back into the upper $70s per barrel," and if that continued, it would result in drivers seeing gas prices fall.
That has since been the case, but not so much in Arizona. The average price in the state remained at $4.70 as of Thursday, and just above $5 in the Phoenix-Mesa area.
National average sits at $3.63
According to the AAA release, new data from the Energy Information Administration showed that gas demand had a significant increase from 8.52 million to 9.51 million barrels per day last week. Additionally, the total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2.4 million barrels of crude oil to 221.1 million barrels.
"Higher demand, alongside a decline in stocks, would typically push pump prices up; however, fluctuating oil prices have pushed them lower. If oil prices continue to decline, pump prices will likely follow suit," AAA said in the statement.
According to AAA, the national average currently sits at $3.63, about a 5 cent drop since last week. AAA said the average is 20 cents more than one month ago, but is 50 cents less than a year ago.
Some states have been faring much better than others with the recent decline. The 10 states with the largest decreases in their averages are:
- Michigan (-12 cents)
- Ohio (-11 cents)
- Texas (-11 cents)
- Indiana (-10 cents)
- Iowa (-10 cents)
- North Carolina (-9 cents)
- Tennessee (-9 cents)
- South Carolina (-8 cents)
- Wisconsin (-8 cents)
- Nebraska (-8 cents)
The 10 least expensive markets, according to the AAA release, are:
- Mississippi ($3.11)
- Arkansas ($3.22)
- Louisiana ($3.22)
- Texas ($3.23)
- Alabama ($3.23)
- Tennessee ($3.27)
- South Carolina ($3.29)
- Oklahoma ($3.32)
- Georgia ($3.34)
- Missouri ($3.35)
Arizona has not had the same luck
The recent nickel drop has not translated to Arizona pumps just yet, as the average for regular fuel across the Copper State hit $4.70 as of Thursday and had climbed over a cent from the past week.
"Unfortunately for Arizona, the region's supply of gas continues to be affected by maintenance at refineries in El Paso, Texas, and Artesia, New Mexico. Simply put, prices remain high because of supply and demand," AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Julian Paredes told The Arizona Republic.
Even as some metro Phoenix areas have hit $5 a gallon, Paredes says some good news may be on the way, but at an inopportune time.
"The good news is that refineries are expected to come back online in the next few weeks (we don't know exactly when). That will alleviate a lot of the pressure on the region," Paredes said. "Unfortunately, this also comes just before Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start to summer travel season and when demand for gas typically ramps up again. So, it's difficult to say where exactly gas prices will be headed, but the main factor for Arizona right now are these refineries." | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/04/27/gas-prices-are-slowly-dropping-across-us-but-not-in-arizona/70159437007/ | 2023-04-27T21:55:24 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/04/27/gas-prices-are-slowly-dropping-across-us-but-not-in-arizona/70159437007/ |
CORSICANA, Texas — A former cheerleader from Navarro College – the college prominently known from the Netflix docu-series "Cheer" – is now suing the college, it cheer team coach Monica Aldama and another former Navarro cheerleader regarding an alleged sexual assault that occurred in September 2021.
WFAA is not naming the victim or suspect in the lawsuit because criminal charges have not been filed.
In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday and obtained by WFAA, a "rookie" female Navarro cheerleader said she was sexually assaulted by another "rookie" male Navarro cheerleader after a party on Sept. 2, 2021. The lawsuit says the victim told several team members about the assault the next day, to which they encouraged her to come to a party so a "veteran" could ask her about the assault.
The lawsuit says this veteran cheerleader, who the lawsuit says was the team's unofficial captain, told the victim "you just need to drink it off and get your mind off of it because that's what Navarro girls do — they drink. We don't tell anyone. We just keep it to our self." The lawsuit goes on to allege that the veteran cheerleader told the victim not to report the assault to Aldama because it would stress her out and the school would cut the cheer program. The same veteran cheerleader later told the victim she "needed to talk it out like adults" with her alleged attacker.
Two days later, on Sept. 4, 2021, the veteran cheerleader assigned two male cheerleaders to accompany the victim while meeting with her alleged attacker, at which point the lawsuit says he apologized. The same two male cheerleaders were then "assigned to escort [the plaintiff] everywhere to ensure she did not report the assault," the lawsuit says, but she was able to call her boyfriend when she wasn't being watched to tell him about it.
The lawsuit says the victim, her boyfriend and three of his friends then went to the alleged attacker's room only to find another cheer member guarding the door. The victim's boyfriend and the cheer member guarding the door then "exchanged words," the lawsuit says, and they left to gather the victim's things from her apartment. The lawsuit says that the person guarding the door then called the police to report that the victim's boyfriend had assaulted him, and while they were packing the victim's dorm, campus police arrived to tell the boyfriend he was banned from campus property and needed to leave.
The boyfriend told the campus police that the only assault that occurred was the one that happened to his girlfriend, the lawsuit says.
The victim, her boyfriend and his friends all left in his car after grabbing what they had packed, the lawsuit says, and then noticed a vehicle following them that was occupied by several veteran cheerleaders, who allegedly pointed a gun at them and threatened to kill them for reporting the assault.
According to the lawsuit, the victim then called Aldama to tell her about the assault, and Aldama allegedly interrupted her by saying, "Let's not make this a big deal. I want the best for you and I will help you cheer wherever you want."
The victim then hung up the phone and called her mother to report the assault to her, according to the lawsuit. A few days later, after the victim had quit the cheer team, Aldama allegedly told her "If you keep quiet, I'll make sure you can cheer anywhere you want," according to the lawsuit.
The victim then tried reporting the alleged assault to campus police and the college's Title IX office, the lawsuit says. Campus police reportedly told the victim "this type of thing happens all the time, that she can report the assault, but that nothing will happen because nothing ever happens." She still reported the assault to campus police, the lawsuit says.
Navarro College's Title IX office informed the victim that it did not have the proper documentation to report a sexual assault and instead gave her a piece of paper to write down the answers to questions, the lawsuit claims. The Title IX office also told the victim that neither it nor the campus police department nor the Corsicana Police Department keep rape kits on hand, and that the regional medical center does not have a registered Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
The closest rape kit available would have required a drive to Waco or Dallas, the lawsuit says.
The victim's mother reached back out to both campus police and the college's Title IX office for an update, the lawsuit says, but the campus police did not have a report and the Title IX office told the victim's mother there was "no record of Plaintiff's sexual assault, insisting instead to the report Plaintiff attempted to make as 'allegations'."
The victim withdrew from Navarro College and enrolled at a different Texas university where she currently is on the cheer team. The victim claims in the lawsuit that she's being "blackballed" from many nationally ranked programs with former Navarro cheerleaders as coaches or team members.
The lawsuit also claims the victim suffered from a "pervasive culture of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and intimidation," citing previous instances at the school -- including the conviction of former "Cheer" star Jerry Harris, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for coercing teenage boys. The lawsuit names two other instances where male cheerleaders within the program were arrested and charged with sexual assault and a third where a male was sued for allegations of sexual assault.
The victim is seeking "damages in an amount within the Court's jurisdictional limits" and a trial by jury.
Reached by comment, Navarro College provided WFAA the following statement:
"The College denies any allegations of wrongdoing and is prepared to vigorously defend itself in court. The safety and welfare of students is always of utmost priority. Navarro College prohibits sexual harassment and sexual misconduct against all students and is deeply committed to providing an educational environment free from sex discrimination and sexual assault."
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/cheer-cheerleader-sexual-assault-lawsuit-navarro-college/287-afed0c85-ca79-43e6-b01f-800fd1ff6fca | 2023-04-27T21:55:56 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/cheer-cheerleader-sexual-assault-lawsuit-navarro-college/287-afed0c85-ca79-43e6-b01f-800fd1ff6fca |
AUSTIN, Texas — Hero is how State legislators described Sgt. Robert Rangel.
”Sergeant, can you please stand? I know you don’t like the limelight, but can you please stand and be recognized by your fellow Texans?” asked State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas).
Rangel received a standing ovation on the Texas House floor.
The officer took down a shooter inside Methodist Hospital Dallas.
”Got on his police radio and immediately called for help and then interceded and shot the suspect as he left the room,” said Anchia.
In October, police say Nestor Hernandez, a convicted felon, shot caseworker Jacqueline Pokuaa and nurse Annette Flowers after assaulting his girlfriend, who had just given birth to his baby.
”Sgt. Rangel demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery," said Anchia. "His decisive response helped to prevent further loss of life."
Hernandez retreated into his girlfriend’s hospital room, and Rangel began negotiating with him.
“Listen we can work this out partner. All I want to do is get the people outside,” said Rangel.
After 10 minutes, Hernandez gave himself up.
“I am convinced that, absent his immediate actions, many people would have died at Methodist Hospital that day,” said Anchia.
The Texas House of Representatives recognized Rangel for his actions.
Representative Rafael Anchia also talked about his bill that tries to protect hospital workers from assault by increasing the penalty for anyone who commits a crime against them on hospital grounds.
He says today was about honoring Rangel, but also the memory of the workers killed that tragic day. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-house-honors-police-sergeant-who-took-down-methodist-hospital-shooter/287-3bf3446d-22ed-4440-907e-c6acd9323826 | 2023-04-27T21:56:02 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-house-honors-police-sergeant-who-took-down-methodist-hospital-shooter/287-3bf3446d-22ed-4440-907e-c6acd9323826 |
JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Three suspects are in custody in connection to an after-prom party shooting that left 11 teens wounded early Sunday morning.
A search warrant was executed by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office at a residence near Newton High School in Newton Thursday afternoon, according to Jasper County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Karli Cherry.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired in a April 25, 2023 newscast.)
Three suspects are in custody as a result of the search warrant.
A press conference will be held Friday. At this time, it is unknown at will time the conference will begin.
On Tuesday, a press conference took place at the Sheriff Mitchel Newman Communications Center at 923 Lela Street in Jasper. Sheriff Newman said four people of interest had been identified.
While at first it was believed that nine teenagers were injured, during the conference officials said 11 were injured. Two of the victims went to the hospital the day after the shooting took place, according to Newman.
The shooting happened early Sunday morning.
Deputies believe about 250 teens from Jasper and Kirbyville were at the party north of Jasper on County Road 263 when it took place. Both schools held proms Saturday night.
"Children are the most precious and vulnerable members of our society and senseless acts of violence endangering their lives will not be tolerated in Jasper County," said Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle.
Several law enforcement agencies are vowing to bring those responsible to justice.
"It's fast and furious right now. We're making a lot of headway," said Jasper County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Karli Cherry.
After three days of doing interviews and processing evidence, investigators say they're closer to figuring out what happened on County Road 263.
"We have identified at least four people of interests and are continuing to question and establish suspects and motive," Newman said.
While investigators connect the dots, the Jasper County Crime Victims Coordinator is doing everything she can, to help with the healing.
"Even if you weren't physically hurt, you're still eligible for counseling services," Laronnia Gray said.
Victims can call 409-384-4362 to get connected with support services.
Cherry says everybody is all hands on deck and hope to fully prosecute those responsible.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Rangers are also involved in the investigation.
Officials are asking for the community to help them look for photos and videos to show exactly what happened at the party.
Watch the entire Tuesday news conference below...
"What was supposed to be the most wonderful night of these kids' life greatly affected them, and it will be something they never forget," Cherry previously told 12News.
Eight of the victims were taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital by personal vehicles, some were transferred to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont and others arrived at a hospital a day later. All of their wounds were not life-threatening.
Several of the wounded were former and current Jasper High School students, according to Jasper ISD Superintendent John Seybold.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety will provide added security at school districts throughout Jasper County, according to the release.
In addition to added security at the high school this week, the district is providing counselors to all students across the entire district he said in the letter.
A second Sunday shooting that deputies feel may be connected to the first happened in Jasper on Valley Drive just off Bevil Loop, about five miles from the after-prom part shooting.
The vehicles involved in the second shooting were also at the party on County Road 263, Cherry said. A home and a parked vehicle were hit by gunfire.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Shana Clark told 12News they found two cars from the second shooting abandoned in Jasper County. Those vehicles are being processed.
"No one was injured in this incident and the vehicle was processed for evidence. The vehicle involved in the city shooting was seen at the party on 263. We are investigating the possible connection between the two," Newman said.
Jasper Police investigators believe that two or more vehicles were chasing each other on Bevil Loop as the occupants exchanged gunfire. No one was injured in the second shooting.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/3-suspects-in-custody-prom-party-shooting-jasper-11-teens-injured/502-182daf75-bbdd-4b36-b009-87593f2cf98c | 2023-04-27T21:56:08 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/3-suspects-in-custody-prom-party-shooting-jasper-11-teens-injured/502-182daf75-bbdd-4b36-b009-87593f2cf98c |
WATERLOO — Bond has been set at $100,000 for a Waterloo woman accused of taking money from her mother shortly before her death in 2022.
Latonia Marie Cosby, 54, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant for first-degree theft.
Authorities allege she took a settlement her mother received from a railway accident, depriving other heirs – two other sisters and two brothers.
According to court records, Latonia Cosby’s mother, Oneida Cosby, had received a large settlement from a lawsuit.
The mother had been injured in September 2017 when she was 67 years old. She was walking back from the store and encountered a parked train blocking her path at Logan Avenue and Center Streets.
When she began climbing through the cars to get to the other side, the train lurched forward, severing one leg and heavily damaging the other.
She, and others who were injured by similar train accidents, took Canadian National Railway to court in 2018. Details of the settlement – finalized in 2021 – weren't disclosed.
Latonia Cosby had power of attorney for her mother and she removed $133,000 from her mother’s joint account in February 2022.
Oneida Cosby died several days later at the age of 72. She had been living in a downtown apartment and didn’t have a will.
Authorities interviewed Latonia Cosby about the money, and she claimed she gave it to family members but was unable to provide details, according to court records. She left the state following the interview, records say.
Records show she left behind little more than $900 in her bank account, a specialized lift and bed and an electric scooter chair.
The Iowa Department of Human Services filed a claim on the estate seeking $174,000 in reimbursement for the state medical assistance program. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-taking-her-mothers-railway-accident-settlement/article_970506fb-ca3a-5f70-acc2-85cc3fcdcc79.html | 2023-04-27T22:05:11 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-arrested-for-allegedly-taking-her-mothers-railway-accident-settlement/article_970506fb-ca3a-5f70-acc2-85cc3fcdcc79.html |
WATERLOO — The Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence will celebrate its 20th anniversary the first week of May with dress-up days, assemblies, and a schoolwide birthday party. The week’s events will culminate in an open house celebration from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 6, with tours, guest speakers, and refreshments.
The school was started in 2002, and named after Dr. Walter Cunningham, East High School’s first Black principal. When he passed away in 2000, the Waterloo Community School District decided to honor his legacy in education, naming the new elementary school in his memory.
According to principal Neldrekka Whitaker and the rest of the Cunningham team, their 20-year legacy is only the beginning.
Millisa Tierney will retire at year's end as CEO at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, after 31 years with the senior living community.
Melody Parker
Photos: Remembering Harry Belafonte, 1927-2023
1955: Harry Belafonte with Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan is shown with Harry Belafonte on May 24, 1955 in New York. (AP Photo)
AP file
1956: Harry Belafonte
Singer Harry Belafonte is shown Oct. 2, 1956 during a performance at Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Al Lambert)
AP file
1957: Harry Belafonte receives Brotherhood Award
Singer Harry Belafonte, left, and producer Jack Warner hold awards presented to them at a dinner of the National Conference of Christians and Jews at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, Jan. 24, 1957. Belafonte, presented with the annual Brotherhood Award, is the first Black entertainer to be so honored. Warner, of Warner Bros. Film Company, was honored for distinguished civic service. (AP Photo/L)
AP file
1957: Harry Belafonte
Singer Harry Belafonte, far right, is shown with actress Jayne Mansfield, second from left, her boyfriend Mickey Hargitay, left, and movie columnist Mike Connolly after his opening at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, Ca., Jan. 31, 1957. (AP Photo)
AP file
1957: Harry Belafonte marries Julie Robinson
Singer Harry Belafonte and his bride, dancer Julie Robinson, pose in his dressing room at a night club in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 9, 1957. The newlyweds announced they were secretly married at Tecate, Mexico on March 8. (AP Photo)
AP file
1957: Harry Belafonte and Nat "King" Cole
Actor Harry Belafonte, left, and singer Nat "King" Cole is shown on NBC's "Nat 'King' Cole Show," Aug. 6, 1957, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/David F. Smith)
AP file
1957: Harry Belafonte
Singer, Harry Belafonte is shown in this Feb 1957 photo. (AP Photo)
AP file
1958: Harry Belafonte speaks at Lincoln Memorial
Entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte speaks to a crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington during a youth march for integration, Oct. 25, 1958. At left, seated, is baseball player Jackie Robinson who also spoke. (AP Photo/Charles Gorry)
AP file
1958: Belafontes in Italy
Calypso king Harry Belafonte, the American singer and screen star, and his wife, Julie are trailed by a couple of Italian autograph hunting fans as they stroll through the Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Italy, July 18, 1958. Harry and his wife arrived in Florence on July 17 for a short vacation. (AP Photo)
AP file
1958: Harry Belafonte and former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt
Entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte and his wife Julie Robinson chat with Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the late President Franklin Roosevelt, in the U.S. Pavilion at the World's Fair in Brussels, Sept. 4, 1958. (AP Photo)
AP file
1960: Harry Belafonte protests lunch counter segregation
Singer Harry Belafonte leads a line of pickets from Harvard and surrounding colleges in protest against lunch counter segregation in the South. Students picketed the Woolworth store in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Ma., April 21, 1960. (AP Photo/J. Walter Green)
AP file
1960: Harry Belafonte on Broadway
Singer Harry Belafonte appears on the Broadway stage in "Belafonte At The Palace," Jan. 5, 1960, in New York. (AP Photo)
AP file
1960: Harry Belafonte
Singer Harry Belafonte is shown in this 1960 photo. (AP Photo)
AP file
1960: Harry Belafonte becomes first Black man to win Emmy
Harry Belafonte, the first Black man to win an Emmy, kisses the golden statuette he won in Hollywood for Outstanding Variety or Musical Performance of the past television season, June 20, 1960. (AP Photo)
AP file
1961: Harry Belafonte and family
Actor-singer Harry Belafonte, his wife, Julie, daughter Adrienne, 14, son David, 5, and their newborn daughter, Gina, are shown prior to boarding a plane at Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Dec. 20, 1961. The family is travelling to Las Vegas where Belafonte has a four-and-a-half week engagement at the Riviera. (AP Photo)
AP file
1964: Harry Belafonte visits Guinea
Entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte is seen on his arrival in Conraky, Guinea, April 30, 1964. The girls lining the path are members of the Guinea Youth Organization. Belafonte is here to study the folk music of Guinea. Others are unidentified. (AP Photo)
AP file
1965: Harry Belafonte with Martin Luther King Jr. and James Foreman
Two prominent civil rights leaders denied any disunity in their ranks and announced that their organizations will cooperate on future projects in Atlanta, April 30, 1965. At the left is James Foreman, executive secretary of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., center, heads the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Singer Harry Belafonte, right, was an objective observer. King and Foreman said they would continue to work together despite differences of opinion.
AP file
1966: Harry Belafonte performs at civil rights benefit
Caribbean singer Harry Belafonte performs during an appearance at a benefit for the U.S. civil rights movement, in Paris' Palais des Sports, March 29, 1966. (AP Photo/Spartaco Bodini)
AP file
1968: Harry Belafonte, Coretta Scott King
Singer Harry Belafonte listens as Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of the slain civil rights leader, leans over to whisper during a mass meeting mid-way of a march in Memphis, Tennessee on April 8, 1968. (AP Photo/Gene Herrick)
AP file
1968: Harry Belafonte and Coretta Scott King
Coretta King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attends a meeting May 18, 1968 in Hollywood, Calif., to enlist support from Hollywood figures for the campaign to help poor people. Harry Belafonte, chairman of the Hollywood meeting, greets Mrs. King at right. (AP Photo/Harold Matosian)
AP file
1968: Harry Belafonte sits in for Johnny Carson on "Tonight Show"
Guest host Harry Belafonte, right, sits in for Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show," with his guest Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, in Los Angeles, Feb. 5, 1968. (AP Photo)
AP file
1979: Harry Belafonte wins "Golden Lion" award
With a broad smile U.S. show star Harry Belafonte holds up the "Golden Lion" award of Radio Luxemburg, Sunday, Oct. 14, 1979 which was presented to him for being the most popular singer of the broadcasting station. (AP Photo)
AP file
1981: Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte poses with his cat in New York city on Oct. 6, 1981. (AP Photo/M. Reichenthal)
AP file
1984: Harry Belafonte co-produces "Beat Street"
Harry Belafonte, pictured in Los Angeles, June 18, 1984, is always seeking more room for Black artists in the entertainment world, which he says is a major reason why he co-produced the new movie, "Beat Street," a Bronx-born combination of rap music, break dancing and graffiti art. (AP Photo/Craig Mathew)
AP file
1986: Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen win AMA award
Singer Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen display their special awards presented to them in Los Angeles, Monday, Jan. 28, 1986 during the 13th annual American Music Awards for their efforts in the "USA For Africa" project and the hit song "We Are The World." (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
AP file
1986: Harry Belafonte and Bishop Desmond Tutu
Actor Harry Belafonte, right, embraces Bishop Desmond Tutu during a gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 30, 1986 where a newly-released documentary about apartheid was shown. The film "Witness to Apartheid", made with Tutu's assistance, recent police violence against South African children. (AP Photo/Tom Reed)
AP file
1987: Harry Belafonte and UNICEF
Harry Belafonte, newly appointed goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) speaks at a news conference at the UN in New York, March 4, 1987. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
AP file
1988: Harry Belafonte with Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II meets entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte during a private audience in the Vatican, Nov. 16, 1988. Belafonte is in Italy for a series of concerts. (AP Photo/Arturo Mari)
AP file
1989: Harry Belafonte receives Kennedy Center Honors
First lady Barbara Bush, standing in for President Bush, presents the Kennedy Center Honors to, from left, actress Mary Martin, dancer Alexandra Danilova, actor Harry Belafonte, actress Claudette Colbert and composer William Schuman during a White House East Room ceremony in Washington, Dec. 3, 1989. (AP Photo)
AP file
1994: Harry Belafonte receives Medal of the Arts from President Bill Clinton
Pres. Bill Clinton speaks with entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte after presenting him with a 1994 National Medal of Arts at the White House, Oct. 14, 1994. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)
AP file
1999: Harry Belafonte and Nelson Mandela
FILE - In this Tuesday, June 15, 1999, file photo, American actor and singer Harry Belafonte poses with his wife, Julie, and South African President Nelson Mandela, front, in Pretoria, South Africa. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, Pool)
AP file
2001: Harry Belafonte
Actor and singer Harry Belafonte poses for a portrait at a New York recording studio, Nov. 1, 2001. In the 1950s, Belafonte used his star power to convince RCA to finance an audio history of early black music, from tribal chants of African clans to the blues of Black Americans. That compilation, "Long Road to Freedom," was finally released this year. (AP Photo/Leslie Hassler)
AP file
2005: Harry Belafonte speaks during Nelson Mandela visit
Harry Belafonte speaks at The Riverside Church in Harlem, New York, during former South African President Nelson Mandela's visit to the church, Saturday, May 14, 2005. Belafonte introduced Mandela who thanked the New York City community for its continued support and fight against AIDS. (AP Photo/Adam Rountree)
AP file
2005: Harry Belafonte with then Sen. Barack Obama and John Lewis
Harry Belafonte; Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.; Coretta Scott King; Rep. John Lewis; D-Ga.; Ethel Kennedy; and Kenny Leon, from left, join hands on stage at the end of a tribute to civil rights pioneer John Lewis on his 65th birthday in Atlanta, Monday, Feb., 21, 2005. (AP Photo/John Amis)
AP file
2006: Harry Belafonte receives BET humanitarian award
Presenter Danny Glover, left, embraces Harry Belafonte backstage after Belafonte received the BET humanitarian award during the 6th annual BET Awards on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
AP file
2006: Harry Belafonte accepts BET humanitarian award
Harry Belafonte accepts the BET humanitarian award during the 6th annual BET Awards on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
AP file
2010: Harry Belafonte, Willie Mays and Billie Jean King win MLB Beacon awards
Beacon Awards honorees Willie Mays, left Billie Jean King, center, and Harry Belafonte wave to the crowd after the Major League Baseball Beacon awards Luncheon, Saturday, May 15, 2010, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)
AP file
2011: Harry Belafonte and Hill Harper
Actor Hill Harper, left, listens as singer/actor Harry Belafonte speaks at the "Artists and Activism" panel session at the 102nd NAACP Annual Convention in Los Angeles, Wednesday, July 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
AP file
2012: Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier, left, and Harry Belafonte speak onstage at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
AP file
2013: Harry Belafonte receives Spingarn award from Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier, left, presents the Spingarn award to Harry Belafonte at the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
AP file
2014: Harry Belafonte gets honorary doctorate from Berklee
Harry Belafonte, center, joins students and faculty on stage during a concert in his honor after he was awarded an honorary doctor of music degree from Berklee College of Music at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, Thursday, March 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
AP file
2017: Harry Belafonte
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2017, file photo, Harry Belafonte attends the 2017 Ripple of Hope Awards in New York. On Wednesday, March 21, 2018, the Librarian of Congress announced Belafonte as an inductee into the National Recording Registry. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File)
AP file
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cunningham-school-celebrating-20th-anniversary/article_3a2f33b1-13a2-565c-b537-291808a4b038.html | 2023-04-27T22:05:17 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cunningham-school-celebrating-20th-anniversary/article_3a2f33b1-13a2-565c-b537-291808a4b038.html |
Four Newman Catholic High School students are in Chicago this weekend to compete in the National Quiz Bowl.
Seniors Jon Olsen and Ben Schutt, along with sophomores Blythe Peterson and Noah O'Connell are in the Windy City for today's competition. After a full day of answering questions, they hope to see the sights, including one or two of the city's many museums, on Saturday.
They won a berth in the tournament for exceptional performance in the Iowa Quiz Bowl team tournament. In addition, Newman's Austin Cornell qualified for the national individual competition in Chicago, which he attended April 2, finishing in 159th place out of 198 competitors. Cornell was one of only two students representing Iowa, winning a nomination based on his showing at individual Iowa Quiz Bowl competition.
To be nominated, students must post one of the top four scores in any Iowa Quiz Bowl team tournament or place in the top six in the individual competition. Olsen, O'Connell, and Cornell scored in the top four, with Cornell also placing fourth in the individual Iowa Quiz Bowl competition.
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Newman has sent many students to the competition since 2015; the group this year consists of five upperclassmen and seven freshmen who gather before school to put their skills to the test answering practice questions.
The Quiz Bowl, sanctioned by National Academic Quiz Tournaments, features general knowledge questions in categories such as history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, popular culture, sports and more. Teams compete with buzzers, but unlike "Jeopardy!" a question doesn't have to be finished before competitors buzz in.
"That can make it really nerve-racking," said Peterson. But she noted that's where the "team" factor comes in.
"It's really fast-paced, but they are so varied. They're general knowledge questions, so if we can draw on each other's strengths and weaknesses, it's important that we work as a team"
The students answered questions about mythology, movies, TV shows, and literature, history and politics as some of their favorite subjects individually. They said they are weaker on math and science questions, which requires them to think slower and "to work together more." | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/four-newman-students-headed-to-national-quiz-bowl-in-chicago/article_437c839c-d81b-5aa7-8828-f9a5d12e4f7f.html | 2023-04-27T22:06:48 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/four-newman-students-headed-to-national-quiz-bowl-in-chicago/article_437c839c-d81b-5aa7-8828-f9a5d12e4f7f.html |
The Bloomington teen appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing before Judge Scott Black, who found probable cause to detain him on several felony charges.
Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Scarborough told the court that Bloomington police were called April 9 to a report of a person shot at Alton Depot Park.
She said when they arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound to his stomach. Scarborough said witnesses told police it was a "drug deal gone bad."
The prosecutor said video surveillance showed a person, later identified as the suspect, getting involved in an altercation. She said someone was seen dropping to the ground from an apparent gunshot wound.
Scarborough said investigators spoke with a resident of the 800 block of Washington Street who said the teen ran up to their home yelling to be let inside. He then changed clothes and acknowledged to the resident that he had shot someone, she said.
The Pantagraph is not identifying the minor at this time. He is charged with aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, a Class X felony; aggravated discharging a firearm, a Class 1 felony; and reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony.
His arraignment is set for 9 a.m. May 12.
Bloomington police said they're continuing to investigate. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. B. Merritt at 309-434-2359 or bmerritt@cityblm.org.
To remain anonymous, contact the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit at 309-434-2963, email CIAU@cityblm.org or text "BPDTIPS" to 847411.
Photos: Bloomington police investigate shooting in the 800 block of E. Washington
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
Brendan Denison is our breaking news reporter. Denison was a digital content producer for WCIA-TV in Champaign and a reporter for The Commercial-News in Danville. He can be reached at (309) 820-3238 and bdenison@pantagraph.com. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/teen-arrested-in-easter-shooting-at-bloomington-park/article_738b08e6-e52e-11ed-9922-cf51f97f8971.html | 2023-04-27T22:08:02 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/teen-arrested-in-easter-shooting-at-bloomington-park/article_738b08e6-e52e-11ed-9922-cf51f97f8971.html |
Watch the story tonight on 10 News at 6.
Over $7,000 will now help pay scholarships for construction students in the New River and Roanoke valleys.
All thanks to a donation from the Associated General Contractors of Virginia.
The check was presented to the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation — and if you recognize that reference, that’s because it was founded by former Virginia Tech Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster.
Young professionals are needed more than ever in Virginia’s construction industry, and the former coach hopes a donation like this can offer students debt-free education.
“This money will go and support kids in the area that you know, are going to shining stars, but need a little bit of help to get them going,” Foster said.
The foundation provides 38 academic scholarships to area high school students. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/27/lunch-pail-defense-foundation-receives-donation-for-student-scholarships/ | 2023-04-27T22:08:03 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/27/lunch-pail-defense-foundation-receives-donation-for-student-scholarships/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – A man has been hospitalized after a shooting in Southwest Roanoke on Thursday evening, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
On April 27 around 4:50 p.m., RPD said they were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center about a person with a gunshot wound in the 1700 block of Westview Avenue SW.
When officers got to the scene, they found a man with what appeared to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to RPD.
Roanoke Fire-EMS took the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and details about what led to the shooting are limited at this time. T
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 to share what you know. You can also text RPD at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
You may have noticed a difference in how we’ve been reporting on crime. To learn more, click here or email trust@wsls.com | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/27/southwest-roanoke-shooting-leaves-man-hospitalized-with-non-life-threatening-wound-police-say/ | 2023-04-27T22:08:09 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/27/southwest-roanoke-shooting-leaves-man-hospitalized-with-non-life-threatening-wound-police-say/ |
DALLAS (KDAF) —The CW33 family is sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of Jerry Springer, the famous talk show host who aired on the station for several seasons.
Jerry’s charming personality and spirit of compassion will be sincerely missed, and his dedication to entertaining and informing the audience will remain an inspiration to us all. Since 2010, CW33 in Dallas has been showing the show’s episodes, and still airing the reruns to this day. It was an exciting show that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Jerry, years ago, visited CW33 studios with the former show The Eye Opener team members. He got a chance to add his old Jerrry charm on the morning news.
“I used to be a news anchor for ten years for the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati and the managing editor there,” Jerry told CW33.
Jerry Springer Show” dominated the ratings for 27 years and became a cultural icon. His departure left a lasting impact on daytime television, and he will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his passionate commitment to journalism. | https://cw33.com/news/local/jerry-springer-is-remembered-by-cw33/ | 2023-04-27T22:17:33 | 1 | https://cw33.com/news/local/jerry-springer-is-remembered-by-cw33/ |
Noblesville school shooter's release nixed after he touched corrections employee's breast
On the cusp of his supervised release from juvenile detention, the former student who opened fire at a Noblesville middle school in 2018 will be kept in custody after a corrections employee said he “fist-bumped” her breast.
The former student, who was 13 at the time of the shooting, had been in detention since shortly after he opened fire at Noblesville West Middle School on May 25, 2018. He shot a seventh-grade science teacher and another 13-year-old student. The teacher, Jason Seaman, cut the shooting short when he tackled the shooter and pinned him to the ground.
Seaman was shot three times, and the student, Ella Whistler, was shot seven times. No one was killed.
More:What we know now about Noblesville school shooting
Following his 18th birthday the shooter was scheduled to be released on home detention with GPS monitoring until he turned 21, the shooter's attorney Ben Jaffe said in court Thursday. But after the corrections employee testified about the fist bump incident, the shooter will now be remanded to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. He's also awaiting a psychological assessment.
“It does cause me much more concern today about the safety of the public and the community," Hamilton Circuit Judge Paul A. Felix said Thursday, adding that the shooter showed a "lack of maturity and a lack of understanding of all of the things that I'd hoped that you would learn."
At the hearing, Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility employee Rayann Jefferis said the shooter “fist-bumped” her breast twice while he was in her office asking about commissary. Jefferis said she didn’t believe it was a sexual act, but she did think it was inappropriate and risked disrupting the balance of authority between corrections staff and detainees.
"Violated,” Jefferis said when asked by prosecutors how the incident made her feel.
More:Jason Seaman's mom: 'I fear not only for Jason, but also his wife and children' after ruling
Jaffe made the argument that his client's actions were “definitely inappropriate and … definitely undermined her position,” but he compared it to “goofing off.”
He asked for leniency from Felix, saying that more time in detention could end up having a detrimental effect on his chances of reassimilating to society. “There’s always going to be this lens on him,” Jaffe said.
Prosecutors argued that the shooter showed a lack of empathy after his actions. That lack of empathy, they said, suggested he's still a cause for concern.
“Was this an accident?” Hamilton County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Barb Trathen asked the court. “Not even close.”
Once his psychological assessment is completed, the court will reassess the shooter's future with the criminal justice system.
Call IndyStar courts reporter Johnny Magdaleno at 317-273-3188 or email him at jmagdaleno@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @IndyStarJohnny | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2023/04/27/noblesville-school-shooter-will-remain-in-custody-judge-orders-shot-jason-seaman-ella-whistler-2018/70159056007/ | 2023-04-27T22:18:31 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/noblesville/2023/04/27/noblesville-school-shooter-will-remain-in-custody-judge-orders-shot-jason-seaman-ella-whistler-2018/70159056007/ |
The Nebraska History Museum opened two exhibits on Saturday that focus on the lives of Japanese Americans during World War II.
The first is a Smithsonian traveling exhibition titled "Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II" and the second is a locally developed exhibit titled "Preserving a Legacy: Japanese in Nebraska." The latter was created through a partnership between History Nebraska and the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering.
According to History Nebraska, both exhibits will be open to the public until Oct. 1.
Righting a Wrong centers around Executive Order 9066, an order signed into law on Dec. 7, 1941, by President Franklin Roosevelt following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The order sent thousands of Japanese Americans and Japanese nationalists to incarceration camps, which were in place from March 1942 through March 1946. The exhibit also features stories, photos and personal items from those that were in the camps.
Preserving a Legacy expands on the story of Japanese Nebraskans that moved to Nebraska during World War II. Japanese Americans living in Nebraska were not sent to incarceration camps during the war, as those camps were largely made up of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast, but those living in Nebraska faced hostile treatment.
The exhibit also explores how World War II was both covered and perceived in Nebraska, as well as what the lives of Japanese Americans living in Nebraska were like.
Following Oct. 1, the Preserving a Legacy exhibit will move to the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering for a yet-to-be-determined time, according to the Nebraska History Museum.
Joseph Eskenazi of Redondo Beach, California, the oldest living survivor of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, marked his 105th birthday Wednesday at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Photos: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the destroyer USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. About 20 survivors are gathering on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Pearl Harbor to remember thousands of men lost in the Japanese attack 77 years ago. The youngest of the survivors is in his mid-90s. The Navy and National Park Service will jointly host the remembrance ceremony Friday at a grassy site overlooking the water and the USS Arizona Memorial. (U.S. Navy via AP, File)
National Park Service
The_USS_Arizona
The USS Arizona (BB-39) burning after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. The ship is resting on the harbor bottom. The supporting structure of the forward tripod mast has collapsed after the forward magazine exploded.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Planes and hangars burning at Wheeler Army Air Field, Oahu, soon after it was attacked in the morning of 7 December 1941, as seen from a Japanese Navy plane. Donation of Theodore Hutton, 1942. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. Catalog #: NH 50473
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Dense smoke rises from the forward and midships portion of the USS Arizona BB-39. Just ahead of her (L-R) the sinking USS West Virginia BB-48 outboard with the slightly damaged USS Tennessee BB-43 inboard.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
USS Arizona (BB-39) ablaze, just after her forward magazines exploded. At right, shrouded in smoke from the fire, are the main and foremasts of USS West Virginia, which is listing sharply to port after she was torpedoed. Upright mast further to the right is the mainmast of USS Tennessee (BB-43), moored inboard of West Virginia. The bow and foremast of USS Vestal (AR-4), moored outboard of Arizona, are visible at the left. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Panorama view of Pearl Harbor, during the Japanese raid, with anti-aircraft shell bursts overhead. The photograph looks southwesterly from the hills behind the harbor. Large column of smoke in lower right center is from the burning USS Arizona (BB-39). Smoke somewhat further to the left is from the destroyers Shaw (DD-373), Cassin (DD-372) and Downes (DD-375), in drydocks at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Japanese torpedo makes a direct hit on battleship USS Oklahoma. This dramatic image captures the opening sequences of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
PBY at Kaneohe Naval Air Station burns out of control. Sailors rush to rescue another PBY that is badly damaged. No airfield on Oahu suffered more damage to hangars and aircraft than Kaneohe. Of the 37 planes, 28 were lost and the remainder severely damaged.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
This image was captured by a Japanese naval aviator in the opening moments of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Torpedo tracks can be seen headed towards Battleship Row. Smoke rises in the distance from the burning aircraft and hangars at Hickam Field.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
A fireboat pours water onto the burning battleship USS West Virginia BB-48 following the attack by Japanese naval aircraft. The USS Tennessee in background.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
This image was taken from the fleet landing area at Ford Island. Sailors attend to a launch pulling alongside during the raid. The battleship California can be seen to the left and in the center, the clear devastation of Battleship Row. Note to the right the fleet oiler Neosho backing away and seeking safety during the raid. It was taken just before 9:00 a.m.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Pearl Harbor Shipyard Floating Dry dock #2: USS Shaw burns after being bombed. Nevada has run around and the Avocet is in the foreground.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Shock and amazement are registered on the expression of the Schofield Barracks soldier in the foreground. December 7, 1941.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
This aerial view was taken over Ford Island on November 10, 1941, less than one month before the Pearl Harbor attack. At the bottom of the photo, six battleships occupy the line that will forever be known as “Battleship Row”. At the top, the western shoreline of Ford Island is the berthing area at Fox-9 of the carrier USS Lexington.
National Park Service
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Sailors at Ford Island Naval Air Station look on as the USS Shaw explodes in the distance. This view is of the PBY ramp with assorted aircraft scattered among the debris. Barely seen in the background is the beached USS Nevada.
National Park Service
USS Arizona
Fuel oil pours out of battleships moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor after the Japanese attack on Dec. 7 1941.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Strafed Fire House on Hickam Air Field with two fire trucks outside & Debris from the attack This vivid photo shows the damage to Hickam Field’s fire station. Note pot marks of machine gun fire on the side of the building. This building is presently restored and the home of Hickam Air Force Base Security.
National Park Service
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraska-history-museum-debuts-exhibits-on-lives-of-japanese-americans-during-wwii/article_e818e01a-e2e6-11ed-91ca-8f546efaf83f.html | 2023-04-27T22:19:34 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/nebraska-history-museum-debuts-exhibits-on-lives-of-japanese-americans-during-wwii/article_e818e01a-e2e6-11ed-91ca-8f546efaf83f.html |
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was taken to the hospital after a fight inside a home near Mount Dora ended in gunfire, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they were called to a home on Southland Road just after 4 p.m.
Investigators said there was a fight at the home and a man was shot. The victim had to be flown to a hospital in Orlando, according to a news release.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider | SNOW WAY: Ice covers I-95 in Fla. | DeSantis vs. Disney: Governor responds to lawsuit]
Deputies have not said what started the fight or what shape the victim is in.
The sheriff’s office has not said whether anyone was taken into custody or if the shooter could face charges, only that the scene is secure and there is no further danger to the public.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/27/man-flown-to-hospital-after-fight-at-lake-county-home-ends-in-shooting-deputies-say/ | 2023-04-27T22:23:11 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/27/man-flown-to-hospital-after-fight-at-lake-county-home-ends-in-shooting-deputies-say/ |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – What happens when your property insurer goes out of business?
It is happening quite a bit in Florida and is leading to all policyholders paying more.
The Florida Insurance Guaranty is adding a 1% assessment to policyholders starting in October to cover claims for insolvent companies.
A Seminole County couple has lived without a fully functioning kitchen for three years because their insurer went out of business.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider | SNOW WAY: Ice covers I-95 in Fla. | DeSantis vs. Disney: Governor responds to lawsuit]
Sandra Braga Alfonso said what started as a leak under her sink has turned into a three-year nightmare.
She said there was already a fight with her insurer to pay out the claim, but then the company went under and it got worse.
Alfonso has a fridge and an oven but is missing lower cabinets, a stove, her normal sink, and a dishwasher.
“It has been a total nightmare,” Alfonso said.
It started in December of 2019 with a leak under her sink, she said.
She eventually discovered water in all her lower cabinets and in the sheetrock behind the cabinets, she said.
“The insurance company gave us approval to rip everything out that was damaged and now they don’t want to pay to put it back in,” Alfonso said.
The insurance company cut a check for $4,800, she said.
Of that $4,300 went to water mitigation to prevent mold. That left about $500, not nearly enough to replace her kitchen, she said.
“We’ve tried to settle, go to mediation, everything,” she said.
Finally, Alfonso and her husband filed a lawsuit against her insurer, but after two years of hearings and motions and waiting for a court date, her insurer went out of business.
She was with Capitol Insurance, but according to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Capitol was merged into Southern Fidelity, which is now one of 14 companies in liquidation.
“I’m over it. I just want my kitchen. I just want to be able to live again. I love to cook, and I can’t,” Alfonso said.
In the last year, Florida lawmakers have had three special legislative sessions to deal with Florida’s property insurance crises.
News 6 asked Alfonso if she thinks anything is being done in Tallahassee to help consumers with their insurance issues.
“No, it’s all for the insurance company,” she said.
One of the biggest moves made in Tallahassee over the last year is the legislature doing away with what is referred to as “one-way attorney’s fees.”
That means if you sued your insurer over a claim and won, the insurance company had to pay your attorney’s fees. Without it, Alfonso said she would never have been able to sue her insurer even though in her case, it didn’t do any good.
“No. My husband’s retired. He’s on disability and he’s retired we’re on a fixed income,” Alfonso said.
Alfonso has now turned to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, which handles the claims of insolvent property and casualty insurance companies.
They are still negotiating the amount it will take to fix her kitchen — more than three years later.
“I owned my first home when I was 20-something years old,” Alfonso said. “I’ve been paying my insurance premiums since I’m like 25, never filed a claim and look where I am now,” Alfonso said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/27/total-nightmare-as-florida-insurance-companies-go-insolvent-homeowners-pay-the-price/ | 2023-04-27T22:23:17 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/27/total-nightmare-as-florida-insurance-companies-go-insolvent-homeowners-pay-the-price/ |
DULUTH — Judge Sally Tarnowski died much too soon, but she “did a lot with her one wild and precious life,” Chief Judge Leslie Beiers said Thursday.
Tarnowski was the first woman to head the Northeastern Minnesota judiciary, pioneered mental health and Indian child welfare courts in Duluth and led an unprecedented shift to online court hearings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outside the courtroom, the Duluth East Athletic Hall of Fame member was known to run circles around her friends — running, biking, golfing, playing pickleball, hunting or fishing — with a seemingly endless energy that allowed her to accomplish more before 8 a.m. than most people could in one day.
“Sally was an extraordinary person,” Beiers said. “She was a wonderful judge, a fantastic friend. She was whip-smart, innovative, warm, compassionate, hardworking and fun. … She was a natural mentor to new judges; she had a way of making you believe in yourself. For a Minnesotan of Scandinavian descent, she was uncharacteristically direct — but she always did it in such a nice way.”
She believed each person who came before her deserved respect, acceptance and the chance to turn their life around.
Hundreds gathered for a memorial service in a ballroom at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, nearly two months after Tarnowski, 63, was fatally struck by a car while on her beloved morning run during a vacation in Venice, Florida.
Her family was joined for the service by some two dozen state and federal judges, many local attorneys and court staff, law enforcement and even some former defendants who had appeared in Tarnowski’s courtroom.
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“It was clear that Sally believed in the restorative redemptive power of the courts, both in Duluth and across Minnesota,” said state Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea.
“She championed innovative approaches like mental health courts and other rehabilitative approaches to justice," Gildea said. "She recognized that the people who came into our courts are not just case file members, but individuals often facing some of the toughest moments of their lives. She believed each person who came before her deserved respect, acceptance and the chance to turn their life around.”
Colleagues said Tarnowski was particularly proud of her work to establish the Indian Child Welfare Court, which has served as a national model for courts to provide a more culturally sensitive approach in custody cases involving Native American families.
Bree Bussey, director of the Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies, said it was the result of a training they attended together in August 2014. Tarnowski approached her immediately afterward and decided she wanted the program up and running by April.
Abandoning the traditional elevated bench, Tarnowski pulled together a few tables in her courtroom to set up a more relaxed, roundtable setting adorned with traditional Native American medicines.
“It’s not going to be perfect,” Bussey recalled the judge saying. “It’s going to be a work in progress. But I don’t want to talk about this for years. I want to start gathering information.”
The program evolved and grew, and was even highlighted by The Washington Post. Owing to her close ties with local tribes, Thursday’s service included a blessing by White Earth National spiritual leader Frank Goodwin and a performance by the Cedar Creek Drum Group.
I'm sure that her friends would agree with me when I say that Sally was always the coolest girl in the room. She was confident, warm, laughed easily, witty, kind and just downright fun.
Tarnowski also helped establish the South St. Louis County Mental Health Court in 2009, presiding over it until her death. It was well-known among her colleagues that those Friday morning sessions were her favorite part of the week, working with defendants to find treatment solutions and other resources that would help keep them from re-entering the criminal justice system.
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Chris Dunker, who graduated from the program three years ago, said he came in as a combative participant. Tarnowski wouldn’t fight with him or lecture him, Dunker said, but she had a way of simply watching him that conveyed everything he needed to know.
“It was unbelievable the way she would do it,” he said. “After about six months, she had my full attention. I’m all in; you’ve got my attention.”
Those who spent time with Tarnowski know that a few blunt words, or even a glare, were often enough to bring everyone in the courtroom to attention. But she had a lighter side, too. Always one for a good prank, other judges who borrowed her courtroom would often encounter a plastic spider or rubber rat hiding on the bench.
Tarnowski was a fierce supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, had an affinity for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and loved to cook for her colleagues and friends. Most of all, Beiers said, she “lit up the room” whenever she had a chance to talk about her two children, Katie and Ben.
Tarnowski also was survived by her longtime partner, Wayne Hibbard; her mother, Joan Sjogren; and brother, David Sjogren.
With 16 years on the bench, including four as chief judge for the 6th District, colleagues said she leaves a lasting legacy, having helped craft policies on a statewide level, recruit many new judges and urge colleagues to test out different ways of doing justice.
“She was present with committed and unwavering support,” said Judge Rachel Sullivan, who was encouraged by Tarnowski to apply for the Hibbing bench in 2018. “She gave encouragement, constructive criticism and always made herself available.
“She did this when she encouraged me to serve as assistant chief; when she encouraged Rebekka Stumme to become a judge; when she encouraged Michelle Anderson to formalize a mental health court in northern St. Louis County; when she supported the development of a domestic violence calendar. And I could go on and on.”
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Judge Krista Martin, of Pine County, had been friends with Tarnowski since they were both young attorneys in Duluth in the early 1990s. They enjoyed social functions together, took part in one another’s investiture ceremonies and served together on the Minnesota Judicial Council — sometimes engaging in spirited debates about how to solve the biggest challenges facing the state’s courts, but always remaining professional.
She said Tarnowski had a “gigantic heart” and called it a “blessing” to know her.
“I'm sure that her friends would agree with me when I say that Sally was always the coolest girl in the room,” Martin said. “She was confident, warm, laughed easily, witty, kind and just downright fun.” | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/an-extraordinary-person-colleagues-friends-celebrate-life-of-duluth-judge-sally-tarnowski | 2023-04-27T22:25:12 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/an-extraordinary-person-colleagues-friends-celebrate-life-of-duluth-judge-sally-tarnowski |
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jamie Raskin sent an open letter detailing the success of his chemo-immunotherapy treatments at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital.
Raskin was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, a serious but curable form of cancer.
RELATED: Congressman Jamie Raskin diagnosed with lymphoma, expects to continue working
In his letter he says he has a "90% prognosis of no relapse."
His full letter can be found below:
Having now finished chemotherapy and rung the bell with my nurses and doctors, having a midterm PET scan report showing “negative” for any discernible cancer cells, and having a preliminary diagnosis of being “in remission” from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a 90% prognosis of no relapse, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love.
I feel love and gratitude not just for my family, my friends, my constituents and my colleagues but for the many thousands of people—both Marylanders and those of you living much further away—who have reached out to me over the last five months with expressions of prayer, best wishes, concern, solidarity, sympathy and moral encouragement—not to mention beautiful gifts of bandanas, homemade scarves and sweaters, Capitol Police baseball caps, hospital scrubs, wool hats, chocolate chip cookies, mandel bread, pea soup, vegan matzoh ball soup, and gorgeous paintings, poems and letters that I will treasure forever.
I have many things that I want to say to the people across America who have stood by me and helped carry me through this prolonged challenge, and I will come to say them soon. Right now my hemoglobin and white blood cell counts are plunging from my final five-day round of chemotherapy, and I am afraid I lack the energy to properly thank you all and express the enormity of my feelings about the enduring beauty and promise of our country. So another message will be coming soon to you all when I rebound from my still-exhausted and immuno-compromised condition.
In the meantime, I just want to send you my profound appreciation.
Jamie Raskin | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/congressman-jamie-raskin-announces-successful-chemo-immunotherapy-treatment | 2023-04-27T22:28:14 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/congressman-jamie-raskin-announces-successful-chemo-immunotherapy-treatment |
BALITMORE — Money, it makes the world go round, and knowing how to manage and save it can make a world of a difference in life.
On Thursday students got a head start on those skills learning how to save money before they're even earning their own.
M&T Bank partnered with Operation Hope and Big Brothers, Big Sisters to teach 3rd and 4th grade students from Westport Academy.
"We're teaching them about respecting their money, budget saving, and things like that," said James Patterson, Small Business Ambassador at M&T Bank. " We all know children who respect their money grow up to be adults who respect their money."
Students decorated their own piggy banks and got a little money to start their savings.
Thursday's event was part of Teach Children to Save Day. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/elementary-school-students-learn-the-importance-of-saving-money | 2023-04-27T22:28:15 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/elementary-school-students-learn-the-importance-of-saving-money |
BALTIMORE — Wednesday, the Governor announced the state will reimburse $826,000 in stolen food and cash benefits, and also approved $1.8 million in state general funds to be used to pay back those families effected and approve those who were originally denied aid.
"Were already trying to survive, so let's try to do something to help those residents and people who live in Baltimore City and across the country," said Iathia Darden.
In March,the Department of Human Services decided they would reimburse those who's benefits were reported stolen, but only for scams dating back to October of 2022.
Governor Moore has now signed a law stating that anyone who's benefits were taken from January 1st of 2021 until now can get that money back.
Tehma Smith Wilson, who is the CEO of The Door, a nonprofit that hosts food drives is happy to hear about this new law.
"When SNAP benefits did decrease not to long ago we did see an increase of people not only attending our food distribution but also the frequency that they attended our food distribution. So any benefits that they could have to help them be a little more secure in their food access especially with the rising costs due to inflation I think is a positive thing," she says.
Maryland is the first state in the nation to use federal funds to reimburse snap benefits.
Marylanders who have already filed a claim for their benefits do not have to file again even if their claim was denied. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/governor-wes-moore-announces-expansion-of-snap-and-ebt-card-fraud-reimbursements | 2023-04-27T22:28:21 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/governor-wes-moore-announces-expansion-of-snap-and-ebt-card-fraud-reimbursements |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The DoveLewis animal hospital in Portland is warning residents to protect their pets from this week’s heat wave.
As temperatures soar into the upper 80s and possibly the low 90s on Friday, there will be an increased risk of animals suffering from heat stroke and dehydration, the animal hospital says.
“As the weather warms suddenly, DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital [is] encouraging owners not to underestimate how a sunny day can impact their pet,” DoveLewis stated. “Taking extra precautions in warm weather may be the difference between a fun day in the sun and a trip to the emergency room.”
The animal hospital has provided a list of tips to keep dogs and cats safe during hot weather:
- Never leave a pet in a car. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help. Temperatures in a closed car can exceed 120 degrees in minutes, creating a dangerous condition for any animal.
- Give pets extra water. Hydration is crucial to avoid illness. Protect pets’ paws from hot surfaces. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it is too hot for a pet’s paws.
- Do not overdo outdoor exercise. Dogs do not know when they need a break. Stop frequently for shaded breaks and offer plenty of water.
- Take extra precautions with older dogs and dogs with shorter noses. They are susceptible to higher temperatures and at a greater risk of heatstroke.
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to your dog. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on unprotected areas, like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose.
- Do not leave windows open while pets are unattended. Pets are more likely to fall from windows when it is warm. Do not rely on window screens to keep your pet from falling.
- When in doubt, stay indoors. Avoid spending long periods of time outside during the hottest time of the day.
Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly, the animal hospital warns. Signs of heatstroke in cats and dogs include:
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Warm and dry skin
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Staring or anxious expressions
- Uncoordinated movements or collapse
“Owners who suspect their pet is experiencing heat stroke should call DoveLewis immediately,” the animal hospital says. “Even if their pet seems to cool down, it is still imperative to visit a veterinarian immediately as temperatures often spike again or cool below a safe, normal temperature.” | https://www.koin.com/local/keep-your-pets-safe-from-these-common-heat-related-illnesses-vets-warn/ | 2023-04-27T22:34:52 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/keep-your-pets-safe-from-these-common-heat-related-illnesses-vets-warn/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s local teachers’ union is preparing to protest outside the Portland Public Schools headquarters in North Portland Thursday after they say bargaining discussions have stalled with school district management.
Following months of recent negotiation efforts, Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla stated in an April 27 announcement that Portland Public School has canceled its latest bargaining meeting with the union. She told KOIN 6 she fears the district is trying to run the clock.
“I know they want to collaborate, they’ve expressed we have shared interests, we want to solve this, we want to settle a contract, so I am hopeful that we are able to get that done before the clock runs out,” Bonilla said. “But if not, we’re going to keep fighting for what our students need.”
As a result, Bonilla put out the call for teachers and community members to support Portland’s public school teachers by holding a rally from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Dr. Prophet Education Center at 501 Dixon Street.
“This meeting would have been our 8th bargaining session since January, when we first shared our bargaining platform and proposals,” Bonilla said. “By this point in negotiations, we expected to be discussing issues that matter most to educators and coming closer to resolution. Instead, PPS management has come to the bargaining table with little to say about the issues we’ve raised.”
The canceled negotiations come days after Portland Public Schools Chief of Staff Jonathan Garcia presented next year’s $2 billion budget to the school board on April 25.
At the meeting, school district officials announced that difficult decisions will need to be made leading up to the 2023-2024 school year, including a possible layoff of 90 school district employees — a 3% staff reduction.
The budgetary problems, school district officials said, partially stem from an anticipated 1% decline in enrollment next year.
Portland’s teachers, meanwhile, continue to fight for new contracts and better pay.
Bonilla said they were supposed to negotiate teacher compensation after the district has offered 2.5% for a cost of living adjustment. Bonilla says that’s not enough with the current level of inflation.
Hundreds of teachers had RSVP’d to attend Thursday’s now-canceled bargaining meeting to show solidarity for the desired contract negotiations, Bonilla said.
“It is shameful that instead of meeting with educators, they canceled without rescheduling,” Bonilla said. “PPS Management’s actions mean much more than their words. By canceling bargaining for this Thursday and refusing to discuss the issues most important to educators, they are choosing to run away from us, hoping we’ll give up and give in to their vision.”
There is another negotiation session on May 11. Bonilla says the union doesn’t want to strike, but are keeping their options open. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-teachers-rally-after-school-district-cancels-bargaining-talks-union-says/ | 2023-04-27T22:34:58 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-teachers-rally-after-school-district-cancels-bargaining-talks-union-says/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For most of its 30-year history in Portland, the Northwest Children’s Theater was housed in the Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center. But this weekend, the youth arts program is ushering in a new era with a new home across the street from the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts, named after NWCT’s founder and managing director, will have its grand opening on 1000 SW Broadway on Saturday, April 29.
NWCT Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy says the program’s previous home was a great place to educate and enrich the first few generations of children, but the space never quite suited their needs.
Halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the theatre’s journey to a new home took about five years — and was well worth the wait.
“In the last 18 months, we started looking again, and we found this beautiful opportunity right in the heart of downtown Portland,” Hardy said. “When we came in here, we were able to see immediately and clearly how well this space could serve our needs. The excitement just started to bubble over for all of us.”
The Judy is housed in the same building of what was once the Broadway Theatre, a four-screen cinema in Downtown Portland. Fittingly, the arts venue will have four spaces as well — including a movie theater.
- The Stage is a “proscenium-style performance space.” It will host 240 audience members for NWCT’s various theater productions.
- Another performance space, the Black Box will seat a smaller group of up to 120 visitors.
- The Studios are three separate rooms, each of which will serve as the backdrop for NWCT classes, rehearsals and camps.
- The Cinema will seat 190 guests during family movie nights on Fridays, and for daytime movies on Saturdays and Sundays. Portlanders will also have the opportunity to rent the space for private events.
Even with all of the new physical space, Hardy says she’s most excited for what the building will do for NWTC’s mental space.
“The multiple opportunities that the place affords allows for a vision and programming that we just haven’t been able to have in the past,” she said. “Each one of those spaces is really creative and inspires me a lot, but I think it’s the combination of all of them that just opens up the possibilities for all of these other arts organizations that we want to partner with to bring their work — and for all of the children that want to make theatre to be able to do it in a variety of different ways.”
The Judy’s first show, “Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!,” will be held this Saturday at 11 a.m. Tickets to the earliest performance are sold-out, but they are still available for the later shows and for “Cinderella,” which premieres on Friday, May 5.
NWTC has also invited the public to tour The Judy from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, free of charge.
“We want to start a conversation,” Hardy said. “We want to hear from the community about what they’re interested in doing in there and so we can make room for it.” | https://www.koin.com/local/northwest-childrens-theater-opens-youth-arts-venue-in-downtown-portland/ | 2023-04-27T22:35:04 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/northwest-childrens-theater-opens-youth-arts-venue-in-downtown-portland/ |
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Do you still have Bed Bath & Beyond coupons lying around? You're in luck.
Both Boscov's and Big Lots say they will accept those coupons.
Bed Bath & Beyond stopped accepting its own coupons earlier this week.
You can use them at any Boscov's from now until May 31.
You'll get $10 off any one purchase of $50 or more.
Boscov's has 49 stores, including several in and around the area, including Mall at Steamtown in Scranton, Downtown Wilkes-Barre, Laurel Mall Near Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Mall near Allentown.
You can also use coupons for Bed, Bath & Beyond at Big Lots stores from now through Sunday, May 7. You'll get 20% off a purchase of $50 or more.
Big Lots has several stores in the area, including Dunmore, Wilkes-Barre, West Hazleton, Lehighton, Lewisburg, and East Stroudsburg.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscasts were like in 1983 and 1984? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/boscovs-big-lots-accepting-bed-bath-beyond-coupons-wnep-discount/523-f5e98663-a090-4210-a423-9e5c076c2236 | 2023-04-27T22:45:29 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/boscovs-big-lots-accepting-bed-bath-beyond-coupons-wnep-discount/523-f5e98663-a090-4210-a423-9e5c076c2236 |
MILL HALL, Pa. — Ashton Peters and Lela Vanartsdalen are student leaders of the Central Mountain High School Mental Health Advocates.
"It is important to know that it is okay to not be okay and that everyone can take time to reflect on their own mental health," said Peters.
"I just wanted to let people know that it is OK to accept help," said Vanartsdalen.
For the second year in a row, the club hosted a mental health awareness walk around the school grounds.
The entire student body participated.
"It is the most amazing feeling ever knowing people want to come together and help people who are struggling and make them feel welcome and know they are not alone. It is the best feeling ever," Vanartsdalen added.
Peters and Vanartsdalen came up with the idea for the walk a few years ago in one of their classes. Mental health is something that hits home for both students.
"I lost my friend, Cimarron, when she was 12 years old to suicide, and ever since then, it has been a big issue of mind to bring awareness to mental health," Peters said.
"I had a friend pass away, CJ Smith, from suicide a couple years ago," Vanartsdalen said.
Signs of encouragement lined the walking route. The club also sold t-shirts for the walk.
"So, the t-shirt money goes to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention," added Peters.
Both Peters and Vanartsdalen are graduating this spring but say the club will continue the annual walk.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/students-organize-mental-health-walk-in-clinton-county-central-mountain-high-school-mental-health-advocates-wnep/523-697d01d8-9d03-4dc4-b504-b2a876072ee4 | 2023-04-27T22:45:36 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/clinton-county/students-organize-mental-health-walk-in-clinton-county-central-mountain-high-school-mental-health-advocates-wnep/523-697d01d8-9d03-4dc4-b504-b2a876072ee4 |
HAZLETON, Pa. — City of Hazleton Mayor Jeffrey Cusat calls city hall on North Street the "icon of the city."
But taking a look at the inside, there is a list of improvement projects the 110-year-old building desperately needs.
"We want to keep it historically correct, so therefore we are looking to fix the roof, the chimney where it is leaking through, the pipes inside the walks, the plaster, and the handicapped sidewalks and ramps need repairs also," said Mayor Cusat.
A total of $1.4 million in LSA grant money is coming to the city to help with three big projects, including $519,000 to fix up city hall.
Mayor Cusat met with State Senator David Argall and State Representative Dane Watro to talk about the impact this funding will have.
"It's bringing new life into an old town, and do I think Hazleton has got a great future ahead of it," said Senator Argall.
The YWCA on Church Street has sat empty for several years. Now more than $303,000 in funding will support the reopening process. Starting with providing childcare for the Hazleton community.
"What we keep hearing is the need. "We can't fill jobs because people don't have child care. So for us, that's a big place we can step in and help working families," said YMCA Development Director Lindsay Landis.
The other chunk of funding will benefit the business district on Alter Street by continuing projects like replacing the sidewalks
"A couple of years ago, we got a grant, and we designed from Diamond Avenue to Sixth Street, but the money was not enough to complete the project. So this money will be able to complete two blocks. It sounds like a lot of money, but it's only enough to do two blocks and a little bit more of the design phase," said Mayor Cusat.
All of these projects will be completed in phases. A timeline has yet to be determined.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscasts were like in 1983 and 1984? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/hazleton-gets-grants-to-spruce-up-city-lsa-grant-money-mayor-jeffrey-cusat-north-street-wnep/523-0bec5ab6-cd9d-4efb-95ca-7cc60756bc38 | 2023-04-27T22:45:42 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/hazleton-gets-grants-to-spruce-up-city-lsa-grant-money-mayor-jeffrey-cusat-north-street-wnep/523-0bec5ab6-cd9d-4efb-95ca-7cc60756bc38 |
EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — East Stroudsburg University officially swore in its new president.
Kenneth Long started at the university in 2013 as the Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
In 2020, he became the interim president.
He was promoted to full-time this past November.
He says his biggest accomplishment was guiding the university through the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Today marks the official beginning of a new chapter in our University's history. Not only for me but for the campus and region. I am committed to leading this institution with integrity, inclusion, and innovation, and I am determined to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve," Long said.
The ceremony concluded a week-long celebration for President Long.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscasts were like in 1983 and 1984? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/east-stroudsburg-university-swears-in-new-president-kenneth-long-wnep-monroe-county/523-247a3804-9a40-445c-9a7c-5da75bfc3abb | 2023-04-27T22:45:48 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/east-stroudsburg-university-swears-in-new-president-kenneth-long-wnep-monroe-county/523-247a3804-9a40-445c-9a7c-5da75bfc3abb |
HONESDALE, Pa. — It's been more than five months since 16-year-old Samson Fluck died unexpectedly, and now the family is suing.
The family hired personal injury attorney, Matthew Casey, to handle the case.
Samson's family says he was a healthy and active teenager, who played several sports, so when he was complaining of chest pain and was having a hard time breathing, they were concerned.
According to the lawsuit, on November 3, Samson and his mother went to the emergency room at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.
Casey says some preliminary blood work was done, along with a chest X-ray.
After examining the X-rays, a radiologist made a note that there was an abnormality and recommended a CT scan.
According to the lawsuit, that scan was never done.
Instead, Samson's mother says they were told everything was normal and that he just had a combination of a cold and strep throat.
"This was known on this day prior to Samson being discharged from the emergency department," Casey said.
Samson was sent home from Wayne Memorial, but two days later, his condition worsened.
Samson, struggling to breathe, collapsed, and his stepmother called 911.
He was taken back to Wayne Memorial, where he died.
"He was grabbing at his throat and telling his stepmother I can't breathe. I can't breathe. And the reason he couldn't breathe is this mass that they knew that he had was compromising his airway," said Casey.
Casey says an autopsy revealed the mass was a treatable form of cancer, and doctors had all the information to make a proper diagnosis.
"What should have been the luckiest day of his life? Turned out to be the worst and unluckiest day of his life and his heartbroken parents like and it never should have happened," Casey said.
Want to see what Newswatch 16's newscasts were like in 1983 and 1984? Head on over to WNEP's YouTube. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/family-of-honesdale-teen-files-medical-malpractice-lawsuit-sues-wayne-memorial-and-medical-staff-samson-fluck/523-c5dae30d-3d7b-4f63-9bdb-ae2ff674258d | 2023-04-27T22:45:54 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wayne-county/family-of-honesdale-teen-files-medical-malpractice-lawsuit-sues-wayne-memorial-and-medical-staff-samson-fluck/523-c5dae30d-3d7b-4f63-9bdb-ae2ff674258d |
Tulips, kites and more: The rites (and wrongs) of spring at Delaware beaches
Each spring, the City of Rehoboth holds an auction of unwanted municipal equipment, tools and vehicles, as well as unclaimed personal effects (if you know what I mean) left on the beaches and in other public areas.
This is not some run-of-the-mill garage sale; indeed, the city has never succumbed to the idea of a downtown garage. Rather, it is a major event that occupies not only the convention center but spills out onto the surrounding area as well.
Among the items up for auction this year were old beach signs, emblazoned with the injunction: “For your safety, please swim in front of the lifeguard.” A command that undoubtedly put a crimp in the style of those swimmers who prefer to frolic behind the lifeguard, in the manner of fiddler crabs.
And, if you were looking for an appropriate place to display your sign purchase, there were two lifeguard stands for sale. You could also take this retro beach look a step further by purchasing one of the iconic boardwalk benches that were available.
The auctioneers warned that the benches were “in varying conditions” (“of disrepair” probably should have followed). However, they noted that one of them featured the desirable swing back. So, if you tire of admiring the sign and stand you bought, you can turn your back on it — just don’t let the lifeguard see you do that.
Tulips in bloom bring big celebration to Lewes
Another rite of spring is the Tulip Celebration that takes place annually in neighboring Lewes. This year, some 32,000 tulip and spring bulbs were planted in the First Town in the First State, linking it several thousand times over to its Dutch heritage.
The celebration has traditionally been scheduled for the first two weeks of April to coincide with the blossoming of the flowers. However, tulips seem to have a mind of their own, and bloom when the spirit or, more likely, the weather suits them.
Residents and visitors had the advantage of a Tiptoe To The Tulips map, which indicated more than 20 locations where bulbs had been planted last fall.
These free maps are not to be confused with an old VHS tape of Tiny Tim’s 1968 rendition of "Tiptoe Through The Tulips," which is priceless.
From A to Z, or rather from Agave (Restaurant) to Zwaanendael (Museum), attendees were promised a floral display of bold red-, white-, pink-, orange-, and yellow-colored tulips.
One could happily escape the tensions of red vs. blue politics by viewing this rainbow of color.
Given our designation as the Culinary Coast, it should also be noted that tulip petals are edible.
However, they have been remarkably absent from the menus of most local restaurants — even as a garnish during the Tulip Celebration. That was true even when the late, lamented Lewes TWO-LIPS Culinary Week coincided with the celebration.
Kite festival is grounded, but will soar anew
Far older than the tulip extravaganza is the annual Great Delaware Kite Festival. The 55th edition of this spring event was scheduled for Cape Henlopen State Park early in April. Unfortunately, it had to be canceled because the Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in its infinite wisdom, decided to schedule the repaving of the beach boathouse parking lot for that same month. That just happens to be the location where most of the festival attendees leave their cars.
The DPR is a division of the DNREC. Earlier this year, the latter thought it was a good idea to open a full-service restaurant in the park, apparently believing that such facilities were an endangered species on the coast.
Talk about first being tarred and then feathered.
While on hold for this year, it is worth noting that the kite festival is one of the oldest in the nation. It was first held in 1969, when the Maharajah of Bharatpur in India challenged the Governor of Delaware to a kite-flying contest. Why he should do that, and why the governor should accept, is lost in the smokey historical haze of the 1960s.
The nature of the 1969 contest was not quite as innocent as one might imagine. According to Betsy Reamer, sand was glued about 15 inches down the kite strings. Each contestant “tried to use his sand-covered line to cut his opponent’s kite string,” thus creating an aerial duel of sorts.
Today, the simple act of flying one’s kite is enough to garner laurels in such categories as Open Individual Ballet (don’t ask), and awards are given to the Most Senior Flyer, Youngest Flyer, and Flyer Furthest from Home. Contrary to popular belief, no prize is bestowed upon the best decorated Radio Flyer.
The festival’s top award, so to speak, goes to the kite that flies the highest. Given the story of the Maharajah and the Governor, there should be a caveat that only a kite still under the control of its owner can win this award.
Mike Berger is a freelance writer and retired university administrator with a home in Lewes. Contact him atedadvice@comcast.net.
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BEACH PARKING:Beach season is near. Here's your guide to parking at the Delaware beaches for 2023. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2023/04/27/tulips-kites-and-more-the-rites-and-wrongs-of-spring-at-the-beaches/70149764007/ | 2023-04-27T22:50:23 | 0 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2023/04/27/tulips-kites-and-more-the-rites-and-wrongs-of-spring-at-the-beaches/70149764007/ |
Maryland State Police seek public's assistance in locating Salisbury shooting suspect
Maryland State Police are asking the public for assistance to locate a man wanted for a shooting earlier this month in Wicomico County.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Timothy Lee Whaley Jr., 45, of Salisbury on attempted murder charges, police said in a release. Whaley is described as a Black male, 6-feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He is known to frequent the areas of Keene Avenue and Jersey Road in Salisbury.
At about 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2023, troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack responded to the 500 block of Swan Road for a report of a shooting, the release said.
According to a preliminary investigation, Whaley was a passenger of a black Volkswagen and approached a residence on Swan Road before firing at a woman who was standing in the front yard of the home. The suspects fled the scene in the vehicle. No injuries were reported in this case.
The driver of the Volkswagen, identified as Crystal E. Hutt, 48, of Salisbury was arrested on April 17. She is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/crime of violence. She was released after posting $25,000 bail.
SIGN THEFT:Police quickly foil plot to steal Poor Girls Open sign from Ocean City's Fish Tales
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Whaley should be considered armed and dangerous, police said.
Investigators urge anyone with information pertaining to the location of Whaley to contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101 or the Criminal Enforcement Division Eastern Region 443-669-3208. Callers will remain anonymous.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/04/27/police-seek-publics-assistance-in-locating-salisbury-shooting-suspect/70159113007/ | 2023-04-27T22:50:29 | 0 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/04/27/police-seek-publics-assistance-in-locating-salisbury-shooting-suspect/70159113007/ |
Police quickly foil plot to steal Poor Girls Open sign from Ocean City's Fish Tales
A group of mischievous thieves, for reasons only they might know, stole a picnic table with a sign for the Poor Girls Open on it from Fish Tales in Ocean City.
But no surprise since they were riding around with a bright pink picnic table in the back of their red pickup truck, they were quickly tracked down by the Ocean City Police Department.
OCPD reported on Facebook that officers responded to the call about a theft from Fish Tales and determined that just before midnight on April 21, four individuals returned to the restaurant. Surveillance footage showed the four suspects loading a bright pink picnic table with a marlin and the phrase “Poor Girls Open” painted on it into a red Chevrolet pickup truck.
In an update to the post embedded below, it reported that all four suspects have now been apprehended.
Fish Tales also offered its understably salty thoughts about the theft in its post you can read here.
And since Ocean City business owners always band together, Pickles Pub also got in on the public shaming of these would-be thieves.
SPRINGFEST LINEUP:Ocean City's Springfest has rocking lineup, Dewey Beach's Bottle & Cork sets big reopening
OC'S LITTLE SALISBURY:Did you know Ocean City has a Little Salisbury? Bayside neighborhood with colorful history | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/04/27/thieves-nab-poor-girls-open-sign-from-ocs-fish-tales-but-are-foiled/70158368007/ | 2023-04-27T22:50:35 | 0 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/04/27/thieves-nab-poor-girls-open-sign-from-ocs-fish-tales-but-are-foiled/70158368007/ |
A Virginia woman admitted driving high on fentanyl in a fatal Garden State Parkway crash in 2020, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.
Michelle Roselli, 36, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan to vehicular homicide, assault by auto and driving under the influence, the Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.
The crash killed Tri Nguyen, 66, and injured Thy Duong, 51, both of Berkeley Township.
Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide and five years for assault by auto. Those terms would be served concurrently. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14.
State Police said Roselli was intoxicated when she was driving near mile marker 64 southbound on Jan. 26, 2020, and her car drifted into another lane, striking a Toyota Scion.
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The Scion, which was driven by Kathy Nguyen, 32, of Bayville, struck several trees. Bother Tri Nguyen, Duong and a minor were also inside the car. They all were taken initially to Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township.
Tri Nguyen and Duong were then airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway Township.
Tri Nguyen died from his injuries Feb. 20, 2020. Duong remains in rehab due to the crash, the Prosecutor's Office said.
Troopers said Roselli was unable to perform field sobriety tests, leading to her being charged with driving under the influence. A blood test ordered through a search warrant registered 8.6 nanograms of fentanyl in her system.
Roselli surrendered to State Police at their Galloway Township barracks on March 20, 2020, the Prosecutor's Office said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/virginia-woman-pleads-guilty-in-fatal-garden-state-parkway-crash/article_51e5d8e0-e544-11ed-96e2-930f68a241b5.html | 2023-04-27T22:51:07 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/virginia-woman-pleads-guilty-in-fatal-garden-state-parkway-crash/article_51e5d8e0-e544-11ed-96e2-930f68a241b5.html |
State Sen. Michael Testa is making a renewed push for legislation he says will protect women's sports.
In 2021, Testa introduced the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act," which requires that participation in school-sanctioned sports be based on biological sex at birth at public and nonpublic schools, as well as institutions of higher education.
The new effort to pass legislation follows the April 20 passage in the House of Representatives of H.R.734, the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023.”
The federal bill would amend Title IX to “provide that for purposes of determining compliance with Title IX of such Act in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
It is not expected to pass the Democratically controlled Senate.
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In early April, President Joe Biden proposed banning schools and colleges across the U.S. from enacting outright bans on transgender athletes, but teams could create some limits in certain cases — for example, to ensure fairness.
Transgender athletes whose biological sex assigned at birth was male would be barred from competing on girls or women’s sports teams at federally supported schools and colleges under legislation pushed through by House Republicans on Thursday.
If finalized, the proposal would become enshrined as a provision of Title IX, the landmark gender-equity legislation enacted in 1972.
Testa's bill prohibits any athletic teams or sports designated for females, women or girls from being open to biological males.
“Title IX was adopted in 1972 to ensure that girls and women are not discriminated against and have a fair playing field in sports and other school-related activities,” said Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic. “Sadly, that fair playing field that girls have enjoyed for 50 years is slowly disappearing as more male athletes who identify as transgender are choosing to compete in women’s sports, including swimming, track, and even power lifting. The House of Representatives was absolutely right to take action last week to protect women’s sports from this full frontal assault, and New Jersey shouldn’t hesitate to do the same.”
“You only need to see the way biologically male athletes like (University of Pennsylvania swimmer) Lia Thomas tower over their female competition to realize that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage,” Testa said. “It’s a bigger problem than just the appearance of unfairness, it’s increasingly borne out in the final results of competitions where women have been crowded off the winners’ podium by transgender athletes." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/testa-pushes-anti-trans-womens-sports-legislation/article_851d8054-e52c-11ed-b832-474d5c25fda6.html | 2023-04-27T22:51:13 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/testa-pushes-anti-trans-womens-sports-legislation/article_851d8054-e52c-11ed-b832-474d5c25fda6.html |
Voters will face all new electronic voting machines when they go to the polls for the June 6 primary and Nov. 7 general election, and election officials want to help residents get familiar with them.
They will hold a free, hands-on experience with the new electronic voting machines and e-poll books at 6 p.m. May 4 in the Jury Assembly Room of the Atlantic County Criminal Courts Complex, 4997 Unami Blvd. in Mays Landing.
No registration is required.
Officials will provide information and instructions on using mail-in ballots, to avoid making common errors that can prevent the vote from counting.
Until now, the new machines were only used by those who chose to vote early, because the county didn't have enough new machines to provide them at all voting sites on Election Day.
NORTHFIELD — Atlantic County commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance after a public he…
There are just seven early voting sites countywide, compared with about 150 on Election Day.
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In December, Atlantic County commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance to bond $3.4 million to buy new voting machines that will provide a paper audit trail.
The total cost for about 325 machines was about $3.6 million, with the remainder paid in cash by the county.
The voter education event is presented by the Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections, Board of Elections and County Clerk, and sponsored by the Atlantic County Bar Association and New Jersey State Bar Foundation.
Admission is free, and facilities are handicapped accessible. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/learn-to-use-new-voting-machines-before-having-to-vote/article_0ec2d214-e50f-11ed-9930-83b9797f77d6.html | 2023-04-27T22:51:20 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/learn-to-use-new-voting-machines-before-having-to-vote/article_0ec2d214-e50f-11ed-9930-83b9797f77d6.html |
PLEASANTVILLE — Masjid Baitul Nasr held its celebration of Eid al-Fitr last Friday. Hundreds of Muslim worshipers gathered at the park off Tilton Road and Langston Avenue to pray, eat and reflect on the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Imam Bilal Salaam delivered a sermon in the park during the morning for the event. He preached about the importance of the holiday and encouraged congregants to keep the meaning of Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan in their hearts through the year.
“It’s about loving and serving each other, that’s what this is about,” Salaam said. “And none of you will be a believer until you practice love.”
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month during which Muslims fast each day from dawn to nightfall. It begins when religious authorities make first sight of the crescent moon.
Families from the city and the surrounding area came to the park for the festivities, with Salaam estimating that over 300 people from various mosques and Islamic communities in the area would attend throughout the day. People took to the grill to cook for the holiday, serving chicken and beef hot dogs, along with ice cream and water ice. There was also face painting available, and children played in a pair of bounce castles in the park.
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Marquel Bridgers, a 25-year-old city resident, said he appreciated the community that the holiday created and how it unified the Islamic community.
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“Allah is the best of planners, you know he brings us together to celebrate him,” Bridgers said. "Eid Mubarak, it’s a beautiful occasion where all of Islam come together and celebrate one another and celebrate Allah.”
Bridgers said he was thankful there was space and a religious community in the city allowing Muslims to mark the holiday together. A family occasion for him, Bridgers brought his 1-year-old son Ashad to the event, whom he wanted to introduce to the faith.
“It’s beautiful that Pleasantville allows us to come out here, praise Allah,” Bridgers said. “It’s beautiful out here, so he (Ashad) has to experience it at an early age and get him accustomed to praising Allah.”
Salaam said after his sermon that the fast throughout Ramadan and breaking the fast on Eid al-Fitr was an important rite to Muslims throughout the world. He said the fast strengthens them spiritually and helps enhance their sense of empathy for those in need. During the festival, Salaam said he would knock on the doors of houses near the park and offer the neighboring households, believers and nonbelievers alike, food from the event.
“By us fasting, it makes us closer to God. We identify with the hungry person, we identify with the person that’s needy,” Salaam said. “So now, it brings it to full circle.”
Tauheedah Muniir came from her residence in Hammonton to the celebration Friday. She said the celebration of Eid al-Fitr was a religious obligation she was eager to uphold at a nearby place of worship with her fellow believers. Other locations she had considered were Atlantic City, Vineland and Philadelphia before deciding to attend the event in Pleasantville.
ATLANTIC CITY — It was a “blue sky day” in the resort Friday, as Councilman Kaleem Shabazz put it.
“It’s mandatory to make the Eid prayer,” Muniir said. “It’s an opportunity to interact with and/or meet new families.”
Kahdijah Spence, of Atlantic City, was meeting with Muniir at the event. She said she was glad to have endured the monthlong fast to reach this celebration, noting there were other festivities throughout the area.
“It’s the end of Ramadan, which is our blessed month,” Spence said. “This is when we all come together.”
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr is growing in the city and South Jersey, with public entities having come to observe the holiday. Pleasantville Public Schools were closed Friday in observance of Eid al-Fitr this year, something that was appreciated by several school officials and local Muslims. Several other South Jersey school districts, including Atlantic City, observed Eid al-Fitr this year as well.
Pleasantville Board of Education member Sharnell Morgan said she had long advocated for giving students and faculty the day off for Eid al-Fitr. She said after a school board meeting April 18 she was glad to have seen those efforts bear fruit.
“From 2015 to 2022, I’ve been fighting for our district to put Eid on the district calendar,” Morgan said.
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Abdus Somad, a city resident originally from Guyana, said Ramadan was an important Islamic tradition and that Muslims who adhere to the Ramadan fast should revel in their accomplishment and piety.
“Ramadan is a month of fasting, so fasting is prescribed on us the same it was prescribed on the righteous people before us,” Somad said. “And at the end of the month of fasting, we do a celebration, because it’s like an achievement, you know, you did something and you’re happy about it. So you get to reach up to the birds and greet them. You’ve come to the road of success.”
To Apple Davis, of Egg Harbor Township, the celebration exemplified the meaning of the Islamic faith. She came with several family members to the event and said she was glad the students had a chance to leave school for the holiday.
“Islam is all about peace and love,” Davis said. “And we’re just happy. We break our fast together, we pray together, it’s all about peace, love and happiness.”
Bilal Abdul Aziz, a city resident and a friend of Davis, said the holiday demonstrated the joy to be found in Islam. He said Eid al-Fitr was also an opportunity to reunite with loved ones.
“Islam is more than just strict praying all day,” Aziz said. “So we’re out here with the women, the children, the men, we’re enjoying food, we’re enjoying playtime, we're talking about Islam and we also get a chance to see people that we haven’t seen all year long, so that’s all praise to God.”
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Salaam said the lessons from Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr were not meant to be marked only on certain days. Rather, they were messages that Muslims were meant to carry with them for the whole year.
“The one big takeaway is that we want to constantly keep the spirit of Ramadan still alive,” Salaam said.
Jihad Halim came to the event with his 13-year-old son Jordan, a student at Pleasantville Middle School. He said he was grateful his son was given off so he did not have to miss school work to celebrate the holiday and said he was excited to see the Islamic community grow in the city.
“It was great, because I didn’t have to take him out of school, giving us the day, the opportunity to be together within the community,” Halim said. “And hopefully, God willing, we’ll have it next year as well and we’ll continue on with it, because this community is real big, the Muslim community here in Pleasantville and the Atlantic County area is real big, so we really appreciate it.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/pleasantville-celebrates-eid-al-fitr/article_dc6152e4-e45c-11ed-b53a-8fb2a0e950e3.html | 2023-04-27T22:51:26 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/pleasantville-celebrates-eid-al-fitr/article_dc6152e4-e45c-11ed-b53a-8fb2a0e950e3.html |
East Chicago is welcoming entrepreneurs to the its new Galleria Business Incubator in downtown Indiana Harbor.
The city renovated the long-vacant Spanish-style Galleria offices on Main Street in the North Harbor neighborhood. It will have self-contained office spaces for start-up businesses.
Mayor Anthony Copeland and the East Chicago’s Urban Enterprise Association had a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.
“Excitement has been building up for these affordable retail and office spaces. Programming to help new startup businesses enter into the market is key to success. New businesses need affordability as they work their way to profitability," Copeland said.
The Galleria Business Incubator has eight units. It also will offer support to help fledgling business owners realize their dreams.
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“Research proves incubators increase the survival of start-ups,” Copeland said. “They serve as resource-sharing hubs for cash-strapped entrepreneurs in those critical early years when start-ups are most vulnerable. I can’t wait to see Galleria filled with tenants that will help transform the landscape of commerce in the city.”
The city said it has received calls from interested entrepreneurs.
Businesses can get reduced rent for two years. The incubator also will provide marketing assistance, consulting, advice from established business owners, legal services, business plan assistance and business training or up to four hours.
To qualify, businesses must have filed their business taxes in a timely fashion with the state and must maintain regular hours of onsite operations.
For more information, email contactus@eastchicagouea.org or call 219-392-3660. | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/east-chicago-welcoming-entrepreneurs-to-the-galleria-business-incubator/article_e92e7abe-e45d-11ed-beb6-ff1f36c125d8.html | 2023-04-27T22:54:48 | 0 | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/east-chicago-welcoming-entrepreneurs-to-the-galleria-business-incubator/article_e92e7abe-e45d-11ed-beb6-ff1f36c125d8.html |
After steel prices fell and demand slackened, U.S. Steel's profit plunged by 77% year-over-year to $199 million in the first quarter.
The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker, one of the Region's top employers, made $882 million, or $3.02 per share, in the first quarter of 2022. It earned 78 cents per share in the first quarter of this year.
“We delivered another strong quarter," U. S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt said. "Each of our operating segments exceeded expectations. We generated positive investable free cash flow of $25 million before supporting $582 million of high return strategic capital expenditures and continued direct returns in the quarter.”
U.S. Steel's flat rolled segment, which includes Gary Works and the Midwest Plant in Portage, lost $7 million in the first quarter before interest and income taxes, down from a $529 million profit at the same point last year.
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The steelmaker's flat-rolled segment shipped 2.27 million net tons of steel in the first quarter, up from 1.94 million during the first quarter of 2022. But the average price was $1,102 a ton in the first quarter, down from $1,368 a ton last year.
“Our focus on being the best partner for our customers through best operations has amplified the benefits of an improved market and more market share gains that we expect to continue through 2023," Burritt said. "This momentum is expected to deliver even stronger second quarter results from higher steel prices."
U.S. Steel's net sales fell to $4.47 billion in the first quarter, down from $5.23 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
“In spite of inflationary pressures, we are pleased to report our strategic projects are on-track to meet or improve upon key milestones each quarter and deliver returns well above our weighted average cost of capital," Burritt said. "We’ve begun cold commissioning critical components of our new non-grain oriented electrical steel line at Big River Steel to produce the first coil as planned later this summer. Big River 2, our new mini mill with even more capabilities, and our new galvanize/GALVALUME line, remain on-track for 2024. Together, with our current Big River Steel footprint, we are creating the next generation of sustainable mini mill steelmaking in the U.S. and transforming our business model to generate more consistent cash flow to continue capability building and higher returns for our investors.” | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/u-s-steel-profit-plunges-by-77-year-over-year-in-first-quarter/article_041fb1fe-e53e-11ed-b3fa-af43ed349c9d.html | 2023-04-27T22:54:54 | 1 | https://nwitimes.com/business/local/u-s-steel-profit-plunges-by-77-year-over-year-in-first-quarter/article_041fb1fe-e53e-11ed-b3fa-af43ed349c9d.html |
CROWN POINT— A Hammond man was charged with arson Wednesday for allegedly setting his co-worker’s car and garage on fire, according to charging documents.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
Charging records allege that on Dec. 14, Christopher Townsell, 39, drove to his co-worker’s house about 3 a.m. and lit the man’s Subaru Outback and garage on fire. The nearby fence also caught on fire. The car belonged to the co-worker’s wife, but Townsell thought the man owned it, charges stated.
The damages to the vehicle totaled $5,350 and the damages to the garage and fence totaled $15,524.05, according to charging documents.
Townsell and the man worked together at the San Corporation, located at 112 E. Summit St., charges say.
The man called police at 3:11 a.m. after a neighbor told him that his garage was on fire. The neighbor told police that he didn’t see anything, but heard a loud explosion and when he walked outside he saw the garage ablaze, according to the probable cause affidavit.
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Townsell had been at his co-worker’s house, located in the 7300 block of Marshall Avenue, earlier in the day of the purported arson to help him move a stove, charges stated.
Police reviewed surveillance video and saw a black Dodge Caliber traveling south on Kennedy Avenue at Interstate 80/94 around the time of the arson. The car was registered to a woman with whom Townsell shares a child, and she told police that Townsell had taken the car Dec. 13 because he was supposed to fix a coolant problem, charging documents stated.
The woman told police that Townsell brought the car back to her the evening of Dec. 14 without fixing the coolant problem, the affidavit stated.
Officers obtained records of Townsell’s Google and telephone data during the time of the arson and, records show, they found a substantial time gap in data between around 2:30 and 3:15 a.m. Dec. 14.
“It appeared to me that Townsell turned off his cell phone during the time frame of the arson, attempting to disguise his presence at the scene,” police wrote in the probable cause affidavit.
Townsell remains at large and a warrant is out for his arrest.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
William Davis
Age : 52
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303624
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brianna Bridges
Age : 20
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303645
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Hannah Rosa
Age : 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303625
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David David III
Age : 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303708
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ashlyn Heinrich
Age : 25
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303662
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Lam
Age : 63
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303640
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - FIREARM - POINTING A FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Rosquist
Age : 18
Residence: East Moline, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303748
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Johnson Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303695
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Harold Wireman
Age : 63
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303717
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tawana Dillahunty
Age : 38
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303654
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Justen Bowling
Age : 32
Residence: Wheatfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303750
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Hughes
Age : 41
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303743
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David White
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303661
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/BODILY INJUR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Montgomery Sr.
Age : 59
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303736
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Anderson
Age : 23
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303703
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POSSESSION - STOLEN PROPERTY; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Nicholas Kelly
Age : 43
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303657
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Elizabeth McDonough
Age : 41
Residence: Palos Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303655
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jordan Knies
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303727
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Eldridge Donelson
Age : 34
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303642
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Danisha Singleton
Age : 33
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303732
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Sean Cunningham
Age : 47
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303735
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ricky Kamradt
Age : 65
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303731
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Emilio Figueroa
Age : 36
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303706
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Randy Martin
Age : 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303671
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Zagorac
Age : 34
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303633
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ulzana Sullivan Jr.
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303669
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Thomas Aiken
Age : 51
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303634
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Parra
Age : 31
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303734
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Mrowicki
Age : 38
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303643
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Terrence Kramer II
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303705
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Kirn
Age : 55
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303738
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Daniel Espinoza
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303764
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Santino Delgado
Age : 47
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303680
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jacob Pritt
Age : 35
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303729
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edwardo Banda Jr.
Age : 40
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303701
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE; DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Edward McCain Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303682
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mitchell Armstrong Jr.
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303629
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roseann Dye
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303660
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Garner
Age : 41
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303714
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Phillip Trevino
Age : 52
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303636
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Robert Carter Jr.
Age : 40
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303647
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christopher Frenzel Jr.
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303754
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Josh Grotberg
Age : 45
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303676
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nathan Bailey
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303619
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Watkins
Age : 27
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303711
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Camren Brown
Age : 25
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303691
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lorrie Rayborn
Age : 50
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303678
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leland Free
Age : 69
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303656
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Neffeteri Gray
Age : 41
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303719
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: INT-THREATEN ANOTHER WITH INTENT THEY ENGAGE IN CONDUCT AGAINST WILL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vashawn Spencer
Age : 26
Residence: Matteson, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303635
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Whiting Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terry Lewis
Age : 56
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303766
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Derek Turner Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303621
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dalvin Kimmons Sr.
Age : 30
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303637
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - BODILY WASTE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Laskarin
Age : 38
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303681
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paul Clark
Age : 42
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303665
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Meagan Boersma
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303627
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aaliyah Griffin
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303733
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Laura Glover
Age : 41
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303649
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tony Clark
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303716
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deangelo Rock
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303752
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Calvin Wash
Age : 36
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303626
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Austin Williams
Age : 34
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303702
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - LASER - UNLAWFUL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Acuna
Age : 22
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303730
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY; CONFINEMENT - KIDNAPPING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Michael Marsh
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303677
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Demetrius McAlister
Age : 50
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303737
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Walter Herron-Junius
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303762
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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GARY — An offender suspected in a southern California homicide was arrested Wednesday night by Gary police's SWAT team, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force.
Dontae Williams was arrested around 5:45 p.m. in the 2400 block of Waite Street, police Capt. Sam Roberts said. He was wanted on arrest warrant for fleeing prosecution in connection with the California homicide and for a parole violation in Illinois.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the location and discovered Williams at the house. He was then taken into custody.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
William Davis
Age : 52
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303624
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brianna Bridges
Age : 20
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303645
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Hannah Rosa
Age : 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303625
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David David III
Age : 27
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303708
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ashlyn Heinrich
Age : 25
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303662
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Lam
Age : 63
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303640
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - FIREARM - POINTING A FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Rosquist
Age : 18
Residence: East Moline, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303748
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Johnson Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303695
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Harold Wireman
Age : 63
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303717
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tawana Dillahunty
Age : 38
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303654
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Justen Bowling
Age : 32
Residence: Wheatfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303750
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Hughes
Age : 41
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303743
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David White
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303661
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/BODILY INJUR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Montgomery Sr.
Age : 59
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303736
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Anderson
Age : 23
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303703
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POSSESSION - STOLEN PROPERTY; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Nicholas Kelly
Age : 43
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303657
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Elizabeth McDonough
Age : 41
Residence: Palos Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303655
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jordan Knies
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303727
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Eldridge Donelson
Age : 34
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303642
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Danisha Singleton
Age : 33
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303732
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Sean Cunningham
Age : 47
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303735
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ricky Kamradt
Age : 65
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303731
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Emilio Figueroa
Age : 36
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303706
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Randy Martin
Age : 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303671
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Zagorac
Age : 34
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303633
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ulzana Sullivan Jr.
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303669
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Thomas Aiken
Age : 51
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303634
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Parra
Age : 31
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303734
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Mrowicki
Age : 38
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303643
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Terrence Kramer II
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303705
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Kirn
Age : 55
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303738
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Daniel Espinoza
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303764
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Santino Delgado
Age : 47
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303680
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jacob Pritt
Age : 35
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303729
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edwardo Banda Jr.
Age : 40
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303701
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE; DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Edward McCain Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303682
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mitchell Armstrong Jr.
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303629
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roseann Dye
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303660
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Garner
Age : 41
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303714
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Phillip Trevino
Age : 52
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303636
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Robert Carter Jr.
Age : 40
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303647
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christopher Frenzel Jr.
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303754
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Josh Grotberg
Age : 45
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303676
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nathan Bailey
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303619
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Watkins
Age : 27
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303711
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Camren Brown
Age : 25
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303691
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lorrie Rayborn
Age : 50
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303678
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leland Free
Age : 69
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303656
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Neffeteri Gray
Age : 41
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303719
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: INT-THREATEN ANOTHER WITH INTENT THEY ENGAGE IN CONDUCT AGAINST WILL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vashawn Spencer
Age : 26
Residence: Matteson, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303635
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Whiting Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terry Lewis
Age : 56
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303766
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Derek Turner Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303621
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dalvin Kimmons Sr.
Age : 30
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303637
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - BODILY WASTE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Laskarin
Age : 38
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303681
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paul Clark
Age : 42
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303665
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Meagan Boersma
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303627
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aaliyah Griffin
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303733
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Laura Glover
Age : 41
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303649
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tony Clark
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303716
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deangelo Rock
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303752
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Calvin Wash
Age : 36
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303626
Arrest Date: April 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Austin Williams
Age : 34
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303702
Arrest Date: April 17, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - LASER - UNLAWFUL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Acuna
Age : 22
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303730
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY; CONFINEMENT - KIDNAPPING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Michael Marsh
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303677
Arrest Date: April 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Demetrius McAlister
Age : 50
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303737
Arrest Date: April 18, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Walter Herron-Junius
Age : 32
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303762
Arrest Date: April 19, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/homicide-task-force-and-swat-assist-fbi-in-arrest-of-murder-suspect/article_f64fc550-e538-11ed-96cd-2b0b0c4f7255.html | 2023-04-27T22:59:09 | 1 | https://nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/homicide-task-force-and-swat-assist-fbi-in-arrest-of-murder-suspect/article_f64fc550-e538-11ed-96cd-2b0b0c4f7255.html |
Originally published April 25 on IdahoEdNews.org.
Idaho’s four-year schools will no longer be able to require job applicants to sign written “diversity statements.”
After brief discussion, the State Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday banning the statements “as a condition of hiring.”
The resolution goes into effect immediately, and covers Boise State University, the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College.
While the use of diversity statements has become a hot-button topic in national academic circles, it’s unclear whether the practice has been commonplace in Idaho.
“The board is not aware of any specific concerns by faculty in Idaho, nor the extent to which diversity statements have been used for hiring decisions at Idaho’s public postsecondary institutions,” board staff said in a memo to State Board members.
The resolution seeks to carve out two paths.
It calls on college and university administrators, faculty and staff to “continue to create and nurture a safe, welcoming and dynamic learning environment of belonging for all students.”
But the resolution also says, in part, “The use of written diversity statements to evaluate candidates for hire may result in employment decisions based on factors other than one’s own merit.”
Board members spent only a few minutes discussing the resolution.
Board President Kurt Liebich asked how the policy might apply to jobs that are specifically designed to address diversity, equity or campus inclusion — such as the University of Idaho’s director of engineering diversity, funded through a Micron Technology endowment.
The resolution addresses only written statements, not questions in a job interview, said TJ Bliss, the State Board’s chief academic officer.
The next step is for the State Board to amend its formal policy, to align with the resolution passed Tuesday. That action is expected to occur in August.
The board is meeting at the U of I this week.
‘We are still in that mourning process’
A panel of U of I students reflected Tuesday on their campus experience — and the deaths of four of their classmates.
“We must mourn and try not to gloss over it,” said Tanner McClain of Middleton, president of the Associated Students of the U of I. “We are still in that mourning process.”
“I just feel like everybody’s healing at different times, in different ways,” said Natalie Suaste of Jerome, the ASUI’s director of diversity and inclusion. “There’s no going back to normal.”
Four U of I students — Ethan Chapin, 20, a freshman from Mount Vernon, Washington; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, a senior from Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, a junior from Post Falls; and Madison Mogen, 21, a senior from Coeur d’Alene — were killed in an off-campus house on Nov. 13, 2022. The slayings thrust the U of I into an international spotlight, and an undetermined number of students left the campus early during the fall semester.
McClain praised U of I administrators for their response to the murders — increasing campus security, ramping up counseling services and organizing a campus vigil honoring the four slain students.
While some students fled the campus in the days after the slayings, U of I officials have said enrollment numbers rebounded for the spring. Less than two weeks before the start of spring semester, Washington State University graduate student Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
On Tuesday, Provost Torrey Lawrence said the U of I did not lose its fall enrollment increases, including a record number of first-year students. And he said that’s a reflection on the way the U of I responded to the homicides.
Liebich praised the student panelists for persevering through the tragedy — and the pandemic that forced the U of I to shift to remote learning three years ago.
“You’ll probably go down as the most resilient graduating class in U of I history,” he said.
Education college enrollment still lags post-pandemic
On Tuesday, State Board members heard another set of sobering numbers on Idaho’s teacher shortage.
Enrollment in the University of Idaho’s college of education remains well below pre-pandemic levels — as are student teacher placements.
The problem is twofold, said Brooke Blevins, hired last summer as the new dean of the U of I’s College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. The pandemic was one factor, she said, but the “national assault” on the teaching profession is also to blame.
This spring, 321 students are attending the U of I’s education college — a slight increase from the previous spring, but down 13% from three years ago.
The college placed 62 student teachers this spring, a 23% drop from three years ago.
Blevins addressed the national teacher shortage in stark terms.
“This is a crisis,” she said Tuesday. “Teachers are at the heart of a workforce-ready population.”
Meanwhile, Blevins said the U of I’s college of education will emphasize two areas: preparing graduates for the unique challenges of teaching in rural schools, and “trauma-informed practices” that will help teachers better address students’ mental welfare.
Blevins said salaries contribute to the teacher shortage — especially in Idaho border communities, where teachers can collect a $10,000 to $15,000 raise by crossing the state line. But she does believe Gov. Brad Little and the Legislature are “reshaping” the dialogue by putting more state money into teacher pay.
“I wish more people would get on board with that view,” Blevins said.
Tuesday’s discussion is likely to continue on other campuses, at future board meetings. The State Board wants to hear presentations from other colleges of education across the state, executive director Matt Freeman said Tuesday. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/diversity-statements-banned-from-idaho-higher-ed-job-market/article_f3bc9e14-e527-11ed-bc33-c33735a5c81b.html | 2023-04-27T23:00:40 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/diversity-statements-banned-from-idaho-higher-ed-job-market/article_f3bc9e14-e527-11ed-bc33-c33735a5c81b.html |
The city of Flagstaff found itself without recycling services suddenly this week with the abrupt closure of the Materials Recovery Facility on Butler Avenue.
The city found out about the closure on Wednesday, according to city spokesperson Sarah Langley.
“The City is currently examining several short- and medium-term solutions that would allow the City to resume collecting residential cart recycling,” Langley wrote in an email. “We are diligently working to identify all options and alternatives as quickly as possible given the abrupt nature of the Norton MRF closure.”
Given the abrupt nature of the closure, city officials said they have nowhere to take recyclables at this time.
The City has been forced to take all recyclables that have been collected since Tuesday morning to the Cinder Lake Landfill, and has temporarily paused collection of recyclables.
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City officials are also asking residents who would normally have their recycling collected on Thursday and Friday to hold off on putting their bins on the street.
Residents with questions related to recycling services can email solidwastesolutions@flagstaffaz.gov or call 928-213-2110.
It is not clear at this time why the facility closed, and Norton Environmental, Inc. could not be reached for comment.
The city noted that a fire was reported at the facility on Tuesday morning, although it was not clear the extent of the damage caused by the blaze. No injuries were reported and it is unclear whether the fire and the closure of the facility are related.
Flagstaff firefighter and spokesperson Kyle Benedict said six units, including four engines, responded to that fire at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and found what appeared to be a pile of recyclables burning in a warehouse behind the main facility.
Firefighters used hoses to put out the fire before using a front-end loader that was on site to pull the pile out of the structure, Benedict said. Firefighters were then able to break the pile up and extinguish any still-smoldering materials.
Benedict said the fire appeared to have caused no damage to the facility and the cause is unknown at this time.
The contract the city had with Norton to provide Flagstaff with recycling services was not set to expire until the end of September, later this year.
With the facility closed, individual members of the public are also not able to drop off recyclables at the site either. Alternative public recycling drop-off locations can be viewed in Google Maps here. However, the City encourages the public to hold their recyclables until further notice.
City officials say they are working to find alternative places to bring recycling and hope to restart the service on Monday, May 1.
Commercial recycling services will operate on a normal schedule, although according to Langley, the city currently has no other option but to bring those to the landfill.
The future of recycling has long been a question for the city of Flagstaff. Norton Environmental Inc. has provided recycling services to the city for more than two decades.
Throughout the life of the city’s contract with Norton, the cost of providing recycling services on the city has always been far above the level needed. The contract with Norton, agreed upon in the late 1990s, has the city paying Norton to process 80 tons of recycled materials per day. But city officials have reported that the actual tonnage produced by the city and delivered to Norton is much lower, often being about 30 tons a day.
And the recycling business became even more difficult back in 2018 when China announced it limit the kinds of recyclables that country would take in.
As the end of the contract this year has come closer, city officials have been examining whether the future of Flagstaff recycling services should remain with Norton.
One alternative discussed in 2020 by Flagstaff City Council would have the Materials Recovery Facility become simply a transfer facility. In that case, recyclables could be shipped to Phoenix metro area to be processed. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/hold-onto-your-cans-flagstaff-recycling-halts-with-sudden-closure-of-facility/article_95f148e4-e535-11ed-a4cc-734e2c8d4981.html | 2023-04-27T23:00:46 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/hold-onto-your-cans-flagstaff-recycling-halts-with-sudden-closure-of-facility/article_95f148e4-e535-11ed-a4cc-734e2c8d4981.html |
A judge is allowing the attorney general to move forward with civil subpoenas, while limiting the scope on some, amid a court challenge seeking to end or narrow the demands.
“This was a resounding victory for the office of the attorney general,” Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in response to the decision issued Thursday morning.
The plaintiffs in the case, a group of nonprofits and school districts, filed to appeal the decision.
In March, a group of more than 30 organizations filed a motion in Ada County District Court to stop the office's issuance of civil investigative demands, which are a kind of administrative subpoena. The group, represented by former lawmaker Greg Chaney, argued the the demands were overly broad and the office didn’t have the authority to issue them.
The attorney general had served the organizations to gather information regarding their involvement in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Community Partner Grant program — which is under scrutiny from the office and lawmakers over whether its funding went to organizations that were ineligible under state law.
Ada County District Court Judge Lynn Norton said that a group of 15 plaintiffs, which are a mix of nonprofits and school districts that applied for the Community Partner Grant program, must comply with the demands by May 17. For the Idaho Association for Education of Young Children and its executive director, Beth Oppenheimer, who was served individually as well, the judge limited the scope of what could be asked for.
For this group, outside of Oppenheimer, the judge wrote that they failed to demonstrate that complying with the demand would be an undue burden.
Oppenheimer said that even it with the narrowed scope, it will be difficult to comply.
"It certainly is a challenge," she said. "We're a nonprofit without a lot of external resources to have to dig through and find things ... it's very time consuming, and it takes away our ability to do what we're here to do, which is to support children and families throughout Idaho."
For 19 of the organizations, Norton said she partially granted a preliminary injunction, requiring the attorney general’s office to only request copies of their grant applications, receipts, invoices, staff payroll information, status reports and a written record of spending for their grant receipts.
"I appreciate the court recognizing the requests as written were a bit over-burdensome," Chaney said. "That's my interpretation of that ... naturally, we're a little disappointed the the restricts aren't more sweeping."
For these 19 organizations, which includes the Children's Home Society of Idaho, Kuna Counseling Center, and Upriver Youth Leadership Council, the judge found that the attorney didn't show that the office had reason to believe these organizations knowingly used funds outside of the law, the memo states.
"So, the Court finds a preliminary injunction for the CIDs sent to these Plaintiffs is warranted in part," the judge wrote.
The civil investigative demands, or CIDs, originally required organizations to respond within 20 days. The office extended this time period at a hearing in which the judge declined a request to put a temporary restraining order on the office.
A CID document reviewed by the Idaho Press called for all documents, “created, edited, sent, received, viewed, or used” by anyone at the organization who was involved in any way with the Community Grant program.
For these individuals, it also asked for the name, address, contact information, title, description of duties, and a list of all charitable organizations that person is a member, board member, director, volunteer or donor, for all current and former employees of the organization who worked on the grant program.
The groups filing the suit called this fulfilling this request an undue burden.
Chaney in his court filings argued Labrador didn’t have the legal basis to issue the demands at all. Chaney told the Idaho Press he maintains this position, saying the request needed to be confined to a specific potential violation that's been identified.
Labrador said the judge’s order reaffirms that the office was acting within its scope of authority, under the Idaho Charitable Assets Protect Act and the Idaho Charitable Solicitation Act.
“They continue to claim that we don't have the authority to issue these CIDs, and the law could not be more clear,” Labrador said. "... It's rally sad that they have wasted the people's time and the people's money."
Lincoln Wilson, chief of the Civil and Constitutional Defense Division of the attorney general's office, said the office had won "every critical issue in this litigation."
The groups served CIDs, which included as many as 80 organizations, had applied for and received grants from the health department for after-school programing. The money had come from federal pandemic-relief funding and been appropriated by the state with the requirement that grants be awarded to programs serving school-aged children ages 5-13. Grants were awarded in 2021 and 2022.
In the health department’s January budget hearing, Director Dave Jeppesen was questioned about some of the groups that received funding that appeared to use them for programs that serve children younger than the age range specified in the law.
On Feb. 27, the state budget-writing committee authorized an audit of the program over these concerns, the Idaho Press previously reported.
In early March, the attorney general’s office began serving the CIDs. The demands require the organizations to retain and turn over documents and communications related to the grant program.
Among those served was Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and other department employees. Jeppesen and those employees filed a motion to end the demand, the Idaho Press previously reported.
Labrador said he plans to continue forward with his investigation into the grant program.
Chaney wrote in his memo asking for permission to make the judge's decision appealable, that once the plaintiffs comply with the decision, there won't be a meaningful appeal available. He argued there are still legal questions "of public interest" around the grant program and understanding the attorney general's investigative authority. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/judge-allows-labrador-to-serve-investigative-demands-on-idaho-health-and-welfare-community-partner-grant/article_523856ca-e52a-11ed-86b2-338cad1bd6f9.html | 2023-04-27T23:00:46 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/judge-allows-labrador-to-serve-investigative-demands-on-idaho-health-and-welfare-community-partner-grant/article_523856ca-e52a-11ed-86b2-338cad1bd6f9.html |
What we know about the train derailment in Wisconsin
A train through the BNSF railroad company derailed in southwest Wisconsin along the Mississippi River in Crawford County Thursday afternoon.
Details are still fluid but here's what we know so far.
Where did the trail derailment happen?
The derailment occurred in the villages of Ferryville and De Soto in Crawford County, about 30 miles south of La Crosse.
Was anyone injured in the train derailment?
One person received medical attention and several train cars are in the Mississippi River and along its bluff, according to railway officials and the Crawford County Sheriff's Office.
What was on the train?
It's not clear what the train cars were carrying. A spokesperson from the railroad company, BNSF Railway, said it was carrying "freight of all kinds." Some of the containers derailed on shore contained paint and lithium-ion batteries.
What caused the train to derail in De Soto, Wisconsin?
It's still unclear, though Mississippi River floodwaters have inundated the area in the last week, causing a bridge that connects the De Soto area and Lansing, Iowa, to shut down.
Should residents be concerned after the train derailment?
Residents have been told they don't have to evacuate, the Crawford County Sheriff's Office said. Officials said the derailment doesn't pose a risk to the river or the communities.
What is the railroad company involved?
The railroad company, BNSF Railway, is also known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
What other train derailments have happened in 2023?
There had been one train derailment in Wisconsin through Jan. 31, the last update from the Federal Railroad Administration. There were 11 derailments in the state in 2022, and 15 in 2021.
Across the U.S., there were 1,173 derailments last year and 1,099 the year before. That’s a significant improvement from past decades. For example, more than 8,000 trains derailed in 1977.
A toxic train derailment that led to a fire in February in East Palestine, Ohio, killed more than 43,000 fish and animals and caused residents to evacuate due to the threat of an explosion after five tankers filled with vinyl chloride were breached. | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/04/27/what-caused-bnsf-train-derailment-in-wisconsin-near-ferryville-de-soto-mississippi-river/70160639007/ | 2023-04-27T23:01:38 | 0 | https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2023/04/27/what-caused-bnsf-train-derailment-in-wisconsin-near-ferryville-de-soto-mississippi-river/70160639007/ |
UTICA, N.Y. – The city of Utica has received $75,000 to support flood mitigation planning in north Utica.
The city plans to do a comprehensive stream corridor assessment which will help gauge the flood risk in parts of north Utica around the Mohawk River, Erie Canal and other streams.
There will also be a flood risk assessment for Mohawk River tributaries, including Reall’s Creek and a least six other streams in the following areas:
- Riverside Center
- Deerfield Drive East/Elmdale Avenue
- Roseclair Avenue/Mapledale Avenue
- Deland Drive/Dorsey Lane
- Deerwood Road/Georgetown Avenue
- Robin Road/ Homestead Drive
According to city officials, bank stabilization may be required in several of these areas where there is accumulated sediment and debris or other obstructions.
“The best way to handle flooding is to be proactive and to dedicate resources to preventing it before it starts,” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “The City of Utica has worked hard to ensure that the work that needs to be done is identified and taken care of. I would like to thank the DEC and New York State for joining us in taking the crucial planning steps to help protect our residents.”
The grant was awarded by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/75k-grant-will-support-flood-risk-assessments-in-north-utica/article_cea76fee-e538-11ed-aabe-abc35751d548.html | 2023-04-27T23:01:48 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/75k-grant-will-support-flood-risk-assessments-in-north-utica/article_cea76fee-e538-11ed-aabe-abc35751d548.html |
UTICA, N.Y. – A movie will be filming in the Bagg’s Square area of Utica starting Monday, which will cause some traffic changes and road closures throughout the day.
From May 1 - 2, the following roads will be affected by closures, parking restrictions and intermittent delays:
- Main Street
- Division Street
- First Street
- Second Street
- Railroad Street
- Hotel Street
- Seneca Street
- Liberty Street
- Whitesboro Street
- Broad Street
- John Street
The traffic changes will be in place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Drivers are advised to plan accordingly.
The city hasn’t yet released any details about the film, but a tractor-trailer was in that area Thursday afternoon unloading equipment, including an aerial platform. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/movie-filming-in-utica-early-next-week-will-cause-some-traffic-changes/article_0c9ac012-e543-11ed-b63c-9b50cae9fe1c.html | 2023-04-27T23:01:55 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/movie-filming-in-utica-early-next-week-will-cause-some-traffic-changes/article_0c9ac012-e543-11ed-b63c-9b50cae9fe1c.html |
Police K-9 teams are working on a series of explosive detection exercises at the New York State Preparedness Training Center. Some of the dogs are exposed to a host of new bomb making materials so they’re able to ‘imprint’ the smell on their brain. When the bomb making chemical odor is detected, the dogs typically sit or lay down, so they don’t set off an explosion. Special Agent Peter D’Antonio works for the US Department of Justice under the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms. He says the K-9's reward for a good job is food.
"A food-based training program requires the dog to be on odor to eat every day. He doesn’t eat out of a bowl," he said. "He gets trained every day, so my dog is highly efficient on all explosives odors, and those explosive odors are about 6 explosive categories, with up to about 19,000 different explosive combinations."
The dog and handler go through a number of real-life scenarios using devices like tripwires, bookbag bombs, and pressure plates. It may sound intense because Buffalo Police K-9 Lt. Elizabeth Baker says it is.
"You turn it on right. You’re a cop. You turn it on. You get through it. He turns it on. We get through that moment. So every moment…putting this uniform on with anybody is a game changing day."
The training becomes especially important for rural areas that are less likely to experience an explosive device. Otsego County Sheriff’s K-9 Team (K-9 Tracer) and Jessica Thornhill believe they should be prepared in the event they encounter one.
'On an everyday basis I don’t get to do all this kind of training and stuff, so it helps extend his searches and get him in those higher stress situations, so not only is it benefiting me to experience it, but he is also getting real life experiences that I might never come across, I might ever have to use, but I’d like to have him in those so he knows how to address them as well and as a team we can build.' | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/police-k-9s-training-for-worst-case-scenario/article_ca0c095c-e53a-11ed-a03a-db754ef917e7.html | 2023-04-27T23:02:01 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/police-k-9s-training-for-worst-case-scenario/article_ca0c095c-e53a-11ed-a03a-db754ef917e7.html |
Screening middle and high schoolers for weapons could become reality in Fort Wayne Community Schools under a proposed referendum that the superintendent described this week as critical.
"We're looking to almost quadruple the amount of funding going into safety and well-being," Superintendent Mark Daniel said Tuesday during the first of five in-person informational sessions open to the public.
Most of the tax dollars from the referendum, if successful, would support personnel, including 85 additional positions. Such plans would increase the district's $2 million security staffing budget by an estimated $6.9 million.
FWCS anticipates the estimated annual cost for property taxpayers would be $76 based on the district's average homestead property value, $167,325.
The school board must decide by June 12 whether to proceed with the November ballot measure. A successful referendum would allow the district to collect additional property tax dollars over eight years.
Daniel shared recent survey results indicating most parents and students view FWCS buildings as safe to underscore his contention that the items under consideration aren't about making schools safe. Rather, the superintendent said, the proposed referendum is about making them safer.
FWCS officials have visited several districts, including Chicago Public Schools, to learn about weapons detection systems, said Mike Manuel, security director.
At FWCS, he said, the equipment would be used at the middle and high schools, both for the school day and at activities such as football games.
"I want (students) to be safe no matter where they are," Manuel said.
He and Daniel said people wouldn't need to empty their pockets like they would with metal detectors because the system would look for cylindrical – or weapon-like – shapes. The machines would alert the operators when such materials are found.
The equipment isn't the major cost, Daniel said. It's the personnel monitoring the devices – most likely the "student advocates" FWCS plans to fund through the referendum.
Student advocates would be employees dedicated to supporting students. Placed at each school, these 56 adults would also de-escalate inappropriate student behavior, patrol the property for unauthorized visitors, lead emergency response training, respond to incidents or safety issues, and build positive relationships with students.
"You can talk about devices," Daniel said. "You can talk all about equipment. But it really boils down to … how do you create relationships with your kids or with your staff and folks. How do you have that door of communication wide open?"
At an estimated $4.2 million annual cost, the student advocates are the biggest personnel investment under consideration. The district's desire to hire 17 additional mental health therapists – increasing that staff by 53% – is the second largest. It would add an estimated $1.3 million in annual costs.
The existing 32 mental health therapists are in the elementary schools, so the added positions would benefit the secondary schools, Daniel said. Guidance counselors are busy, he said, so the district needs employees who can work with connecting students to the right professional – a task that takes time, energy and commitment.
"I've never seen the amount of anxiety that we're seeing today in our buildings," Daniel said. "It's not just kids. It's the adults in the buildings as well. We need to help all people in our buildings."
FWCS wants to add nine school resource officers, who are sworn members of local law enforcement stationed on campus. Daniel acknowledged the goal of doubling the district's existing officer workforce to 18 might be difficult to achieve.
"There is a huge demand for police officers," he said. "Even securing nine is going to be a challenge."
About $500,000 would support a contract with Alive Community Outreach, a faith-based nonprofit that cultivates a community of nonviolence through relationships and education. The group already works at South Side High School, Daniel said, and the contract would expand their efforts to other high schools.
The next informational session is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at South Side.
If the school board decides in June to proceed with the referendum, district officials' ability to openly discuss it will diminish because a political action committee must take over.
Daniel called the referendum critical.
"There's not a board member – there's not a member of our community – that would like to see anything happen in our buildings like we're seeing across our country," he said. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-community-schools-leader-describes-plans-for-critical-referendum/article_788441de-e50e-11ed-abe2-8753061117f4.html | 2023-04-27T23:09:42 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-community-schools-leader-describes-plans-for-critical-referendum/article_788441de-e50e-11ed-abe2-8753061117f4.html |
The latest 244-page budget bill includes salary increases for Indiana’s top executive offices.
Beginning in 2025, Indiana’s next governor will make the same amount as a state Supreme Court justice – about $199,000, according to the National Center for State Courts. That’s an almost 50% raise over the governor’s current salary of $133,683.
The budget would also increase other officials’ salaries, each indexed to a certain percentage of a justice's salary. The lieutenant governor would make nearly $175,000, a 60% increase from $108,819.
The attorney general's salary would rise from $113,653 to about $165,000. The auditor, treasurer and secretary of state each currently make $94,501 per year and would now make about $131,000.
The proposed increases swiftly drew criticism, including from current Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. She would not be affected by the change as lieutenant governor but would benefit from the raise if elected governor next year.
“Putting language like this into the budget with no discussion is not how I do business,” Crouch said in a tweet. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/political-notebook/proposed-pay-raises-for-governor-other-officials-draws-pushback/article_1dedde8e-e53f-11ed-b6e0-577d10b05e4b.html | 2023-04-27T23:09:48 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/political-notebook/proposed-pay-raises-for-governor-other-officials-draws-pushback/article_1dedde8e-e53f-11ed-b6e0-577d10b05e4b.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Thursday marks the 5th anniversary of the death of a Wichita Police Department (WPD) officer and his son.
Officer Stacy Woodson, 37, and his 10-year-old son Braeden were killed in 2018 in a crash involving a man accused of driving under the influence.
“Today we remember a great man! We lost you and Braeden way too soon. Forever in our thoughts and prayers!!,” said the WPD on Facebook.
The crash happened near the intersection of 21st Street and 167th Street around 8:15 p.m.
Stacy, who was off-duty at the time, was driving a motorcycle down 21st with Braeden as a passenger when a truck, driven by James Dalrymple, pulled onto 21st and crashed into them. Stacy died on the scene. His son died later at the hospital.
In September 2021, Dalrymple pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. At his sentencing the following month, Darymple was given a sentence of 36 months of probation, following what the judge called an agreement based on the “extraordinary forgiveness and compassion of the Woodson family.”
Stacy was a 16-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department who had just become a part of the newly returned Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement Unit. He was also a part of the Wichita Police Mounted Unit.
In September of 2022, the Wichita Police Mounted Unit welcomed a new horse to the unit. Woodson, who was named in honor of Officer Stacy Woodson, was introduced during a ceremony attended by surviving family members.
“Wichita! Check this out! One of WPD’s Mounted Unit Horses is named after Officer Stacy Woodson. Here’s a picture of Woodson standing by the memorial for Officer Stacy Woodson and his son Braeden. We will never forget you both!!,” said the WPD in another post. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/5th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-wpd-officer-stacey-woodson-son/ | 2023-04-27T23:12:31 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/5th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-wpd-officer-stacey-woodson-son/ |
ADNOVER, Kan. (KSNW) – The Andover tornado left a path of destruction in its rearview. The storm hit and ripped off the roof while people were inside the YMCA.
Ronn McMahon, president and CEO of Greater Wichita YMCA, calls what happened after the storm passed remarkable, commending his staff for getting people inside to safety.
“The shelter held up. It was a direct hit. The entire inside was completely damaged. There was water damage, if you recall, the roof was compromised, and it rained for two weeks right after that,” McMahon said.
The damage created a domino effect.
“We had 135 staff that didn’t have a place to go to work, so we got those staff jobs throughout our association,” McMahon said. “The East Y and the North Y are just 10 minutes away so that network is allowing us to continue to serve the Andover community,”
As builders continue to rebuild, the YMCA continues to reconnect the people it serves.
“We feel them, we hear them, and we are going as fast as possibly can, and we really appreciate coming out and communicating with them anytime there is an update so that we can keep people knowing that we are pushing as hard as we possibly can, to get this thing open,” McMahon said.
McMahon says once the construction is complete, the inside of the building will be brand new.
“You can’t think about Wichita without the YMCAs in our community; we are everywhere and trying to improve the quality of life,” said McMahon.
The Andover YMCA anticipates reopening in 2024. A water park will open at the end of May. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/andover-ymca-president-revisits-ef3-tornado/ | 2023-04-27T23:12:37 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/andover-ymca-president-revisits-ef3-tornado/ |
In the wake of Cardinal Stritch University’s decision to close at the end of its spring semester, local colleges and universities have offered to help CSU students scrambling to find places to finish their degrees.
Cardinal Stritch, a private college located in Milwaukee, announced on April 10 its intention to close in a video featuring University President Dan Scholz, citing “fiscal realities, including declining enrollment, the pandemic, the need for more resources and increasing facility and operational costs.
In response, Carthage College and University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Herzing University and Gateway Technical College have stepped up to help.
Carthage College
According to its website, Carthage College, located at 2001 Alford Park Drive, will accept all credits and credit hours from Cardinal Stritch’s transfer students. Additionally, it is working on a financial aid package that is consistent with the aid students have been receiving at Cardinal Stritch, on-campus housing if needed, a waiver for the housing requirement for students who do not need it, and waivers for the application fee and deposit.
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“This aligns with other changes we’ve made in recent years to provide a smooth transition for transfer students and make a Carthage education accessible for all,” said Ashley Hanson, vice president of enrollment at Carthage College, in an email.
Although nothing is finalized, Hanson said the Carthage admissions staff is working with “about a dozen” students from Cardinal Stritch, “as they determine the next step in their educational journey.”
For more information of transferring, visit www.carthage.edu/admissions/undergraduate -students/cardinal-stritch- students.
Wisconsin-Parkside
University of Wisconsin-Parkside, located at 900 Wood Road, is working to review its transfer equivalencies for both its undergraduate and graduate programs, according to Derek Fye, Parkside’s communication manager.
“Our goal is to provide as many transfer options as possible so that the Cardinal Stritch students can maintain their academic momentum without facing additional time-to-degree,” Fye said. “Given the profile of the Stritch students, we believe UW-Parkside is an affordable, ideally sized and welcoming campus community.”
For more information on transferring, visit www.uwp.edu/apply/admissions/landing/welcomewolves.cfm.
Herzing University
Herzing University, located at 5800 7th Ave, will accept all successfully earned credits for undergraduate and graduate students toward requirements for similarly available Herzing degrees. Those include, but are not limited to: undergraduate nursing, graduate nursing, psychology, health and human Services, social work (MSW), undergraduate business management, master of business administration, criminal justice and interdisciplinary professional studies.
In addition to the credit transfer option, the university is offering its Closed School Equalization Scholarship program to Cardinal Stritch students as well. The program ensures students would pay the same, or lower, out-of-pocket costs at Herzing that they would have paid at Cardinal Stritch.
Projections for the number of transfer students coming from Cardinal Stritch are “hard to tell,” as the university holds preliminary discussions.
“It’s impossible to tell how many transfer students we will have,” said Jeff Hill, regional president of Wisconsin campuses for Herzing University.
“We’re excited to help in any way we can,” he said. “In situations like this, we try to go above and beyond to make things easier for students.”
For more information on transferring, visit www.herzing.edu/cardinal-stritch-students.
Gateway Technical College
Gateway Technical College will also offer credit transfer options to Cardinal Stritch students, along with tuition at $146 per credit and waived application fees.
GTC has posted a message to the Cardinal Stritch students on its website: “Gateway’s New Student Specialists, Academic Advisors and Financial Aid representatives are ready to assist you in exploring your course options, evaluating transfer credit, understanding financing and determining the best course of action for your educational goals.”
For more information on transferring, visit www.gtc.edu/admissions/transfer-support-cardinal-stritch-students. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/local-universities-offer-credit-transfer-options-support-to-cardinal-strict-students/article_8ab86c90-e473-11ed-bf82-53597f55d1ae.html | 2023-04-27T23:14:39 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/local-universities-offer-credit-transfer-options-support-to-cardinal-strict-students/article_8ab86c90-e473-11ed-bf82-53597f55d1ae.html |
AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) — A new festival is coming to Amory this fall.
The Depot Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23. It’ll be a one-day event.
This comes in the wake of the postponement of the Amory Railroad Festival. The city postponed the spring festival after an EF-3 tornado damaged parts of the city in late March.
Related - Iconic Amory Railroad Festival postponed
The Depot Music Festival will be held at Frisco Park, which is where the Railroad Festival is held each spring.
The city chose the Sept. 23 date for two reasons: the Ole Miss and Mississippi State football teams are playing away games, and the date marks the six-month anniversary of the tornado.
The Depot Music Festival will be different from the Railroad Festival and won’t serve as a replacement.
"We want to celebrate how far we've come,” Railroad Festival Chairman Dr. Thomas Fugett said. “Take a step back. Look at how much more work we have to do. We do know that we're gonna have more music from ten o'clock in the morning till ten o'clock in the evening. We will have a kids zone. And there are some other things that are in the works, so tune in." | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/new-festival-coming-to-amory-in-wake-of-railroad-festival-postponement/article_113e14ae-e537-11ed-b4e9-7b5eccf672a9.html | 2023-04-27T23:15:09 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/new-festival-coming-to-amory-in-wake-of-railroad-festival-postponement/article_113e14ae-e537-11ed-b4e9-7b5eccf672a9.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Kennedy and Daniel Peacock bought their first home two years ago, and the couple in their late 20s couldn’t feel more fortunate.
“A lot of my friends, particularly the ones who are married, have recently bought houses and have had a bad time doing so,” Peacock said, sitting in the living room of her three-bedroom, one-bath home in south Johnson City.
The Peacocks only had to deal with one serious challenge as they looked around before buying in April 2021 — very tight inventory that meant many homes were bringing more than their asking price and entertaining multiple offers that sometimes turned to bidding wars.
A lot has changed since the Peacocks locked in an interest rate around 3%, and none of it has been buyer-friendly, especially for first-time buyers.
“My partner and I both feel extremely privileged to be able to actually have locked in when we did,” Peacock said.
A number of their friends haven’t been so fortunate. Just as they’re reaching typical prime home-buying age, they’ve seen inventories continue to stay tight — and get even tighter among houses in the lower-priced market — while watching mortgage interest rates essentially double.
“I’ve heard many gripes about how disappointed they are that they can’t afford the same house that we have … particularly first-time homebuyers who would ideally fit in like the ($150,000-$200,000) range. They’ve been priced out completely.”
What a difference two years has made
Nathan and Abigail Cachiaras weren’t thinking about homeownership after they finished graduate school in 2021. They loved their downtown Johnson City apartment and weren’t sure where they would be in five years.
Before long, the Cachiarases did know — Johnson City was the place for at least the indefinite future. That meant house hunting for Nathan, a pastor, and Abigail, who works from home in marketing.
As the clock ticked further into 2022, the couple saw several friends go through the first-time buying process in a hot market, with rising interest rates and prices. Inventory was still tight, especially in what now qualifies as lower price ranges (up to $200,000) and what is considered the “affordability range” (up to about $325,000).
“We were aware that every headline was how difficult it is to buy, and we did have some friends that bought in 2022, and we watched them put in offers with escalation clauses to try and beat out competitive bids,” Cachiaras said.
“That was all pretty intimidating because we could see the way that it was just really difficult and things had to move fast and decisions had to happen quickly.”
What the Cachiarases experienced anecdotally is backed up by data. Even people who haven’t been priced out are dealing with a much different landscape than the Peacocks did in early 2021. The Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank’s “Home Ownership Affordability Monitor” (HOAM) shows the median home price rose in the Johnson City metro; it increased 22% between April 2021, when the Peacocks bought, and January 2023 — from $198,712 to $241,667.
Because interest rates have more than doubled during that same period, a buyer’s monthly payment for a comparable home would be much more than 22% higher than two years ago.
Taken together, according to the HOAM statistics, that puts the total median monthly payment for a house in Johnson City, including taxes and insurance, at $1,600 — 34.9% of gross median income.
When the Peacocks bought, the median monthly total payment was $1,010 according to the HOAM index, which totaled 23.8% of median income. A payment of 30% or below is considered affordable.
That 58% increase in monthly mortgage cost has come as the median income in the metro area has risen by just 8%, from $50,891 to $54,996 annually. Whether they know the data or not, that’s a contrast that resonates with young people, Peacock said.
“They’ve moved one set of goalposts but not the other,” she said.
“Being able to bring up the actual salaries of the people who live here so that it is more affordable to us, that is something that I have heard many young people are concerned about,” she said. “The median wages of this area need to reflect the housing prices.”
For many years, they did. When the Peacocks bought, the Johnson City and Kingsport metro areas scored 126.0 and 134.3 on the HOAM index, with any figure above 100 being considered affordable and 100 equaling a 30% payment. That put the region in a much more comfortable position than the national average, which was 101.6 that same month of April 2021.
The national index dipped into unaffordability range in June 2021 and got as low as 68.6 last October. But Johnson City and Kingsport’s unaffordability have accelerated much more quickly. Johnson City’s reached 77.0 in September 2022, while Kingsport’s hit 79.4 a month later.
The trajectory grieves and irritates Peacock, who said she and her husband make significantly more than many friends due to working at a major corporate employer.
“It’s frustrating because I see my friends work extremely hard, work 70 hours a week, work like grueling hours at coffee shops and at churches and they just … can’t afford the same things. That is massively frustrating for me, who is a justice-oriented person.”
Taking the plunge
Buying a home is still possible, and it is happening for people with lower incomes than the Peacocks, but even the Cachiaras’s realtor said she understands how intimidating it is.
“I think buying a house right now takes courage,” Lois Masten said. “Not just courage to entering the relationship that you have (with a massive debt) but courage that you are going to be around to see this through.”
She said a long trend of very low interest rates makes 6 or 7% seem unreasonably high right now.
“We’re actually just getting normalized, which doesn’t help when you’re figuring, ‘ok, the house I want is $300,000 here,'” Masten said. “But there are still deals, there’s value out here. The problem right now is the inventory’s really low.”
She acknowledged the occasional affordable diamond in the rough can be cold comfort to young first-time buyers.
“What does that mean to young people wanting to get in, hard-working young people? Four out of my last five deals have been first-time homebuyers, all in their 20s and 30s, and it’s more of an education process.”
The Cachiarases took their time learning about the home-buying process and kept checking the market, receiving regular notifications from realtor.com “without ever quite putting a plan together.”
Then came a Monday night in early March when they saw a house they’d noticed 11 days earlier that dropped more than 10% off its asking price. Things moved quickly from there. By the end of Tuesday they’d gotten pre-approved for a mortgage, contacted Masten and toured the house in east Johnson City.
“Wednesday morning, we woke up and Abigail said, ‘I think we need to put an offer in on this house,'” Cachiaras said. “So that was a really surprising sequence that we had been sort of preparing for just by paying attention, even though we hadn’t taken a whole bunch of steps.”
Though the process has hit a slight hitch on the sellers’ end, the Cachiarases hope to close soon and haul their worldly possessions and their cat, Frodo, across town to begin their lives as homeowners.
They’ll be settling in with a 6.5% loan and paying 3% down. Their monthly payment will be a bit above what they’d pay in rent, but Cachiaras said some other expenses will decrease to make the transition essentially a wash.
Cachiaras encourages people to educate themselves about the homebuying process and that he has learned a great deal, including how many programs are out there to help first-time buyers who don’t have enough for a 20% down payment.
But he’s right there with Peacock in terms of his overall concern about affordability.
“Not everyone is able to have two incomes in their household or two full-time incomes,” he said. “That can be hard to find. We’ve got a lot of friends that are looking for work right now, so regardless of all other factors they wouldn’t be able to not just afford it, to consider it.
“It feels like folks should be able to live safely and make plans to be stable in a city. I want for our city to be a place where people can plan to live and plan to flourish and plan to enjoy their hobbies and their friendships and their community groups. And it feels like having affordable housing … affordable in a way that a single income could pay for a place to be, that’s something we ought to aim for.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/balancing-the-boom/young-home-buyers-in-tri-cities-say-affordability-a-major-challenge/ | 2023-04-27T23:17:37 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/balancing-the-boom/young-home-buyers-in-tri-cities-say-affordability-a-major-challenge/ |
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)- Bristol, Tennessee has a new city manager. Kelly Bourgeois arrived from Columbia Heights, Minnesota last week, about a month after former city manager, Bill Sorah retired.
“My primary goal is learning and getting to know people,” Bourgeois told News Channel 11. “One of the [most fun] parts of my job and a big responsibility is just to get out and meet people and see what we should be doing and what we could be doing to help and make sure businesses and residents have the best experience living and working here that they can.”
She’s spent the last thirty years in local government with almost a decade in Columbia Heights.
“I started out as the human resources director and assistant city manager, and then four and a half years ago moved into the city manager role there,” she said. “So same position just a different city, different state.”
As their youngest daughter was graduating high school a few years ago, Bourgeois and her husband were starting to think of a move to a new place. They made a list of destinations, and Bristol was on it.
“We knew we wanted to leave Minnesota just for a number of reasons – the weather and just wanting to get out. There’s so much in this country to experience,” she said. “So when the city manager position opened up, when Bill [Sorah] retired, I had to try to throw my hat in the ring and was shocked. But it’s still a wonderful feeling to get to be here.”
Bourgeois said Bristol, Tennessee was well managed before she stepped into the role, with ongoing projects like the Pinnacle and downtown revitalization already in full swing.
“Right now, my goals just are to take what the council’s vision has been and what has been happening because the city is run very well,” she said. “It has been for years. Our elected officials and our staff have done an amazing job of getting us to this point. So it’s really right now just keeping things moving.”
There is one issue though that she wants to tackle: the housing market. And it’s not just because she’s the city manager but also a new resident herself.
“It’s hard, hard to find housing here right now. So to get to be a part of ‘How do we move that forward?’ All levels of housing, how do we make sure that anyone that wants to come here to work, to retire, to live has a good place, whatever type of place they want to come and live here and be a part of the community,” she said. “There’s housing opportunities and housing projects in the pipeline. And they’re getting you know, they’re continuing to move forward.”
She’s hoping her experience can help the city manage its growth.
“Everything is right on the cusp. There’s so much right at the point of being very visible happening – housing and transportation projects and business projects and redevelopment projects. And it’s just starting to kind of burst and bloom where everyone can see it sort of get to be here and be a part of that is really exciting.”
Another major task ahead of Bourgeois is working with the city council to finalize the budget, as she arrived at the start of the budget season for local governments. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/meet-kelly-bourgeois-bristol-tennessees-new-city-manager/ | 2023-04-27T23:17:44 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/meet-kelly-bourgeois-bristol-tennessees-new-city-manager/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – There are now official guidelines for how schools can remove certain books from library shelves.
Tennessee passed the ‘Age-Appropriate Materials Act’ early last year. This requires a standardized review framework to ensure school library collections are routinely evaluated for age-appropriateness.
The Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission handed down its official guidance for school libraries earlier this week.
Johnson City Schools Director of Secondary and Instructional Technology Dr. David Timbs said that they were ahead of the curve to develop a comprehensive plan regarding books in the district’s schools.
Timbs said that they started to develop that plan shortly after the legislation was passed last year. He said that the guidelines passed down this week are simply an easier form to understand compared to long-winded legislation.
One notable change that these guidelines present is that librarians are no longer in control of the materials on the shelves. That’s now decided by a selection committee.
These committees can include a librarian, which is the case for Johnson City Schools. Timbs said those committees were created months ago.
“The librarians have selection committees that are made up of parents, and there are several teachers on the committee,” Timbs said. “We asked our librarians to actually include students on their selection committees.”
These guidelines will impact all books in a school building, which include those in a teacher’s personal collection in their classroom. Anything that can be used for instruction, such as books, films and magazines, all fall under the committees’ decisions.
Timbs said all books in the library or a teacher’s classroom can be searched online.
“It’s going to be an extremely rare circumstance, if ever, that they have books in their classroom libraries that would not also be in the main library in the school,” Timbs said.
Timbs said that inquiries or questions about learning materials are nothing new. If a parent has concerns, they can reach out online. He said that they haven’t had to pull any books off the shelves.
“We’ve had a couple of questions about specific titles of books,” Timbs said. “None of those books that we’ve had a question about are available in any of our school libraries.”
The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill that would allow book publishers to be sued for knowingly selling ‘obscene’ books to schools. That bill now awaits action from Governor Bill Lee. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/schools-adhering-to-guidelines-regarding-tennessees-book-ban-bill/ | 2023-04-27T23:17:50 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/schools-adhering-to-guidelines-regarding-tennessees-book-ban-bill/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – About 3,000 students attended the fifth annual CareerQuest TN at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Thursday.
The career exploration event is being held April 27-28 at ETSU’s Mini Dome. Lottie Ryans, the director of workforce and literary directives for the First Tennessee Development District, told News Channel 11 that roughly 80 employers and a multitude of secondary schools attended the event to provide options for students.
“Over the course of two days, we are having a career exploration event for middle and high school students in our region,” Ryans said. “[They’re] learning about careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, health care and I.T.”
Any middle school or high school student may attend the event, including homeschooled students.
“Students have no idea what’s available to them in our region,” Ryans said. “And so this is hands-on experience where they talk to people who do the work, they talk to H.R. people, they talk to post-secondary professors who teach the certifications and the degrees.”
Ryans said CareerQuest TN gives students a chance to discover what is open to them after high school, whether that means going straight into the workforce or attending an institution of some kind. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/thousands-of-northeast-tennessee-students-weigh-futures-at-careerquest/ | 2023-04-27T23:17:56 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/thousands-of-northeast-tennessee-students-weigh-futures-at-careerquest/ |
ELLSWORTH -- For the first time since 2018, the Ellsworth Police Department hosted 'Every 15 Minutes' -- a drunk-driving awareness campaign intended to warn students about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Ellsworth police, firefighters, and other first responders prepared a lifelike crash scene to show the consequences of drunk-driving in real time.
The annual program has been on hold since the start of the pandemic. For some, the return of the event felt a little too real.
"My sophomore year, three of my friends died in a car accident when I was at Sumner," said Ava Kidder, junior at the high school. "It kind of made it all seem real -- like kind of what they went through. Don't do it, don't be stupid."
"One of the deceased is a good friend of mine, and it was just so weird. I had class with her this morning. To see her -- I mean I know she wasn't gone -- but it felt real, a lot more real than I was expecting," said Briana Kane, Senior.
Someone in the United States Dies every 45 minutes from an alcohol-related collision -- according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
During the morning leading up to the event, students were pulled from class every 15 minutes to highlight the harsh reality of drunk-driving deaths -- with a simulation that portrayed a fatal crash involving students at the school.
For those who participated in the day, the experience didn't end when the demonstration was over.
"We paint their faces white so they stand out from other students, we give them a t-shirt that says 'living dead' on the back," said Ellsworth Police Department Corporal Shawn Merchant. "I take them away overnight with no cell phones, no laptops, and keep them until tomorrow."
A mock trial took place at the Ellsworth District Court, where the student acting as the driver was held accountable.
Some students say the intense nature of the day was overwhelming, but effective.
"There's some kids going down bad paths, and I would never want to see that happen to a friend of mine," said Obrian Robinson, senior. "The kid being brought in the body bag -- that was rough, that was really rough."
"Seeing the parents come over and cry over their children... really touching," said Garrett Brown, senior.
On Friday, a funeral will be held at the school for the students that acted as the victims in the crash.
Officials say that fundraising will soon begin for the next demonstration in 2025. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/mock-drunk-driving-crash-stirs-real-emotions-at-ellsworth-high-school/article_d47424b4-e545-11ed-b691-7f6533fec949.html | 2023-04-27T23:18:10 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/mock-drunk-driving-crash-stirs-real-emotions-at-ellsworth-high-school/article_d47424b4-e545-11ed-b691-7f6533fec949.html |
ELLSWORTH -- An Ellsworth coffee shop is the first in the state to 'go green' with its roasting process.
Precipice Coffee has become the first roastery in Maine to produce zero emissions and run its roasting process completely off of solar power, according to the owners.
One of the owners of the shop says coffee roasters normally run off of natural gas -- but the business was able to reduce its carbon footprint by 87 percent -- thanks to the solar-powered roaster.
"As we address climate change and issues of global warming -- making decisions in an environmentally friendly way is good for the planet, good for our neighborhood, our community and my business, as well," said William Iannuzzi, co-owner of Precipice Coffee.
In addition to being solar-powered, the business utilizes Bellwether's Green Coffee Marketplace -- which connects roasters with farmers of ethically-sourced coffee beans.
The Deane Street shop is open Thursday through Saturday each week, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/precipice-coffee-first-completely-solar-roaster-in-the-state/article_563bdac2-e547-11ed-a98f-4764eb821907.html | 2023-04-27T23:18:16 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/precipice-coffee-first-completely-solar-roaster-in-the-state/article_563bdac2-e547-11ed-a98f-4764eb821907.html |
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