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TACOMA, Wash. — A 32-year-old Puyallup man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Friday to conspiracy to destroy energy facilities in relation to the vandalism of four substations on Dec. 25 that left about 30,000 without power and caused $3 million in damages.
In a plea agreement, Matthew Greenwood admitted that he and Jeremy Crahan, 40, vandalized four power substations and plotted to fell trees to take out power lines. Greenwood faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 21.
According to the facts stated during the plea agreement, the two schemed to disrupt power so they could break into ATMs and businesses. On Dec. 25, they damaged substations in Puyallup, Spanaway, and two in Graham.
After that vandalism, Greenwood and Crahan looked for ways to cause additional outages by felling trees. They were arrested before they could carry out that plan.
Greenwood was released from federal custody in late January to seek substance abuse help. According to information from U.S. District Court in Tacoma, he has been in intensive drug treatment. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend the low end of the guidelines range when he is sentenced.
Meanwhile, Crahan remains charged with conspiracy to attack energy facilities.
The FBI is investigating the case with help from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, ATF, Tacoma Police Department, Washington State Department of Corrections and Federal Protective Service.
For a daily roundup of everything you need to know for across western Washington, sign up for our 5 Things to Know email newsletter. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/puyallup-man-pleads-guilty-substation-attacks/281-02276a48-2638-4a71-a007-0a9304fd7078 | 2023-04-29T18:27:45 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/puyallup-man-pleads-guilty-substation-attacks/281-02276a48-2638-4a71-a007-0a9304fd7078 |
Woman found lying along Southfield Freeway with head injury
A 43-year-woman was found lying along the shoulder of the Southfield Freeway with an open head wound Saturday morning.
Michigan State Police's Second District received a report about the incident near the Schoolcraft entrance ramp to the freeway at about 6:30 a.m., a tweet from the agency said.
State troopers and Detroit Emergency Medical Service technicians located the woman and she was taken to Sinai-Grace Hospital in critical condition, state police said.
“We have not determined why she was on the freeway yet. We will be reviewing cameras and other technology in the area.” said 1st Lt. Mike Shaw, a public information officer for state police. “Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to call state police.”
The right two freeway lanes and the service drive at Kendall Street were closed during the investigation. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/04/29/woman-lying-along-southfield-freeway-head-injury/70166523007/ | 2023-04-29T18:28:45 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/04/29/woman-lying-along-southfield-freeway-head-injury/70166523007/ |
INDEPENDENCE — Buchanan County first responders rescued three kayakers on the Wapsipinicon River on Friday and brought them to shore near Otterville.
They all avoided any serious injuries.
The Sheriff's Office received the 911 call at about 6:30 p.m. for what was initially four kayakers on the river south of Littleton.
Their kayaks began to take on water, leaving two individuals outside the boat. One made it to shore while the other three kayakers ended up lost along the river.
Deputies deployed a drone, discovering the three people on the river just north of the Otterville Access at the same time fire-rescue crews were in a rescue boat in the area. They were able to safely return the kayakers to shore at the Otterville Access, near 190th Street and Furman Avenue, where they were evaluated by EMS on scene.
The Independence and Jesup fire departments, as well as the Jesup Ambulance Service, AMR Ambulance Service and Independence Police Department, assisted in the rescue.
Photos: Postal workers demonstration, April 28, 2023 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/buchanan-county-first-responders-rescue-kayakers-on-wapsipinicon-river/article_e68b1447-9dee-562d-bab0-02a50fb14312.html | 2023-04-29T18:51:18 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/buchanan-county-first-responders-rescue-kayakers-on-wapsipinicon-river/article_e68b1447-9dee-562d-bab0-02a50fb14312.html |
ANKENY — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Arbor Day Foundation recently presented awards to cities, colleges and utilities – including some in the Cedar Valley and surrounding area – that demonstrate dedication to the importance of trees.
Cedar Falls, Clarksville, Denver, Dysart, Gladbrook, Hudson, Oelwein, Waterloo and Waverly were among 74 communities named Tree City USA during an April 12 luncheon at the FFA Enrichment Center. The city of Waterloo said in a news release that this is the 39th year in a row it has been recognized.
To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo was honored with the Tree Campus USA Award, one of seven winners in the state. A news release from the college said to receive the award a campus must, at a minimum, have a campus Tree Advisory Committee; a tree care plan; a tree program with dedicated annual expenditures; an annual Arbor Day observance; and a service learning project to engage the student body.
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Dysart, Oelwein and Waverly were also honored with the Tree City USA Growth Award for providing education and public relations, partnerships, and planning and management related to tree care. Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy and Waverly Utilities received the Tree Line USA Award.
Some tree planting will be occurring throughout Waterloo in the coming days.
Waterloo Leisure Services will be distributing 240 trees purchased through the Plant Waterloo program on Thursday. This program is possible due to a generous grant from the Young Family Foundation.
The department will also be involved with tree planting on Friday with Highland Neighborhood Association volunteers, Green Iowa AmeriCorps service members and city crews.
Nineteen trees will be replanted along University Avenue that died and were out of warranty with a grant received from MidAmerican Energy. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-valley-communities-honored-by-state-for-care-of-trees/article_50c3b24c-bcd7-552a-9e78-cbcc1455b75a.html | 2023-04-29T18:51:24 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-valley-communities-honored-by-state-for-care-of-trees/article_50c3b24c-bcd7-552a-9e78-cbcc1455b75a.html |
CEDAR FALLS — The University of Northern Iowa has been ranked among the 2023-24 Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing.
UNI ranks among the top in the country for its programs in Education and part-time MBA. The honored programs for graduate education are a combination of face-to-face, entirely online and hybrid degrees offered in partnership with Online and Distance Education and the Graduate College.
By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.
The University of Northern Iowa supports graduate learners with rigorous, individualized opportunities in a student-centered environment with engaged faculty who excel in teaching and scholarship. Over 40 graduate programs are available through on-campus and online learning. Prospective students can see how UNI compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.
The University of Northern Iowa also ranks highly in a number of U.S. News categories, including ranking second best regional public university in the Midwest. It also ranks among the best value schools, best colleges for veterans and most innovative schools.
Photos: Cedar Valley athletes compete at Drake Relays in Des Moines - Friday | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/u-s-news-world-report-ranks-university-of-northern-iowa-among-2023-24-best-graduate/article_3b1c5333-2bee-574a-9cc8-10baf8d0e130.html | 2023-04-29T18:51:30 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/u-s-news-world-report-ranks-university-of-northern-iowa-among-2023-24-best-graduate/article_3b1c5333-2bee-574a-9cc8-10baf8d0e130.html |
GARDENDALE, Ala. (WIAT) — A Los Angeles murder has Alabama ties. A model from Gardendale was drugged and dumped at a hospital November 13, 2021.
The family of Christy Giles said she had both fentanyl and GHB, a date rape drug, in her system when she died.
The same thing happened to Christy’s friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales. She was dumped at another hospital a few hours away and put on life support for almost two weeks. Since Christy and Hilda’s deaths, one man has been charged and arrested for the two murders.
Christy’s mother Dusty Wayne started a GoFundMe in July 2022 to help fund trips to and from L.A. for herself and her husband for the hearings surrounding her daughter’s murder. The Giles’ said it’s important to them to make sure the man charged in Christy’s murder knows how much she was loved.
“We’re being good stewards with the money,” Dusty Wayne said. “We’re not blowing it. It’s not for anything else. It’s just so we can be there.”
Dusty and Leslie Wayne, Christy’s dad, have made the trip to L.A. five times to face their daughter’s accused killer in court.
“When you all see him in the courtroom, what goes through your head?” CBS 42 asked.
“I wouldn’t say on camera,” Leslie Wayne said. “I wouldn’t talk about it here.”
“I just look at him and I think, you’re a monster,” Dusty Wayne said. “You don’t look like it, but you’re a monster.”
The Giles family said they’re now awaiting trials for David Pearce, charged with two counts of murder and seven unrelated counts of sexual assault, and Brandt Osborn, charged with accessory after the fact.
CBS News 48 Hours did an exclusive story talking with legal experts as well as Christy and Hilda’s family about the case.
“David Pearce flew under the radar for a long time,” said Barry Telis, a former Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective and CBS News consultant.
“A criminal, a sexual predator, a drug dealer,” said Mary Fulginiti, a former prosecutor. “A murderer.”
The Giles said the district attorney has told them if they go to a trial, they should expect to be in L.A. for at least thirty to sixty days. The couple is trying to save up as much money as they can before a date is set, which could be anywhere from six months to a year from now.
“I’m fighting for her,” Dusty Wayne said. “We’re fighting for her.”
A fundraiser is being put on for the Giles on Sunday by the Charity Riders RC. All proceeds will go to the Giles and help them fund the long stay in L.A. during a trial.
The ride will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Harley Davidson’s in Trussville and will end at TP’s Miller’s Bar & Grill in Kimberly at 1 p.m. A raffle, auction, as well as live band performances and food truck vendors selling, will follow.
Further details about the fundraiser can be found on the Facebook event. The family’s GoFundMe is also still active. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-family-raises-money-to-be-at-cross-country-trials-for-daughters-murder/ | 2023-04-29T18:53:00 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-family-raises-money-to-be-at-cross-country-trials-for-daughters-murder/ |
Grand Funk Railroad and Foghat will perform at Hard Rock Casino this fall.
The popular classic rock acts will play Hard Rock Northern Indiana’s Hard Rock Live venue in Gary on Thursday, Nov. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. in the venue.
Straight out of Michigan, Grand Funk Railroad is known as The American Band, a reference to one of its hit songs.
"Grand Funk laid the groundwork for such bands as Foreigner, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi with its signature hard driving sound, soulful vocals, muscular instrumentation and forceful pop melodies," Hard Rock Casino said in a press release. "The fact that Grand Funk’s legacy still reigns over the Classic Rock landscape 50 years after its 1969 birth in Flint, Michigan is a testament to the group’s influence and staying power. Mega-hits We’re an American Band, I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home, Locomotion, and Some Kind of Wonderful still receive continuous airplay on Classic Rock radio. We’re an American Band has received notoriety in recent years being used in movie soundtracks and in television/radio advertising. The huge hit was featured in a General Motors national TV ad campaign and in Disney’s animated feature film The Country Bears. We’re an American Band was featured in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film RADIO, and in the swash buckler SAHARA starring Matthew McConaughey."
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Grand Funk Railroad has toured all over the world, selling out venues like Shea Stadium in New York City. The bank has had 8 Top 40 hits and two number one singles.
Foghat will open the concert. Founded in 1971, the band is still putting out new music.
"Foghat celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, and their live performances show why the band is still around and why they will be able to keep on rockin’ as long as they want to play," Hard Rock Casino said in a press release. "Their music is timeless, and touring is part of their DNA. Foghat’s live show is as intense as ever with the incredible energy and musicianship that one would expect and hope for from a seasoned band with such a long musical history and they are bringing their fans along for the ride."
Tickets start at $49.50 for the 21+ seated show.
For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/grand-funk-railroad-and-foghat-to-roll-into-hard-rock-casino/article_64269a40-e5a2-11ed-9f91-0bdf2636a4a4.html | 2023-04-29T18:57:14 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/grand-funk-railroad-and-foghat-to-roll-into-hard-rock-casino/article_64269a40-e5a2-11ed-9f91-0bdf2636a4a4.html |
Brookhill Tobacco and Vape LLC leased 2,083 square feet of retail space at 5206 Chamberlayne Road in Richmond.
Courtesy of Joyner
11300 Business Center, LLC purchased the 9,100 square foot industrial/flex building at 11300 Business Center Drive in Richmond from AdvanceTEC Properties, LLC for $1,700,000 as an investment.
Launchpad Counseling leased 3,722 square feet at 5540 Falmouth St. in Richmond.
Environmental Materials, LLC leased 2,794 square feet at 5320 Lewis Road in Sandston.
Commonwealth Commercial Partners, LLC reports the following transactions:
Avenue 42, LLC leased 2,420 square feet at 5803 Patterson Ave. in Richmond.
Southeastern District, LCMS leased 2,500 square feet at 2305 N. Parham Road in Henrico.
Virginia Education Association leased 10,079 square feet at 8001 Franklin Farms Drive in Henrico.
Cushman & Wakefield — Thalhimer reports the following transactions:
Chick-fil-A, Inc. leased 26,745 square feet of land at 4922 W. Broad St. in Henrico for the expansion of their existing restaurant facilities.
Saffron Nail Lounge leased 3,109 square feet of retail space at Nuckols Place, 5400 Wyndham Forest Drive, in Henrico.
Big Lots Stores, LLC renewed its lease of 36,900 square feet of retail space at 8151 Brook Road in Henrico.
All A Board, Inc. renewed its lease of 25,860 square feet of office space at 395 Dabbs House Road in Henrico.
Blue Bee Cider, LLC leased 4,800 square feet of industrial space at 4811 Bethlehem Road in Henrico.
Five Guys Burgers & Fries leased 2,806 square feet of retail space at 703 England St., in Ashland.
The First Bank and Trust Company leased 2,451 square feet of office space at Westerre II, 3957 Westerre Pkwy., in Henrico.
Brookhill Tobacco and Vape, LLC leased 2,083 square feet of retail space at Brookhill Azalea, 5300 Chamberlayne Road, in Richmond.
Best Smiles Dentist, PLLC leased 1,100 square feet of additional retail space at Staples Mill Plaza, 9117 Staples Mill Road, in Henrico.
Have Site Will Travel and The Man with Square Feet announces the following transaction:
Richmond Habitat for Humanity leased 5,089 square feet at 1809 Roane St. in Richmond from Roane Atlantic, LLC for warehouse use.
Joyner Commercial Real Estate reports the following transaction:
Brookhill Tobacco and Vape LLC leased 2,083 square feet of retail space at 5206 Chamberlayne Road in Richmond.
SALES
Commonwealth Commercial Partners, LLC reports the following sale:
Gilbert L. Roberts, Jr. purchased 0.72 acres at 9519 Kings Charter Drive in Hanover from J & J Gayle, LLC for $425,000. Jim McVey represented the seller.
Cushman & Wakefield — Thalhimer reports the following sale:11300 Business Center, LLC purchased the 9,100 square foot industrial/flex building at 11300 Business Center Drive in Richmond from AdvanceTEC Properties, LLC for $1,700,000 as an investment. Graham Stoneburner and David Crawford of Cushman & Wakefield — Thalhimer handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the seller; Birck Turnbull, also with Thalhimer, represented the purchaser.
Richmond-area business expansions, openings and closings
11300 Business Center, LLC purchased the 9,100 square foot industrial/flex building at 11300 Business Center Drive in Richmond from AdvanceTEC Properties, LLC for $1,700,000 as an investment. | https://richmond.com/business/local/commercial-real-estate-highlights-11300-business-center-drive-in-richmond-sells-for-1-7-million/article_4107eaac-e51e-11ed-8654-b7de9cd0ec21.html | 2023-04-29T19:00:37 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/commercial-real-estate-highlights-11300-business-center-drive-in-richmond-sells-for-1-7-million/article_4107eaac-e51e-11ed-8654-b7de9cd0ec21.html |
QUESTION: I own a small business with about $7 million in revenue. I am hiring a very senior person and want to give her an equity stake in the business as a part of her compensation package. However, if I award stock to her, I’ll be giving away a portion of the existing business and she had nothing to do with creating that value. Is there a way for me to reward her only for future value that she will have a hand in creating?
ANSWER: Yes, you can accomplish this. The first thing you will need to do is establish a mechanism for valuing your existing business. If you are comfortable doing this yourself, great. If not, you will want to reach out for some professional help. We prefer valuation methods that consider the profitability of your business, but for simplicity sake, let’s say that you decide to value your business at one times revenue. Obviously, that would make your business worth $7 million.
If, for example, you were to give your new employee 10% of the outstanding stock of your company, you would be giving her $700,000 for coming on board —that’s quite a signing bonus, not to mention the tax effect. One way to avoid this is to allow her to purchase the stock. In this case, she would pay $700,000 for 10% of the outstanding stock, which is its fair value. You wouldn’t be giving away anything and she would have the equity stake you want her to own, having paid what it is currently worth.
Unfortunately, many talented employees don’t have $700,000 to invest in their new employer’s stock. Even if they do have the funds, they may not be willing to make such an investment. To address this issue, we have successfully structured deals where the company issued an interest free loan to the employee to enable him/her to purchase the stock.
No cash need change hands. In our example, the employee would sign a $700,000 note from your company and the company would issue stock to the employee equal to 10% of the outstanding shares. The terms of the interest free loan would require that it be repaid when the stock is sold. If you did this, it would enable your new employee to purchase the stock without putting any of her own money into the deal.
When the stock is sold, the loan is repaid with proceeds from the sale. The employee is rewarded only for growth that has happened since she joined the company. Returning to our example, let’s say that after five years, the company has grown to $20 million in revenue. Using our formula, it would now be worth $20 million. Therefore, the 10 percent stake would be worth $2 million.
If the employee with the 10% stake were to sell her shares back to the company, she would receive $2 million for the sale. She would repay the $700,000 loan and net $1.3 million. Your employee would be compensated for the $13 million of growth that the company experienced after she joined, but would receive no value for what the business had attained prior to her arrival.
Obviously, you could accomplish this in other ways. For example, you could use options. However, interest-free loans are a simple way of enabling your employees to purchase stock without rewarding them for value they did not help create and without requiring them to put their own money into the deal. We do encourage you to confer with your tax accountant prior to executing a deal like this.
Richmond-area business expansions, openings and closings
Urban Myth Street Food
Revel Market & Bar
Stanley's
Popshelf
P.T. Hastings Seafood
Killa Dillas
Genova’s Pizza Station & Take Out Kitchen
The Veil Brewing Co.'s new taproom
Luxe New American Bar & Grill
Wok This Way
Eggs Up Grill
Mayu Sushi & Thai
Max’s on Broad
RICH Nail Lounge
Sycamore Jewelers, Midlothian
Mi Casita Restaurant
Ironclad Coffee
Grit Coffee
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Boiling Crab Richmond
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.
Suzy Sno
Diablo Doughnuts RVA
The Brass Tap
Graybo's Sports Cards
Blue Ridge Cyclery
BigWife's
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
CarLotz
Acacia Midtown
Zoom Room Richmond
Torchy's Tacos
Planet Fitness
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Three Notch'd Brewing
Retail or Resell
Marshalls
Raising Cane's
My Favorite Muffin
Mattress King
Anthony's on the Hill
The Mill on MacArthur
Doug and Polly White have a large ownership stake in Gather, a company that designs, builds and operates collaborative workspaces. Polly’s focus is on human resources, people management and human systems. Doug’s areas of expertise are business strategy, operations and finance. | https://richmond.com/business/local/small-business-doug--polly/article_5c72a7ac-e512-11ed-b3c0-5bd65b0dca9c.html | 2023-04-29T19:00:43 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/small-business-doug--polly/article_5c72a7ac-e512-11ed-b3c0-5bd65b0dca9c.html |
Tom Duden got into police work because his dad suggested he check things out in Norfolk, where a friend’s son worked at the police department.
That turned into a 26-year law enforcement career, nearly 15 years of teaching criminal justice and now a private investigator business.
Today, Duden is running for City Council to represent southeast Lincoln’s District 2 because Lancaster County Republican Party officials said they were looking for people to run.
He'd dabbled in politics, becoming a neighborhood precinct captain for the Republican Party, signing up to be a delegate, attending Lancaster County Republican Party meetings.
Initially, he said he considered running for Lincoln Board of Education, given that he’d been teaching for years.
“Then some of the people from headquarters got a hold of me and said, 'Tom, we think you’re in the wrong race.'”
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He said no to a run for City Council initially because he didn’t want to run against incumbent Richard Meginnis, whose family he knows. When Meginnis announced he wasn’t running, Duden was in.
“My ideals and what have you just followed right down the Republican Party's platform,” he said. “I didn't have any problem with agreeing to everything that they believed in. And I've been a Republican my entire life ever since I was able to vote at age 18.”
He will square off in Tuesday's general election against educator Bailey Feit, who he finished ahead of in a four-person race in April's primary.
Duden, 69, the oldest of five, dabbled in construction and manufacturing jobs after graduating from Lincoln Pius X High School, and took a couple of courses at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but he wasn’t thrilled with any of it. So he took his dad’s advice and drove north.
He visited the police department, checked out the community college and by the time he got home that night he’d landed a part-time job as an animal control officer, had signed up for the college’s criminal justice program and had found a roommate.
While going to school and working as an animal control officer in Norfolk, he learned to be a police dispatcher, did ride-alongs with officers and fell in love with the work.
After he’d graduated, he landed a job with the Lincoln Police Department, where he spent 10 years on the night shift, became a field training officer and was active with the police union.
He spent years on the union's executive board and as vice president, roles that put him in charge of the union’s charities, most notably its Santa Cop program.
He was part of the department’s bike patrol when he fell and hurt his back, which led to surgery and his decision to retire in 2015.
He took a job with a software development company called Data Design Corp. as human resources and facilities manager, and got his undergraduate and a master’s degree from Doane University.
He’s been teaching criminal justice courses at Doane University since 2009, and began teaching at Lincoln Public Schools Career Academy in 2021.
When he was laid off from the software company after it was sold, he began doing private investigation work.
Duden said his experience as a police officer would serve him well on the City Council, including his work with the union, and as a human resources manager, which has made him familiar with labor laws and regulations.
He’s critical of police department leadership and — like mayoral candidate Suzanne Geist — stresses the department doesn’t have as many officers on the streets as Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird has authorized.
“The Lincoln Police Department is an absolute mess right now,” he said. “How do you add police officers when people are quitting?”
As a council member, he said, he’d point out issues with the department.
“I’m gonna make those things known to the public,” he said. “If I’m the lone ranger there (on the council) and I’m outnumbered and out-voted, I’ll have to put up with that. But I can still be a voice.”
Other priorities include reducing regulations on builders to help lower housing costs and investing in improving roads. He said he would convene stakeholder groups to decide which roads the city should focus on.
2023 Voter's Guide: Lincoln City Council
This year's city elections will put at least three new faces on the City Council, where the four seats which represent districts are on the ballot. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/duden-says-experience-as-police-officer-human-resources-would-be-asset-on-lincoln-council/article_46e345ca-e5e6-11ed-b160-3777f14825f0.html | 2023-04-29T19:13:08 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/duden-says-experience-as-police-officer-human-resources-would-be-asset-on-lincoln-council/article_46e345ca-e5e6-11ed-b160-3777f14825f0.html |
For Bailey Feit, one thing led to another.
Teaching math led to a passion for helping English Language Learners, which eventually led to introducing students to the possibilities in the fields of agriculture and natural resources, and that, ultimately, led Feit to the campaign trail.
“All this talk about education … leads me to wanting Lincoln to be a city where all people see themselves living and working,” said Feit. “Our students are diverse and I want to make sure they see themselves in this community, and see themselves taking a job in this community.”
Feit, a Democrat who was born and raised in Lincoln, has nurtured an interest in politics since she was on student council at Lincoln High, testifying in front of the City Council and Legislature, and thought maybe some day she’d run for office.
When Richard Meginnis announced he wasn’t running for a second term on the Lincoln City Council to represent District 2 in southeast Lincoln, Feit decided the day had arrived. In Tuesday's election, she is facing former police officer Tom Duden, a Republican. They were the top two candidates to emerge from a four-person race in April's primary.
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She said she’s interested in helping the city with workforce development and thinks there are opportunities to further connect students to jobs.
That work already is happening — the Lincoln Public Schools career academy, for example — but Feit said the council is positioned to know what opportunities there are for young people and could work with schools to connect them.
The council’s passage last year of an ordinance to offer incentives on city projects to contractors who have apprenticeship programs is an example of ways the council could help promote workforce development, she said.
Feit said she’s also interested in sustainability issues, including developing a second water source for the city. She’s a proponent — and user — of the city’s trail systems and green spaces, and would make street improvements, affordable housing and adding more police officers and firefighters priorities.
Finding solutions to affordable housing should include bringing people with multiple perspectives to the table, including those who need it, she said.
After high school, Feit's love of math pushed her to get undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Doane University. She worked at Millard South High School for about a year, until she moved back to Lincoln to be near her future husband, Mark, and her family.
She taught at Lincoln North Star, where teaching English Language Learners led her to the Nebraska Writer’s Project, to learn better ways to incorporate teaching students the words — sum, fraction, parallelogram — necessary to learn math.
That launched her into her second master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also got an English Language Learner teacher’s endorsement, then went to work for the Lincoln Education Association helping teachers with work-related issues.
After about nine months, she went to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, where she worked with donors, ran a scholarship program and some award programs before becoming director of operations.
After about two years, she became coordinator of a new focus program at Lincoln Northeast High School, a partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
The program introduces students to issues surrounding food, energy, water and societal systems, both career possibilities in agriculture and natural resources, and helping develop future leaders who understand how those concepts affect everyday life.
In addition to her work in education, Feit is a mentor with the Teammates program, on the board of the nonprofit Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center and has played the French horn in the Lincoln Community Concert Band.
“I’m a proponent of seeing younger faces on the City Council," said the 35-year-old candidate. "We want to attract young professionals, so we might need to see leadership reflect that.”
2023 Voter's Guide: Lincoln City Council
This year's city elections will put at least three new faces on the City Council, where the four seats which represent districts are on the ballot. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/feit-wants-to-ensure-students-see-themselves-living-in-lincoln-and-can-find-the-jobs/article_348b5196-e4d4-11ed-a404-178749d274ca.html | 2023-04-29T19:13:14 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/feit-wants-to-ensure-students-see-themselves-living-in-lincoln-and-can-find-the-jobs/article_348b5196-e4d4-11ed-a404-178749d274ca.html |
Officials in Bucks County are investigating after a crash along Worthington Mill Road in Newtown Township left a woman dead on Friday night.
According to police, the crash occurred at about 5:35 p.m., as the driver of a 2019 Audi, headed east on Worthington Mill Road reportedly lost control of their vehicle while going around a bend near Mud Road.
Officials said the driver of that vehicle was not able to regain control before striking a 2017 Subaru that was traveling west in the opposite lane.
According to police, the two occupants of the Audi, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, both male, were treated for non-life threatening injuries following the crash.
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Officials did not provide details on which of the two teens was at the wheel of the Audi at the time of the crash.
Following the crash, the 49-year-old woman who was driving the Subaru was entrapped in her vehicle. Police said the woman -- whose identity was not provided by police -- suffered "severe traumatic injuries" and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Officials said on Saturday morning, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
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Law enforcement officials said that an investigation into this crash is ongoing. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/49-year-old-woman-killed-in-bucks-county-crash/3556133/ | 2023-04-29T19:21:38 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/49-year-old-woman-killed-in-bucks-county-crash/3556133/ |
When Charli came to live at Tucson House, the city's largest public housing community, she brought along plenty of trauma she needed to unpack.
A domestic violence and cancer survivor, she had been living in her car before a city outreach program for homeless Tucsonans found her in April 2020 and got her off the street.
Charli began her journey toward healing, leaning into her faith. And, in November, she found an additional, unexpected source of comfort. She bought a plot at Blue Moon Community Garden, tucked away at 1501 N. Oracle Road in the neighborhood behind Tucson House.
She made friends with other gardeners who taught her the craft. They shared food and attended events at the garden. In a short time, Charli, who is at high risk for COVID and used to prefer spending most of her time alone, came to enjoy being part of a community, which she says is thanks to the garden.
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"Just being able to be out there and spent time with the dirt and the fresh air and sunshine and events has been amazing," she said.
People involved in community gardens see improvements in several areas of health, including increased emotional well-being, studies have found. They increase their physical activity and enjoy the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, says a report in the Journal of Community Practice.
Community gardens have proven to be "a way to successfully bring together people of different races and other people who would not normally socialize," the report adds.
Blue Moon Community Garden is one of 17 gardens throughout the city overseen by the nonprofit Community Gardens of Tucson. Through regular events for gardeners and neighbors, the group aims to bring people together to grow not only healthy foods, but also relationships.
Fees based on ability to pay
Community Gardens of Tucson got its start in 1990 as a University of Arizona program to teach gardening through hands-on experience. In 1995 it shifted into an independent organization. The first garden was created on a donated vacant lot near First Avenue and Limberlost Road. Plots were rented for the cost of water.
By 1997, CGT had six gardens under its umbrella, each with its own site coordinator and connections to its neighborhood. The group registered as a nonprofit in 2009 and now, more than 30 years after its creation, its 17 gardens are cared for by more than 300 gardeners.
CGT supports itself through plot fees, which are based on a person's ability to pay, and through donations.
In exchange for a modest rental fee — $22 per month at Blue Moon, for example — gardeners receive a designated plot, irrigation, and access to tools, compost, mulch and seeds. There's a sliding scale for people who need financial assistance. Each garden has a site coordinator who helps maintain the public spaces and educate gardeners and visitors.
Blue Moon Community Garden opened in March 2012. Nearly a decade later, in February 2022, the city partnered with CGT to enhance the safety and improve the infrastructure at the garden, in order to promote community health and increase access to fresh produce.
With input from Tucson House residents, organizers identified their priorities: To increase access to healthy food, social events, and nutrition and cooking resources. The project included simple enhancements to the garden, including new fencing, lighting and repairs; increased signage between the garden, Tucson House and the neighborhood; and a permanent composting toilet.
The improvements were completed in August, and a well-attended neighborhood celebration was held on site the next month.
CGT Board President Gillian Paine-Murrieta said all the gardens have seen an uptick in participation since the pandemic, both in individual gardeners and in groups.
The UA's Compost Cats assist in composting and local roaster Decibel Coffee Works donates coffee grounds for gardeners to use for mulch. UA Greek Life members regularly volunteer at the gardens' weekly work days, and recently, a local Eagle Scout installed insect hotels, raised garden beds for people with mobility devices, and installed a message board at Blue Moon.
Many of the gardens are at 100% capacity, and the lowest occupancy is 65%, Paine-Murrieta said.
"Each garden has its own unique feel and flavor to it, and as the gardener population changes, that feel and flavor can also change," Paine-Murrieta said. "We need to highlight that there's a sense of community, but it can be a slightly different flavor of community."
Blue Moon gardeners, for instance, grow Hopi cotton and prickly pear cactus for their edible nopales, in addition to the typical fruits and vegetables.
CGT collaborates with the International Rescue Committee to provide plots for refugees or asylum seekers to grow food for their families and to sell residual crops to supplement their incomes.
On a recent Tuesday afternoon at Blue Moon, a handful of gardeners were on site, weeding and tending to their plots. Lettuce, kale and broccoli were abundant and a tobacco plant towered out of one of the community plots.
In addition to the individual and community plots, Blue Moon also has a walking path lined with pollinator plants, a water harvesting unit, a composting toilet, an owl box and a large gazebo for community gatherings.
"I think there's so much good that we are doing and so much better things that we can do through education classes and things like that," Paine-Murrieta said.
Educational opportunities have included yoga, natural dye classes, ecological therapy, vermiculture — worm composting — and more.
"We want to create a connection and a community," Paine-Murrieta said. "We're welcoming to all different groups of people and expertise and to create community, we need diversity of voices."
Parties and get-togethers
Blue Moon site coordinator Angel Coronado has been involved with gardening projects across Tucson for years, but said he became deeply involved with Blue Moon during the pandemic lockdown of 2020.
"It was the only place we had to ourselves that was wide open and kept me from the monotony of being in my own house," he said.
Coronado, who loves to grow the hottest peppers he can find, said the garden has increased in popularity over the years. There are only three plots left and a wait list is on the horizon.
"We've had a lot more parties and get togethers," Coronado said. "Poetry, yoga, book signings, everything. We're trying to bring something for everybody."
The garden has also become an escape for neighborhood kids, as youth visitors avoid a nearby park where drug use has increased, and come instead to Blue Moon Garden, Coronado said.
The Journal of Community Practice report found that youth gardening projects have an overall positive effect and were found to produce positive dietary, academic and developmental results.
Community gardens have also been shown to help combat food insecurity. Feeding America estimates that 34 million people in the United States are food insecure, including 9 million children.
In Arizona, one in nine people face hunger, and for children in the state, that number climbs to one in six, according to Feeding America.
As many people struggle to access fresh fruits and vegetables and continue to face food insecurity, community gardens have helped reduce nutritional gaps, says an article published by Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health.
Coronado, who started working as the Blue Moon site coordinator earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, said he's loved seeing the relationships that have formed.
"After the first party, a group of four people would start going every day. Then it was six, then eight, then 12," he said. "The more people who are involved, the better."
Transformative
Charli said that she used to enjoy gardening when she was little, though the only gene she didn't inherit from her mother was a green thumb.
"But some of my neighbors and now my garden friends have motivated me and helped me plant. Over the past month, we've planted all kinds of stuff," Charli said. "I've learned so much. Every day I learn something new from someone else."
Prickly pear cacti were flowering during a recent visit to the garden and neighbors were enjoying plucking tiny chili peppers off a tree to use in their cooking. Grapefruit, orange and pomegranate trees are thriving, and gardeners have started to turn their plots, readying for summer crops. On Monday, Charli and other gardeners planted cantaloupe, watermelon and sunflowers, in anticipation of the new season.
When Charli took over her plot in November, it was full of purple and yellow eggplants.
"I love eggplants. I grilled some, sautéed some and put some in spaghetti sauce with tomatoes I had from last year. I didn't have my own garden then, but some of my neighbors were sharing with me," she said. "Bringing home fresh veggies that we can eat and share has been life-changing."
Charli said spending time in the garden has been wonderful for her mental health, and from her Tucson House apartment balcony overlooking Blue Moon, she's able to see the garden on the days she can't visit.
"I'm blessed to face the garden," she said. "I love being able to look at the garden when I can't go there. I can wave to people or call to them so I can take pictures."
Last month, Charli started an Instagram page for Blue Moon and a few weeks ago, she officially became a member of the board. For her first assignment, she spent Earth Day at the Children's Museum of Tucson, signing people up for the garden's newsletter and talking to them about getting involved.
Blue Moon Garden offers monthly free food distribution, not just for residents of Tucson House, but for other people in the neighborhood as well. Neighbors are also invited to the regular events held in the garden, which have recently included a mural painting party, poetry reading and garden fundraiser.
"We want people to come out and enjoy the events. They can make garden friends and meet neighbors and enjoy Mother Earth," Charli said, emphasizing how transformative the garden has been to her life.
"My healing had to happen and at some point but ... I spent so much time running," she said. "Here, I was able to (heal.)" | https://tucson.com/news/local/community-gardens-increase-food-security-wellbeing-for-tucsonans/article_c169ef4c-c1e7-11ed-a338-abb063796bb3.html | 2023-04-29T19:23:45 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/community-gardens-increase-food-security-wellbeing-for-tucsonans/article_c169ef4c-c1e7-11ed-a338-abb063796bb3.html |
A 27-year-old man was arrested Wednesday, accused of fatally strangling his neighbor last May, court records show.
Malik Pryor was charged with murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old Jarrod Papen. He is being held on $150,000 bail.
On May 15, San Antonio police were called to unit No. 624, rented by Pryor, at the Agora Palms Apartments for reports of a body found, which was identified as Papen.
READ ALSO: Man identified who police suspect killed wife, daughter and self in North Side apartment
Investigators found marks on Papen’s neck, suggesting he had been strangled, and he had blunt force injuries to his head, according to an affidavit supporting Pryor’s arrest.
Police found clothing with blood stains in Pryor’s bathroom and an electrical extension cord with blood on it in the kitchen.
Papen’s partner told police that Papen had been missing since leaving their apartment the previous day. The two lived at the Agora Palms Apartments in a different unit than Pryor’s; it's unclear how close the units were.
The dead man’s partner said he watched Papen leave their apartment and go to his vehicle in the parking lot. After a few minutes, he could no longer see Papen. The witness went outside to look for him, but found only his pack of cigarettes a few steps from the apartment door.
The next day, Papen’s partner reported him missing.
READ ALSO: Zachary Leard — killed outside his apartment complex — may have been targeted on dating app
Police also spoke with Pryor’s ex-girlfriend, who reported finding Papen’s body on May 15. She told police that she saw Papen in Pryor’s apartment on May 14 and thought he was “passed out on alcohol or drugs” as he was sitting on the living room floor with his back against a sofa, the arrest affidavit said.
When she asked why Papen was in the apartment, Pryor said, “I don’t know. He just walked in.”
The ex-girlfriend drove Pryor to his father’s house. After getting the key to Pryor’s apartment the next day to collect some clothing from it, she entered the unit to find Papen in the same position she had seen him in the previous day. She then called police.
Pryor’s ex-girlfriend said he had issues with Papen, though she did not know why, and that the two recently had a heated verbal fight, the affidavit said. Police believe that when Papen left his apartment, he encountered Pryor and was forced into Pryor’s apartment at gunpoint.
READ ALSO: Man dies after being shot in his vehicle at Northeast Side apartment complex
Police suspect that Pryor hit Papen on the head with a pistol and strangled him with the electrical cord.
Investigators attempted to speak to Pryor about how Papen came to be found dead in his apartment, but they were unable to locate him at the time.
taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/man-arrested-dead-body-found-beaten-strangled-17925640.php | 2023-04-29T19:25:59 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/man-arrested-dead-body-found-beaten-strangled-17925640.php |
A surprise sinkhole snagged a fire truck on the move in New Jersey overnight.
The state was drenched with several inches of rainfall Friday night and into early Saturday, with some getting close to 3 inches during what's expected to be a wet weekend until the very end.
Video out of Hackensack captured the fire engine stuck in the sinkhole around 2 a.m. on Berry Street and Railroad Avenue. The truck's front left wheel is seen lodged in the concrete, the ground caved in all around it.
It wasn't immediately clear if rescue crews were responding to an emergency call at the time.
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Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/sinkhole-opens-in-new-jersey-snagging-fire-engine-during-overnight-downpour-spec/4287912/ | 2023-04-29T19:27:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/sinkhole-opens-in-new-jersey-snagging-fire-engine-during-overnight-downpour-spec/4287912/ |
A Greensboro man died Saturday morning after his damaged car was struck by another vehicle on Interstate 40 East near West Wendover Avenue, authorities said.
Marcell Houston, 43, was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Impala east on I-40 when his vehicle ran off the highway and crashed into the concrete median barrier near Wendover Avenue, Greensboro police said.
Following the collision, Houston's vehicle came to rest in the highway's middle lane of travel, police said.
Witnesses told officers that Houston was standing next to his vehicle's open driver's door when a 2003 Mercedes S55 AMG sedan driven by William Alston, 73, of Greensboro was traveling east on I-40, police said.
Alston's vehicle then collided with Houston's car and Houston, police said. Houston's car then went off the highway, struck a guardrail and came to rest on the highway's right shoulder, police said.
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Alston's vehicle also went off the highway and came to rest against the median wall, police said.
Houston was on the paved left shoulder behind Alston's vehicle, police said. Houston was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.
Alston also was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Selena Bostic, 47, of Greensboro, a passenger in Alston's vehicle, was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.
Houston's next of kin has been notified of his death, police said. Impairment is not considered a factor in the incident, police said.
The Greensboro Police Department's crash reconstruction unit is investigating the incident. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/one-person-killed-and-another-injured-in-a-traffic-crash-saturday-morning-on-i-40/article_7bc7943c-e6c0-11ed-bc7a-db7ec9950214.html | 2023-04-29T19:32:10 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/one-person-killed-and-another-injured-in-a-traffic-crash-saturday-morning-on-i-40/article_7bc7943c-e6c0-11ed-bc7a-db7ec9950214.html |
The Kenosha YMCA a hosted Healthy Kids Day program Saturday morning to help improve the health and well-being of young people.
The local nonprofit, 7101 53rd St., took part in the national initiative focused on teaching children and their caregivers how to stay active and eat healthy.
The event was free and open to the public. Participants completed boxing drills, learned to rock climb, worked through an obstacle course and completed puzzles. They also learned to create healthy and affordable snacks including banana roll-ups made of fresh bananas, peanut-free Wowbutter and flour tortillas.
"The school year is ending and summer's coming up and kids need healthy ideas, especially coming out of COVID. We had a lot of kids sitting around and just on social media," said Blake Collins, sports and recreation director. "We want kids to get out and be active."
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Dozens of families turned out for the relatively new event held in the organization's gym. The local YMCA first hosted Healthy Kids Day in 2022.
"Last year we did this at a smaller rate just coming out of COVID," Collins said. "This year we wanted to expand and promote healthy living. Hopefully we get a little bit bigger every year."
Vanessa Nelson, a nutrition coordinator with the Kenosha YMCA, was in charge of the healthy snack booth. Nelson said banana roll-ups are a cheap, healthy, tasty and easy for children to make themselves.
"We're trying to teach kids what to make when they get hungry instead of grabbing that bag of chips or eating something else that's not so healthy to snack on," Nelson said.
Nelson said many children have become accustomed to eating processed foods loaded with sugar and salt in recent years instead of fruits, nuts and grains.
"If children are just eating a bunch of sugar it makes it harder for them to sleep and calm down," Nelson said. Nelson offered Wowbutter because its a safer alternative to peanut butter for those with allergies.
Kenosha partent Lauren Ortiz brought son Evan DuPriest, 7, to the event. Ortiz said "the community needs this."
"Thumbs up all around," Ortiz said. "This is good for families. The community needs these educational programs for families so they can raise strong, healthy kids." | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-ymca-hosts-healthy-kids-day-to-promote-well-being/article_c941b9f0-e6a6-11ed-b8d3-b3874bf4394a.html | 2023-04-29T19:34:48 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-ymca-hosts-healthy-kids-day-to-promote-well-being/article_c941b9f0-e6a6-11ed-b8d3-b3874bf4394a.html |
Noble County officials said an outage has caused Wolcottville residents to lose 911 access.
In case of an emergency, residents are asked to call 260-636-2182, extension 1.
Officials did not say when 911 service will resume.
Noble County officials said an outage has caused Wolcottville residents to lose 911 access.
In case of an emergency, residents are asked to call 260-636-2182, extension 1.
Officials did not say when 911 service will resume. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/parts-of-noble-county-without-911/article_2459a1b0-e6b4-11ed-b3d6-d32688867052.html | 2023-04-29T19:54:17 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/parts-of-noble-county-without-911/article_2459a1b0-e6b4-11ed-b3d6-d32688867052.html |
Runner Richard Sutter was the first to cross the finish line Saturday, but says ending the racial divide is far from over.
"It's pretty deflating, really, but we just have to keep fighting," said Sutter, little beads of sweat glistening on his face. "This is a run against racism, and I say if you can't run against hate then what are you for?"
The Purdue University Fort Wayne anthropology professor was among more than 200 people participating in the YWCA Northeast Indiana's Race Against Racism 5K Walk/Run on the college's campus.
For a second consecutive year, a diverse mix of young and old entrants flooded PFW's grounds, some doing it just for exercise, but many with the hope of improving the racial climate in northeast Indiana.
"In anthropology, we try to instill this in our students," Sutter said. "The (negative) trends we see aren't just in our country."
YWCA officials charged registration fees of $40, adults; $25, students; and $15, ages 14 and under. Participants had sunshine and brisk temps on Saturday.
Proceeds support the nonprofit's racial justice efforts, including its Diversity Dialogue series and related programming.
The organization created a new position and recently hired Heather Essex as its racial justice coordinator. She starts in May.
"This isn't going to be an easy or polite position," said Essex who has worked for a decade in Fort Wayne with youths as a community advocate. "I'm really going to be a kind of mediator between two communities that aren't communicating."
Hannah Shoue, development coordinator for YWCA, said officials wish it wasn't that way.
"After George Floyd was murdered, we looked at ourselves as an organization and realized we weren't doing enough," Shoue said of the death of Floyd, an African-American man who died while a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck in 2020.
"Unfortunately, (racial injustice) is a reality."
Last year, The Journal Gazette's series “Subject Matters: Diversity in Schools” featured area minority students recounting their experiences, including insensitive jokes and slurs.
Fort Wayne health coach Terri Smethers hopes the walk/run event serves as a wakeup call to those who need it.
"I think all of us should be able to do what we want to do," the 56-year-old said. "That's the way it should be."
But there is another reason Smethers took park in the walk/run.
"My sister had a heart attack and that really scared me," she said. "I realized how important maintaining your health is, and I want to be around for my kids."
Her stepson, 25-year-old Justin Smethers, ran alongside her.
"I wanted to support her," he said. "And coming out for a good cause is always a good thing." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/runners-race-against-racism-at-purdue-fort-wayne/article_04731616-e69f-11ed-b266-5fc569b7d154.html | 2023-04-29T19:54:23 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/runners-race-against-racism-at-purdue-fort-wayne/article_04731616-e69f-11ed-b266-5fc569b7d154.html |
SAN ANTONIO — A woman's body was found inside a west-side creek, and the San Antonio Police Department said it was severely decomposed.
Officers arrived to the 5900 block of West Commerce Street around 8:30 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of the body found in the flooded creek.
The San Antonio Fire Department was able to pull the body from the swift moving water and an investigation is now taking place.
No potential cause of death has been reported. No other details were provided.
This is the second body that was found this week in San Antonio. On Wednesday, a person was found dead at a south-side park tangled up in debris, according to police.
Authorities said they can't rule out foul play, but the investigation is still in the beginning phase.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/body-found-severely-decomposed/273-515fb404-b679-466c-ade3-11cee0a6d645 | 2023-04-29T20:01:17 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/body-found-severely-decomposed/273-515fb404-b679-466c-ade3-11cee0a6d645 |
SAN ANTONIO — A 26-year-old man is accused of shooting his friend of 10 years because the victim was allegedly messaging the man's girlfriend.
San Antonio police responded to an apartment complex the 1800 block of Santa Anna Street just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 30.
The suspect, identified as David Paul Diaz, was inside the apartment with the victim and another friend who witnessed the shooting.
ORIGINAL STORY: SAPD: Man shot in groin after being involved in love triangle
An affidavit obtained by KENS 5 reads that Diaz thought the victim, another 26-year-old man, was messaging Diaz's girlfriend. Diaz pulled out a gun and said, "I would kill for my baby mama" and then reportedly shot the victim before taking off.
When police arrived, they found the victim outside the apartment screaming that he had been shot by his friend; he was hit multiple times in the legs and groin. He was taken to a hospital in non-life threatening condition.
Authorities have now arrested Diaz and he is facing a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/love-triangle-shooting-apartment/273-6c8b987d-87da-42c5-a586-68910cec7eaf | 2023-04-29T20:01:23 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/love-triangle-shooting-apartment/273-6c8b987d-87da-42c5-a586-68910cec7eaf |
Longtime Sarasota County leader Nancy Detert remembered for tenacious spirit
Close to 500 friends, family, and local officials gathered Saturday at Nancy Detert’s mass at the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
Detert’s life of service was honored by those in attendance. She was remembered for her work representing District 3 on the Sarasota County Commission from 2016 until her death, serving as a Sarasota County School Board member from 1988 to 1992, as a Florida Representative from 1998 to 2006, and as a Florida Senator from 2008 to 2016.
Detert passed away peacefully in her home in Venice on April 5 after serving in Sarasota County and Florida for more than three decades. She had a passion for politics and standing up for children with disabilities. She loved music and theatre. She was an avid reader. She loved her family fiercely, and she’ll forever be remembered as the coolest grandmother by her nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren.
'We all lost a champion yesterday':Sarasota County commissioner Nancy Detert dies at 78
More on Detert's life and impact:The impassioned life of Nancy Detert could be a Broadway musical
“In her departure from this life to the next, we can only mourn her loss for compassionate reasons, but also because we fondly remember her by tireless soliloquies and the legacy that she has left for our people at large,” Rev. Patrick Dubois said during the mass.
Her son Bryan Detert gave a loving, tearful eulogy in honor of his mother. He’ll forever cherish Saturday mornings growing up when his mom would throw on record after record as the family cleaned their home. She would play big band music and soundtracks from “My Fair Lady,” “A Chorus Line,” “Little Orphan Annie” and “Cabaret.”
She was her three sons’ biggest cheerleader and dutifully attended all their football, baseball, and basketball games. She instilled a competitive spirit in her sons and taught them to apply the lessons they learned from playing sports to everyday life.
“We were taught that in sports and in life you have to participate in the games to affect the results of them because ultimately, sitting on the sidelines is not an option,” Bryan Detert said. “Make people aware of who you are, and most importantly, be a great teammate and work with others around you to be successful and to be proud of your efforts when you look back.”
Former Florida House Representative and former Senator Lisa Carlton also gave a eulogy for her longtime friend and colleague who she has known since 1988. She cherished the mentorship and empowerment that Nancy Deter provided to her and other women who continue to serve communities across the state. Carlton said Nancy Detert’s tenacity and straightforward communication style were refreshing and respected by her political colleagues.
“Senator Detert, there’s no doubt you have secured the best staff, the best advisers, the closest parking spot, and are upstairs right now,” Carlton said. “Godspeed, my friend. May you have the best time writing the next chapter.”
In lieu of flowers, Detert's family asked that donations be made to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, with the memo line, "Nancy Detert Memorial Fund." Those donations will go toward her greatest causes and passions. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/04/29/family-flongtime-sarasota-county-leader-nancy-detert-remembered-for-tenacious-riends-and-local-offic/70135590007/ | 2023-04-29T20:20:06 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/04/29/family-flongtime-sarasota-county-leader-nancy-detert-remembered-for-tenacious-riends-and-local-offic/70135590007/ |
A voluntary recall of several sizes of unbleached and bleached "Gold Medal" bags of flour has been announced by General Mills due to potential salmonella contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The national recall affects two-, five- and 10-pound bags of Gold Medal bleached and unbleached all-purpose flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024.
The presence of Salmonella Infantis was detected in a sampling of a five-pound bag, triggering the recall.
All other types of Gold Medal flour are unaffected by the recall.
Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of any recalled flour that may have been purchased. Those who have had to discard flour can contact General Mills customer relations at 1-800-230-8103.
Listed below are the UPC codes and "better if used by" dates for the affected products.
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 5LB Flour
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 10LB Flour
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 2LB Flour
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 5LB Flour | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/recall-alert/general-mills-recalls-bleached-unbleached-gold-medal-flour/3247022/ | 2023-04-29T20:22:09 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/recall-alert/general-mills-recalls-bleached-unbleached-gold-medal-flour/3247022/ |
ST CLAIR, Pa. — An investigation is underway after a body was found in Schuylkill County.
St. Clair Police Chief William Dempsey tells Newswatch 16 someone spotted a car on fire in a lot near Burma Road in St. Clair around 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
When police arrived, they found a body near the burning car. Chief Dempsey says the body was later identified as Dominic McGruther, 43, of St. Clair.
The body was taken to the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office for an autopsy.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/body-found-near-car-fire-in-schuylkill-county-burma-road-st-clair-police-investigation/523-992808e6-bb1b-4048-bae7-feb808273f70 | 2023-04-29T20:31:08 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/body-found-near-car-fire-in-schuylkill-county-burma-road-st-clair-police-investigation/523-992808e6-bb1b-4048-bae7-feb808273f70 |
YORK, Pa. — Fire officials say at least 18 people are displaced following an early morning apartment fire in York.
On Saturday, just before 4 a.m., fire crews were called to an apartment fire on the 500 block of South Queen Street.
Officials say the fire started on the first floor at the rear of the building and spread up to the second and third floors.
One person suffered minor injuries.
York City Fire Chief, William Sleeger Jr., says damages are estimated to be over $200,000.
Fire and police officials continue investigating to determine the cause of the fire. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/early-morning-fire-consumes-york-apartment-south-queen-street/521-8b58c798-2139-409e-a891-4cc5dd5f3aac | 2023-04-29T20:31:10 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/early-morning-fire-consumes-york-apartment-south-queen-street/521-8b58c798-2139-409e-a891-4cc5dd5f3aac |
Isaac Fishman finished with 17 assists, four kills, four service points and three blocks to lead the Hammonton High School boys volleyball team to a 2-0 victory over TritonRegional in a Cape-Atlantic League match Friday.
The Blue Devils (5-6) won by set scores of 25-20, 25-14.
Sebastian Pangia added seven kills, seven service points and four blocks. Brandon Chainey had seven kills, and Joe Tierno added five. Will Domenico had four digs, and Dan Capella added two.
Triton fell to 1-9.
Girls lacrosse
Kingsway Reg. 24, Egg Harbor Twp. 3: Phoebe O'Rourke scored eight goals for the Dragons (6-4).
Ally Phalines scored six and added two assists.
For the Eagles (1-8), Taylor Lear, Angelina Petracci and Skyler Wood each scored. Jessie Chishko added five ground balls and had an assist. Maddie Stester had four ground balls, and Lear and Petracci each had three draw controls. Suhayla Johnson-Ramirez made 13 saves. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/hammonton-volleyball-beats-triton-late-friday-roundup/article_a1e6851c-e6b9-11ed-9f2e-aba5ba16b8ee.html | 2023-04-29T20:31:34 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/hammonton-volleyball-beats-triton-late-friday-roundup/article_a1e6851c-e6b9-11ed-9f2e-aba5ba16b8ee.html |
The Mainland Regional High School girls track and field team won the George Rowland Relays Division III title for the second straight spring Saturday at Haddon Township High School.
The Mustangs won with 136 team points, and Hammonton finished third with 78. Cumberland Regional (53) and Absegami (40) were fourth and fifth, respectively. In Division II, Middle Township was third with 54 points.
Mainland's Paige Bonczek, Sienna Bodkin, Caitlyn Lin and McKenna Pontari won the DIII 4x400-meter relay in 52.39 seconds. Sienna Bodkin, Bonczek, Camryn DeMorat and Lin won the 4x200 (1:52.89). DeMorat, Isabelle Moscola, Emma Crozier-Carole and Lin won the 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay (1:12.30).
The Mustangs' Ava, Gillian Lovett, Emma Preissman and Mackenzie Miller won the 4x800 (10:08.93). Claudia Booth, Bonczek, DeMorat and Aryanna Perez won the 1,600 sprint medley relay (4:39.48). Booth, Shayne Connolly, Sophie Goldstein and Lovett won the distance medley relay (13:16.29).
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Absegami's Megan Boddy, Radiyyah Reynolds, Makya Thomas and Samia Ghazaz won the 4x400 (4:21.98). Mainland's Natalie Higbee, Macie Brown, Isabelle Moscola and Emma Karver were second (4:40.85).
Cumberland Regional's Danajah Rainner, Kayla Burch, Amaya Smith and Jada Harris finished second in the 4x100 (54.18) and second in the 4x200 (1:55.87). Julia DiFilippantonio, Amy Hasher, Kimora Kelley and Burch finished second in the 1,600 sprint medley relay (3:18.12). Jamera Willis, Isabella Moscola, Burch and Talyah Hall were second in the 4x100 (1:18.23).
Mainland's McDole was third in the 400 hurdles (1:11.45).
In Division II, Middle Township's CeCe DiMauro, McKenzie Palek, Gracie Repici and Sofia Jurusz won the distance medley relay (13:52.39). Lower Cape May Regional's Hannah Souder, Viktoria Simonsen, Leslie Avila-Palacios and Viktoria Simonsen finished third (14:49.94).
The Caper Tigers' Ella Biersbach, Jasmine Black, Katrina Sharp and Jenna Hill won the 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay (1:25.51). Middle's Iyanna Bennett, DiMauro, Reagen Powell and Repici placed third in the 4x100 (57.01).
In the field events, Mainland's Kalla Tocci-Rogers won the DIII high jump with a 5-foot leap. She also placed first in the triple jump (33-08.25). The Mustangs' Sienna Bodkin and Lauren Crino placed first and second, respectively, in the pole vault. Mainland's Kassandra Bretones won the javelin (101-05). Hammonton's Juliana Dogostino (99-02) placed second, and teammate Emma Peretti was third (89-01).
The Blue Devils' Kiley Kozlowski won the long jump (16-04). Mainland's McKenna Pontari (15-11.75) placed second, and teammate Emma Crozier-Carole (15-0.00) was third. Peretti won the shot put (35-04.50), and teammate Mitra Sampson placed third (29-04). Peretti also won the discus (110-11), and Mainland's Sydney Booth finished third (75-05).
In Division II, Middle's Iyanna Bennett won the triple jump (34-02.75), and Cedar Creek's Alea Nelson placed second (30-08.25). The Panthers' Daniella Oliver won the discus (102-03), and teammate Paulina Rios finished second in the pole vault (8-00). Lower Cape May Regional's Simonsen finished second in the shot put (26-06). | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/mainland-girls-win-title-at-george-rowland-relays-on-strong-day-for-local-teams/article_a64ae99c-e6ad-11ed-b5a6-5739968615fc.html | 2023-04-29T20:31:40 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/mainland-girls-win-title-at-george-rowland-relays-on-strong-day-for-local-teams/article_a64ae99c-e6ad-11ed-b5a6-5739968615fc.html |
BLOOMINGTON — Around 70 people gathered Saturday morning in Miller Park to support survivors of sexual assault as part of the YWCA's Final Steps Awareness Walk.
It was brisk and overcast as the diverse group of participants stepped off on the mile-long walk in solidarity with sexual assault survivors.
College students, retirees, families and even police officers started the journey near the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial at Miller Park's northeast end.
Althea Bellamy of Bloomington said seeing the community support survivors made her feel proud.
"The average survivor feels alone, lost and sometimes stuck," Bellamy said. "And to know that other people care and see the (community) represent and support, it'll help others want to be free."
Joy Ziegenfelder, 19, an Illinois State University student from Gainesville, Florida, also attended Saturday's walk.
"(I feel) kind of, like, emotional," Ziegenfelder said, "to think about this more than I think I usually would. It's very powerful."
Making voices heard
The walk was the culmination of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, in which YWCA's Stepping Stones program worked to raise awareness about sexual assault survivors and educate the community about resources available to help.
Jen Golliday, director of Stepping Stones in Bloomington, said, "We offer support services for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others."
That support comes in many forms — a 24/7 hotline, counseling, support groups — but is available confidentially and at no cost, Golliday said.
Nastasha Powers of Stepping Stones in Bloomington organized the Final Steps walk. She said she was glad with the turnout.
"I think the success is just helping us raise awareness," Powers said. "The success is understanding that, if someone comes into contact with someone who discloses being a survivor of sexual violence, they can give them resources."
Stepping Stones stationed tables along the path that served to educate walkers about local and national resources available, but also had opportunities for people to show their support in creative ways.
One table was dedicated to The Clothesline Project, a "visual display bearing witness to violence against individuals," according to the YWCA's website.
The Clothesline Project began in Massachusetts at the turn of the century and is a way for survivors to anonymously share their experiences by writing it on a T-shirt, which is then hung on display.
Powers said, "It is the voice and the illustration of survivors of sexual violence. It is their depiction of their story on a piece of clothing."
Powers said the project allows "survivors' voices to be heard through the clothesline."
Encouraging messages
Cynthia Ashbrook organized another table welcoming supporters to write a "love letter" to a survivor.
Ashbrook said she was filling in for her daughter, who actually began the project.
"My daughter was assaulted in 2015," Ashbrook said, "and she didn't know what to do with it. She was lost, confused, didn't want to tell anybody."
Ashbrook said her daughter went on a retreat, Resilient Voices, through a North Carolina nonprofit that hosts weekend retreats for sexual assault survivors to "find support and healing among each other," according to its website.
Ashbrook said her daughter was scared the first time she went to the retreat. "She was late the first time she came," Ashbrook said. "She wanted to hide."
After coming home, Ashbrook said her daughter wanted to engage the community to create artwork supporting survivors.
She said the art is "in celebration of survivors of sexual assault." Ashbrook said her daughter is compiling the artwork and letters into books and will take them to a Resilient Voices retreat in September.
Kaitlyn Donovan, 20, is a student at ISU from South Lyon, Michigan. Donovan, Ziegfelder and fellow student Leah Davis, 19, of Manchester, Missouri, decorated stones and clothespins with words of encouragement for survivors.
Donovan said the walk, and events like it, show survivors "that they're not alone. They really are supported by the people that have gathered here today."
'Breathtaking' presence
Powers said the turnout, and its diversity, was successful, but a certain group made her especially happy.
She said uniformed officers from both the Normal and Bloomington police departments walked with the participants.
Powers had one word to describe it: "breathtaking."
Officers walked with participants to the various tables, but spent a considerable amount of time at The Clothesline Project, taking in survivors' stories.
"We understand that, when it comes to sexual violence, not everybody is comfortable enough to report to the police," Powers said.
Bellamy said she is a survivor of abuse decades in the past. She said, at the time, when she called police for help, they refused to do anything.
"They told me they couldn't help me unless I had bruises on me," Bellamy said, "unless I can show them something physically to be able to certify the abuse."
By participating in the walk, Powers said, "It's showing that the police want something to be done when it comes to something that's so prevalent but not always addressed."
Bellamy said, "To see the police here is a major plus."
Freedom, rebirth
Bellamy described trauma and abuse as a form of captivity.
"It's a bondage when you get caught in a situation like that," she said. "And you feel so lost and so alone and hurt, devastated."
About the walk, though, she said, "I think it's great. I think it's fantastic that the community is coming together."
Luis Jimenez lives in Decatur. He drove to Miller Park today just for the walk, he said.
Jimenez said he was abused as 5 years old and never got the support he needed.
He said his journey to healing hasn't been easy, but he has something on his right arm to help: a tattoo.
It's a phoenix, the mythical creature known for being reborn in fire, more beautiful than before. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-walk-garners-voices-support-during-sexual-assault-awareness-month/article_dd67e26e-e6b6-11ed-ac02-ffd9467cc892.html | 2023-04-29T20:39:01 | 1 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-walk-garners-voices-support-during-sexual-assault-awareness-month/article_dd67e26e-e6b6-11ed-ac02-ffd9467cc892.html |
BLOOMINGTON — At birth, Jadon Nafziger, 14, suffered a brachial plexus injury that limited mobility in his right arm, but it has never limited his ability to do what he wants.
"I mean, I don't really know anything else because it was at birth," said Jadon, of Mackinaw. "I've always had it this way, but I adapt to it and everything."
Whether it was starting to walk at 10 months old or using his feet to play with Legos, Jadon has always found ways to overcome his limited mobility and develop his own skills.
Now he has taken his skills even further with air rifle shooting.
"It's such a difficult sport, and to see Jadon picking it up so quickly and being eager to listen and improve is a testament to his character," said Joe Miller, director of Central Illinois Precision Shooting in Bloomington.
Over the past three years, Jadon has been able to improve his accuracy with air rifle shooting and garner the attention of the USA Paralympic Team.
Paralympic shooting is a test of accuracy and control in which competitors use pistols or rifles to fire a series of shots at a stationary target. It is among the sports at the Summer Paralympic Games, next held in 2024.
In Jadon's case, he uses an air rifle chambered in .177 caliber pellets and shoots at 10-meter targets — but before he even knew of the sport, he was shooting targets with a .22-caliber rifle (always with supervision, his parents stress).
Jadon's father, Matt Nafziger, said he saw his son's interest in shooting and looked around for programs until he found Central Illinois Precision Shooting. Together, they decided to visit for an orientation night.
"We thought he'd come out here a couple of nights a week and we'd play around with it, but they had no idea that he would be shooting at a national level," Matt Nafziger said. "It's all coming kind of fast."
Miller, who has been coaching athletes in shooting for about 29 years, said the sport is not as easy as most people would assume. When he hosts their orientation day in September, most students stop attending practices a few weeks afterward, he said.
"The reality of it is we'll lose over half simply because this is hard work," Miller said. "This isn't like your video games. You're not going to buy it Friday after school and be done Sunday night."
Due to his limited mobility, Jadon uses a one-point brace to steady the rifle when shooting. His father loads ammunition for him, but during competitions, he cannot speak or say anything to his son, Miller said.
"It's just fascinating for me to see somebody like Jadon have that much focus and concentration even with all these limitations," Miller added.
The program has eight student athletes participating in competitions and working toward scholarships to compete at the collegiate level, Miller said.
The tradition of shooting competitions in America dates back hundreds of years, long before the increasingly passionate national debate prompted by a surge in gun violence and mass shootings.
Miller said it can be difficult to get new students to join the sport, because people may have preconceived notions about guns. But he said shooting offers young people from all backgrounds an opportunity to build confidence and learn how to be responsible.
"Everybody can do this, whether you're disabled or not," Miller said. "It's the coolest sport in the world, but you got to be willing to work at it; that's the biggest thing."
Jadon has been invited to competitions around the nation, including the recent 2023 Rifle Junior Olympic Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There, he won three Paralympic silver medals for his performance with an air rifle and a small-bore rifle with .22-caliber bullets, and caught the attention of a coach on the USA Paralympic Team.
Jadon's mother, Kiana Nafziger, said while the community for Paralympic shooters is smaller than many other sports, everyone competing is helping and supporting each other along the way.
"The junior Paralympic experience has been really good for us," Kiana Nafziger said. "His goal is to become a resident athlete out at USA Shooting and maybe, hopefully, have time to go to school while (he's) out there."
USA Shooting is a nonprofit and the national governing body for shooting sports in America. It is headquartered at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Jadon said he plans to keep training and participating in shooting competitions, in hopes of someday representing the United States in the Paralympics.
"You got to adapt to everything, because you might not be able to do that thing, but you got to figure out how to to do it," Jadon said. "I don't know why I enjoy it. I just like it (and) it's a challenge." | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/mackinaw-paralympic-teen-takes-aim-with-air-rifle-skills/article_dda1d042-e525-11ed-bc9d-173b0c7c0cfa.html | 2023-04-29T20:39:07 | 0 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/mackinaw-paralympic-teen-takes-aim-with-air-rifle-skills/article_dda1d042-e525-11ed-bc9d-173b0c7c0cfa.html |
COOSA PINES, Ala. (WIAT) — There is a fire at the Resolute Forest Products paper facility in Coosa Pines on Saturday, according to the Lay Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
A conveyor belt and chip pile caught on fire. There are no injuries. The Childersburg Fire and Rescue Service and Harpersville Fire Department are on the scene.
Stay with CBS 42 for updates on this developing story. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/fire-at-resolute-forest-products-facility-in-talladega-county/ | 2023-04-29T20:46:13 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/fire-at-resolute-forest-products-facility-in-talladega-county/ |
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge lies about 60 miles southwest of Tucson on Arizona Highway 286.
Baboquivari Peak, the most sacred place to the Tohono O'odham people, looms in the distance as the highway cuts through the 117,464-acre refuge, past grasslands, cottonwoods, mesquites and jumping cholla.
At mile marker 17, the road dips down into a dry creek bed, one of dozens that cross the road between Three Points and Sasabe. But this spot is different.
Just off the highway and through a fence a few yards down the wash, small stone walls, rock aprons and strategically placed branches mark the scene of a renewed effort to tame this ephemeral stream known as Arroyo Hondo.
The nonprofit Altar Valley Conservation Alliance recently collaborated with the wildlife refuge on an erosion control and restoration workshop in the refuge.
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During the week-long workshop, about 30 volunteers worked at two project sites: Arroyo Hondo and a tributary to the Puertocito Wash, a key drainage farther southeast towards Arivaca.
Excessive erosion can form deep cuts in a flow channel, dropping the streambed below the reach of plant roots in nearby riparian and floodplain habitats that depend on the water.
Strategies to control erosion are varied and depend on the environment. The refuge has historically relied on small, simple restorations, often building on and improving existing structures to extend their lives and positive impacts.
Reducing erosion helps improve both water quality and retention, says Omar Ore-Giron, one of the restoration experts who led the workshop with the alliance.
Improvements along the Puertocito Wash can have a literal trickle-down effect for Tucson residents because water from the Altar Valley eventually flows north into the Avra Valley west of the city on its way to the Santa Cruz River.
The Arroyo Hondo site is significant because the wash cuts through high-quality habitat for the masked bobwhite quail, a critically endangered bird once thought to be extinct in its native Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985 to protect a reintroduced population of the quail and some of its last remaining habitat.
Pronghorn have also been reintroduced in the area.
Water works
Other restoration experts who helped lead the workshop late last month included permaculture consultant, designer, author and educator Brad Lancaster and wildlife and restoration ecologist Kyle Thompson.
The workshop continued the efforts of Bill Zeedyk, a retired U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist and riparian restoration expert, consultant and author. In 2016, Zeedyk surveyed the entire refuge and identified some sites that would be of high value for restoration.
He concluded that even small projects on tributaries to the Puertocito could “lift the functions in the whole wash,” said Julia Guglielmo, conservation and science director for the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance.
“The best thing you can do is influence as much water as possible,” Guglielmo said.
Ore-Giron said that through their efforts, they hope more water will be stored in the upper parts of the watershed.
“It's really a process-based, low-tech solution that we're trying to implement," he said. "Some of these original structures weren't as effective as one would have hoped. We notice there isn't sediment that's building up, so we are looking to see if we can implement a different method here.”
Small rock structures and branches were positioned in and around the wash to slow the flow of water and allow more of it to seep into the ground or be taken up by plants. As those wash-fed plants grow, they will become erosion control structures themselves.
Much of the work was done by hand with some assistance from a backhoe loader to move larger quantities of material.
Ore-Giron likened it to fixing a broken bone. "The doctor will set the bone, but the body will heal it,” he said. “So that's what we're doing. First, setting some things, and then letting the system heal itself."
The Altar Valley Conservation Alliance is a watershed-based nonprofit founded by ranchers in 1995 to protect the valley as a natural area and a working landscape.
The restoration work is part of that effort, one designed to improve conditions for both wildlife and livestock.
“So the refuge is funding this project, and the alliance manages it, which is really cool,” Guglielmo said. “The refuge has been helping us to get all the different clearances, do some of the planning, and helped us identify the priority areas to work in.”
The Arroyo Hondo site was an easy choice, she said, because it already provided habitat for the masked bobwhite, and volunteers could reinforce Zeedyk's existing stone structures with more erosion controls made from rock, dirt and brush.
At the tributary site, meanwhile, the crew stabilized the outflow from an existing cattle tank to prevent head-cutting and erosion and installed rolling dips to improve road drainage and reduce maintenance.
Lessons to learn
Some volunteers were novices at watershed restoration. Others were experts in the field whose lives and livelihoods revolve around this kind of work.
Catherine Jennings has a property close to the refuge in Three Points, where she dreams of starting a sustainable farm using only rainwater. She said she joined the workshop to gather knowledge she can apply to her farming practices.
Carmen Crisantes flew in from San Antonio, Texas, to participate. She said she had been following Brad Lancaster's work for a long time and was thrilled to finally put into practice some of the skills she had learned from him.
Lancaster said these restoration techniques have wider applications.
"This workshop is about learning to read and work with natural flow patterns of water and sediment,” he said. “It's a great model for how to work in rural settings and our more urban-built environments, such as within and beside the arroyos you find in Tucson. We're focusing on waterways and adjacent floodplains, which you encounter in our city.”
The workshop was held in late March to take advantage of mild temperatures — good for both working and camping — and gentle, early spring rains that would help the newly built structures settle ahead of heavier summer storms.
Guglielmo plans to return to the sites after the first monsoons of the year to assess how the newly built erosion controls held up. She said water will be the true architect of these systems, shaping how the structures settle and respond to the rains.
Guglielmo also plans to partner with Ore-Giron on future restoration workshops in the area.
These types of gatherings do more than bring landscape stewards together to network and swap information, they said. They help us build a relationship with the land itself and learn to follow the lessons it has to teach us.
Eva-Marie Hube is a Univeristy of Arizona journalism student apprenticing with The Arizona Daily Star. | https://tucson.com/news/local/restoring-watersheds-in-a-southern-arizona-wildlife-haven/article_71ea04a4-e47c-11ed-a3b5-2f4b144abacd.html | 2023-04-29T20:53:53 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/restoring-watersheds-in-a-southern-arizona-wildlife-haven/article_71ea04a4-e47c-11ed-a3b5-2f4b144abacd.html |
Port Orange's REC center reopens: City officials, residents gather for grand opening
PORT ORANGE — The wait is over for Port Orange residents.
City officials and over 100 hundred residents gathered Saturday morning in front of the Port Orange Recreation Education and Culture (REC) center after a $4 million, long-delayed renovation.
“Yes, this was decades in the making, but forget all that — we are here today,” Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette said during his remarks, drawing a loud cheer and applause from the crowd.
The new REC project aims to fulfill a longtime wish of the Port Orange community to have a multi-generational community center.
Renovation begins:$4M renovation of Port Orange recreation center begins; reopening slated for August 2022
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With the addition of 10,000 square feet, the new REC offers sports, games, and several multi-purpose new spaces for residents of all ages to enjoy. Construction began on August 16th, 2021 and the project was originally expected to be done by August 2022 but was delayed due to "material and labor shortages," according to the city.
“City Center in general is already the focal point of our community — the REC needed to be something to complement that,” said the city’s Parks and Recreation Director Susan Lovallo. “It is the only community center we have in Port Orange now.”
Before the renovation, the gym was very sports oriented. There was not much for residents to do if they were not playing basketball and pickleball.
“Now we’ll be able to service all kids, all adults, no matter what their interest is,” Lovallo said.
Lovallo also thanked the city government for embracing the idea of a new REC and helping to make it happen.
The decision to do the renovation was not an easy one.
Demand for more leisure services in the city
The city awarded Saboungi Construction, Inc. with the contract after a $3,963,162 bid.
“I think if you look around today, it’s more than paid for itself,” Lovallo said. “I think the pride the community will have in this place, the memories that families will make in this place, whether it’s birthday parties, retirement parties… And those things you can’t put a price on. We are very happy.”
Burnette said that the new REC is just one of the city’s moves to attend to community demands for more leisure services.
“Seeing the demand explode for services in Port Orange speaks to the quality of the community that we are, and we have to answer that demand,” he said. “We are not just offering (the new REC) and seeing who shows up. This is what the citizens want and this is what they expect when they decide to come here.”
After the ribbon-cutting, residents rushed into the new center, and kids ran to the new two-story playground near the entrance, while others made their way to the courts, where they learned about programs to be offered at the REC in the future and also took the time to play some basketball.
A new space for everyone
Port Orange resident Taylor Marrs said the new REC looks a lot nicer, newer, and safer.
“The old REC used to have junkier seats and all that,” Marrs said. “Now there is more stuff for kids to do in the area other than what there used to be.”
Marrs said he likes the idea of the new REC being able to offer a broader variety of activity opportunities for residents.
“I think anybody should be able to come and do whatever,” Marrs said. “You can come and play basketball, then you can go over and paint… Not everybody likes basketball, not everybody likes art. But it’s now a place where everybody can come together, make friends, and do whatever they like doing, and I think that’s really good.”
Burnette said he thinks the new REC “raises the bar” for other cities to try to work on community spaces.
“This is the centerpiece of what I want to see moving forward in the city of Port Orange,” Burnette said. “It’s going to outlive us, me, and everybody here.”
He said he feels a sense of “urgency” as a term-limited mayor to get major projects like the new REC done for the community.
“At some point, we turn things over, all these things will outlast all of us,” he said. “We want to put things in motion so the next people can add their own ideas, too, and continue to build on it.”
Lovallo also made a point to thank every city department, the Volusia ECHO program (which contributed $800,000 toward the project), as well as the Daytona Beach Racing Recreational Facilities District for their help on the project.
To use the center, a daily pass is $2 for youths, $4 for seniors and students, and $6 for adults. A monthly membership is $10 for youths, $15 for seniors and students, and $20 for adults. Annual memberships are $55 for youths, $65 for seniors and students, and $75 for adults.
The REC will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Port Orange REC is located at 4655 City Center Circle. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/04/29/port-orange-holds-grand-opening-event-for-new-rec-center/70166502007/ | 2023-04-29T20:54:35 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/04/29/port-orange-holds-grand-opening-event-for-new-rec-center/70166502007/ |
Originally published April 28 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.
A new water methodology order issued April 21 by the director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources has left many eastern Idaho farmers and ranchers unsure if they will be able to water their crops and irrigate their land this year, said Jennifer Ellis, whose family has been involved with agriculture in Bingham County for five generations.
The new methodology order contains a curtailment notice that would mean groundwater users pumping on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer who hold water rights dating back to December 1953 would have their water curtailed, or shut off, if they do not have a mitigation plan in place that they are participating in.
The curtailment notice has been put on hold temporarily, pending a hearing the Idaho Department of Water Resources has scheduled for June 6 through June 10 at the agency’s state office in Boise.
In a telephone interview with the Idaho Capital Sun, Mathew Weaver, the deputy director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources, said the curtailment order would apply to about 900 groundwater users pumping off the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer who don’t have a mitigation plan in place or who are not complying with that mitigation plan. That includes all manner of groundwater users, including farming, irrigation, commercial and industrial users.
Curtailment order doesn’t apply to Eastern Snake River Aquifer groundwater users with mitigation plans
Weaver told the Sun the curtailment order does not apply to the majority of Eastern Snake Plan Aquifer groundwater users who have a plan in place that they are complying with.
Still, if the order goes forward following the June public hearing, that means that 900 eastern Idaho groundwater users could lose access to water following the new methodology order.
“That is a pretty dramatic change from where we have been in the past,” Weaver said. “Because of that, the director wanted to have a contested case hearing. “
As a result of testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Gary Spackman could issue a revised order, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the department.
Weaver said the curtailment would be necessary because department officials predict that senior surface water rights holders would face a 75,000 acre-foot water shortfall.
Idaho water issues are governed by the prior appropriation doctrine, which means “first in time, first in right.” Put another way, if there is not enough water to go around, older water rights have priority over the more recent, or junior water rights.
“By law, we have to keep people with senior water rights whole, and we want to make sure the junior ground water pumpers are aware that despite the settlement agreements between the Surface Water Coalition, Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, and the Coalition of Cities, if junior groundwater pumpers are not participating in an approved mitigation plan, they could be subject to curtailment this year,” Weaver said in a written statement.
Ellis and Weaver said water issues are highly complex and have been the subject of many lawsuits.
“It’s super sticky,” said Ellis, who is a past president of the influential Idaho Cattle Association.
“I would not hazard a guess of trying to give anyone advice on this right now,” she added. “There are just too many twists and turns.”
What does this mean for affected groundwater users?
Delaying the curtailment notice until after the public hearing gives water users a reprieve until June. But Ellis said it is impossible to run a business and plan for the irrigation and growing seasons with that kind of uncertainty over your head.
“Farmers and ranchers have to have stability in their operation, and it’s not year-to-year and it’s definitely not month-to-month of whether you have water or not,” Ellis said.
“What good does it do me to plant a crop of spuds and be able to water them and then have to wait until there is determination in the second week of June and they say ‘shut it off?’” Ellis added. “You’re better off not planting in the first place, but you can’t do that because you have contracts. It’s time for real world change in how water is administered in this state.”
Ellis sold off about 90% of her land in Bingham County last year and moved outside of the basin to Chesterfield to run cattle and put up hay because she said she was worried about having predictable, stable access to water in Bingham County.
“That definitely wasn’t in our plans, not by a long shot,” Ellis said.
Ellis said she isn’t sure if the Idaho Department of Water Resources would find her to be in compliance with her mitigation plan, so she said she doesn’t know if she would be subject to curtailment or not.
In Tuesday’s press release, the Idaho Department of Water Resources said there are seven approved mitigation plans in place, which were submitted by Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, Southwest Irrigation District, Goose Creek Irrigation District, Coalition of Cities, the Water Mitigation Coalition and A&B Irrigation District.
“Because these entities have approved mitigation plans in place, they, and the water users they serve, will not need to show how they can mitigate for projected water shortfalls if they continue to comply with their plans,” the Idaho Department of Water Resources’ press release said.
Ellis said there is uncertainty, and she doesn’t feel like she has a “safe harbor” because the department’s director has found groundwater users to be in breach of a 2015 settlement agreement.
Weaver told the Sun that the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, or IGWA, did breach the agreement in 2021. Weaver said surface water users and the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators have since agreed to “cure” that breach, and IGWA will not be subject to curtailment due to the 2021 breech.
But because of the breaches and the priority date for water rights being pushed back to 1953, Ellis worries many groundwater users will be bled dry.
She said it would be devastating for the economies of the state and eastern Idaho to have junior groundwater users lose their water.
Why are we talking about water shortages if there is substantial snowpack this year?
Much of Idaho has an above-average snowpack this year due to a snowy winter and record-breaking March snowfall.
But the situation is not universal across the state.
This order focuses on the Upper Snake River Basin, which supplies water to the Snake River and the reservoirs.
“Even though this has been a remarkable winter and water year for many basins in Idaho, it has not been uniformly great everywhere,” Weaver said.
The Idaho Department of Water Resources developed the 75,000 acre-foot shortfall projection based on a forecast of water flows at the Snake River at Heise. But the department updated, or changed, several of the elements and factors it used in its calculations to determine water shortages, which the department refers to as injuries.
“It also revises the method used to calculate curtailment dates in a manner that could result in earlier curtailment dates,” the Idaho Department of Water Resources said in Tuesday’s press release.
Weaver said the department must periodically update the factors it uses in its calculations to protect senior water rights holders under state laws.
Two previous years’ worth of drought and lower reservoir storage carryover from last year are also factors in why the department is projecting a shortfall for senior surface water rights holders. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/new-idaho-department-of-water-resources-order-would-force-900-groundwater-users-to-curtail-use/article_07a6399e-e618-11ed-82ef-73a044317820.html | 2023-04-29T21:03:42 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/new-idaho-department-of-water-resources-order-would-force-900-groundwater-users-to-curtail-use/article_07a6399e-e618-11ed-82ef-73a044317820.html |
A new public transit service is launching in Eagle on Monday.
The 160 Eagle OnDemand will provide service on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the city of Eagle and three destinations outside the city. It will be free to ride through the end of August.
The on-demand service is the result of a long planning process between Valley Regional Transit and City of Eagle staff. The city will provide the local funds needed to operate the service.
“While Eagle is a smaller city in the larger Treasure Valley, we are excited for VRT to provide an on-demand transportation service option to assist our senior citizens and other residents without transportation options,” Eagle Mayor Jason Pierce said in a news release. “We appreciate VRT’s willingness and partnership to create a unique option that fits Eagle’s needs.”
Riders can schedule trips through the "VRT OnDemand" mobile app, online at rideVRT.org/book, or by calling the Valley Regional Transit Help Desk at 208-345-7433. Rather than being picked up at a bus stop using fixed time schedules, riders are picked up near their location and dropped off near their destination within the service zone.
The service area includes most of the city of Eagle, with three additional destinations:
- Gary and Bunch, with connections to Boise routes 9 State Street and Route 12 Maple Grove
- The Village at Meridian, with connections to Meridian Route 30 Pine and Route 45 Boise State/CWI via Fairview | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/on-demand-transit-service-coming-to-eagle/article_b868e58c-e6a0-11ed-a8be-c767bf007d7f.html | 2023-04-29T21:03:49 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/on-demand-transit-service-coming-to-eagle/article_b868e58c-e6a0-11ed-a8be-c767bf007d7f.html |
Wynton Marsalis calls on UM grads to bridge societal divides
Ann Arbor — World-class jazz musician Wynton Marsalis told the University of Michigan's class of 2023 that he would have preferred to keep things "light and breezy" at their commencement ceremony in The Big House Saturday morning.
The renowned trumpeter said he'd love to stand before the thousands of graduates and blow a few tunes but the precarious moment at which they have earned their degrees demands attention and intervention.
"In this time, the tearing apart of families the battling of genders and unrestrained vilification of 'the other' has become a public sport," Marsalis said as he addressed thousands of 2023 graduates and their families. "You're actually a bridge, a powerful translator between the generations of your family, of this institution and of our way of life. ... The deeper the divide, the more crucial the need."
The graduates need to stand flexible yet firm as they bridge transitions between different crises and ways of life, Marsalis said.
"You are the avant-garde of our optimism," Marsalis said. "Your collective success will mean that this education has been brought to bear to solve the pressing and overwhelming problems of our time."
Marsalis encouraged graduates to not become numb to the unacceptable. He called out "contemptuous corrupt leadership" in all political parties as well as "fraudulent news outlets," drawing applause from the graduates and their friends and families in attendance.
"The headlong descent into shameless decadence and unchecked commercialism has created an anxiety and an isolation that is increasingly destroying the mental health of our young," he said. "It's causing us to murder each other over minor disputes, to gun down young children in schools, to desire empty transactional lives and ultimately, to interface more easily and meaningfully with gadgets and devices than with people."
Marsalis was the main speaker and received an honorary degree from the university along with President Emerita Mary Sue Coleman, Phil Hagerman, a pharmacist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Dominique Morisseau, a playwright and actress
Marsalis's address was preceded by three student speakers and several members of the university administration and faculty.
The College of Literature, Science and the Arts' Dean Anne Curzan was interrupted in the middle of a speech on the power of words when a plane flew over the Big House, pulling a large banner that read "Congrats! So proud! Love from striking GSIS!" The banner drew loud cheers and applause from the graduates along with more than a few confused looks from parents in the audience.
The university's graduate employees organization, which represents over 2,000 graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, has been on strike since March 29. The union held informational pickets outside the Big House prior to commencement starting Saturday morning.
The goal of the picketing was to inform parents and students about GEO's working conditions and wages, said Lucy Peterson, a Ph.D. candidate in the political science department and union officer. They also wanted to show support for their graduating students, many of whom instructors haven't seen in a month since the strike began.
Several faculty members as well as members of the university's history department have pledged to withhold undergraduate final grades until May 12 as a form of protest and solidarity with the GEO.
"Withholding grades is a big part of the strike so we have a lot of GSIs doing that and then there's a lot of faculty members doing that as well," Peterson said. "The people ... withholding their grades, even if they're not GSIs, has been a major way of supporting the strike."
The GEO's contract expires on Wednesday and the union has been in negotiations with the university since November. Sticking points include negotiations over salary, which has been the most contentious issue, according to the university.
Tensions have been rising between the GEO and university administration, particularly UM's new President Santa Ono. Graduate worker's pay for the month of April was cut last week because the employees have been on strike and a group of GEO workers interrupted Ono's private dinner at a restaurant downtown last Thursday. Two graduate students were detained for refusing to let Ono's car move.
Ono spoke at Saturday's commencement ceremony and addressed the class of 2023's ability to adapt. Their first year at the University of Michigan was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You have also been tested in unexpected ways through COVID-19 to find unexpected reservoirs of adaptability, endurance and resilience," Ono said. "You have come through that test even as you've overcome so many other exams."
After spending his entire sophomore year in virtual classrooms, recent graduate Osama Al-Dahan never thought he'd return to the Big House. The 22-year-old Detroit native graduated from the College of Literature, Science and the Arts with a degree in sociology on Saturday. He walked into the Big House as an undergraduate student for the last time and left feeling accomplished.
"It's both overwhelming and mind-boggling but at the same time ... you kind of feel the long journey," Al-Dahan said. "Interactions with your classmates or teachers, I feel like that's kind of what makes your stay here valuable."
Despite a rainy start to the ceremony, students across all of the university's schools and colleges were recognized by Ono and their individual deans with the sun shining down by the end. In a parting plea to the class of 2023, Marsalis asked them to spend their lives turning their dreams into reality.
"Today's commencement, down to the placement of chairs on this dais, is the result of a collective dream called the University of Michigan," Marsalis said. "This democracy cost a lot of people a lot. It would be a tragedy of historic proportions to squander that inheritance because our young couldn't envision an America better than the mess we've made of it for you."
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/04/29/wynton-marsalis-calls-on-um-grads-to-bridge-societal-divides/70166423007/ | 2023-04-29T21:06:23 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/04/29/wynton-marsalis-calls-on-um-grads-to-bridge-societal-divides/70166423007/ |
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Contemporary Christian music filled the Municipal Auditorium in Charleston Friday night as Kentucky native Jason Crabb took the stage with some help from very special guests.
Crabb’s hometown of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, was hit hard by the tornadoes that struck in December 2021. During that time, the Ignite Youth Team from Guyan Freewill Baptist in Lincoln County went to the area to help with clean up and rebuilding.
As a thank you, Crabb invited the team up on stage to perform with him at his April 28, 2023 concert in Charleston!
“He’s shown a favor to our children to be able to let them get on stage with him as he sang,” said Guyan Freewill Baptist Pastor Eric Rakes. “We didn’t go to Kentucky to get any favors back. We did it because, other people in other states, we can show them love of God in us, but in return, God is blessing our children through all this.”
While in Western Kentucky, the church team raised $12,000 and gave it to those who didn’t have insurance. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/christian-musician-from-kentucky-gives-back-to-lincoln-county-youth-group/ | 2023-04-29T21:16:55 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/christian-musician-from-kentucky-gives-back-to-lincoln-county-youth-group/ |
They could not have asked for a better day.
April had brought with it a sunny, cool springtime air that promised an all-out good time. The concessions were full, the coolers were stocked and the event that had promised no hassles had begun to take form.
Those who had gotten there early enough to watch crews put together the stage at the Richmond City Stadium’s end zone had begun to settle in on the blankets they had spread out across the field’s grass.
Soon, the headliner, the Steve Miller Band, would take the stage with an instantly recognizable bass line and guitar hook, officially kicking off the event with the band's 1973 classic “The Joker.”
Until then, spectators — some barefoot, some shirtless — waited in anticipation passing around bottles of beer, among other things.
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For months, advertisements for the city’s first annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival had filled half-pages of the newspaper. Posters had been plastered along the walls of record shops, and word of the event had traveled across city and state lines.
Richmond’s hotels, many booked months in advance, had filled up quickly. Local businesses readied themselves for the inevitable crowd. Record shops had stocked up on the lineup's latest albums.
Now that the day had come. The event promised two days of “fun and music under the sunny springtime skies of the Old Dominion." Native Richmonders and out-of-towners came together in anticipation of “blues, boogie, rock and roll on Saturday” and “funky, funky sounds of Sunday” from “moon ‘til noon.”
By the time the first show began at noon, the stadium’s aluminum bleachers had filled. Those on the lawn had gotten up to dance along with the music pouring out of the 17-foot-tall speakers.
Bubbles floated up and out of wands, aimlessly dancing across the field before popping. Their creators continued to sway with the beat. Hands clutching Pabst Blue Ribbons and Budweisers shot into the air with each riff from an electric guitar.
Little did they know, in just a few short hours, the concert would be cut short and a riot would ensue.
‘I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight toker, I sure don’t want to hurt no one’
As Boz Scaggs belted out another song from his set list, the trance of the crowd that numbered over 14,000 broke as they trained their eyes away from the stage to the stadium’s bleachers.
Many on the field had to squint to see what had caused a commotion that was loud enough to be heard over the booming speakers.
There, at the top of one of the stands, a man dressed in plain clothes had pulled out a gun and pointed it at a shirtless man. Seconds prior, a flurry of beer cans had struck the undercover officer as he attempted to arrest the man for smoking marijuana.
Soon, a slew of officers arrived by the dozens carrying shotguns, tear gas guns and clubs. The K-9 unit followed suit, and anyone resisting arrest either got the blunt end of the club or had a dog sicced them.
Chaos ensued as fleeing concertgoers attempted to leave the stadium. Others, angered by the abrupt force, began hurling projectiles at the officers.
Officers, with more than 50 handcuffed concertgoers in tow, fled to the stadium’s field house only to return wearing University of Richmond football helmets.
For four hours, mayhem continued inside the stadium and outside in the parking lot. Police cars were torched and set ablaze. Windows were kicked in or smashed. Some cars were flipped altogether. There, they lay on their hoods for hours after the riot had ended.
Policemen were chased by crowds attempting to free those who had been arrested. In some instances, the crowds were successful.
Reinforcements were called in. Shortly after, two busloads of city and state officers arrived and waded through the fleeing crowd. Police helicopters whirred overhead, drowning out most of the sounds of confusion and terror.
Reporters on the scene to cover the inaugural festival pivoted their focus to the growing riot. One photographer received medical attention after being clubbed in the head by a police officer.
By the time the riot was quelled, two dozen Richmond police officers and a dozen concertgoers were sent to the emergency room; 76 people were arrested, 23 of them juveniles; and 106 charges were placed, 42 of which were for possession of marijuana. Rock 'n' roll had effectively died in Richmond.
Those on Sunday’s set list — Mandrill, Kool and the Gang, Funkadelics, Bobby Womack, Bloodstone and a few local bands — never got the chance to perform.
The city passed an ordinance banning all rock concerts in the city for the next three years.
Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist A.B. Thames wrote in his column "Revolution per Minute: Stadium Debacle Afterthoughts" in the Thursday, May 2, 1974, edition that it would be a long time before live music would return to the city — at least in this capacity.
“In the wake of the stadium uproar, Richmond’s reputation as a concert stop sinks a little lower — the bottom can’t be far away now,” Thames wrote. “The promoter has lost his shirt; the repair bill runs to $75,000; losers all the way around.”
No hassles
When Creative Concerts promoter Marc Arenstein set out to create the best rock 'n' roll festival the city had ever seen, he never anticipated the disastrous aftermath that was, in part, thanks to semantics.
The native Richmonder, 24 at the time, had done everything right — or so he thought. He had worked with city officials to settle on a venue, received all the proper permitting and agreed to hire 41 policemen to serve as security.
So when the day came around, he did not expect the arsenal the city had spent days preparing.
While festivalgoers were laying out their blankets and settling in, a command post was being set up on a portion of the then-unfinished Powhite Parkway under the Cary Street bridge.
There, the entire vice squad, aided by young detectives and investigators from the Richmond-area state police drug enforcement team, met to discuss plans to search for illegal drugs.
A fueling station, with a full gasoline truck, was set up nearby to serve as a refueling point for the department’s two helicopters.
A 2-1/2 page memo was sent from former Maj. R.L. Baughan, commander of the uniform operations, to former Chief of Police F.S. Duling to place the entire Richmond Police Department on reserve and to gear up for a possible riot.
A mass arrest team was formed on the suspicion of “expected trouble.” Two city jail wagons and three prisoner buses from the State Penitentiary were called in.
According to Times-Dispatch reporter Mike Grim, who wrote of the incident in the Sunday, May 5, 1974, edition of the paper, the police were given orders to make arrests at their discretion.
“The implication was clear: Officials did not want confrontation with a crowd that outnumbered the entire Police Bureau by 20 or more times.”
While many had spent days leading up to the event planning their first trips to the city, others had spent them in conference rooms: determined to enforce, through whatever means necessary, a no-tolerance policy to marijuana use.
Despite its support of the event, the city's panic came from the same advertisement that had brought many into Richmond and the stadium.
The advertisement, in psychedelic styling, featured doves, flowers, musical notes and cherries in the background and a dancing frog holding a bottle behind his back. Within the rays of a rainbow read: “First annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival: Springtime in Virginia."
Underneath the decoration, the dates of the shows were listed, the two-day lineup was displayed and directions and a brief description of the event were included. The last two words of the description read in bold, capitalized letters: NO HASSLES.
While Arenstein said he pulled the phrase from an event poster from a New York show, the Richmond Police Department, along with city officials, read it as a secret innuendo shared among festivalgoers that meant the police would not enforce drug or alcoholic beverage laws.
“No hassles — used in advertising for the aborted Cherry Blossom Music Festival — has been called code jargon, meaning no busts at the stadium,” Thames wrote in his column.
So in an attempt to avoid appearing lax in regard to marijuana laws, the city increased its presence only to be matched by hundreds of festivalgoers set on having a good time.
Culture clash in the making
News of the event spread across the nation. The Associated Press ran an article detailing the riot, and it was published in newspapers from Florida to Kentucky to New York.
For a couple of weeks, Richmond took center stage as photographs of burning cars and smashed windows filled copies of publications.
Rolling Stone magazine printed a photo of a long-haired, shirtless man stomping the hood of a car as a young woman laughs in the background. The caption read: “A Real Rock and Roll Riot in Richmond.”
Arenstein had inadvertently gotten his wish: he had made Richmond known for something other than being the former capital of the Confederacy.
It seemed as if everyone had a side in the matter. While some argued it was the police’s fault, others blamed the "long-haired hippies" who were plaguing the nation.
Richmonders, seemingly split on the issue, wrote into The Times-Dispatch to share their thoughts.
In a letter to the editor titled "Blame for Riot Laid to Police," William Jackson Jr., a former policeman and criminal justice student, wrote that the police were hell-bent on enforcing simple misdemeanors related to drugs.
“Outdoor music festivals and concerts instill a feeling of togetherness, unity and fellowship among young people. When any one of their numbers is physically removed by force, they resent it and they will retaliate,” Jackson wrote. “A crowd becomes a mob when they are incited or irritated to violence. The best way to abate violence is to remove the source of irritation — in this case the police.”
Others argued the city, along with the state, needed to reevaluate its marijuana laws. In a letter entitled "Demonstrates Need for Review of Pot Ban," Philip and Louise Douglas wrote that “the police force knows better than to arrest people on drug-related charges with a whole generation of long-haired youths watching.”
Many wrote in to say they could not care less if the police or the concertgoers were in the right or the wrong; they did not want, as taxpayers, to fork over the money for the bill.
The event resulted in $75,000 in damage: roughly $459,000 in today’s dollars.
While the festival riot erupted in 1974, the event was developing long before it hit its fever pitch. Nationally, tensions were high coming out of the 1960s, with the summer of love, Woodstock and the Vietnam War further drawing a line between the older and younger generations.
And in Richmond, as Virginia Commonwealth University began to grow and an onslaught of young people moved in, the older generation — many of whom could trace their lineage to Jamestown — was suddenly confronted with an ever-changing city.
In 1970, the city had its first taste of this friction when poet Allen Ginsberg visited campus to perform. During his set at the Franklin Street Gymnasium, someone in the crowd handed him a note. It relayed details of an after-party in the streets filled with house music.
The only problem was that no one told city officials of the impromptu block party. So when hundreds of students poured onto Grove Avenue and began playing music from their porches, effectively stopping traffic, it was not long before the police were called.
The event ended in violence as the K-9 unit was sent in and police hit anyone unwilling to move along.
“It’s a shame that such a small thing as smoking marijuana at a concert has to touch off a near-riot,” Philip and Louise Douglas wrote.
Collection: Our 'From the Archives' series
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For 24 grueling hours, the city of Richmond held its collective breath as heavy rains beat down and the James River continued to swell with ea…
In a letter to the editor in the April 16, 1910, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, one author wrote: “Manchester is Manchester no longer. The ancient city closed its eyes last night as of yore, but slept, and will sleep forever as a ward of Richmond.” | https://richmond.com/news/local/history/from-the-archives-the-day-the-music-rioted-in-richmond/article_60a43a0e-e466-11ed-bd73-8f79076bda6c.html | 2023-04-29T21:24:10 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/history/from-the-archives-the-day-the-music-rioted-in-richmond/article_60a43a0e-e466-11ed-bd73-8f79076bda6c.html |
Former Manchester High standout Kei'Trel Clark will become the latest player from the Richmond area to see his NFL dreams come true.
Clark was selected in the sixth round of this weekend's NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
In Arizona he'll play alongside receiver Greg Dortch, who attended Highland Springs.
Clark is a cornerback who started his college career at Liberty before moving to Louisville.
"I'm enjoying this moment. It's a blessing," Clark told reporters in Arizona.
"This was God's plan. This was the starting point of my career whether I would have went first round or like I did going into the sixth, it is what it is. Just know the Cardinals organization has somebody who is going to be a dog, and somebody who's going to be a leader in this program. I'm ready. I don't care where I went, I'm glad I went to the Cardinals."
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Hot off the Wire podcast: 2023 NFL Draft preview
AP NFL Mock Draft: Panthers take Alabama's Bryce Young No. 1
It took the Carolina Panthers until this week to decide which quarterback they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.
They’re not saying, but oddsmakers believe it’ll be Alabama’s Bryce Young. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is an overwhelming favorite to go first, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud has dropped from favorite to having the third-best odds behind Kentucky’s Will Levis. Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a longshot.
The Panthers traded four picks, including No. 9 overall and a first-rounder next year, along with wide receiver DJ Moore to give new coach Frank Reich a quarterback to build around.
The final edition of the AP’s 2023 mock draft gives the nod to Young.
1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): BRYCE YOUNG, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA
Young can make every throw, has strong pocket presence and is a dynamic playmaker. The biggest question is his size — 5-foot-10, 204. It was never an issue while Young played at a high level at Alabama but the NFL is a different story and the Panthers need to protect their QB.
2. Houston Texans: C.J. STROUD, QUARTERBACK, OHIO STATE
Stroud has the ideal size — 6-foot-3, 214 pounds — to go with a strong, accurate arm and possesses the leadership ability and other intangibles. The Texans made it known they’re not sold on a QB at No. 2 and Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson is the favorite. Franchise QBs win Super Bowls, not edge rushers.
3. Arizona Cardinals: WILL ANDERSON, EDGE, ALABAMA
New coach Jonathan Gannon benefited from having a dominant defensive line last season as a defensive coordinator for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Anderson is the best pass rusher in the draft and Arizona has to replace T.J. Watt and Zach Allen.
4. Indianapolis Colts: ANTHONY RICHARDSON, QUARTERBACK, FLORIDA
Another pick inspired by the Eagles. New coach Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, had tremendous success with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Colts owner Jim Irsay is a big fan of Hurts’ style. Richardson has incredible athleticism, a strong arm and elite talent. He needs time to work on accuracy and mechanics.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): JALEN CARTER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
Before his off-field issues, Carter was a potential No. 1 overall pick if Chicago didn’t trade down. He’s too talented to slip further. Carter is the right fit for Seattle and coach Pete Carroll.
6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angels Rams): DEVON WITHERSPOON, CORNERBACK, ILLINOIS
Witherspoon has slid on some drafts probably because a hamstring injury limited his workouts. He was impressive at Illinois’ pro day and is widely considered the top cover cornerback. The Lions had the NFL’s second-worst pass defense in 2022.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: TYREE WILSON, EDGE, TEXAS TECH
Size, build, speed, Wilson has it all for an edge rusher. The Raiders can team Wilson up with Maxx Crosby to get after the elite QBs in the AFC West.
8. Atlanta Falcons: BIJAN ROBINSON, RUNNING BACK, TEXAS
The Falcons get a superstar game-breaker.
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): PETER SKORONSKI, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NORTHWESTERN
The Bears need to protect Justin Fields so it starts with Skoronski covering his blindside.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (mock trade with Eagles via New Orleans): PARIS JOHNSON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATE
Johnson has all the physical tools and intangibles to anchor the O-line and protect Kenny Pickett.
11. Tennessee Titans: WILL LEVIS, QUARTERBACK, KENTUCKY
Titans can’t pass up this opportunity to take Levis. He didn’t have eye-popping stats at Kentucky but he has size, build, makeup and experience in a pro-style offense that teams desire.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): LUKAS VAN NESS, EDGE, IOWA
After taking Stroud at No. 2, the Texans grab an elite edge rusher in Van Ness.
13. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets): JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE
Using the pick from the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Packers take the first wide receiver. Smith-Njigba was the best WR at Ohio State two years ago on a team with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
14. New England Patriots: BRODERICK JONES, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
The Patriots get an athletic left tackle to protect the QB’s blindside.
15. New York Jets (from the Packers): DARNELL WRIGHT, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, TENNESSEE
The Jets select a powerful lineman to block for Rodgers.
16. Washington Commanders: JOEY PORTER JR., CORNERBACK, PENN STATE
The Commanders tab a physical cornerback, taking the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter.
17. Philadelphia Eagles (mock trade with Steelers) NOLAN SMITH, EDGE, GEORGIA
Smith joins former Bulldogs teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean on a revamped defense in Philly.
18. Detroit Lions: CALIJAH KANCEY, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, PITTSBURGH
After selecting a CB earlier, the Lions continue to bolster a poor defense with an interior d-lineman who can get after QBs.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: MYLES MURPHY, EDGE, CLEMSON
Murphy strengthens a defense that will have to carry the team.
20. Baltimore Ravens (mock trade with Seahawks): CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ, CORNERBACK, OREGON
Ravens move up to get Gonzalez, who provides immediate help for a pass defense that finished 26th.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: ZAY FLOWERS, WIDE RECEIVER, BOSTON COLLEGE
Flowers slots in nicely with veterans Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
22. Seattle Seahawks (mock trade with Ravens): HENDON HOOKER, QUARTERBACK, TENNESSEE
Coming off a knee injury, Hooker has time to get healthy and develop behind Geno Smith.
23. Vikings: JORDAN ADDISON, WIDE RECEIVER, USC
Addison is polished enough to instantly step in to replace Adam Thielen.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: MICHAEL MAYER, TIGHT END, NOTRE DAME
Mayer upgrades the run game and pass game, giving Trevor Lawrence a potential top target.
25. New York Giants: JALIN HYATT, WIDE RECEIVER, TENNESSEE
Giants get a wideout with game-breaking speed in Hyatt.
26. Dallas Cowboys: BRIAN BRANCH, SAFETY, ALABAMA
Cowboys bolster their secondary with the best safety in the draft.
27. Buffalo Bills: BRYAN BRESEE, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON
Bills get a run stuffer.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: DEONTE BANKS, CORNERBACK, MARYLAND
Bengals add a physical, athletic cornerback to a depleted secondary.
29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco): JACK CAMPBELL, LINEBACKER, IOWA
The 2022 Dick Butkus award winner bolsters the defense.
30. Los Angeles Rams (mock trade from Philadelphia): MATTHEW BERGERON, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, SYRACUSE
Rams move up to get an offensive lineman with their first first-round pick since Jared Goff in 2016.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: MAZI SMITH, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, MICHIGAN
In a draft stocked with interior d-linemen, Chiefs get a big man with freakish athletic skills. | https://richmond.com/sports/local/manchesters-keitrel-clark-is-nfl-bound-after-being-drafted-by-the-arizona-cardinals/article_c6792084-e6d1-11ed-9e05-eb86114d6552.html | 2023-04-29T21:24:16 | 1 | https://richmond.com/sports/local/manchesters-keitrel-clark-is-nfl-bound-after-being-drafted-by-the-arizona-cardinals/article_c6792084-e6d1-11ed-9e05-eb86114d6552.html |
DEXTER -- Gary Kinney is a Dexter veteran who says he desperately needs help getting his grandchildren out of the Maine foster care system.
However, he says that the state has told him his home needs to meet certain standards before that can happen.
That's where the Maine Veterans Project comes in.
"We received a call a while back from a veteran that is trying to fight to get his grandkids in custody with him. Unfortunately, his needs were monetarily unattainable for us at the time -- so we put out a call to our community," said Doc Goodwin, president of the Maine Veterans Project. "We've got about ten plus volunteers here trying to make it happen."
Together with MD Carpentry, the Patriot Riders of America, volunteers and others -- the veterans project is providing Kinney with two new bedrooms, a larger bathroom, and heat pumps for his home.
Kinney says he feels moved by the community's support.
"Today, I'm overwhelmed with joy. The state has so many requirements that [are] hard to [meet]. And, physically I can't do it any more, but we're gonna do it. We're gonna get these kids so they [have] a good house to stay in and be loved," said Kinney. "We're gonna do this -- I've got a lot of good people here."
Goodwin says the day is an example of what Mainers are all about.
"We all get something out of it. A sense of community is what we're all missing these days, and frankly I think we need more of it. Everybody is going to leave here tired -- but they're going to leave here very rewarded," said Goodwin.
Kinney says he needs to meet the state-required home expansion improvements by June.
To support this project and others, visit maineveteransproject.org. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/volunteers-help-to-renovate-dexter-veterans-home/article_ce16acaa-e6cf-11ed-b5fb-63908c9e4965.html | 2023-04-29T21:24:57 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/volunteers-help-to-renovate-dexter-veterans-home/article_ce16acaa-e6cf-11ed-b5fb-63908c9e4965.html |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police are seeking the community's help in locating a missing woman.
Police say 48-year-old Joann Stone of Des Moines was last seen shortly after 2 a.m. on April 28 outside a medical facility on the 1600 block of 60th Street in West Des Moines.
Her vehicle and personal possessions were found at her home. Police believe she was last there on April 27.
Stone is 5'4" and weighs 140 lbs.
Anyone with information regarding Stone's location is asked to contact authorities.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-police-dmpd-missing-woman-person-joann-stone-updates/524-ed0b8295-e71a-4a0e-9e9d-592facbd712b | 2023-04-29T21:39:05 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-police-dmpd-missing-woman-person-joann-stone-updates/524-ed0b8295-e71a-4a0e-9e9d-592facbd712b |
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Midlanders will have a new place to relax at Fasken Park during the heat of the summer.
Family and friends of Kathleen Kirwan Haynie and Thomas “Tip” Kirwan, and their late brother, Daniel Christoper Kirwan, gathered at the park during a cold snap to dedicate “Daniel’s Bench” that is now located at the southwest corner of the park.
With her childhood home in view behind her as she talked, Haynie reminded the crowd that her brother couldn’t feel the cold due to his Down Syndrome, and that he was at this park almost daily no matter the weather. She spoke of her brothers love for the park, how he loved to play basketball on the court and loved to play with the local neighbors.
Former neighbors also shared stories of growing up with Daniel at the park. After the unveiling of the new bench, guest ate Sonic hamburgers with mustard and ketchup, Daniel’s favorite. Daniel passed away on April 6, 2015, at the age of 46 of renal failure, after being denied the opportunity to receive an organ transplant because he had Down Syndrome. His sister has since advocated for the special needs community, including working with state legislatures to co-author House Bill 119, known as “Daniels Law,” which prohibits organ transplant recipient discrimination on the basis of certain disabilities. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/about-midlanders-dedicate-daniel-s-bench-fasken-17924877.php | 2023-04-29T21:39:14 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/about-midlanders-dedicate-daniel-s-bench-fasken-17924877.php |
Hundreds of Nebraska educators braved a chilly April morning to rally at the Capitol in opposition of a bill that would provide tax incentives for donations to scholarship funds for private and faith-based schools.
Approximately 300 teachers from the Nebraska State Education Association, chanted and marched from the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in downtown Lincoln to the Capitol, where the group was met by other supporters of public education. About 450 people attended in total, according to event organizers.
“This is a tremendous show of strength and support for Nebraska Public Schools,” NSEA president Jenni Benson said.
LB753 would provide tax credits for individuals and entities that donate to scholarship funds that help students attend private and parochial schools. Under the bill, $25 million would be available for credits in 2024, with the same amount available for the next two years. After that, the limit for credits would grow to a maximum of $100 million per year.
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The bill was initially introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and is part of Gov. Jim Pillen’s package of education proposals. The bill has been placed for final reading in the Nebraska legislature, lawmakers are set to take a final vote on the bill sometime next week.
Molly Gross, a representative from the Nebraska Parent Teacher Association who spoke at Saturday’s rally, said the bill would be a massive detriment to the public school system.
“LB753 is not about scholarships,” Gross said. “It’s a tax scheme that will hurt our public school students while benefiting the wealthy.”
Rebecca Firestone, OpenSky Policy's institute executive director, said on Saturday that the tax credits proposed in LB753 will overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy and corporations. She outlined the potentially dangerous snowball effect that diverting state dollars to private schools could have, citing similar laws passed in states like Arizona, Louisiana and Virginia.
Firestone said that, in those states, more than half of all scholarship tax credits are flowing to families with annual incomes of over $200,000. She added that those tax credits are likely to take additional public funds away from Nebraska’s school districts.
For Benson, that paints enough of a picture.
“The facts are clear: private school tax schemes in other states have proven to be enormously expensive and ineffective,” Benson said.
Dunixi Guereca, executive director of Stand for Schools Nebraska, backed Firestone. She noted that there is a large body of evidence that tax credit scholarships like the ones LB753 proposes fail to improve student academic performance.
“In state after state, researchers are unable to find any meaningful gains in standardized test scores or other metrics of academic success,” Guereca said. “In at least three states, the students who received tax credit scholarships fared worse than their public school peers.”
The main sticking point among the six speakers that spoke at Saturday’s event, though, was that LB753 is not popular among Nebraska voters. Benson reiterated that Nebraska voters have rejected giving public funds to private schools on three separate occasions in the past. Those votes occurred in 1966, 1970 and 1976.
“Did you hear me, Gov. Pillen and senators?” Benson said. "I’m reminding you that Nebraska voters have thrice rejected constitutional amendments that would have allowed public funds to be used for private schools.”
Benson closed Saturday’s rally by delivering a promise should the legislature pass LB753 — a statewide petition drive allowing Nebraskans to voice their opinion on giving tax dollars to private schools. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/educators-rally-at-nebraska-capitol-to-support-public-schools-oppose-lb753/article_1eeeb4ee-e6bf-11ed-82e2-5b483a4a1d9d.html | 2023-04-29T21:45:10 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/educators-rally-at-nebraska-capitol-to-support-public-schools-oppose-lb753/article_1eeeb4ee-e6bf-11ed-82e2-5b483a4a1d9d.html |
Saturday’s game wasn’t Coconino softball’s best offensive performance, but the No. 7 Panthers did just enough to squeak by No. 10 Mica Mountain, 1-0, in the first round of the 4A Conference playoffs at Coconino High School.
Coconino sophomore Kaitlyn Tso pitched a gem, striking out 14 batters and allowing just two hits.
“I’m totally pleased with our girls. Kaitlyn had another great game, Alyssa (Fockler) behind the plate, but our defense was great,” Coconino manager Kimberly Dennis said. “We usually score a lot of runs, and we didn’t today. But we were patient, we continued to get more disciplined throughout the game and had some clutch situational hitting.”
Coconino totaled just three hits, and none were more important than a single off the bat of senior Olivia Gomez in the bottom of the sixth inning.
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Senior KodyLynn Watson started an internal countdown.
Sophomore Danica Kern followed Gomez’s single with a blooper into the outfield. She reached first base on a single. Then senior Izzy Pozar hit a sacrifice bunt to move Gomez to third base and Kern to second. And next up was Watson with one out.
“I knew (Gomez) was going to get on base, and I knew Danica was going to get on too, and I knew Izzy was either going to get on or move them somehow. And then it just came down to a position where I could score a run,” Watson said.
Watson went down 0-1 after the first pitch.
“I knew she was going to throw me a changeup because I struck out on it the last time. And she did, but I fouled it off. Then after that I was looking for anything that would score a run, I didn’t care how it happened,” she said.
Watson connected on a pitch, sending a deep ball into right field. It was caught, but Gomez sprinted home after tagging third base to give the Panthers a run. It was all they needed to take the lead.
“I can’t even describe the feeling. Knowing it was our only run, and we needed it so badly right there, it’s crazy,” Watson said.
Tso drew an out on the top of the seventh inning, and struck out the final two batters as the Panthers celebrated the victory.
Coconino played one of its best defensive games of the season, committing no errors.
“I’m a firm believer that defense wins championships, and you’ve got to have great fielding to win games like this,” Dennis said.
One of the Panthers’ toughest fielding tests came in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs, Mica Mountain had runners on second and third base.
Tso battled with the hitter in a long at-bat, but drew a grounder to sophomore Destiny Villas at second base. She made a difficult throw, and barely beat the runner out to first base to end the inning.
“Kaitlyn has a lot of experience in those higher-level situations, so we have faith in her. But the out came from Destiny, and that was a big play because it was close and it was high-pressure and she made it,” Dennis said.
Despite a difficult day at the plate -- due in part to solid pitching from Mica Mountain freshman Acelynnrose Heston -- the Panthers advanced.
They felt their at-bats got better, though they were still tough, as the game wore on.
“Even though we were struggling throughout the game, we knew it could happen at any moment, and luckily we got it done,” Watson said. “It was so intense. I don’t feel like I can even talk right now because of the adrenaline rush, but today meant everything.”
Coconino (17-1, 11-1 Grand Canyon) will face another solid pitcher in the second round, as it travels to No. 2 Greenway Tuesday. The Demons boast star pitcher Kaitlyn Terry, a senior committed to UCLA upon graduation.
Terry’s pitched 350 strikeouts this season, and has thrown nine no-hitters with a total ERA of 0.12. She’s also one of Arizona’s best hitters, batting a .708 average with 65 RBIs.
First pitch between the Panthers and Demons is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Greenway High School in Phoenix.
From this point, the 4A Conference bracket is a double-elimination tournament. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/coconino-softball-wins-low-scoring-playoff-opener-over-mica-mountain/article_41427370-e6d1-11ed-9f9a-8fc5daffdb41.html | 2023-04-29T21:51:32 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/coconino-softball-wins-low-scoring-playoff-opener-over-mica-mountain/article_41427370-e6d1-11ed-9f9a-8fc5daffdb41.html |
DALLAS — Jack (Itzhak) Belzacki Bell, a Holocaust survivor and a past chair of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, died Thursday at 79.
Born on Feb. 26, 1944, during World War II, Bell was the youngest member of Dallas' Holocaust survivor community. He was born in a work camp on the Polish-German border.
After he and his parents were liberated, they settled in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. where his younger twin brothers were born while his parents waited on paper work to immigrate to the U.S.
Bell's family came to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1949 and immediately moved to Dallas. They initially lived in a boarding house near Fair Park on Second Avenue managed by a man named Jack, which is where Bell adopted the name as his own when he became a U.S. citizen.
Frank and Lola Bell became tuxedo rental shop business owners and the family flourished. Jack Bell went to Hillcrest High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin and Tyler Junior College before graduating from what is now the University of North Texas.
Jack Bell spent 25 years as a banker at Republic National Bank and another two decades as an investment banker and stockbroker at Merrill Lynch, along with being involved in the Dallas Jewish community, serving on the board of Jewish Family Service and the Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood.
Bell is the fourth local Holocaust survivor to die in the past two months. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/holocaust-survivor-former-dallas-holocaust-human-rights-museum-board-directors-chair-jack-belzacki-bell-dies-79/287-c819302e-88cb-49f8-8a95-4f7a9665742c | 2023-04-29T21:52:43 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/holocaust-survivor-former-dallas-holocaust-human-rights-museum-board-directors-chair-jack-belzacki-bell-dies-79/287-c819302e-88cb-49f8-8a95-4f7a9665742c |
From a meteor shower to a celestial congregation of planets and the moon, here are the top astronomy events of the month of May.
SOMERS POINT — The weather couldn't have cooperated any better Saturday for Bayfest.
All along the Bayfront Historic Preservation District on Bay Avenue, thousands of people filled the eight-to-10-block section of the street, enjoying their favorite foods, the vendors and live music.
PHOTOS: Somers Point Bayfest
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Bayfest staples include vendors, all sorts of food and no shortage of live music.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Thousands of residents and visitors packed Somers Point streets for Bayfest, a city tradition for more than 30 years, on Saturday.
MATTHEW STRABUK PHOTOS
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Everyone got to experience Bayfest at their own pace.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
A sand sculpture is created to mark the occasion.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Enjoying a treat, from left: Jean Rene Blanchet, 5, and Max, 4, and Bailey Gorrin, 7. All are from Northfield.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Somers Point firefighter Andrew Yhlen helps seasonal Sea Isle City resident Eric Deissler, 12, try on a sample of firefighter's gear.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Somers Point firefighter Andrew Yhlen helps seasonal Sea Isle City resident Eric Deissler, 12, try on a sample of firefighter's gear.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Cash and Will Care, 4 and 5, take a break from walking the avenue to have a bite of chicken strips and fries.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Balloon artist John Hungerbuhler of Pleasantville makes a dinosaur for Paolo Burns, 9, visiting from Winooski, VT.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Winooski VT resident Paolo Burns, 9, holds up his dinosaur balloon.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Bridget McGlaughlin - Evans, 7, from Ocean City, watches as John Hungerbuhler of Pleasantville crafts a balloon creature.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Face painting artist Daisy Palumbo works on a design for Wesley Henderson, 14, from Egg Harbor Township.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Face painting artist Daisy Palumbo works on a design for Layla Wallace, 15, from Egg Harbor Township.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Egg Harbor Township residents (l-r) Wesley Henderson, 14, Layla Wallace and Brielle Von Collin, both 15, and Kinsley Henderson, 10, show off their face paint designs.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (right) Egg Harbor Township resident Alexis Juarez 6, help to select a raffle ticket for a free bike giveaway.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Cathy Paz of Jenkintown, was the winner of a raffle receiving a brand new mens bike.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. North Field residents the Haughey family (l-r) Katelyn, Isla, 7, and and Kevin, looking over the new womens bike they just won in a raffle.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. North Field residents the Haughey family (l-r) Isla 7, Kevin, Katelynand Georgia, 9, looking over the new womens bike they just won in a raffle.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Dr.Rodmehr Ajdari, D.P.M. , from Ffoot Care Centers in Somers Point, whips up a fresh batch of cotton candy for Scarlett and Vienna Murphy, 8 and 10, both from Northfield.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Scarlett and Vienna Murphy, 8 and 10, both from Northfield, enjoying their cotton candy.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Isabella Mooney of Ventnor and Kayla Servis of Somers Point, have their hands full of giveaways from the Foot Care Centers tent.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Michelle Holmes of Somers Point, giving her dog Chase Utley a lift.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Triplets Angelica, Benjamin, and Christopher Builes from Egg Harbor Township, 1.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Jonahthan Atwood, of Stone Harbor, works on a batch of blackened scallop and shrimp. The food options at Bayfest are always plentiful.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A rainy morning gave way to overcast on a cool, lightly breezy afternoon, bringing a large crowd out for one of South Jersey's most popular events.
Bayfest began as an Earth Day celebration around the same time its Bayfront Historic Preservation District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The festival blends an educational component, from vendors to local organizations, with a day of enjoying food and activity.
The grab-and-go food ranged from tacos to seafood. There were plenty of sweeter options as well, from candy-roasted nuts to cannolis.
Judy and Vaughn Keele ate lots of food Saturday. The Egg Harbor Township residents treated themselves to funnel cake and shish kabobs and were enjoying the atmosphere while they contemplated their next move.
"It's good to see all of these people out here," said Vaughn, 54.
Judy, 51, was surprised how well the weather turned out. "We love the people watching," she added. "The people and dog watching!"
There were plenty of take-home food options as well, including honey from Busy Bees NJ.
Gary Schempp, 69, with his Cape May Court House honey business, has been doing Bayfest for the last 15 years.
"Everybody was worried about the weather, but it turned out to be a perfect day for a market," Schempp said.
"This is a well-traveled market. People come here, they know about it. We have a lot of regular customers. People come back and love to get their honey from us and always support us."
Many of the vendor tables sold arts, crafts and other homemade items, including dog toys, wall decor and novelty T-shirts.
RJ McAllister brought his two sons, Bray, 10, and Sawyer, 7. The family loves to start Bayfest on one end of the market, travel down to the other end and then make their way back. They do it this way so they can scout out what foods they want to try or which crafts the boys want to participate in.
"It's nice, warm, not too bad today," said RJ, 41, of Linwood.
The trio made a last-minute decision to hit the fest, as they had watched the weather forecasts all week.
"It's not pouring. I thought it was going to rain and we weren't going to come."
Bray and Sawyer decided they wanted to do some art by filling different shaped bottles with colored sand. Bray filled up a baseball; Sawyer had a very colorful alien.
Bray, who turns 11 on Monday, said they love coming to Bayfest every year. They had seen a lot of their friends already.
"Hopefully, we can see more as the day goes on," he said.
PHOTOS: Somers Point Bayfest
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Bayfest staples include vendors, all sorts of food and no shortage of live music.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Thousands of residents and visitors packed Somers Point streets for Bayfest, a city tradition for more than 30 years, on Saturday.
MATTHEW STRABUK PHOTOS
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Everyone got to experience Bayfest at their own pace.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
A sand sculpture is created to mark the occasion.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Enjoying a treat, from left: Jean Rene Blanchet, 5, and Max, 4, and Bailey Gorrin, 7. All are from Northfield.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Somers Point firefighter Andrew Yhlen helps seasonal Sea Isle City resident Eric Deissler, 12, try on a sample of firefighter's gear.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Somers Point firefighter Andrew Yhlen helps seasonal Sea Isle City resident Eric Deissler, 12, try on a sample of firefighter's gear.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Cash and Will Care, 4 and 5, take a break from walking the avenue to have a bite of chicken strips and fries.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Balloon artist John Hungerbuhler of Pleasantville makes a dinosaur for Paolo Burns, 9, visiting from Winooski, VT.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Winooski VT resident Paolo Burns, 9, holds up his dinosaur balloon.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Bridget McGlaughlin - Evans, 7, from Ocean City, watches as John Hungerbuhler of Pleasantville crafts a balloon creature.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Face painting artist Daisy Palumbo works on a design for Wesley Henderson, 14, from Egg Harbor Township.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Face painting artist Daisy Palumbo works on a design for Layla Wallace, 15, from Egg Harbor Township.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Egg Harbor Township residents (l-r) Wesley Henderson, 14, Layla Wallace and Brielle Von Collin, both 15, and Kinsley Henderson, 10, show off their face paint designs.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (right) Egg Harbor Township resident Alexis Juarez 6, help to select a raffle ticket for a free bike giveaway.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Cathy Paz of Jenkintown, was the winner of a raffle receiving a brand new mens bike.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. North Field residents the Haughey family (l-r) Katelyn, Isla, 7, and and Kevin, looking over the new womens bike they just won in a raffle.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. North Field residents the Haughey family (l-r) Isla 7, Kevin, Katelynand Georgia, 9, looking over the new womens bike they just won in a raffle.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Dr.Rodmehr Ajdari, D.P.M. , from Ffoot Care Centers in Somers Point, whips up a fresh batch of cotton candy for Scarlett and Vienna Murphy, 8 and 10, both from Northfield.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Scarlett and Vienna Murphy, 8 and 10, both from Northfield, enjoying their cotton candy.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Isabella Mooney of Ventnor and Kayla Servis of Somers Point, have their hands full of giveaways from the Foot Care Centers tent.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. Michelle Holmes of Somers Point, giving her dog Chase Utley a lift.
MATTHEW STRABUK
On April 29, 2023, on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, the annual bayfest was held with packed crowds and a mostly dry sky. (l-r) Triplets Angelica, Benjamin, and Christopher Builes from Egg Harbor Township, 1.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Jonahthan Atwood, of Stone Harbor, works on a batch of blackened scallop and shrimp. The food options at Bayfest are always plentiful.
MATTHEW STRABUK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Contact John Russo: 609-272-7184
jrusso@pressofac.com
Twitter: @ACPress_Russo
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/thousands-enjoy-a-cool-day-at-bayfest-in-somers-point/article_ef8dc154-e448-11ed-9b26-736ebec200fd.html | 2023-04-29T22:02:47 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/thousands-enjoy-a-cool-day-at-bayfest-in-somers-point/article_ef8dc154-e448-11ed-9b26-736ebec200fd.html |
PARKE COUNTY, Ind. — Police have issued a statewide Silver Alert in the search for a teen missing from Rockville, Indiana.
The Parke County Sheriff is looking for Gracie Reigh Erwin, 17.
Erwin is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 230 pounds and has brown hair with brown eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black leggings.
Erwin was last seen on Friday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. She is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.
If you have information, contact the Parke County Sheriff’s Office at 765-569-5413 or 911.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-teen-missing-from-rockville-indiana/531-e5291d7b-c83e-4e74-910f-431b25d08741 | 2023-04-29T22:22:13 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-teen-missing-from-rockville-indiana/531-e5291d7b-c83e-4e74-910f-431b25d08741 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Salina Regional Health begin battle over payment rates
Hospital enters negotiations with the insurance company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and Salina Regional Health have taken negotiations about competitive payment rates public, with the hospital claiming the insurance company was misleading about rates it paid other systems.
Salina Regional claims the insurance company paid comparable health systems in the state up to 50% higher rates than it paid Salina Regional for at least two years. Blue Cross of Kansas stated the rates Salina Regional is negotiating for are unreasonable and could cost members thousands of dollars.
Salina Regional's CEO Joel Phelps sent a mass email to hospital staff April 27 about in-network access to Blue Cross of Kansas. The email was in response to a video message from Blue Cross of Kansas about access, and the healthcare provider entering negotiations with the insurance company.
"(Salina Regional) needs to be paid fairly, and that means (Blue Cross of Kansas) making our payment rates equal to other comparable hospitals in the state," Phelps wrote in an email to staff.
In its video, Blue Cross says Salina Regional is seeking hikes that would come with a substantial cost to members, and appealed to the public to consider their own financial contributions.
"When we pay them more money, you pay them more," said Blue Cross of Kansas CEO Matt All in the video.
Salina Regional said it noticed discrepancies in rates of pay when the health system started comparing publicly available data found on its competitor's — Lawrence, Stormont Vail, St. Francis, and Manhattan — websites. This data is relatively new after laws were passed in 2021 calling for more transparency to the public regarding hospital prices.
Beginning July 1, 2022, health insurers and self-insured employers were required to post on websites itemized prices they negotiated with providers for health care services. The exception to the law is prices paid for prescription drugs, except those administered in hospitals or doctors' offices.
Experts believed releasing this data could have an effect on future prices and how employers contract for healthcare, as it provides the public insight on how their insurers are faring compared to others. And insight on accurate dollar amounts paid to hospitals by insurance companies.
Blue Cross of Kansas has at least partially complied with the federal mandate, as negotiated payment rates are available on competing health system websites. Blue Cross of Kansas did not respond in time for publication about its rates paid to hospital systems comparable to Salina Regional.
Salina Regional, Blue Cross of Kansas make appeals to the public in recent messaging
Each year, Blue Cross of Kansas sends every hospital and physician in the state a letter outlining the payment rates for the care they provide the following year. Providers must sign the letter by a given deadline or the contract ends, and they become an out-of-network provider.
Phelps said Salina Regional has not been immune to financial pressures hospitals across the nation have endured over the last few years. Uncontrollable circumstances like the pandemic and supply issues have driven up the cost of care and hospital prices have risen faster than general inflation.
Salina Regional argues that Blue Cross of Kansas pays it too little for the service the health system provides as costs continue to rise. In his email to staff, Phelps said Salina Regional will have no choice but to go out of network if Blue Cross of Kansas does not increase its payment rates.
"We get it. No one wants to pay more for healthcare," Phelps said in an email to staff. "We don’t want you or your employees to pay more either. We know Blue Cross has the money without raising premiums one penny."
But Blue Cross of Kansas holds that current demands from Salina Regional is not a fair ask.
"(Salina Regional) executives are demanding more money, drastically more money, beyond the fair and reasonable rates that we already pay them," All said in a statement.
What does this mean for Blue Cross of Kansas members?
While both sides of these negotiations claim to represent patients' best interests, the results of them have historically left patients navigating the financial stakes that result, like limited access and affordability.
The ongoing tension between insurance companies and healthcare providers is not limited to Kansas and stretches across the nation. But it often stays out of public purview until they become patients in the country's complicated health system.
The battle between Salina Regional and Blue Cross of Kansas has already thrust the public, members of Blue Cross of Kansas, into the center of the debate in its early stages. The importance of high-quality medical care close to home, and overall affordability of care for members, is leveraged by both parties.
Blue Cross of Kansas had a similar negotiation dispute with Lawrence Memorial Hospital in 2021, after a think tank that studies hospital insurance claims found large health plans got a better deal at Lincoln Memorial than the national average.
Despite growing tensions, both parties acknowledged that they want to come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial. As negotiations continue, members can still receive Blue Cross in-network care at Salina Regional. The current contract between Blue Cross of Kansas and Salina Regional ends this year on Dec. 31.
This is a developing story. The Salina Journal will provide updates as negotiations continue and more information, including various rates provided to competing hospitals, comes available.
Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering county government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc. | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/04/28/blue-cross-of-kansas-salina-hospital-negotiates-with-public-at-center/70146429007/ | 2023-04-29T22:28:10 | 0 | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/04/28/blue-cross-of-kansas-salina-hospital-negotiates-with-public-at-center/70146429007/ |
PHOENIX — State lawmakers are struggling to find a way to keep minors from accessing internet porn.
So far, they’ve come up short in finding a legal, effective and politically acceptable plan to block access.
The original proposal by Sen. Wendy Rogers would have required anyone seeking to access “explicit sexual material’’ to first provide the website with a government-issued identification proving age.
“This is a scourge that’s affecting impressionable minds,’’ the Flagstaff Republican told a committee reviewing her legislation. She called it one of several measures this session to “protect the innocence of children.’’
But her idea of adults having to give information such as a driver’s license to a website proved to be a non-starter, unable to clear the Senate.
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That led to Plan B to require any website that contains a “substantial portion’’ of material “harmful to minors’’ to use a commercially accepted database or other “commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification’’ before providing access.
Those changes were enough to convince all Senate Republicans and three Democrats to vote in favor.
The House, so far, isn’t ready to go that far, however.
“I think we all want to make sure that internet pornography is not being distributed to children,’’ Rep. Alexander Kolodin said as the measure, Senate Bill 1503, first came to the floor.
But he said SB1503, as approved by the Senate, goes beyond that. He said it would require adults who want to view those materials to register with documents that could wind up in the hands of the government.
“That’s a constitutional problem,’’ said Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican.
Giving government that power
The issue for Kolodin, and a handful of other Republicans who found the plan unacceptable, goes beyond the legal questions.
“I know it’s not like a fun thing to say as a politician,’’ he told Capitol Media Services. “I do not trust the government even a little bit. Why would I want to give the government that kind of power?’’
He pointed to the power that would be in the hands of officials who know who has signed up to download what some define as pornography.
“It’s a way for the government to try to blackmail people,’’ Kolodin said. “It’s a way for the government to try to scare off people from what materials they consume.’’
As for the bill’s goals, “Yes, it is socially desirable to reduce pornography viewership, I suppose,’’ he said.
“But the government doesn’t get to say ‘This speech is socially undesirable, consume less of it,’ ‘’ said the attorney and first-term lawmaker. “That is emphatically not our role.’’
The opposition by Kolodin and a few other Republicans, coupled with the unanimous vote against SB1503 by Democrats, doomed that version to defeat.
Requiring parental action
Now, a third version awaits a final House vote. This one seeks to take the government out of it entirely.
Instead, it essentially would put the burden on parents to take affirmative action, contacting their internet service providers and requiring that those companies block sites determined to have materials the legislation deems offensive.
That, however, raises its own issues.
What would have to be blocked would come down to a three-part test of the materials:
Whether they appeal to the “prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors;’’
Whether they are “patently offensive’’ to what adults determine is suitable for minors;
And whether they lack “serious, literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors’’ when taken as a whole.
It’s even more complicated than that. Only when a “substantial portion’’ of a website’s materials meet all three tests would the content provider have to consult the blacklist to see if a customer asked that the site be blocked. The legislation defines “substantial’’ as 33 1/3%.
Marilyn Rodriguez, lobbying for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, told lawmakers they are wrong if they think that will keep minors from accessing what they think is unacceptable.
“There are several websites, including Google, Reddit and Twitter, that allow access to sensitive content but whose total sensitive information falls beneath the 33% threshold,’’ so they wouldn’t be affected, she said.
Adults’ access blocked, too?
There are other issues.
Setting up a blacklist to protect children also would block access to those materials to any adult in that household or anyone using that phone or tablet.
Also, SB1503 is worded so that a spouse could limit what their partner could see: The provider would not be required to determine if there is a minor child in the house.
Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, said she doesn’t think children should be looking at pornography, but the measure lacks any sort of enforcement mechanism.
“So, just to clarify, the only way we would really find out if this was happening is if the parent were to look through their tablets or their phones?’’ Hernandez asked.
Rogers acknowledged the point, saying her legislation provides “first steps’’ to regulating those who publish such materials “and gives recourse to those who happen upon it.’’
That “recourse,’’ however, would require parents to hire an attorney to file a civil suit. And they would have to show “damages resulting from a minor’s access’’ to those materials.
Ultimately, there are legal issues with the whole idea. Rodriguez told lawmakers they are not considering how such a law would affect the First Amendment rights of adults.
“Courts have repeatedly struck down attempts to prohibit minors from accessing adult content when they burden speech more than necessary to achieve that goal,’’ she testified.
At least part of that rests on the question of whether there are alternatives, Rodriguez said.
She cited a 2004 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar federal law. There, the justices wrote, “blocking and filtering software is an alternative that is less restrictive than the (law), and, in addition, likely more effective as a means of restricting children’s access to materials harmful to them.’’
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-lawmakers-try-to-block-internet-porn-access-for-minors/article_d1f47684-e5e6-11ed-a229-7bc3560fbaa8.html | 2023-04-29T22:32:04 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-lawmakers-try-to-block-internet-porn-access-for-minors/article_d1f47684-e5e6-11ed-a229-7bc3560fbaa8.html |
Two minors were struck by an Amtrak train Saturday afternoon in Chester, Pennsylvania, according to police.
Amtrack posted that all train traffic has been temporarily stopped between Wilmington and Philadelphia due to ongoing police activity in Chester, Pa.
Medical examiners were alerted that there were two individuals who needed medical assistance at the scene, according to police.
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SEPTA also confirmed that the Wilmington Regional Rail will also be suspended until further notice.
At this time there is no further information.
This is a breaking news story. The details of this story will be updated as new information becomes available. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-minors-struck-by-amtrak-train-in-chester-police-say/3556197/ | 2023-04-29T22:33:26 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-minors-struck-by-amtrak-train-in-chester-police-say/3556197/ |
The end of the school year is fast approaching, and many who are graduating from high school will begin a new chapter of their lives as college freshmen. Many students, out on their own for the first time, feel they don’t have to do the things their parents may have insisted on: like eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. My advice is to have fun, but do so responsibly. Enjoy yourself, but keep yourself healthy. Here are a few additional tips:
— Use the “Buddy System.” This is more than just avoiding going out alone, but having a “buddy” who is like-minded can help keep you on track academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Keep each other accountable. Study together. Work out together. Look out for each other. It is also a good idea to let your folks back home know your schedule and provide them with some local phone numbers.
While in college, you may live in a dorm or share an apartment. In either case, you could be living with others whom you may not have known previously. My advice is to be friendly, but keep your stuff locked up. Make sure that desirable items like laptops, iPads, cellphones, etc. are engraved with some personal identifiable mark; and record the serial numbers of everything you own that has one.
Remember that college students are prime targets for identity theft. Take precautions to protect your financial and personal information. Protect your wallet, checkbook, and both incoming and outgoing mail. I know you will use your computer and phone for everything, but if you keep your financial information on them, consider an app that allows you to remotely wipe all data if they get lost or stolen.
College students can be prime targets for other crimes as well. Many would-be bad guys use social networking sites to target unsuspecting victims who may post too much information about their daily activities. I know you will use social media to stay connected with friends and family. Make sure to use your privacy settings and consider what someone could do with the information you post before you post it.
Watch your spending, especially with credit cards. Remember that college is expensive enough without taking on extra debt. After college, you will need a good credit rating to get an apartment, utilities, your own cellphone account, etc. If you use a credit card for purchases, make sure not to buy more than you can afford to pay off each month. Buying on credit and paying it off each month is a sure way to build a great credit score.
Much of the college experience is about learning to be independent. This is the time to establish yourself. Determine your beliefs and values and stick to them. You will come in contact with many who believe differently and embrace different lifestyles. You should be respectful and understanding, and expect the same from them.
College years can be the best years of your life, but making them so is up to you.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/kevin-sproul-helpful-tips-for-college-freshmen/article_d4dbf75a-e690-11ed-9946-63db9547bb93.html | 2023-04-29T22:44:06 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/kevin-sproul-helpful-tips-for-college-freshmen/article_d4dbf75a-e690-11ed-9946-63db9547bb93.html |
Dallas-based Tuesday Morning Corp. is going out of business after being sold out of bankruptcy Thursday to a liquidation company.
The retailer, which in February filed a second bankruptcy in three years, has been closing stores in recent years, but it still has 59 stores in Texas, including 18 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The closings come as Bed Bath & Beyond is also shutting down operations. That’s a lot of inventory hitting the market, possibly putting a dent in home goods sales at other retailers for the next few months.
The sale of Tuesday Morning, founded in Dallas in 1974 as a closeout retailer of gift and home merchandise, was approved at an afternoon hearing Thursday before Judge Edward L. Morris in the Fort Worth division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Hilco Merchant Resources is paying more than $32 million for the company. The liquidation means a couple thousand employees at Tuesday Morning’s North Dallas headquarters and stores will be terminated as store operations wind down over the next few weeks.
To read the full article, visit our partners at the Dallas Morning News. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-morning-news/dallas-retailer-tuesday-morning-is-going-out-of-business-liquidation-sales-coming-soon/3247036/ | 2023-04-29T22:49:24 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-morning-news/dallas-retailer-tuesday-morning-is-going-out-of-business-liquidation-sales-coming-soon/3247036/ |
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A man is in custody following a fatal downtown Martinsville shooting outside of a local bar early Saturday morning.
Police said 37-year-old Clayborne Kent died from his injuries, after being shot by 23-year-old Trequon Davis.
Davis is charged with manslaughter, among other charges.
“It’s a tragedy for our whole community,” Martinsville Police Chief Robert Fincher said. “We are a good city. We’re a small city though, so when one person is killed, it affects all of us.”
Police said the shooting took place outside of Roosky’s Bar and Grill.
It’s believed that the suspect and victim knew each other and took part in a fight that turned deadly. Fincher said they’re still investigating what led up to the shooting.
“This incident occurred as a result of the disagreement that occurred that evening,” Fincher said. “It was not something that was ongoing or anything, and so there’s no further threat to the community.”
10 news spoke to Roosky’s general manager who said they keep ample security measures in place, including three security guards at the doors who make sure no one brings a weapon inside, but he says they just can’t control what happens outside of the bar.
Meanwhile, community members upset to hear the news and calling for more mental health resources in the area.
“It’s incredibly sad and misfortunate,” Martinsville resident Chelzie Reeves said. “When it comes to gun violence or just any type of activity, criminal activity, it sparks from somewhere. So, what’s happening before this even happened is the issue.”
While police have a suspect in custody, they still need the public’s help.
Authorities are still searching for witnesses to speak to. If you have any information, contact Martinsville Police. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/29/police-community-react-to-deadly-downtown-martinsville-shooting/ | 2023-04-29T22:50:43 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/04/29/police-community-react-to-deadly-downtown-martinsville-shooting/ |
BANGOR -- A new garden will soon allow a Bangor neighborhood to grow food together.
Bangor non-profit Food and Medicine partnered with the Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center and Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness to build raised-bed gardens on Saturday.
The event is part of a larger project to develop collective gardens throughout the Bangor and Brewer area-- including two that will be built in Coe Park.
Unlike a community garden where residents pay rent for their own spot -- with a collective garden, anyone in the community can take part in the shared space.
"You've got neighbors helping neighbors. We're really excited to be putting together this bed, and it's an investment in the future health of the neighborhood. We're really excited to start growing some crops," said Johnny Sanchez, Food and Medicine volunteer coordinator.
Sanchez says the project is intended to provide sustainable food and friendly connections for low-income communities.
The three groups will hold a festival on June 10 at Coe Park to celebrate the new gardens. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/new-coe-park-garden-to-help-bangor-residents-grow-food-together/article_a24dccf4-e6d2-11ed-ab90-df05453c058f.html | 2023-04-29T22:56:24 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/new-coe-park-garden-to-help-bangor-residents-grow-food-together/article_a24dccf4-e6d2-11ed-ab90-df05453c058f.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Print is not dead, despite society’s best efforts.
Around the world, independent booksellers shelve stories in little shops still.
According to the American Booksellers Association, the group has 2,023 members running 2,561 locations across the country. Eighty-five new bookstores have opened since January, and 207 members are looking at opening new stores.
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These are just independent bookstores that are members of the ABA.
According to the U.S. Census, in 2020 there were 5,733 total bookstores across the country.
Though there may not be as many bookstores as there were 20 years ago, neither digital tech nor Amazon have been able to vanquish the scrappy bookseller. Book lovers continue to haunt the stacks looking for a new hardcover or paperback to love.
“People do read,” said Lauren Zimmerman with Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park. “People love to shop in bookstores and get help from the staff to find out what books to read or find out about new authors.”
Central Florida has a few independent bookstores of its own. Here are some of them.
Writer’s Block Bookstore – Winter Park and Winter Garden
What started in a little house off of Park Avenue in Winter Park is now a full bookstore with two locations in Orange County. Writer’s Block started in 2014, moved into a bigger location a few years later, then opened a second location in downtown Winter Garden in November 2020.
Writer’s Block sells games, puzzles and gifts on top of new books. The store in Winter Park has a coffee bar. But Writer’s Block’s Lauren Zimmerman said books are very much the star.
“It is a special place that is welcoming to all demographics and can be a place where no matter what your beliefs or preferences are, you can find something and be able to talk about the books in a fun environment with so many different people,” Zimmerman said. “It is a place where learning begins and continues through the ages.”
Writer’s Block also hosts author signings, book clubs, story time and other events.
“Before COVID, we averaged over 50 events a year,” Zimmerman said. “We are starting to have events again which is exciting. National bestselling authors come to Central Florida for the release of their books and we host at the store or work with our many partners to find the perfect venue for the event.”
Barrel of Books and Games – Mount Dora
Now celebrating 11 years in business, Barrel of Books and Games in downtown Mount Dora has expanded into a new location — it’s third over the years, and each one gets bigger.
A new and used bookstore, Barrel of Books and Games also sells games, puzzles, comic books and Funko Pops.
“Books have power — I have heard people in my store laughing, crying, reminiscing, storytelling and I’ve even been the spot for two marriage proposals now,” said store owner Crissy Stiles, who also happens to be the mayor of Mount Dora.
Stiles hopes to have more in-store camaraderie in her new store. Currently, Barrel of Books and Games hosts two monthly book clubs, along with book signings. The new space will place host to special events ranging from game nights to adult coloring book nights. Stiles is even thinking about hosting events for singles.
“When I first opened it was just after e-readers came out and bookstores were suffering,” Stiles said. “The excitement for e-readers has worn off and many people have come back to real books. Bookstores will never die. There is something very safe and satisfying about being in an independent bookstore.”
Hello Again Books – Cocoa Village
Imagine opening a business right before a mass shutdown because of a pandemic. Hello Again Books, a new and used bookstore in Cocoa Village that opened March 1, 2020.
As the world shut down, social media and parking lot pickups kept the store going, along with some e-commerce.
Owners MerryBeth and Amy said their store is now thriving, and they say their business is largely in-store, with books and literary gift items like notebooks and cards.
“Since Covid-19 when we opened, maybe reading was necessary to stay sane in a confusing and scary world. Now, with banned books becoming a topic of discussion again, we see more and more book lovers coming in, happy to see these books on our shelves,” MerryBeth said.
They also host all kinds of events, ranging from book clubs and knitting groups to an LGBTQ+ game night and pop-up crafter shops.
“We hope that we may serve as an inclusive and safe space for those who seek one,” MerryBeth said. “We believe that by embracing the creativity of a truly diverse community, we can contribute to making our corner of the world a more welcoming and friendly place.”
Here are a few more bookstores in Central Florida to check out.
- Sunshine Book Co. — Clermont
- A family-run bookstore in a house in Clermont’s historic downtown, Sunshine Book Co. features new books and lifter gifts, along with events like book clubs.
- Maya Books and Music — Sanford
- An eclectic store in downtown Sanford featuring used books of all kinds and a second-floor loft with vinyl albums and other goodies.
- Bright Light Books — Fern Park
- A huge bookstore in Fern Park off State Road 436 featuring new and used books, videos and music, along with a clearance center. Bright Light Books has been around since 1995 and has hundreds of thousands of items for sale.
- All Booked Up — The Villages
- A used bookstore in The Villages, at Colony Plaza.
- A bookstore that specializes in African American literature for all ages, as well as art and other gifts. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/29/hey-book-lovers-heres-where-to-find-independent-bookstores-in-central-florida/ | 2023-04-29T23:10:19 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/29/hey-book-lovers-heres-where-to-find-independent-bookstores-in-central-florida/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Severe weather in Florida put flights on hold Saturday.
A ground stop was issued for Orlando International, Tampa International, Miami International and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Flights leaving these airports have been delayed around at least 45 minutes.
MCO’s ground stop is no longer in place.
Travelers to Orlando’s airport should check with the airport website or their individual airlines for any changes to flights.
Strong storms are expected throughout the Central Florida area Saturday night and into the overnight hours of Sunday.
All of Central Florida is currently under a tornado watch until 10 p.m.
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Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/29/weather-concerns-ground-flights-at-orlando-international-airport/ | 2023-04-29T23:10:25 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/29/weather-concerns-ground-flights-at-orlando-international-airport/ |
BLOOMINGTON — The man shot by a Bloomington police officer on March 30 is now facing charges connected with the incident, according to court documents that also contain previously unreleased details about how the night unfolded.
Alex L. Nunn, 29, was arrested Friday and charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, a Class 2 felony; two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a Class 3 felony; three counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer, a Class 4 felony; and one count of reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony.
Police confirmed the day after the incident that at least one officer had shot the man now identified as Nunn, described at the time as an armed man. Illinois State Police conducted an investigation, as is standard for officer-involved shootings, and turned its findings over to the office of McLean County State's Attorney Erika Reynolds.
On April 12, Reynolds said she had determined the officers were "completely justified" in their use of force. Further, she said police provided aid that helped save the man's life after he was struck by one bullet and incapacitated.
Reynolds said at the time that her office was still evaluating whether charges would be brought against the man, whom she also did not identify at the time.
Both the Bloomington Police Department and Illinois State Police have denied The Pantagraph's requests under the Freedom of Information Act for body camera footage from the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.
Police previously said officers were dispatched at 9:23 p.m. to a report of an armed subject at an address in the 900 block of Turnberry Drive, which is just off of Cottage Avenue near Hovey Avenue. While officers were en route, the call was updated to say shots had been fired outside a building at the complex.
The court documents made available on Saturday provide more detail about what reportedly led up to the call and what happened after police arrived.
Police said witnesses told them Nunn was present with others in an apartment in the complex when he produced a .380-caliber pistol and was asked to leave. He went outside with another individual and fired the gun into the air, the documents said.
The complex is located in "a crowded residential area, and the discharge of the firearm in that manner endangered all of the people in that residential area," police wrote in the arrest statement.
After police were called to the scene, three responding officers confronted Nunn in the hallway of the building. There, officers saw him grab a firearm from his waistband and point it at them, according to the statement.
At this point, the officers exited the building. One fired his gun at Nunn, who remained in the hallway and in possession of his firearm, according to the police account.
Police "gave repeated verbal commands to the defendant to drop the gun, but the defendant refused to do so," according to the documents, which continue with an apparent typo: "The defendant still had the gun in his hand above his hand." A sergeant with the Bloomington Police Department said police would not immediately clarify what wording was intended, but a statement would be released on Monday. Reynolds, reached by phone on Saturday, said the statement was read in court as: “The defendant still had the gun in his hand above his head.”
The statement continued: "The defendant began to lower the firearm again, and an officer discharged his duty weapon, which incapacitated the defendant."
The officers then entered the building and took Nunn outside, provided first aid and got him to paramedics, who took him to a hospital for treatment, according to the statement. In the hallway, they reported finding a .380-caliber handgun, which had a magazine loaded with 9 mm ammunition.
This was the first officer-involved shooting for the Bloomington Police Department since 2013.
The arrest report identifies the involved officers only by their initials, and it was not clear which officer or officers fired a weapon during the incident. Bloomington Police Chief Janal Simington previously said the officers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
He also praised their actions in a statement April 12: "The officers responsibly carried out their duty to resolve the issue with bravery and concern for the lives of others. ... Our mission is public safety, and gun crimes such as these are a high priority, which our officers are highly committed to appropriately address."
Nunn remains in custody of the McLean County Jail. His bond was set at $500,000 with 10% to apply, meaning he would have to pay $50,000 plus court fees to be released. His next court date is set for 9 a.m. May 19. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/suspect-charged-details-released-in-bloomington-police-shooting/article_5e6cd026-e6cc-11ed-9a04-7bdc96f901e1.html | 2023-04-29T23:11:22 | 1 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/suspect-charged-details-released-in-bloomington-police-shooting/article_5e6cd026-e6cc-11ed-9a04-7bdc96f901e1.html |
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)- The Boone Lake Association held its 24th annual Boone Lake Cleanup Day on Saturday. The event consisted of 5 designated locations around the lake, where volunteers spent time picking up trash and debris.
Bill Babik said he has been volunteering for the lake cleanup since it started.
“I’m trying to get as much as possible awareness of what’s going on at the lake,” said Babik. “Because it means a lot I mean, we’ve seen this lake when you couldn’t even swim in it.”
Hundreds of volunteers came out to the Boone Lake Cleanup Day.
“We see a lot of trash in this lake,” said Babik. “When we’re on the water and we also see a lot at our lakeside house.”
Volunteers received a raffle ticket for every bag of trash they collected, organizers said. After trash had been cleared from the lake, volunteers and event coordinators met at Winged Deer Park for music, food and fun.
Gary Williams is one of the event coordinators for the lake cleanup day.
“The idea is to get community participation and have everybody come out, and feel like they’re a part of it,” said Williams. “Even though you may not live on the lake, you can still take part.”
The Boone Lake Cleanup Day occurs every year around the end of April.
“We also see people throwing out their bottles and their cans and they’re floating in the lake,” said Babik. “So If you can get people to think about that, and that will help their awareness of how this is really a nice, beautiful place to enjoy.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-organization-hosts-24th-annual-boone-lake-cleanup-day/ | 2023-04-29T23:18:06 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-organization-hosts-24th-annual-boone-lake-cleanup-day/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A fugitive on federal weapons charges with ties to Johnson City is jailed in Jackson County, N.C. after being arrested on multiple drug charges Saturday morning.
Online records from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office show Sean Christopher Williams, 51, is charged with two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and two counts of trafficking in cocaine.
He also faces one count of possession of a controlled schedule III substance with intent to sell or deliver, one count of possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule II substance, and one count of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place where controlled substances are sold.
Williams is being held under $1 million bond. He was arrested by Western Carolina University police.
Williams’s date of birth is listed as Nov. 8, 1971, the same birthdate, height and eye color as a Sean Christopher Williams Johnson City police were investigating in late 2020 and early 2021 after a woman fell from the fifth-floor window of a downtown apartment he owned.
After Mikayla Evans’s Sept. 19, 2020 fall, police obtained a search warrant for Williams’s apartment at 200 E. Main St., case notes from a months-long investigation by Johnson City Police Department’s Toma Sparks reveal.
“The search warrant was executed and multiple rounds of ammo was seized,” a note from Sparks at 1:10 p.m. Sept. 23 says.
A later note in the six-page file, from Nov. 12, 2020, says that Sparks “spoke with Kat Dahl about getting a federal indictment on Sean Williams for the ammunition found in his Liberty safe.
“All the evidence was put on Kat’s portable hard drive. She said that she would be in contact with me next week.”
Kateri “Kat” Dahl was a federal prosecutor who worked with Johnson City police through an agreement with the Eastern District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney’s office.
Property records show the marshals’ involvement came less than two months after Williams sold three units he owned in the Downtown Towers. That sale, for $800,000, occurred May 27, 2022.
On July 15, 2022 a downtown Johnson City business owner said U.S. Marshals visited his store and left a poster of Sean Williams with the same birthdate and height as the Williams currently in the Jackson County jail.
“Two U.S. Marshals came by this afternoon,” Campbell’s Morrell Music owner David Campbell told News Channel 11.
“He showed me the picture, he said have I seen this guy. I said no, but I know about the situation and know who it is,” Campbell said. “He just said, ‘well if you do (see Williams) just call us, there’s my number.’”
Officers at the Jackson County Jail on weekend duty said they weren’t authorized to speak about when Williams was due to be arraigned on his charges there. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wanted-johnson-city-fugitive-sean-williams-jailed-in-nc/ | 2023-04-29T23:18:12 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wanted-johnson-city-fugitive-sean-williams-jailed-in-nc/ |
Blue skies and high fives welcome runners in return of Awesome 3000
Nearly 2,000 children from kindergarten through high school participated Saturday in the 2023 Awesome 3000 at Bush's Pasture Park in Salem.
The event featured staggered starts by age group from 8:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m., with every participant greeted at the finish line of McCulloch Stadium with a roar of applause, high-fives and a medal.
All proceeds from the fun run, in its 38th year, support local education.
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley organized the event for the first time, resurrecting it after a three-year absence. Capital Community Media, formerly CCTV, broadcast it live for the first time in the history of the event.
Check the CC:Media schedule for multiple replays of the Awesome 3000 on the public access media station's Channel 22. The first replay is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. May 3.
The Statesman Journal will publish results and additional photos Sunday, May 7. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/salem-2023-return-of-awesome-3000-student-fun-run-benefit-education/70151532007/ | 2023-04-29T23:23:43 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/salem-2023-return-of-awesome-3000-student-fun-run-benefit-education/70151532007/ |
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — There was plenty of action in the arena for 10th annual 'Rage in the Cage' competition at Bloomsburg High School.
The robots were built from scratch by students around the area, and they put in months of work to get here.
"It's like a three to four-month process, but this has been iterations over the past few years, slowly improving and figuring out what works and what doesn't," said Max Decker, Bloomsburg High School senior.
"It's not like a kit you buy, and you put together, this is an idea that came out of their head, and they need to make to go against another team," said Kirk Marshall, Bloomsburg High School Technology senior.
21 teams competed, ranging from college students to 11-year-olds like Brayden Rank of Williamsport.
"It's fun to build them, put them together, and play when they break, you're like, 'oh great, they broke,' but you just put it back together, go back in the cage, then you win," said Brayden Rank, Williamsport.
In between matches, teams are putting their science, math, and engineering lessons to work troubleshooting and repairing the robots.
"Honestly, when you are in the classroom, you are learning about building and learn how to assemble the robot, but at these competitions, you understand what it's like to be in the stress of the moment, and you understand putting everything together and fixing everything," said Ben Sohosky, Bloomsburg High School senior.
Competitors say a lot of what goes down in the arena boils down to strategy, helping them advance to the next round.
"A lot of it is avoiding head-to-head collisions and just trying to stay nimble, come around the back, hitting weak spots on your opponent, and just avoiding getting hit," said Decker.
The team with the winning robot goes home with a trophy.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/battle-of-the-robots-in-bloomsburg-columbia-county-high-school-rage-in-the-cage-max-decker-kirk-marshall-brayden-rank/523-15c43547-4c55-4653-9f41-19a21ce9f405 | 2023-04-29T23:25:54 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/columbia-county/battle-of-the-robots-in-bloomsburg-columbia-county-high-school-rage-in-the-cage-max-decker-kirk-marshall-brayden-rank/523-15c43547-4c55-4653-9f41-19a21ce9f405 |
POTTSVILLE, Pa. — An annual festival for all ages and abilities took place in Schuylkill County.
The Stand Out and Shine Festival was held at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, which is an educational service agency.
Dustin's Adventureland also hosted the event.
There were craft vendors, character meet and greets, raffles, and plenty of food.
"I just think it's important when you have agencies serving people with special needs that we work together to bring awareness to different projects and what we all do for the community," said Tonya Hoppel of Adventureland.
The proceeds will go toward building an all-inclusive playground.
There’s a wonderful place that you really should see called The Land of Hatchy Milatchy. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/stand-out-and-shine-festival-held-in-schuylkill-county-dustins-adventureland-pottsville-intermediate-unit-29/523-7aa914d3-2d50-4bdf-893a-e8c956ba786e | 2023-04-29T23:25:58 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/stand-out-and-shine-festival-held-in-schuylkill-county-dustins-adventureland-pottsville-intermediate-unit-29/523-7aa914d3-2d50-4bdf-893a-e8c956ba786e |
NEW INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP — A 31-year-old man from Grand Rapids was killed Saturday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 53 and Minnesota Highway 33 after the semi truck hauling a tanker he was driving overturned on a curve and caught fire.
Xavier Ryan Henson died in the crash, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The 2019 Peterbilt semi was northbound on Highway 33, but Henson was unable to navigate the curve at the Highway 53 junction. The vehicle left the roadway, overturned and caught fire just before 1 p.m. April 29, according to the state's incident report.
The highways were both closed for several hours Saturday afternoon, but had reopened to traffic by 4 p.m., according to the Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Department in a Facebook post.
The fire emitted heavy clouds of black smoke, according to several videos and photos shared by eyewitnesses on social media, including the Grand Lake Fire Department.
The St. Louis County Sheriff, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Alborn Fire Department, 148th Air Guard Fire, Grand Lake Fire Department, Canosia Fire Department, Hermantown Fire Department, and Cloquet Area Fire District responded to the scene.
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No passengers or other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no other injuries were reported. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/grand-rapids-man-dies-in-semi-crash-fire-on-highway-53 | 2023-04-29T23:30:05 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/grand-rapids-man-dies-in-semi-crash-fire-on-highway-53 |
Late son of former Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest inducted into Carlsbad Hall of Fame
The late son of former Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest was remembered as an inspiration to those with special needs and to the greater Carlsbad community as he was inducted into the Carlsbad Hall of Fame on Saturday. Gary Forrest died Oct. 12, 2022. In the hall of fame, he joins his parents, Bob and Barbara Forrest, who were inducted in 2018.
Bob Forrest said his late son was born in 1963 with Down syndrome and was the driving force behind CARC Inc., formed 50 years ago to provide services for children and adults with special needs.
Related:Gary Forrest to join Carlsbad Hall of Fame exhibit
“It’s a great day for Carlsbad and a great day for the Forrest family. We started the (CARC) Farm 50 years ago today. I’m just as enthused as I ever was, and the town has been so great about making it successful,” Bob Forrest said.
He said CARC Inc. served as a role model for the rest of New Mexico in meeting the needs of special needs residents.
If it hadn’t been for Gary, CARC would never have happened, said Mark Schinnerer, chief executive officer of CARC Inc.
“We’ve had a lot of lives come (to CARC) and touched by Gary,” he added.
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said Garry Forrest worked at CARC Inc. and CNB Bank.
“Gary was an employer’s dream. He always wanted to work,” said Kirsten St. John of CNB Bank.
CARC’s operations have expanded over the past 36 years with the purchase of Washington Ranch, a satellite operation for residents and work operations for CARC Inc., according to the organization’s website.
More:Bob and Barbara Forrest inducted into Hall of Fame
Washington Ranch is located nearly 33 miles southwest of Carlsbad.
“The community has been very supportive, and we’ve had a lot of great people that have given and supported this farm for the past 50 years. It’s just a hard time to keep something going this long and being successful as we have been,” Bob Forrest said.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
“If | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/gary-forrest-inducted-into-carlsbad-hall-of-fame-bob-forrest-carc-special-needs-people/70156081007/ | 2023-04-29T23:31:30 | 1 | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/gary-forrest-inducted-into-carlsbad-hall-of-fame-bob-forrest-carc-special-needs-people/70156081007/ |
Ocean City High School girls lacrosse coach Lesley Graham's motto is her Red Raiders either win or learn, and Saturday was one of those learning games.
Delainey Sutley scored three goals and had an assist in Ocean City's 10-9 loss to Delaware power Cape Henlopen in a nonconference game at Carey Stadium. The Red Raiders (6-4), who are No. 9 in The Press Elite 11, trailed 6-3 at halftime.
Ocean City's Kelsea Cooke and Katie Pierce each scored once and added an assist. Madison Wenner added six draw controls and scored once. Breanna Fabi, Gracie Pierce, Brynn Culmone each scored once. Sutley added two draw controls. Freshman Aliza Otton made 14 saves.
"We learned a lot and have a lot of things we can now take forward into this week to get better for our next game," said Graham. "If we had five more minutes, maybe the game would be different. Who knows?"
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Cape Henlopen (9-1) has won 13 consecutive Delaware titles. The Vikings have not lost to a school from Delaware since 2009, a streak of 165 games. The Vikings' only loss this spring was against Severna Park in Maryland.
Last season, Ocean City lost 16-8 to Cape Henlopen in Delaware.
"They are the dominant team in (Delaware)," Graham said.
"In my mind, it's not that you compare teams every year," the coach said about playing a closer game with Cape Henlopen this spring. "But to know we're hanging with a top-level team, we are there. We just have to put all the pieces together."
Ocean City is undefeated against Cape-Atlantic League opponents. The Raiders lost to Haddonfield (ranked third in the Elite 11), Moorestown (the top-ranked team) and Cherokee (ranked sixth). The loss to Haddonfield was by one goal, and the loss to Cherokee was a two-goal game.
Last season, Ocean City won the inaugural CAL Tournament.
"We really try to bolster our nonconference schedule with teams that are going to challenge us," Graham said. "Did we wish we won some of them? Of course. We want to win our hard, nonconference games. But they are helping prepare us for postseason play. We are now ready to be in the back-half of conference play. We're taking what we learned from our wins and our losses and moving forward with it."
One area that needs improving is playing a complete 50-minute game, Graham said. The coach said the team is playing a solid 35 to 42 minutes but sometimes starts out slowly, as happened Saturday.
The Red Raiders were more aggressive in the second half.
"Whatever it may be, there is this little chunk of time that hurts us," she said. "We need to be able to capitalize on the momentum we have and keep it. And then if momentum isn't on our side, we cannot compound it with a mistake or two and get it back in our favor."
Ocean City standout goalie Presley Green tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the Red Raiders' opening scrimmage. Last season, Green made 111 saves and allowed five or fewer goals in 11 of 20 games. She was a first-team Press All-Star. Otton and senior defender Ellie Kutschera have stepped up. Each have played seven games, and Otton started Saturday.
'We have really been fortunate. The two of them together have done a great job for us," said Graham, who added Otton played "lights out (Saturday). Against a very good team from Delaware, she stood on her head back there.
"Our defense had really great defensive stands. We created some really great caused turnover opportunities. We just came up one short on the offensive side of the ball."
The CAL Tournament is set to begin in mid-May. Last season, only four teams made the tournament. This spring, three teams from each division will qualify with the top two division winners earning byes.
Holy Spirit (7-1), Our Lady of Mercy Academy (8-2) and Mainland Regional (6-4) are other top teams in the conference. Ocean City defeated the Mustangs 18-7 on April 20 and Holy Spirit 19-11 on April 24.
"We try to just take it one game at a time, one practice at a time," Graham said. "We try not to get ahead of ourselves because you never know on any given day, any given team can win. We are just focused on being the best team we can be, more so than who we are facing." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/no-9-ocean-city-loses-10-9-to-perennial-delaware-state-champion-cape-henlopen/article_f4372982-e6ca-11ed-8a41-c741e2c88ce1.html | 2023-04-29T23:34:06 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/no-9-ocean-city-loses-10-9-to-perennial-delaware-state-champion-cape-henlopen/article_f4372982-e6ca-11ed-8a41-c741e2c88ce1.html |
DOVER, Del. — Ryan Truex joked that he held his breath in nervous anticipation during the last 30 laps of a race he had dominated from start.
He worried when the caution flag might come out, when there would be a flat tire, a wreck, anything that could derail a 13-year wait for a NASCAR victory.
Nothing could deny Truex at the Monster Mile.
Getting choked up as he approached the checkered flag, Truex won for the first time in 188 career NASCAR starts across all three national series in the Xfinity Series race Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway.
"People that know me, know that I'm not an emotional guy," Truex said. "It took me a minute before I could key up and say anything because I couldn't really talk. It has been such a long road and a lot of self-doubt along the way and wondering if it is ever going to happen, am I good enough to do this?"
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The 31-year-old younger brother of former NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. — they grew up in Mayetta, Stafford Township — sure was good enough on the concrete-mile track. He swept the first two stages and cruised down the stretch, leading 124 of the 200 laps to win by 4.82 seconds.
"This is for everyone that doubted me," Truex said. "I belong here. I just proved that."
Truex is winless in 26 Cup starts (none since 2014), is 0 for 73 in the Truck Series and hadn't won in 88 previous races in the second-tier Xfinity Series. He did have a second and a third among his four previous starts this season in the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
"Most people didn't believe in me and I still did," said Truex. "Just so thankful to be here. Just amazing. I was just waiting for something to happen. I was praying, please God, let me get to the end of this."
Once he did, big brother was waiting for him. Martin Truex Jr. stuck his head in Ryan's window and offered congratulations before he parked it in victory lane.
"It's been a long road. Honestly, I'm on cloud 9," Ryan Truex said. "The weight off my shoulders is unexplainable. To dominate in a car that good, oh, my God, it's just amazing."
Truex, who finished a season-worst 17th last Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, shares the No. 19 and has only one more scheduled Xfinity start this season.
Truex made his first NASCAR start as a teenager in the second-tier series in 2010.
"It is so easy to doubt yourself and be down on yourself, but you just keep digging, keep pushing through. Jjust a huge relief to get the white flag," he said.
Josh Berry, who will start Sunday in the Cup series for the injured Alex Bowman, finished second. Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill and John Hunter Nemechek complete the top five. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/ryan-truex-dominates-dover-for-1st-career-nascar-victory/article_895f7022-e6db-11ed-a489-3bcb4490ad91.html | 2023-04-29T23:34:12 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/ryan-truex-dominates-dover-for-1st-career-nascar-victory/article_895f7022-e6db-11ed-a489-3bcb4490ad91.html |
DALLAS — Jack (Itzhak) Belzacki Bell, a Holocaust survivor and a past chair of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, died Thursday at 79.
Born on Feb. 26, 1944, during World War II, Bell was the youngest member of Dallas' Holocaust survivor community. He was born in a work camp on the Polish-German border.
After he and his parents were liberated, they settled in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. where his younger twin brothers were born while his parents waited on paper work to immigrate to the U.S.
Bell's family came to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1949 and immediately moved to Dallas. They initially lived in a boarding house near Fair Park on Second Avenue managed by a man named Jack, which is where Bell adopted the name as his own when he became a U.S. citizen.
Frank and Lola Bell became tuxedo rental shop business owners and the family flourished. Jack Bell went to Hillcrest High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin and Tyler Junior College before graduating from what is now the University of North Texas.
Jack Bell spent 25 years as a banker at Republic National Bank and another two decades as an investment banker and stockbroker at Merrill Lynch, along with being involved in the Dallas Jewish community, serving on the board of Jewish Family Service and the Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood.
Bell is the fourth local Holocaust survivor to die in the past two months. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/holocaust-survivor-former-dallas-holocaust-human-rights-museum-board-directors-chair-jack-belzacki-bell-dies-79/287-c819302e-88cb-49f8-8a95-4f7a9665742c | 2023-04-29T23:42:47 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/holocaust-survivor-former-dallas-holocaust-human-rights-museum-board-directors-chair-jack-belzacki-bell-dies-79/287-c819302e-88cb-49f8-8a95-4f7a9665742c |
Tucson will embark on a major study of whether it makes sense to boost renewable energy use by forming a city-run electric utility or by starting a program allowing the city to buy and sell solar and wind energy to residents.
Those are the highest-profile options to be looked at once the city hires a consultant to conduct the study starting this summer.
"I'd envision it will look at various ways we can decarbonize our energy source," to reduce the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, said Deputy City Manager Tim Thomure.
But creating a public utility would require the city to buy all the power lines, poles and other infrastructure Tucson Electric Power uses to deliver electricity to homes and businesses here — at a very high price.
"It makes no sense for the city to form a public power utility," said Shelly Gordon, president of Arizonans for Community Choice, which supports the formation of programs that let the city buy energy supplies of its choosing. "They can do the same thing for less money with community choice (programs)."
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Thomure described forming a municipal electric utility as a "very heavy lift," but added, "so is fighting climate change a very heavy lift."
"Financially it would be expensive. Would there be value from doing that lift? Is that the best investment for anybody’s resources? It is a big community question," Thomure said.
"If we’re going to do a comprehensive energy sources study, it is imperative to look at all potentially viable options, to provide the mayor and council with the best information to make a decision," he said.
Under community choice or community aggregation programs, as they are known in various states, the city could buy energy from sources of its choosing to deliver to customers. Its backers say it would bring competition to what they now regard as a monopoly utility that controls Tucson's energy sources.
"Under the current structure of monopoly utilities, customers have no other option. This model has been around 150 years. We are trying to change that," Gordon said.
Advocates say community choice would put a lid on electric rates and bills, if not lower them. Unlike a private utility, a community choice program doesn't have to earn profits to satisfy shareholders. While such programs exist in 10 other states including California, they're not allowed here, meaning the Legislature or the Arizona Corporation Commission would have to legalize them.
"Giving customers and citizens a voice and a choice in their utility services is important," Thomure said. "On the surface, I think it’s a great thing to pursue. We don’t yet know the practicalities of it."
TEP: Electric bills would go up
Both public utility and community choice options draw skepticism from Tucson Electric Power officials, and, in the case of a public utility, outright opposition.
The cost of buying TEP's system would overwhelm the city's finances, limiting Tucson's ability to deliver other services, while also restricting other investments in reliable service and clean energy, TEP spokesman Joe Barrios said.
Utility officials are also concerned their customers who didn't join a community choice program would be stuck with higher electric bills because the utility would then have to spread its expenses over a smaller customer base. Advocates on the other side, though, say the problem could be eased by paying private utilities "exit fees" to compensate for financial losses utilities suffer from losing customers to community choice programs.
Barrios, however, said utility officials anticipate that setting fees high enough to maintain service reliability for program participants would mean community choice participants likely would pay higher electricity rates than other customers, "as TEP can contract for renewable energy at costs lower than community choice programs due to economies of scale."
Disagreeing is Russell Lowes, a longtime, Tucson-based solar energy advocate. He said he's done computer modeling that showed exit fees set at the rate he's typically seen nationwide would make electricity rates 22% lower than TEP's. Double the fee, and ratepayers would still save 10%, he said.
TEP has committed "to working in good faith with City of Tucson staff toward an energy supply agreement that would provide up to 100 percent clean energy for city operations," TEP President and CEO Susan Gray wrote in January to Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "Such an agreement would signify the city’s commitment to combat climate change and serve as a significant landmark in our journey toward a cleaner energy supply for our entire community."
While city government operations consume a very small percentage of Tucson's electricity, TEP agreed in its 2020 resource plan to stop using coal burning for electricity by 2032 and to get 70% of its supply from renewables by 2035. It's now working on an update to this plan to meet a state requirement.
In 2022, TEP got about 61% of its energy from the fossil fuels of coal and natural gas, compared to almost 20% from utility-generated wind and solar power. Adding solar energy produced on the rooftops of homes and businesses brings the total renewable supply to 26.5% of total Tucson-area energy use, with other sources comprising the balance.
Three energy economics experts interviewed by the Arizona Daily Star described TEP's 2035 goal of 70% renewables as ambitious or very ambitious. One, Loyola University of Chicago professor Gilbert Michaud, noted the most aggressive renewable energy goals pushed by utilities nationwide typically reach their maximum renewable percentage, sometimes up to 100%, by dates such as 2050.
"It's a commendable goal. It's also incredibly aggressive. I have concerns as to whether it’s achievable," said Michaud, an assistant environmental policy professor, of TEP's 70% goal.
Many environmentalists in Tucson, across Arizona and elsewhere, however, say the 70% renewables goal by 2035 isn't ambitious enough. The International Panel on Climate Change has said the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 43% by 2030 and reach "net zero" emissions by 2050. Limiting global warming will involve "substantial reductions in fossil fuel use, widespread electrification, improved energy efficiency and use of alternative fuels," the IPCC said last year, without offering specific targets.
The new study is among the first steps Tucson is taking to try to carry out its Climate Action Plan, which the City Council adopted last month. The plan’s goal is to make the city “carbon neutral” by 2045 and have all city facilities achieve that status by 2030. Carbon neutrality would mean no more heat-trapping carbon dioxide gases would be released into the air here than are captured by trees and other means within the city.
The study, whose cost isn't yet known, is being launched due to input from residents "about the importance of having reforms in our energy sourcing to drive climate action," Thomure said. "It's to give community members options."
The study will also examine the merits of individual power purchase agreements, in which the city would buy power from other sources besides TEP to serve its government operations.
It will also investigate the potential for microgrids, in which the city would provide smaller scale alternative energy supplies, "to anything from a building to a few blocks — it could be a neighborhood or an HOA (Home Owners Association)," Thomure said.
Voters' making a choice
The study's launch comes as Tucson voters prepare to vote by May 16 on Proposition 412, which would extend for 25 years TEP's franchise with Tucson to operate infrastructure within city limits after its current franchise expires in 2026. If the proposition passes, TEP customers will pay an additional fee amounting to a dollar or two extra a month on their water bills.
About 90% of the $5 million raised annually by the fee would be used to build future power lines underground, while the rest of the fee would raise about $500,000 annually to pay for various climate change mitigation programs.
While TEP and most City Council members say Proposition 412's approval would support TEP service reliability and energy "resilience," opponents say the amount of money that would be allocated to climate mitigation is grossly inadequate. They hope a defeat of the franchise extension would prod TEP to the table to negotiate more money for climate action.
The Tucson climate action plan had recommended the study be done before the city decided whether to extend its franchise agreement. But now, regardless of how the vote turns out, the city can still move toward either a utility formation or a community choice plan if the study finds them feasible, Thomure said.
'Definitely an uphill battle'
Nationally, "a few thousand" public power utilities exist in the United States, operating in every state but Hawaii, said Ursula Schryver, a vice president of the American Public Power Association.
While Los Angeles, Seattle and San Antonio have public power utilities, "the vast majority" operate in smaller communities, said Schryver.
About 80% serve communities of no more than 10,000 people, while 60% serve communities no larger than 5,000 people. TEP served more than 433,000 customers here as of 2021.
Schryver's group is an advocacy organization claiming to represent public power before the federal government "to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 96,000 people they employ."
Creating a public power utility "is definitely an uphill battle. The investor-owned utility will likely fight it," she said.
But new such utilities continue to be created — 18 in the past 20 years, she said. Today, a number of cities are looking at it and the association is contacted annually by dozens of organizations wanting to set up such a utility.
One reason is that a number of high-profile cases of municipalization efforts, most notably in Boulder, Colorado and in the state of Maine, have encouraged other cities to examine such a scheme, she said.
"Today, a lot of the interest is currently driven by a desire to have more renewable energy, more environmentally friendly options for the community. However, there are all different reasons. Sometimes it’s rates. Sometimes it’s reliability. Economic development is another reason. It's about having the ability to make decisions important to the community and being able to implement programs the community wants.
"The core of public power is local control," Schryver said.
While forming a public utility is definitely feasible, "You have to be committed to working through the process. Some public power utilities are formed in three to five years. Typically, it’s 10 years. Sometimes it’s longer," Schryver said.
Boulder also is the example that community choice activists cite as a pitfall of public power efforts. Voters in that liberal, environmentalist city decided in November 2020 to abandon municipalization efforts after 10 years. The original effort was born of frustration at what many residents say was the slow pace toward renewables of Xcel Energy, their local supplier.
Heavy opposition by Xcel kept the struggle in court for years. Concern about costs was another factor. The city was starting to run out of the $29 million that local taxpayers provided for the fight, and the COVID-19 pandemic at the time made the budget situation shakier, Colorado Public Radio reported in 2020.
"There was a realization that going to the voters asking for more money on an endeavor that really wasn't making a whole lot of progress was probably not in the cards," Bob Yates, Boulder's mayor pro tem at the time, told the radio network.
But as part of abandoning municipalization, Boulder signed an agreement with Xcel to speed its emission reduction pace and saying the city could walk away from the agreement if the company didn't meet its terms.
If Tucson wants to consider public power, it needs to analyze it and decide if it's right for the city, Schryver said. While it may not be the right answer, just going through the process will likely prod the private utility into making more concessions — "that may be enough to get the community what it needs in the long run," she said.
TEP's Barrios said the company can help Tucson achieve its clean energy goals sooner and more cheaply than would a municipal utility.
"We're already building a cleaner, greener grid at an ambitious pace that could not be matched by a resource constrained public utility," Barrios said.
Massachusetts program lauded
Community choice advocates say some states with such programs are showing rapid progress in increasing renewable energy use while simultaneously holding down energy bills.
In Massachusetts, a University of Massachusetts-Amherst study found last month that since the Legislature authorized such programs in 1997, 157 of 351 municipalities statewide had established such programs by 2021. Nineteen more came on board in 2022.
Of those, 60% have achieved renewable energy percentages exceeding the state's minimum standard. Thirty percent of cities with typical community choice programs are already at 100% renewables, the study found.
The study also found that 79% of municipalities with such programs saved customers an average of $93 per year in electric bills, while 35% saved consumers about $271 a year.
These results suggest such programs "contribute to both sustainability (by allowing higher renewable energy levels) and equity (by reducing costs)," the study concluded. "With solar and wind energy prices declining rapidly, and fossil fuel prices becoming more and more volatile," the programs "are emerging as promising cost-effective instruments to support the transition to sustainable energy and climate mitigation efforts."
In California, a 2020 study done at UCLA found 182 cities and counties had joined one of 23 community choice programs. More than 30% of the state’s population has community choice available, up from less than 1% in 2010, said the study by UCLA's Luskin Center for Innovation.
"Since their emergence, Community Choice Aggregation (programs) in California have played an important role in accelerating the state’s transition to zero-carbon electricity," the study said. "The vast majority of CCAs procure more renewable energy than the investor-owned utilities they compete with."
Community choice programs purchased twice as much renewable energy as required by the state from 2011 to 2019, the study said.
Their direct and indirect effects on renewable energy are accelerating progress toward achieving the state’s target for 100% carbon-free energy by 2045, the study said.
Colorado's contrasting experience
But in Colorado, which is considering community choice legislation, a December 2022 study by the state's Public Utilities Commission took a darker view of the practice.
It said that while California has had many success stories and benefits from consumer choice, "there have also been stories of failure and many challenges that California’s regulators have needed to invest significant resources towards addressing."
Noting that no state has a community choice program operating in a regulatory climate like Colorado's, the study said "the opportunities, benefits, risks, and drawbacks of implementing any (Community Choice Energy) model in Colorado can only be described as potential. Undoubtedly, implementing CCE in Colorado would be a dramatic change to the state’s utility regulatory framework and would necessarily create a variety of new challenges and uncertainties when compared to the status quo."
Looking at the potential impacts on availability of energy resources, energy affordability, customer satisfaction and renewable energy production and use, the study found significantly more possible drawbacks and risks than benefits in each category. These findings suggest a cautionary approach may be appropriate in considering legislation to legalize these programs, the study said
"Enabling CCE in Colorado will undoubtedly make electricity regulation in Colorado, which is already complex, more complex and challenging," the study concluded.
Responding, Larry Milosovich, a leader in efforts to set up community choice programs in Colorado, said many of the risks and drawbacks found by the commission report weren't relevant because they're based on California's problems, and many of those downsides will be addressed when Colorado's Legislature draws up its own bill.
Contact Tony Davis at 520-349-0350 or tdavis@tucson.com. Follow Davis on Twitter@tonydavis987. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-to-study-creating-city-run-electric-utility-tep-opposed/article_4bc11e0c-dfcc-11ed-b847-1f96797306ed.html | 2023-04-29T23:59:20 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-to-study-creating-city-run-electric-utility-tep-opposed/article_4bc11e0c-dfcc-11ed-b847-1f96797306ed.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — We're still a few days out, but IMS got some help Saturday kicking off the month of May from the Indiana Historical Society.
Trisha Holmes and Chris Moberg brought their sons Ryder and Sawyer to IHS as they partnered with IMS for a first-of-its-kind kick off to May.
"They love race cars, so just also start introducing them to the history, the race and creating our own history with it, so it's been really fun being here introducing it to them," Holmes said.
The family was joined by dozens of visitors who came to check out the Borg Warner Trophy in person and learn more about the history of the race.
"We just watched a movie on Janet Guthrie and her accomplishments as the first female race driver in the Indianapolis 500," John Schafer said.
Saturday was also about kicking off the Porch Palooza Community contest. They handed out hundreds of porch decorating kits to race fans.
"We're really excited, we had to get down here and get it before they ran out. We have to decorate our condo," said Teresa Fry.
Fry and Jerry Apollos shared about some of the items in the kit.
"Beer buggies, look. And these are these disposables so you can just throw them away. We'll take these to the race," Apollos said.
A unique way to kick off the month of May and get fans ready for Race Day.
"It really all about community building and making sure that you and your neighbors are celebrating the month of May together," Casey Terry with IHS said.
The Indianapolis 500 is May 28 on Channel 13. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-historical-society-kicks-off-may-events-porch-palooza-community/531-d7294737-4d74-4e50-a112-608baadc505d | 2023-04-30T00:02:22 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-historical-society-kicks-off-may-events-porch-palooza-community/531-d7294737-4d74-4e50-a112-608baadc505d |
First look inside new MPEC hotel
Get a brief look inside the progress of the new Delta Hotel by Marriot in Wichita Falls.
The one of the newest hotels in Wichita Falls offered hard-hat tour recently to see its progress.
Projected to open in August of this year, the Delta by Marriott hotel is nearing completion.
The hotel provides several unique selling points such as 200 guest rooms, a 40,000-square foot event space adjacent to the MPEC and Kay Yeager Coliseum, a full-service restaurant and indoor fitness center.
The Delta Hotel by Marriott will be managed by O'Reilly Hospitality; a firm that specializes in bringing the most unique, and modern hotels, commercial properties and restaurants to the nation.
O'Reilly Hospitality was founded back in 2007 by Tim O'Reilly and currently has 35 existing sites that continue to operate with modern guest experiences, sustainability and green practices; the roof of the event space will be covered in solar panels.
The hotel will be pet-friendly, offer a bar and lounge, full catering services, and a grab-and-go café with Starbucks. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/get-a-glimpse-inside-the-future-delta-hotel-by-marriott-at-mpec/70163517007/ | 2023-04-30T00:12:56 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/get-a-glimpse-inside-the-future-delta-hotel-by-marriott-at-mpec/70163517007/ |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Wearing dog tag necklaces, holding rubber grenades and shooting water from fire hoses aren't everyday activities for most children.
On April 29, Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo hosted its "Operation Kids" 2023 event, where participants could experience an imitation deployment process with all of the above and more.
This free event separated children into four different groups -eagles, wolves, cobras and sharks- as they took deployment orders, rode busses, learned how to kick in doors, etc. for a one-day only experience.
Senior master sergeant Crystal Doepkner brought her seven-year-old son to get a firsthand look at her life in the service.
"We wanted to show him kind of like what me and his dad -his dad's also in the military- what we do whenever we deploy," she said. "So maybe when we deploy in the future, he understands kind of what we go through."
Doepkner moved to San Angelo last year after previously living on a base in Omaha, Nebraska. This was her first time participating in the event, which has been happening for the past thirteen years now.
Another master sergeant, Candace Bowen, was one of the coordinators of Saturday's event.
Despite the busy schedule, Bowen was able to speak with families directly to better understand what this experience meant to them.
For parents like Doepkner, it was better than anything she could have expected.
"I think it's amazing. I mean, he's [Doepkner's son] having a great time and I think that knowledge is power so it helps go through those maybe future moments where me and his dad might deploy or have to be gone for a long period of time so that he knows what we're going through and might feel a little bit safer or secure knowing what we do," she said.
The event ended with a "welcome home" ceremony, where children ran off of school busses to greet their parents with waving American flags.
Participants then received coins and medals for to commemorate the day while an aircraft formation flew overhead.
Goodfellow Air Force Base hopes to continue this event as a way to help children become less afraid and more educated on deployment and the military as a whole. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/goodfellow-air-force-base-hosts-operation-kids-2023-event/504-41403571-66ee-45d7-a92e-794862962d28 | 2023-04-30T00:19:30 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/goodfellow-air-force-base-hosts-operation-kids-2023-event/504-41403571-66ee-45d7-a92e-794862962d28 |
BOISE, Idaho — A man suspected of shooting a person in Boise on Saturday morning was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his residence near West State Street, according to the Boise Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of shots fired around 6:11 a.m. Saturday near 13th Street and State Street. A man was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
It appears the shooting happened after the suspect and victim, who knew each other, got into a verbal altercation outside of a residence on State Street. Boise Police said the injured victim went to the business for help.
Meanwhile, the suspect went inside his home on 13th and State streets, where a multi-hour standoff occurred with Boise Police.
According to Saturday's update, officers heard a gunshot inside the residence during their response. As previously reported, police attempted to make contact with the suspect, but he "refused commands to come out." The Boise Police Special Operations Unit and Crisis Negotiation Team also responded and attempted to contact the suspect.
The efforts were unsuccessful, forcing the Special Operations Unit to enter the home. Boise Police said the suspect was found dead in the home Saturday afternoon.
During the standoff, West State Street was blocked off between 12th and 15th streets. The three-block stretch of has since reopened.
Boise Police were diverting traffic and asking drivers to avoid the area. Fanci Freez and DK Donuts were both blocked off, but are now accessible.
The Ada County Coroner will identify the suspect who was found dead Saturday, pending next of kin. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/suspect-in-boise-shooting-found-dead-inside-state-street-home/article_35e280b8-e6dd-11ed-a14e-87a38f79b872.html | 2023-04-30T00:19:47 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/suspect-in-boise-shooting-found-dead-inside-state-street-home/article_35e280b8-e6dd-11ed-a14e-87a38f79b872.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Over 40 agencies Saturday came to City Walk for One Heart in the Park, sending a message to those impacted by violence that they’re not alone.
“What people fail to realize who is holding the gun — you’re not just hurting who you’re targeting, but you’re also hurting your loved ones, your kids, your mother, your father when you leave,” Roselyn Johnson said.
Johnson lost her son to gun violence in 2020. She is one of over 40 mothers apart of a support group called “What About Us.”
The organization was one of the agencies at the event supporting parents who have had their child die because of gun violence.
“We’re a support group that helps communicate and heals,” founder Sheree Kennon said. “We have group sessions with the mothers we participate and have outdoor activities as a family as a whole. It’s a support group. We want to show love and honor our kids.”
Other agencies American Legion and H.O.P.E also provided resources. Organizer Wanda Miller says she hopes people take away that there are people who care.
“In order for us to solve problems, we have to come together as one,” Miller said. “This is a proof positive that we can do that and that we can come out and support each other.”
If you have any information regarding a crime, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/people-gather-in-birmingham-to-send-message-to-those-impacted-by-gun-violence/ | 2023-04-30T00:19:52 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/people-gather-in-birmingham-to-send-message-to-those-impacted-by-gun-violence/ |
LEESBURG, Fla. – Thousands of bikers are in Leesburg for the annual Bikefest, and so far severe weather is not slowing these visitors down.
Tens of thousands of people were expected for the three-day Bikefest, the first year since the height of the pandemic for the event to take place over three days. Bikefest started Friday.
On top of bike shows and vendors, dozens of concerts are taking place throughout the three days on outdoor stages. Major performers include Buckcherry, Warrant and Whey Jennings.
After the last few days of storms that hit parts of Central Florida, including in Lake County, Bikefest organizers say they are definitely keeping a close eye on the weather.
“I can’t remember that we’ve had, like, a tornado watch or anything like this before,” said Joanie Staley, executive director with Leesburg Partnership. “But you know, we’ve weathered through it, we’ve had some crazy weather this week. It is Florida. We can be 5 minutes here it’s raining like crazy and then the next minute, it’s beautiful out, so we’re gonna keep going.”
If you’re heading to Bikefest this weekend and want to stay weather aware, you can download the News 6 PinPoint weather app in the app store.
For a complete guide to events, plus road closure information, head to the Leesburg Bikefest website.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/30/bikers-brave-weather-for-3-day-leesburg-bikefest/ | 2023-04-30T00:41:45 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/30/bikers-brave-weather-for-3-day-leesburg-bikefest/ |
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Kingsport Farmers Market celebrated its 2023 season-opening day on Saturday with free carousel rides and live music.
“We’re glad to welcome folks back to our market this season,” said Kristie Leonard, market manager and Special Events Coordinator for Kingsport. “We’ve got a full day of activities and events on opening day and plenty of returning programs for the rest of the 2023 season.”
Programs returning this year include Market Jams (monthly live music), a chef series on Saturdays, Tomato Fest and the annual Fall Festival.
“We’ve had a lot of great vendors, a lot of new faces, a lot of returning faces, the weather was perfect and we’ve just had a really great day,” Leonard told News Channel 11.
Organizers said they saw hundreds of visitors at Saturday’s season-opening day and that the market is a vital facet to Kingsport because it supports local farmers and craft vendors, and provides the general public with truly local grocery and retail options.
“They [farmers markets] provide a sense of community,” she said. “You’re supporting your neighbors, you’re buying local, and you’re assimilating your local economy. So it’s a win-win.”
The farmers market, located on Clinchfield Street in downtown Kingsport, is regularly open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November, and Wednesdays (starting May 3) at the same time through September. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-farmers-market-kicks-off-2023-season-2/ | 2023-04-30T00:50:22 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/kingsport-farmers-market-kicks-off-2023-season-2/ |
BLOOMINGTON — A man has been arrested after a crash early Friday morning on West Market Street near the intersection with the northbound off ramp for Interstate 55.
Timothy P. Corteville, 42, was charged with one count of aggravated DUI fifth offense, a Class 1 felony; and obstruction of justice, a Class 4 felony. His city of residence was unavailable Saturday.
According to court documents, Corteville, who has four prior DUI convictions and whose driver's license was revoked because of a DUI, crashed into a vehicle shortly before 1 a.m. on westbound West Market Street after the vehicle had stopped to render aid to a separate, stalled vehicle.
When officers arrived, Corteville refused to say where he was coming from and where he was going, documents said.
Police said he had trouble balancing, smelled strongly of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes.
Corteville refused to provide blood or urine samples even upon being served a search warrant.
Corteville's bond was set at $100,000 with 10% to apply, meaning he would have to pay $10,000 plus court fees to be released from the McLean County Jail.
His next court date in this matter is 9 a.m. May 19.
Photos: Police respond to Turnberry Drive shooting | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-after-dui-crash-in-bloomington/article_f4f8fd58-e6d1-11ed-8027-e306beafc99d.html | 2023-04-30T00:51:27 | 1 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-after-dui-crash-in-bloomington/article_f4f8fd58-e6d1-11ed-8027-e306beafc99d.html |
TWIN FALLS — Members of the elite U.S. Army parachuting team Golden Knights tried out the Perrine Bridge last week.
They gave a thumbs-up for BASE jumping.
But they weren't on their own. On their first official training for the newly formed Golden Knights Extreme, they reached out to accomplished BASE jumper Sean Chuma for help in learning the finer aspects of the sport.
Golden Knights Extreme — GKX for short — is a small part of the Golden Knights, created last year to give added appeal to crowds, especially younger audiences.
Its members are the creative experts responsible for keeping the Golden Knights on the cutting edge of skydiving.
The skydiving teams help with recruiting efforts, and serve as a way to “connect Americans with America’s Army,” said Megan Hackett, Golden Knights media information specialist.
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And although GKX members are relatively new to BASE jumping, they have thousands of skydiving jumps between them.
“BASE jumping is a part of the parachuting world that we feel we can be a part of,” GPX team leader Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Lopez said.
And Chuma, a BASE-jumping fixture in Twin Falls who has logged more than 7,000 jumps, was thrilled to help.
“It’s been a huge honor to work with these guys,” Chuma said. “I’ve been a big fan ever since I was 14 or 15 years old.”
The Golden Knights are based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, home of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Training options are being examined as opportunities to BASE jump are more limited in the East, Hackett said.
The team had its first show in October during “Bridge Day,” the one day every year BASE jumping is allowed from the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
One thing for sure, Hackett said, is that this won’t be the only time GPX will visit Twin Falls.
“We’ll be back,” she said.
Idahoans will have a chance too see the Golden Knights in action Aug. 26-27 in Boise, although it hasn't been decided at this time whether GPX will perform.
Team members like to have fun, Hackett said, but when it’s time to get down to business, they do just that.
Safety is a priority and the Perrine Bridge is known as a safe BASE jumping site, Hackett said, although Idaho's winds can make jumping more difficult.
Garner pulled himself off a jump Friday afternoon due to him using a large parachute canopy that wouldn’t be conducive to the day’s windy weather. One thing Chuma taught the team was how to read weather patterns to help determine whether it's safe to jump.
Each jump is a learning experience. After each one, members examined video taken from helmet cams to find ways for improvement.
Being on the Golden Knights has provided excitement in the lives of its members, and team members are on the road a majority of the year as they perform.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Garner, who grew up in Indiana and joined the military 14 years ago, was unacquainted with the Army’s skydiving program at the time, but eventually took the training to become a part of it. He’s been a member of the Golden Knights for more than two years.
Garner gives credit to other members of the military for doing their part to keep the country safe.
Jumping off the Perrine Bridge is “an adrenaline rush, for sure,” he said, but there is a very good chance that there’s an Apache helicopter pilot out there at this moment, having a equal adrenaline rush as well. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/u-s-army-parachute-team-trains-at-perrine-bridge/article_49ef807e-e6c4-11ed-aeee-bfb40296ce3d.html | 2023-04-30T00:54:23 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/u-s-army-parachute-team-trains-at-perrine-bridge/article_49ef807e-e6c4-11ed-aeee-bfb40296ce3d.html |
The Northern Arizona men's tennis team lost a heartbreaker in the Big Sky Conference tournament title match Saturday, falling 4-3 to fifth-seeded Idaho in Phoenix.
The top-seeded Lumberjacks started with a lead at 1-0 with the doubles point victory. Facundo Tumosa and partner Maikel De Boes picked up a 6-4 victory at the No. 1 spot, and Dominik Buzonics and Daniel Dillon pulled out a 7-6 win at the third flight.
Buzonics earned his team's second point with a 6-4, 6-4 victory at the No. 4 singles position.
The Lumberjacks earned their third point of the match with a victory at the fifth court from Alex Groves, as the senior earned a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory.
Northern Arizona ended its season with an overall record of 21-3.
Women's tennis
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The No. 1-seeded Lumberjacks' season ended with a 4-2 loss to No. 2 Weber State in the final round of the Big Sky tourney Saturday in Phoenix.
The Lumberjacks earned the doubles point to go up 1-0. Patrycja Niewiadomska and Laura Duhl took the win on court two with an easy 6-2 victory, while Mimi Bland and Daryna Shoshyna also defeated their opponents 6-2 on court three.
Daryna Shoshyna earned her team's lone singles point, winning 6-4, 6-2 at the No. 4 position.
Ana Karen Guadiana Campos split the first two sets on the second court, but dropped the third set in a drubbing. In total, she fell 6-1, 4-6, 6-0.
Niewiadomska's loss clinched Weber State's win at the third singles position. She fell 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.
Laura Duhl won her first set in a 7-5 and lost the second, 7-6. But her match went unfinished.
The Lumberjacks' record this season was 13-7 overall. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-tennis-teams-topped-in-conference-title-matches/article_5b49a1e8-e6d2-11ed-93b6-2b7d13da0359.html | 2023-04-30T00:54:31 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-tennis-teams-topped-in-conference-title-matches/article_5b49a1e8-e6d2-11ed-93b6-2b7d13da0359.html |
SUPERIOR — The driver of a sport-utility vehicle was pronounced dead after a collision with the rear of a semi-truck in the city of Superior on Saturday afternoon, April 29.
At 1:35 p.m., the driver of a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander, following the semi-truck traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 2 near the intersection with 41st Avenue East, struck the back of the truck, left the roadway, shearing off a light pole; and came to rest in the front yard of a residence.
The driver, a 78-year-old man from Superior, was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained injuries that proved to be fatal, despite life-saving efforts attempted on the scene. The semi-truck driver, a 21-year-old man from Manitoba, Canada, was not injured.
Names of the involved parties have not been released pending the notification of next of kin. The crash is under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and Superior Police Department. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/driver-killed-after-collision-with-semi-truck-in-superior | 2023-04-30T01:01:03 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/driver-killed-after-collision-with-semi-truck-in-superior |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Around 75 people laced up their running shoes for mental health on Saturday morning. It was for the Five Fifty Fifty.
Fifty 5Ks happen in all 50 states for 50 days. It’s put on by the AB KorKor Foundation.
Dr. AB Korkor started the race to break the stigma surrounding mental health, spread awareness, and enforce the importance of exercise.
Each 5K benefits a different mental health organization. The Kansas 5K benefited the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas.
“Our goal really is to ensure that our programs are available at no cost to the public. Our belief is if you need mental health care, you need mental health care, end of story. And your ability to access that care should never be predicated on your financial circumstances,” said Eric Litwiller, Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas director of Donor Advising and Communications.
The non-profit helps around 10,000 Kansans access free mental health care each year. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/5k-race-raises-funds-for-local-mental-health-non-profit/ | 2023-04-30T01:03:48 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/5k-race-raises-funds-for-local-mental-health-non-profit/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Dozens of people headed to OJ Watson Park on Saturday for the first ICT Brunch Fest.
Fifteen vendors served all kinds of sweet and savory bites plus drinks like mimosas and coffee. There was also a live community art piece.
Festive ICT, along with the non-profit Insight 2 Heal, put on the festival.
“It also showcases that Wichita has a cool brunch scene which is one of the reasons that we did it ’cause we want to show people that Wichita is just as cool as any other city,” Nnanna Okpara, Festive ICT owner, said.
“A portion of the proceeds do go to Insight 2 Heal to continue to help fund and spread awareness of mindfulness, movement, and self-care practices,” Naquela Pack, Insight 2 Heal founder, said.
Attendees got to vote for their two favorite bites.
Winners received a 1st and 2nd place People’s Choice trophy. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-gather-for-first-ict-brunch-fest/ | 2023-04-30T01:03:54 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-gather-for-first-ict-brunch-fest/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Saturday, the Medical Loan Closet held its spring fundraiser to help provide medical equipment to those in need.
A hot dog-eating competition, vinyl record swap, and yard sale helped the non-profit raise funds.
For 15 years, Medical Loan Closet has helped to provide all kinds of medical equipment to the medically underserved.
“They cannot get what they need. They have to make a decision whether they eat dinner or get a wheelchair. So we help bridge that gap, so if you need a wheelchair, we will help you,” Andrew Brenner, executive director, said.
The organization is entirely volunteer-based and has fall and winter fundraisers. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/medical-loan-closet-raises-funds-to-help-those-needing-medical-equipment/ | 2023-04-30T01:04:00 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/medical-loan-closet-raises-funds-to-help-those-needing-medical-equipment/ |
SAN ANTONIO — Fentanyl test strips provide an affordable way to detect the presence of fentanyl in multiple kinds of drugs. While taking non-prescribed or illegal drugs already carries significant risks, the test strips would allow people to find out what is truly in that drug and avoid a lethal dose of fentanyl.
The CDC endorses the use of these strips. Still, if you live in Texas, there is one significant drawback.
In Texas, fentanyl test strips are technically illegal drug paraphernalia.
HB 362 would make fentanyl test strips, and other equipment to detect fentanyl, not illegal. The bill passed the Texas House of Representatives with a 143-2 vote on April 11.
The bill then went to the Senate's Committee on Criminal Justice the next day and it's been sitting there ever since despite apparent support from the committee chairman. Meanwhile there are 30 days left in the Texas legislative session.
Nonprofit Texas Harm Reduction Alliance held a protest to try and get the bill moving Thursday and crowded into the office of Senator Joan Huffman to ask why the bill had not been taken up.
"What is her position on the fentanyl testing proposals that are sitting idle right now as thousands of people are dying in this state?" one protestor asked in a video posted on Twitter.
Protestors left disappointed. Huffman was not in and nonprofit organizer JJ Ramirez said they did not get an answer. Now the nonprofit is asking other to reach out to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.
"Call anybody on the committee, the chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, and just pressure them to get it put on. That's where it is being hung up and we don't understand why," Ramirez said.
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice next meets on Tuesday, March 2. Ramirez hopes it will at least be brought up and debated so they can have their voices heard.
"It's just the most basic tool to be able to safe a life. Just being able to take this strip, put it in a substance, and see if fentanyl is in that or not," Ramirez said. "We strongly believe that this tool can save lots and lots of lives." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bill-fentanyl-test-strips-texas/273-40e64bc6-7a5b-48f3-9600-3430ae90eaac | 2023-04-30T01:04:01 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/bill-fentanyl-test-strips-texas/273-40e64bc6-7a5b-48f3-9600-3430ae90eaac |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Saturday’s Wichita Wind Surge game had different kinds of fans join the regular crowd. People got to bring their dogs to the ballpark for Bark in the Park.
“It’s one of these nice times that you can hang out with your dog away from home instead of always walking them in the same spot,” one dog owner said. “You get to take them to the ball game, and they get to learn baseball with you.”
“It’s a good way for all the dogs to get out and play with each other and meet new dogs and stuff,” another fan said.
Bark in the Park tickets cost $8 for Berm seating with access to Section 21. In addition, dog owners had to fill out a waiver form and bring their dog’s vaccination records.
The Bark in the Park event appeared to be a success. Some Wind Surge fans hope there will be more in the future.
To see how the Wind Surge did at the game, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wind-surge-game-had-regular-dogs-along-with-hot-dogs/ | 2023-04-30T01:04:06 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wind-surge-game-had-regular-dogs-along-with-hot-dogs/ |
A bill moving through the Texas Legislature aims to close the gap between the time a child is missing and when an Amber Alert can be issued.
House Bill 3556, sponsored by Texas Rep. Lynn Stucky, R-Sanger, would allow the head of local law enforcement to issue a localized alert when a child is missing without confirmation of an abduction. That is the high threshold requirement needed to issue an Amber Alert.
Dubbed an “Athena Alert”, the bill unanimously passed the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. It was named after Athena Strand, the 7-year-old girl who vanished from her Paradise home in Nov. 2022 and found dead two days later.
A Wise County grand jury charged Tanner Horner, a package delivery who delivered packages to Strand’s home the day she disappeared, with kidnapping and murder. According to police, Horner confessed that he accidentally hit the girl with his truck and panicked when she said she would tell her dad. Horner said he killed the girl with his bare hands and then dumped her body.
Strand’s mother Maitlyn Gandy testified before the Texas House committee this week and recalled asking for an Amber Alert to be issued as soon as she found out her daughter was missing.
“Unfortunately, I kept getting met with the same response that she, in her case, did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert to be issued,” Gandy said. “I don’t want someone to feel how I feel. I don’t want a mother to have to carry home an urn with her children’s ashes. I don’t want to watch another grandparent mourn the way my dad did.”
The legislation, if passed, would allow law enforcement to activate an alert in a localized area within a 100-mile radius and neighboring counties shortly after a child goes missing. Benson Varghese, Gandy’s attorney, also testified in Austin this week.
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Issuing the ‘Athena alert’ would be up to the discretion of law enforcement officials, Varghese said.
“There’s a reason the threshold is so high for an Amber Alert. It’s because it is a statewide notification that could even go to multiple states,” he said. “Now having this tool that allows law enforcement to get the word out would be really helpful, particularly in rural areas. In an urban environment, you’ve got lots of media coverage but the farther out you, the less coverage you might have. Less systems you’ll have in place to get a word out like this.”
With the bill passing the committee without objection, supporters of the bill are hoping it will be fast-tracked for a House vote. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bill-named-after-athena-strand-would-change-how-missing-children-alerts-are-issued/3247054/ | 2023-04-30T01:04:18 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bill-named-after-athena-strand-would-change-how-missing-children-alerts-are-issued/3247054/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bill-named-after-athena-strand-would-change-how-missing-children-alerts-are-issued/3247093/ | 2023-04-30T01:04:25 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bill-named-after-athena-strand-would-change-how-missing-children-alerts-are-issued/3247093/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-documentary-about-paul-laurence-dunbar/3247035/ | 2023-04-30T01:04:31 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-documentary-about-paul-laurence-dunbar/3247035/ |
EAGLE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
A new public transit service is launching in Eagle on Monday.
The 160 Eagle OnDemand will provide service on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the city of Eagle and three destinations outside the city. It will be free to ride through the end of August.
The on-demand service is the result of a long planning process between Valley Regional Transit and City of Eagle staff. The city will provide the local funds needed to operate the service.
“While Eagle is a smaller city in the larger Treasure Valley, we are excited for VRT to provide an on-demand transportation service option to assist our senior citizens and other residents without transportation options,” Eagle Mayor Jason Pierce said in a news release. “We appreciate VRT’s willingness and partnership to create a unique option that fits Eagle’s needs.”
Riders can schedule trips through the "VRT OnDemand" mobile app, online at rideVRT.org/book, or by calling the Valley Regional Transit Help Desk at 208-345-7433. Rather than being picked up at a bus stop using fixed time schedules, riders are picked up near their location and dropped off near their destination within the service zone.
The service area includes most of the city of Eagle, with three additional destinations:
- Gary and Bunch, with connections to Boise routes 9 State Street and Route 12 Maple Grove
- The Village at Meridian, with connections to Meridian Route 30 Pine and Route 45 Boise State/CWI via Fairview
- St Luke’s Meridian campus
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/on-demand-transit-service-coming-to-city-of-eagle-valley-regional-transit/277-4f17a9b9-34f1-428d-8c86-e3a6250d914c | 2023-04-30T01:05:17 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/on-demand-transit-service-coming-to-city-of-eagle-valley-regional-transit/277-4f17a9b9-34f1-428d-8c86-e3a6250d914c |
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — In spite of all the winter snow and spring rain Coeur d'Alene received this year, fire officials with the Idaho Department of Lands are saying escaped burning operations present a significant wildfire risk to the region.
Officials say those planning to burn debris or grass will be found "negligently responsible" if their fire escapes.
“Spring is no exception. Everyone must do their part to prevent unwanted human caused fires,” said Josh Harvey, Fire Management Chief with the Idaho Department of Lands.
Residents should follow these tips to help prevent their fires from escaping and limit their liability if something goes wrong.
- A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is out.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile.
- Keep a water supply and shovel close to the burning site.
- If it’s windy and the surrounding vegetation is dry, it may be best to wait and burn debris another day.
- Keep your pile at a manageable size. Add additional debris slowly as the pile burns down.
- Look up. Choose a safe site for burning that’s away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
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ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/north-idaho-fire-officials-burning-guidelines-wildfire-season/293-b9bf6610-054a-4ba0-86ae-1bbde0493779 | 2023-04-30T01:05:23 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/north-idaho-fire-officials-burning-guidelines-wildfire-season/293-b9bf6610-054a-4ba0-86ae-1bbde0493779 |
Alex Moser, 38, of Williamstown, takes a picture of his wife and child with Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham on the Boardwalk outside the Ocean City Music Pier on Saturday.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin, center, participates in a Q&A session on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Alex Moser, 38, and his son, Mason, 7, of Mullica Hill, check out some of the displays on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Franco Gallelli, 52, of Ocean City, and his son, Franco E. Gallelli, 13, were excited to meet Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier. They brought with them a football signed by Darren Sproles last year that they hoped to add Graham's autograph to.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin answers a question from 11-year-old Grant Gunther, of Egg Harbor Township, during a Q&A session on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Alex Moser, 38, and his son, Mason, 7, of Mullica Hill, meet former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Joe Graham, 28, of Williamstown, purchased a plaque and will have a photo of Brandon Graham that he was going to have signed Saturday by the Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Former Philadelphia Eagles special teams player and radio host Ike Reese and former Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin with Cindy Webster on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
JOHN RUSSO, Staff Writer
Former Philadelphia Eagles special teams player and radio host Ike Reese and former Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
OCEAN CITY — Joe Graham had waited a long time to buy a Philadelphia Eagles jersey.
The 28-year-old from Williamstown never owned a player's jersey. Many fans have their theories about what merch to wear of their favorite teams. His father and grandfather instilled a belief to never own a jersey with someone else's name on it.
Joe Graham found a loophole, sporting a Brandon Graham player T-shirt Saturday at the Ocean City Music Pier. He is building up his collection of the Eagles star defensive end, starting with a plaque that he bought from one of the vendors at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show.
Joe Graham plans to have Brandon Graham sign a photo of the defensive end's famous strip-sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl 52, one of the key plays that led to the Eagles' first Lombardi Trophy.
"He's been a fan-favorite player for a while, and my family loves him," Joe Graham said.
That play by Graham is one of the many reasons fans love the 13-year NFL veteran, whose autograph signing was sold out Saturday.
Graham and former Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin, a member of the 2008 World Series team, each held a Q&A session and a meet-and-greet. Former Eagles linebacker Ike Reese, now a radio host on 94.1 WIP, did a small free session in between Durbin's and Graham's.
Saturday's show was its fifth. It was free to attend and featured several dozen vendors. Sports cards, from bargain box finds to others valued in the thousands, filled nearly every table. Hobbyists fingered their way through the boxes, looking for hidden gems at a cheap price. Others haggled with vendors hoping to knock a few dollars off the sticker price.
Sports jerseys, autographed memorabilia, photos, game-used equipment, artwork, collectible figures and other items could also be found.
On the stage at one end of the pier sat Durbin, who told some stories of his early career, signing with the Phillies in 2008 and some memories he had from the championship playoff run. He told a few anecdotes about what Dodger Stadium was like when Matt Stairs hit his famous home run during the National League Championship Series to the conversation he had with manager Charlie Manuel about how Durbin would be used to pitch against Los Angeles slugger Manny Ramirez.
Durbin turned the chat over to the fans, who asked him several questions. He was asked his thoughts on current Phillies ace Aaron Nola to some of his favorite relief pitchers in today's game.
Durbin even asked a young fan a couple questions and offered some tips. Grant Gunther, 11, from Egg Harbor Township, really appreciated some of Durbin's advice. Gunther plays catcher, and Durbin emphasized the importance of that position for pitchers.
Gunther, whose grandparents had a table set up selling autographed items and cards, said he was going to take some of Durbin's tips to heart. The family goes to Spring Training almost every year, he added.
Durbin, who has his own podcast called DurbsOn, really enjoyed the experience Saturday.
"The guys I talked to, maybe they played college ball or something like that, when they talked to me when I was young like that, it wasn't even the words that was impactful, it was more the feeling," said the 45-year-old who played 14 seasons with six teams in the majors. "That's what I'm trying to give them, a little bit of the feeling of, if you love baseball, keep playing it, have fun, be a leader, and try to leave them with that."
Franco Gallelli, 52, and his son Franco E. Gallelli, 13, of Ocean City, were excited to meet Graham and have him sign a football that already featured former Eagles running back Darren Sproles' autograph. They got that ball signed by Sproles at the same show in 2019.
"He's probably a top 10 player," said the younger Gallelli for where Graham ranks on his list of favorite Eagles.
Graham was Saturday's headliner. Parking behind Moorlyn Square Theatre, Graham strolled up onto the Boardwalk and was immediately greeted by fans who recognized him. He was stopped several times for photos and selfies along the way toward the pier, and even got a quick "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!" chat in before heading inside.
"It's fun because you can feel the passion," said Graham, 35, who is entering his 14th season with the Eagles. "Every time I come here, they're excited for what's to come or what we previously did."
Graham was hoping to come to Ocean City still riding off the wave of a Super Bowl victory, but the Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in February. But he still called the season a win "because Philly was on fire this year."
Graham acknowledged he wasn't always a fan favorite in Philadelphia, noting the first five years or so of his career, many had considered the 13th overall pick in the 2010 draft a bust.
"Now, it's so cool to see how hard work and fighting can get you to these little moments where people want to see you and get your autograph and be an inspiration to the kids," Graham said. "It's something I don't take for granted. I try to enjoy it all because it is a cool experience."
I graduated from Rowan University in 2011 where I studied journalism. I've done everything from cover sports to news and have served as a copy editor and digital producer with The Press since July 2013.
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Alex Moser, 38, of Williamstown, takes a picture of his wife and child with Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham on the Boardwalk outside the Ocean City Music Pier on Saturday.
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin, center, participates in a Q&A session on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Alex Moser, 38, and his son, Mason, 7, of Mullica Hill, check out some of the displays on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Franco Gallelli, 52, of Ocean City, and his son, Franco E. Gallelli, 13, were excited to meet Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier. They brought with them a football signed by Darren Sproles last year that they hoped to add Graham's autograph to.
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin answers a question from 11-year-old Grant Gunther, of Egg Harbor Township, during a Q&A session on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Alex Moser, 38, and his son, Mason, 7, of Mullica Hill, meet former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Joe Graham, 28, of Williamstown, purchased a plaque and will have a photo of Brandon Graham that he was going to have signed Saturday by the Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Former Philadelphia Eagles special teams player and radio host Ike Reese and former Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin with Cindy Webster on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier.
Former Philadelphia Eagles special teams player and radio host Ike Reese and former Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Chad Durbin on Saturday at the Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/fans-meet-eagles-star-brandon-graham-former-phillie-chad-durbin-at-ocean-city-card-show/article_388e2af8-e69a-11ed-9206-2b5418631151.html | 2023-04-30T01:05:24 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/fans-meet-eagles-star-brandon-graham-former-phillie-chad-durbin-at-ocean-city-card-show/article_388e2af8-e69a-11ed-9206-2b5418631151.html |
Saturday was an exciting day for Treva Bostic.
Bostic’s business, Cultured Urban Winery – a farmhouse winery in Anderson – is celebrating its one-year anniversary next week, and the 7th Annual Michiana Wine Festival at Headwaters Park was the perfect place to start the party.
Among its wines on offer Saturday were a Riesling, white zinfandel, a red blend and a special blend flavored to taste like peach cobbler.
“My grandmother made the best peach cobbler, and I tried to imitate that with a wine,” Bostic said.
Bostic, a psychologist by training, said she got started in the world of wines as an investor, traveling across the planet to visit small wineries. After a while, Bostic said, she decided to give it a shot for herself. Cultured Urban Winery now features 36 varieties of wine, Bostic said.
“I love wine. I love the classes, the regions and just being able to share,” she said. “And I plan to retire soon and I still want to do something when I grow up.”
It’s been a little scary at times, building a business in the wine industry as a Black woman, Bostic said. Less than 1% of American wineries are Black-owned, and even fewer are owned by Black women, according to the Association of African American Vintners. It can be hard to find role models to turn to for inspiration or advice, she said.
“But what I’ve been finding (since the winery opened) is that people have been so pleasant. They’ve been open to learn about wine and expand their palettes,” she said, adding that one of her passions is helping people discover new varieties, flavors and pairings.
Even as clouds began to roll in as the afternoon wore on, the spirits of hundreds of guests would not be dampened. In all, the Wine Festival drew about 2,000 attendees Saturday, codirector Nichole Thomas said. The festival featured 18 wineries, 20 vendors, food trucks and live music throughout the afternoon. That’s about 20% of the state’s wineries, she said.
One of the beautiful things about the Michiana Wine Festival is that each year there’s always something different, Thomas said. The goal each year, she added, is to help promote wine tourism throughout Indiana by featuring winemakers from across the state.
“The thing that I love about this festival is the wineries change every year, so it really is like a different festival every year,” Thomas said. “We do have some of the same favorites that come every year, but it’s nice that it’s not the same thing all the time.”
Saturday was Elkhart resident Tammy ODell and Osceola resident Lori Disselberg’s first time attending the annual event. The pair accompanied Disselberg’s daughters Cassidy and Olivia to the festival this year.
Cassidy Disselberg has attended the last three years. Saturday was Olivia’s first visit.
ODell said her favorite winery of the day was Hooker Corner Winery, from Pine Village, due west of Lafayette in west central Indiana.
ODell and Disselberg were impressed by the way the festival was organized and the overall atmosphere.
“Everybody’s been very chill,” ODell said. “I like that. I appreciate that.”
The group intends to return but wants to buy VIP tickets next time.
“I think it’s just a great way to experience different areas and wines that are offered in Indiana that you may not have known about,” Cassidy Disselberg said of the festival.
Her sister Olivia agreed, adding that there were several wineries present Saturday that she’s looking forward to visiting in person.
Beyond that, the annual wine festival is a way to bring people together, Cassidy Disselberg said, noting that she was able to spend time Saturday with not only her family, but a group of friends with whom she’s attended the event before.
“It just kind of opens up that community and brings people together when life is so busy,” she said. “It’s just nice to have.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/michiana-wine-festival-features-changing-lineup-of-vintners/article_e58fccb6-e6e0-11ed-a4f7-776ff342878c.html | 2023-04-30T01:08:25 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/michiana-wine-festival-features-changing-lineup-of-vintners/article_e58fccb6-e6e0-11ed-a4f7-776ff342878c.html |
Taunton votes yes on new public safety complex. How will the debt exclusion work?
The people have Taunton have spoken: the city will get a new public safety building complex for its police and fire departments.
According to unofficial results from the city's Elections Department, the special referendum vote proposing to pay for the new building through a 30-year debt exclusion received 65.64% of the votes cast.
The makeup of the vote is 1,868 Yes votes, 972 No votes, and 6 blanks.
2,846 votes total were cast for the special referendum, including early voting dates. With a total base of 38,979 for Taunton, 7.3% of registered voters came out to cast a ballot.
Under the proposal, the new public safety complex will be located on the 45 acre property at 90 County St., which the city purchased from Sisters of St. Dorothy in 2021. The project consists of three buildings — with the main building housing the Police Department and the Fire Department’s headquarters, currently housed in the Central Fire Station on School Street.
This debt exclusion will raise property taxes for the average home by $156 annually, or $13 a month. That's 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, with the average home assessment being $400,000, according to the project manager, P3 Professionals, and the city’s Chief Financial Officer Patrick Della Russo.
Debt exclusion:Voters decide fate of Taunton public safety complex. Here's what it will cost taxpayers
This debt exclusion will commence in FY 2024, but by FY 2029, debt service costs for homeowners will drop indirectly via an offsetting reduction in the amount homes are still paying for the $112 million borrowed for Taunton High School’s renovations, completed in 2011. This means that, after five years, homeowners will be paying $36 less per year of debt overall. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/taunton-voters-decide-on-public-safety-building-for-police-and-fire/70162655007/ | 2023-04-30T01:33:47 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/taunton-voters-decide-on-public-safety-building-for-police-and-fire/70162655007/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — As the weather starts to heat up, many public entities are looking to fill summer jobs across the Des Moines metro.
The department hires about 320 seasonal workers each year to help out during summer.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation shared a tweet about some of their openings Wednesday.
"Our nine Splash Pools and Wading Pools are essential for neighborhoods and families across Des Moines. Unfortunately, we're facing a crunch. We need more applicants for our wading pool attendant positions that make it possible to keep these facilities open and safe," the tweet reads.
Officials with the department told Local 5 that, to avoid rotating pool openings like last year, they're still looking for more swimming instructors, lifeguards, wading pool attendants and summer camp leaders.
The job opportunities are available for people of all ages.
"It is great for summer position for high school and college students. However, a lot of retirees really find these positions rewarding, anybody who has some spare time this summer, we welcome them to come out," said Jenny Richmond, assistant director of Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
Anyone interested in finding a new summer gig can view available positions and salaries as well as apply online at dmparks.org.
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► Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-parks-recreation-seasonal-summer-job-openings-information/524-4cf2c22a-a192-4eab-a874-ec1020406892 | 2023-04-30T01:34:36 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/des-moines-parks-recreation-seasonal-summer-job-openings-information/524-4cf2c22a-a192-4eab-a874-ec1020406892 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — After spending months cooped up in the cold, summer sports are a great way to get out and enjoy the season. But for some families, getting everything they need for game time is tough.
That's why Friends of Des Moines Parks was at the Savage Softball Field Saturday passing out 450 soccer balls to kids in need.
"We were hearing from the recreation team that a lot of these kids that were coming to practice in games, they didn't have equipment. And so it was, it was something that we just felt immediately drawn to, in support," said Sarah Lohmeier, Friends of Des Moines Parks executive director.
2023 marks the second year of these equipment giveaways, and the officials behind them told Local 5 they're still seeing those donations paying dividends for families looking to get back into the game this season.
"We're finding that they're bringing back the balls that they received last year. So, we know that these are becoming prized possessions for them and really supporting them as they journey on in their sport adventure," said Jenny Richmond, assistant director at the Des Moines Parks and Recreation.
But as any parent of an aspiring young athlete can tell you, gear isn't the only cost.
League registration fees are another potential roadblock. Fortunately, there's help available in that department too, for any students who are on free or reduced lunch during the school year.
"A lot of these kids that are out here are on a $5 scholarship program. Our effort is to try to eliminate any barriers to kids getting out and being active and having fun and participating in sports," Lohmeier said.
And that gear giveaway isn't just for soccer, either. Lohmeier told Local 5 that kids will also be able to get volleyballs, baseballs, football, and basketballs during their respective seasons, too.
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► Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/friends-of-des-moines-parks-hosts-youth-soccer-gear-giveaway-equipment-sports-cost-money-save-play-athletics-donate/524-998a2805-413a-4eb5-a79c-037042fcba5b | 2023-04-30T01:34:42 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/friends-of-des-moines-parks-hosts-youth-soccer-gear-giveaway-equipment-sports-cost-money-save-play-athletics-donate/524-998a2805-413a-4eb5-a79c-037042fcba5b |
INDIANAPOLIS — Neighbors held a peace walk Saturday in Beech Grove, urging an end to gun violence.
The event comes days after a man was killed in a shooting at an apartment complex in Beech Grove.
Members of the faith based roundtable joined the community on the Franciscan Trail at Sarah T. Bolton Park to support the effort for peace in that community. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/beech-grove-residents-walk-to-urge-peace-in-the-community-sarah-bolton-park/531-9c24b444-6a17-4830-8504-110fa22d1295 | 2023-04-30T01:38:09 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/beech-grove-residents-walk-to-urge-peace-in-the-community-sarah-bolton-park/531-9c24b444-6a17-4830-8504-110fa22d1295 |
INDIANAPOLIS — One person was killed Saturday evening when multiple cars collided on Indianapolis' east side.
It happened around 8 p.m. on Interstate 465 just north of 56th Street.
The crash resulted in the closure of all northbound lanes except for an "express lane" currently operating in the construction zone in the area.
Police encouraged motorists to seek alternate routes.
An Indiana State Police spokesperson said a crash reconstruction team has been called to the scene.
13News has a reporter at the scene. This story will be updated. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/i-465-multiple-vehicle-crash-leaves-1-dead/531-04418e67-9688-44b1-92b6-932113a03f20 | 2023-04-30T01:38:15 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/i-465-multiple-vehicle-crash-leaves-1-dead/531-04418e67-9688-44b1-92b6-932113a03f20 |
The Casper Star-Tribune collected 12 awards, including three first-place finishes, at this year's Top of the Rockies journalism contest.
The success follows the Star-Tribune being named earlier this year as Wyoming's top daily newspaper. It's earned that honor five of the last six years.
News organizations from four states -- Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico -- participate in the annual Top of the Rockies contest. The Star-Tribune competed this year in the large newsroom division.
Star-Tribune politics reporter Maya Shimizu Harris took first place in health features for her story "Before the door closes," which followed one of the last women to get an abortion before Wyoming's ban went into effect (a judge later blocked the law).
Reporter Mary Steurer took home first place is solutions journalism for a series of articles that explored possible ways to alleviate the housing crunch in Jackson, which is one of the country's most expensive places to live. The stories included one that profiled a tenants' group that was beginning to effect change at the ballot box and another that followed an outfit that was moving unwanted homes to less expensive locations.
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Also taking first for the Star-Tribune was reporter Jordan Smith in the religious features category. Smith wrote about religious groups in Wyoming that helped Afghan refugees.
Energy reporter Nicole Pollack won second- and third-place awards for her work documenting climate change's relationship to the Yellowstone floods and a Wyoming town that could become home to a nuclear power plant.
Sports reporter Ryan Thorburn also won second- and third-place awards for his working covering the University of Wyoming's football team. And former Star-Tribune reporter Ellen Gerst was recognized for her breaking-news work covering a fire that was intentionally set at an under construction abortion clinic.
The Star-Tribune was also honored for its editorial writing.
The judges recognized two stories produced through a partnership between the Star-Tribune and WyoFile. One, by reporters Victoria Eavis and Rone Tempest, followed the political career of Wyoming GOP Chairman Frank Eathorne. The second, by Eavis and Tennessee Watson, brought to light an increase in violence and restraints at Wyoming Boys' School. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/star-tribune-earns-12-awards-at-multi-state-journalism-competition/article_30b795a2-e641-11ed-b202-6fd55e7d9505.html | 2023-04-30T01:40:07 | 0 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/star-tribune-earns-12-awards-at-multi-state-journalism-competition/article_30b795a2-e641-11ed-b202-6fd55e7d9505.html |
CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — A road is closed as state police investigate a shooting in Carbon County.
State police gathered along Hahns Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Township near Palmerton around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon following a shooting.
Troopers have not said who was shot but tell Newswatch 16 there is no danger to the public at this time and that it is an isolated incident.
Hahns Dairy Road remains closed after the shooting in Carbon County.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/heavy-police-presence-in-carbon-county-lower-towamensing-hahns-dairy-road-palmerton-state-police/523-383d7143-53ec-44c8-b5bd-387f019dfc53 | 2023-04-30T02:03:09 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/carbon-county/heavy-police-presence-in-carbon-county-lower-towamensing-hahns-dairy-road-palmerton-state-police/523-383d7143-53ec-44c8-b5bd-387f019dfc53 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — Booger's Brigade, Team Mike, and the Jay Walkers are just a few of the teams in purple taking on the rain for the PanCAN PurpleStride walk and run in Scranton.
"Just glad to be out here and supporting all the people that are fighting this disease, and we're gonna walk it and get it done," said Jeanette Papiercavich, Luzerne County.
With custom t-shirts and homemade signs, everyone taking strides along the Lackawanna Heritage Trail did so with someone specific on their mind.
For Catherine Loggans of Taylor, it's her husband, Michael, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2022.
"Everybody just wants us so much and cares for us, family members and survivors and people suffering with this terrible cancer. I'm just grateful for the whole community of PanCAN and all they've done for us," said Catherine Loggans, Taylor.
For Bill Cook of Scranton, it's a family friend, "We've been doing this run for years now in support of the people that are fighting this disease, and in respect and honor of her brother, we run it every year."
Newswatch 16's Mindi Ramsey was the emcee for the event and says even though It was cold and damp, there was plenty of heart and hope.
This is just one of 60 Pancan PurpleStride walks around the country, and organizers say this event has a lot of heart.
"When I've traveled to different conferences for this organization, everyone talks about northeast Pensylvania's being that small but mighty powerhouse. The small group of volunteers is big communities coming together," said Dan Lamagna, PanCAN affiliate chair.
The PurpleStride is the biggest fundraiser for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Booger's Brigade raised more than $8,000 in memory of Gary Dietterick from Bushkill Township.
"I just think he would be so proud and just seeing how we all rallied together and were able to raise so much money for such a great cause. So I really just hoping I think it would be really proud," said Krista Reiger, Northampton County.
"It's amazing. We really didn't know what to expect, and this has just been really overwhelming and touching to have everyone here today to support us. We couldn't ask for a better result," said Jen Bowen, Northampton County.
This year's PanCAN PurpleStride raised $104,000 in Lackawanna County.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/pancreatic-cancer-purplestride-walk-held-in-scranton-jeanette-papiercavich-catherine-loggans-mindy-ramsey-bill-cook-dan-lamagna-krista-reiger-bowen-je/523-74e65196-127f-4122-80ec-28d5d5340df3 | 2023-04-30T02:03:15 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/pancreatic-cancer-purplestride-walk-held-in-scranton-jeanette-papiercavich-catherine-loggans-mindy-ramsey-bill-cook-dan-lamagna-krista-reiger-bowen-je/523-74e65196-127f-4122-80ec-28d5d5340df3 |
Manitowoc art museum will display Wisconsin prison art this summer. Here's what to know about the exhibit in your weekly dose.
An opening reception with remarks by exhibit curators is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. June 4.
MANITOWOC - Manitowoc’s Rahr-West Art Museum will host “Art Against the Odds: Wisconsin Prison Art” June 4-Aug. 6 featuring more than 60 artists who turned to creative production to mitigate the de-humanizing conditions of incarceration.
An opening reception with remarks by exhibit curators Debra Brehmer and Paul Salsieder will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. June 4.
The museum will offer free guided tours of the exhibit each Saturday at 1 p.m. with museum staff or special guest tour guides.
The programs are free and open to the public.
Under development for two years by Portrait Society Gallery of Contemporary Art in Milwaukee, the exhibition gives voice and visibility to individuals held in the state’s carceral system as well as illustrates the potential healing properties of an art practice.
With few instructional art programs offered in the prison system, these individuals teach themselves through various means, often working with limited materials.
The exhibition explores how art becomes a vehicle to develop self-esteem, self-awareness, regulate emotions and explore multi-faceted aspects of identity.
The exhibition underscores the humanity of incarcerated individuals and their potential beyond criminal records.
Tasers in the jail: Stun guns were used on Manitowoc County Jail inmates 18 times between January 2021 and September 2022. Here’s what we know about the incidents.
One artist, M. Winston, serving a 30-year-sentence, creates postage-sized abstract landscapes of places he imagines visiting.
Dominic Marak, who died of cancer in prison in 2021, produced a “Mug Shot” series using collaged junk food wrappers.
Artist Curtis Wilks created 150 paintings of Bible verses while incarcerated as a way to reconnect to his faith.
Learning to paint by watching 1980s-1990s Bob Ross videos, several artists have produced detailed, idealized landscapes as antidotes to the conditions of the prison environment.
The formerly incarcerated artist John Tyson found that repetitive mark making soothed his anxiety as he ritualistically made layered graphite and pen drawings.
The United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. Currently, there are 2.3 million individuals in the criminal justice system. In Wisconsin, there are 24,000 adults in state prisons, 2,200 in federal prisons, 13,000 in local jails, 20,000 on parole and 44,000 on probation — a total of 103,200 individuals. There are 36 adult correctional facilities in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has the nation’s highest national rate of incarceration among its Black population, more than double the national average.
For more about the exhibit and the museum, go to rahrwestartmuseum.org or call 920-686-3090.
The Rahr-West Art Museum, 610 N. Eighth St., is a department of the City of Manitowoc.
Welcome to your weekly dose.
Here is more news from throughout Manitowoc County in your weekly dose.
▶ Maritime Museum presentation to explore ‘Japanese Internment, Racism, and Americanism’: Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s next “Think & Drink” series presentation, at 6:30 p.m. May 4, will be “125,284 — Japanese Internment, Racism, and Americanism” with in-person guest speaker University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Joy Block.
According to a news release, Block will talk about Japanese internment, the anti-Japanese sentiment during wartime that swept across the U.S., and what proving American allegiance meant for Japanese Americans, especially second-generation immigrants.
Learn about Wisconsin’s role during this period of persecution and the Japanese Americans who lived and worked in the state as well as those who trained at Fort McCoy.
The featured drink of the night will be a Matcha Mint Julep. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the limited bar.
Doors and bar open at 6 p.m. The talk and live stream portion begin at 6:30 p.m. To access the live stream, register at https://forms.gle/VRxvKcy9SFAZysNt8.
Admission is free both in person and virtually. For more details, go to wisconsinmaritime.org or call 920-684-0218. The museum is at 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc.
▶ Spring Fiber Extravaganza coming up May 5-7: Three fiber farms in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties will host a free-admission Spring Fiber Extravaganza May 5-7 featuring a chance to visit each farm between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The following farms are participating:
- Velvet Sheep Farms, W1681 Garton Road, Sheboygan. Peruse yarns, cat toys and dryer balls, all made out of wool.
- LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch, 6827 State 147, Two Rivers. Interact and take selfies with 45-plus alpacas with their full fiber prior to shearing. Feed alpacas for $1. The farm store offers ultra-soft, hypoallergenic, thermal products made from alapaca.
- Black Frog Farm, 10908 W. Belmar Ave., Maribel. A family-friendly farm focused on llamas and poultry. Stroll the gardens and check out the shop for goods made from sheep and llama fiber, fresh aggs and more.
▶ CASA fundraiser will bring award-winning play to Manitowoc: GoodCapp Arts, an award-winning New York City arts program that develops theater projects addressing the challenges facing young people worldwide, is coming to Manitowoc.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 19, the one-act play “Where Do We Go From Here?,” written by GoodCapp Arts founder Katie Cappiello, will be performed at The Venue, 702 York St., Manitowoc, to benefit CASA of East Central Wisconsin.
The play will be the featured highlight of CASA’s “Break the Cycle” event to raise awareness and funds for advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in the community. CASA’s community partners will also be honored at the event.
“We are so fortunate to be able to have this group and this play come to our area,” said Julie Ribley, executive director of CASA of East Central Wisconsin, in a news release. “The play will really open your eyes to the challenges faced by our CASA children and teens. This one-act play will bring to life the stories of young people touched by the foster care system who are determined to thrive.”
The play, directed by Cappiello and Charlotte Arnoux, explores the questions at the center of teenage life: What’s next? Where do I go from here? Who am I? Who will I be? For youngsters in the foster care system, the answers are often complicated.
Tickets for the Break the Cycle event are $25 per person. Corporate tables are also available. To learn more or to purchase tickets, go to https://casaecw.networkforgood.com/events/56280-break-the-cycle. The event is a fundraiser for CASA of East Central Wisconsin, so donations will be requested at the event.
CASA of East Central Wisconsin recruits, screens and trains volunteers from Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties to be the voice of abused and neglected children in the courtroom, seeking to ensure them a safe and permanent home.
▶ Bird Breakfast returns at Woodland Dunes May 20: Woodland Dunes, 3000 Hawthorne Ave., Two Rivers, will again host its annual spring tradition, Bird Breakfast, from 8 until 11 a.m. May 20 at its Nature Center.
Tickets are $6 each and kids younger than 4 are admitted free.
“Bird Breakfast is an annual tradition in Manitowoc County as well as a celebration of International Migratory Bird Day,” said Jessica Johnsrud, coordinator of the program, in a news release. “We are so fortunate to be located near Lake Michigan, a major flyway for migratory birds.”
The event kicks off with a pancake and ham breakfast with fruit compote and breakfast beverages.
The 81-year tradition is recognized statewide by bird lovers and is offered as a unique way to encourage folks and families to get out in spring, walk trails and listen to the new sounds of the season.
Guided bird hikes will be held during the event, and registration is required. The hikes will be at 7 a.m. on the trail at the end of Goodwin Road; at 8 a.m. on Willow Trail near the sky shed; at 9 a.m. on the Cattail Trail into the marsh; and at 10 a.m. on Willow Trail near the sky shed.
For details or to register, visit http://www.woodlanddunes.org/bird-breakfast/ or call 920-793-4007.
Read last week's top stories:
- Events: Ant Hill Mob’s bike show and dance, shipwreck presentation and more Manitowoc can’t-miss events this week
- Treatment facility:This Manitowoc drug treatment center is opening a new 20-bed men’s facility. Here’s what to know about the expansion.
- Heart-A-Rama: The fundraiser comedy show is back for its 51st year in Two Rivers
- Metro Jam: Manitowoc summer music festival unveils full slate of performers
- Manitowoc County history:These German-born cousins ran Pfister & Vogel Company tannery in Two Creeks from 1861 to 1877. Today, their early settlement is a town park.
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Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/wisconsin-prison-art-coming-manitowoc-art-museum-rahr-west/70164596007/ | 2023-04-30T02:12:19 | 1 | https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/local/2023/04/29/wisconsin-prison-art-coming-manitowoc-art-museum-rahr-west/70164596007/ |
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Deputies in Osceola County are looking for a missing woman last seen leaving for her job at Walt Disney World.
Relatives say Constance Lynn Campbell, 65, was last seen the morning of Friday, April 28 before leaving for her job at Animal Kingdom. They believe she is driving a blue 2019 Honda Civic with a Disney 50th anniversary specialty plate and Florida tag VC5MG.
The sheriff’s office says she may have been in the area o the Rodeway Inn hotel in Kissimmee at some point. She is considered missing endangered. The sheriff’s office did not explain why.
Campbell has light skin, brown hair and eyes, is about 5′3″ tall and weighs about 215 lbs.
If you know anything about Campbell’s whereabouts, call the sheriff’s office immediately at 407-348-2222, or dial 911.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/30/disney-worker-last-seen-in-kissimmee-considered-endangered-deputies-say/ | 2023-04-30T02:12:58 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/04/30/disney-worker-last-seen-in-kissimmee-considered-endangered-deputies-say/ |
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