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STROUDSBURG, Pa. — A body found in Monroe County last week has now been identified as Dana Smithers, who was reported missing last June.
Smithers, 45, was last seen on surveillance video leaving a friend's home.
A search conducted at that time turned up short.
That was until last week when a borough employee discovered a decomposed body in a wooded area along Park Avenue in Stroudsburg near the on-ramp to Interstate 80 East.
A portion of the remains were examined Monday, identifying Smithers through dental records.
Results from an autopsy conducted Monday are pending further testing.
Officials say the case remains an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Stroud Area Regional Police at (570) 421-6800.
Original story:
Police responded to a wooded area along Park Avenue Thursday morning after a body was found.
It's next to the on-ramp to Interstate 80 eastbound.
Stroud Area Regional Police, the State Police Forensic Unit, and Monroe County Coroner's Office are investigating.
The Stroudsburg Fire Department is also assisting.
Local police were seen carrying a variety of equipment down this embankment.
Newsatch 16 has been in touch with the chief of police for Stroud Area Regional, she says it's too early to share any information at this time.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/human-remains-discovered-in-stroudsburg-identified-as-missing-woman-dana-smithers-monroe-county-coroner-park-avenue/523-53e9b15e-cb0c-4896-ad93-b1888bff9ab4 | 2023-05-01T21:41:05 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/human-remains-discovered-in-stroudsburg-identified-as-missing-woman-dana-smithers-monroe-county-coroner-park-avenue/523-53e9b15e-cb0c-4896-ad93-b1888bff9ab4 |
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — A small alligator is recovering in the Poconos after it was found on the property of a wastewater treatment plant. The wildlife center taking care of it urges people to think before purchasing an exotic pet.
Nearly every day, the Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife near Stroudsburg takes in injured or orphaned wildlife, but it's not every day they get an alligator.
In the 40 years the center has been around, this is only the second time it's taken one in.
"The exterior, he's in pretty decent shape. His eyes are still a little bit irritated. Still cleaning out his mouth, but he's recovering well," Janine Tancredi said.
This foot-long American alligator was found Friday at the Lehigh County Authority's wastewater treatment plant in Allentown.
"What they found was a huge boulder of this horrible grease and fat and diapers and rags and everything that accumulates in this very special corkscrew unit and pulls that stuff out of the water, and this boulder of it came up and saw a tail sticking out of it," said Barbara Miller, a wildlife expert who helped with the rescue and transporting the alligator to the wildlife center.
While Miller says we'll never find out exactly how the creature got into the system, she says it's more common than you may think.
"Every year, crocodiles and alligators show up in the canals—if they live so long—or the Lehigh River, or they're crawling through the storm drain system."
It's not illegal to have a pet alligator in Pennsylvania, but wildlife experts say it's not the best idea.
"If you don't know what you're getting into, don't buy them. Don't adopt them. They're a lifetime commitment. My personal opinion is how he got there; he was probably flushed. Somebody realized what they were getting into or couldn't take them where they were going or didn't want somebody to find out that they had them and flushed him," Tancredi said. "It's a huge responsibility."
Once the alligator is healed, it will have a new home at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland near Allenwood.
See more pets and animal stories on WNEP’s YouTube playlist. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/tiny-alligator-found-in-lehigh-county-recovering-in-the-poconos-wilderz-pocono-wildlife-reptiles/523-d3e6c6cd-6b6a-4bca-af91-e3d11d378d77 | 2023-05-01T21:41:24 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/tiny-alligator-found-in-lehigh-county-recovering-in-the-poconos-wilderz-pocono-wildlife-reptiles/523-d3e6c6cd-6b6a-4bca-af91-e3d11d378d77 |
MONTOUR COUNTY, Pa. — Boating season is finally Here. May 1 is the opening day for boaters at Lake Chillisquaque in the Montour Preserve near Washingtonville.
"Lake Chillisquaque is super popular with kayakers and small recreational vehicles. It is unpowered watercraft only," said Bob Stoudt, Montour Area Recreation Commission director.
Ray Ritter from Washingtonville has been waiting to put his boat in the water. He took his boat to the lake on Monday to work on some much-needed repairs for the season.
"I am out here replacing the skids on my trailer because, as you can see, they are going bad, so I have to replace them."
Newswatch 16 was there when a few folks decided to drop their kayaks onto the lake. However, there weren't many who took advantage of opening day.
"Normally, it is a happy day and a lot of people come out. Today it is not so happy," Stoudt said.
"Today, I probably won't go in because the wind is too much," Ritter said.
Water conditions at Lake Chillisquaque were not ideal on opening day. Heavy rainfall in the past few days has caused the water level to rise.
Stoudt says he is keeping his eyes on the lake. If conditions worsen, opening day and week could be cut short.
"We are not seeing significant amounts of mud; we are not seeing debris, floating logs, and things like that. As long as it is OK, we will continue to keep it open, but with the forecast of rain in the next few days, we will have to watch it closely."
Officials at the Montour Preserve say the lake will have a kayak kiosk offering watercraft concessions throughout the season.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/montour-county/first-of-may-means-boating-season-begins-lake-chillisquaque-montour-preserve/523-a3bbdff0-16ae-40ef-93ce-b3137908f311 | 2023-05-01T21:41:25 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/montour-county/first-of-may-means-boating-season-begins-lake-chillisquaque-montour-preserve/523-a3bbdff0-16ae-40ef-93ce-b3137908f311 |
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. — The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Saucon Valley School District in Northampton County after the district decided not to allow the After School Satan Club to use the district's facilities.
The lawsuit claimed the district was violating the first amendment.
The district has now been ordered to allow the club to meet on three dates at Saucon Valley Middle School.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northampton-county/court-rules-satan-club-can-meet-at-school-in-saucon-valley-northampton-county-aclu-after-school-middle-school/523-c25fc89c-20c1-4f7c-b511-0bca2375c95f | 2023-05-01T21:41:25 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northampton-county/court-rules-satan-club-can-meet-at-school-in-saucon-valley-northampton-county-aclu-after-school-middle-school/523-c25fc89c-20c1-4f7c-b511-0bca2375c95f |
PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Heavy rain in northeastern and central Pennsylvania has led to runoff on roadways, localized flooding, and downed trees and utility lines.
PennDOT lists some roads in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder Counties affected by the weather.
Current conditions are available at 511PA through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 511, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Get the full Stormtracker 16 forecast HERE.
Keep an eye on river and stream levels HERE.
For the most up-to-date information on power, check out these outage maps: | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/weather-leads-to-closed-roads-trees-power-lines/523-49f51626-52f0-4b05-88b0-e2b9b342a0da | 2023-05-01T21:41:31 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/weather-leads-to-closed-roads-trees-power-lines/523-49f51626-52f0-4b05-88b0-e2b9b342a0da |
TUNKHANNOCK, Pa. — When Jabari Glezen graduates from Valley View High School next year, he wants to join the Marines, then eventually get into construction. He credits the woman who fostered and adopted him four years ago with putting him on the right path.
"I love that Lindsey puts rules down on the table that I can follow. And if there weren't, I would be afraid where I would be right now. I would probably be on the streets or, even worse, jail."
Members of the Northeast Regional Youth Advisory Board say they need more people like Lindsey to become foster parents.
"There's especially a need for foster parents for older youth in care. Everyone wants a baby, but nobody thinks about the teenagers who are looking for a home," Sommer Gaydos said.
That includes teenagers like Ryley Baker, who says, once he was placed in a loving foster home, he could focus more on getting into college than on problems at home.
Or Tunkhannock High School student Logan Konen, who craved that same structure as Jabari.
"I've been in and out of placements since I was 12. And I finally found the right one with my mom. She's amazing. She treats me well, and she tells me all the things I need to know when I grow up."
All these stories are like the ones you'll see represented in the comedy "Instant Family." The Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock is showing the movie for free as part of a Foster Care Awareness Month event.
"It feels like it was actually made for an event like this. It tells the story of a couple who adopted three children in a family unit, and it gives you the good, the bad. It's a very accurate representation about what it's like to be in the foster care system," said Ronnie Harvey from the Dietrich Theater.
After the showing, foster parents and kids will be on hand to share their experiences, along with several community providers that will share ways you can get involved.
"I have a lot of friends in the foster care system. I've met a lot of people, and I've seen a lot of struggles that they go through, and I've heard a lot of very terrible stories, and I would hate for anybody else to go through that," said Tunkhannock High School student Zariah Streich.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/fostering-for-reel-movie-night-hopes-to-encourage-foster-families-dietrich-theater-tunkhannock/523-5df0c61b-f8df-4701-a9d2-1048f7185e70 | 2023-05-01T21:41:44 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/wyoming-county/fostering-for-reel-movie-night-hopes-to-encourage-foster-families-dietrich-theater-tunkhannock/523-5df0c61b-f8df-4701-a9d2-1048f7185e70 |
Longtime former lawmaker and law enforcement officer Bob Meeks — who became known for warning his colleagues, “There is no money” during budget discussions — died Wednesday. He was 89.
Meeks, a Republican, served in Indiana’s Senate for two decades beginning in 1988. As chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, he was a key architect of multiple two-year state budgets.
That included a Gov. Mitch Daniels-era budget wrenching Indiana out of the red — a deficit and backpay that topped $1 billion — according to Goshen News.
Meeks retired from the Legislature in 2008, citing health concerns. He dropped a re-election campaign to do so.
“I know I don’t want to die on the Senate floor. I want to go out when I’m at the top of my game,” he told KPC News at the time.
Meeks briefly served in the U.S. Army, 1954-1956, then went into law enforcement — in a career that lasted 25 years.
Meeks spent four years with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and 21 with the Indiana State Police. It was then that he joined the Fraternal Order of Police, the 355,000-member national law enforcement group.
Afterward, he founded a security company.
Meeks and wife, Carol, lived in rural LaGrange County. A large family survives him: Carol, four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the obituary.
His brother, state Sen. Charles “Bud” Meeks, previously died in 2004 after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to the Herald-Times. Another brother, Frederick, also preceded him.
The Indiana State Police Post on the Indiana Toll Road was dedicated in his honor, and he also received a Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Daniels.
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 12 at the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 797 N. Detroit St. in LaGrange. The American Legion’s local unit will provide military rites, the obituary notes.
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-budget-chief-bob-meeks-dies-at-89/article_1f281bc4-e865-11ed-8d01-eb170b3934c3.html | 2023-05-01T21:43:01 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-budget-chief-bob-meeks-dies-at-89/article_1f281bc4-e865-11ed-8d01-eb170b3934c3.html |
Klopfenstein Road section closed Wednesday The Journal Gazette May 1, 2023 2 hrs ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Klopfenstein Road is to close from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday between Grabill and Springfield Center roads during crossover-pipe replacement, the Allen County Highway Department said today. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Indiana Basketball Transfer Portal Update: Now what? Recent divorce filings in Allen County Officer who hit, killed pedestrian was involved in four prior crashes Fort Wayne-area restaurants plan Mother's Day brunch, specials FWCS lawsuit blames social media companies for 'mental health crisis' Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/klopfenstein-road-section-closed-wednesday/article_eb2e7ce2-e84f-11ed-b014-433480b6bd5b.html | 2023-05-01T21:43:07 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/klopfenstein-road-section-closed-wednesday/article_eb2e7ce2-e84f-11ed-b014-433480b6bd5b.html |
A months-long nationwide search for Manchester University's next president culminated with the announcement Monday that an alumna experienced in managing a two-campus institution will be in charge come July 1.
"It will be an amazing privilege to serve the institution that started my passion for higher education 31 years ago," Stacy Young told more than three dozen people during an introductory session at Manchester University Fort Wayne.
She will succeed Dave McFadden, who is retiring June 30.
Young, 49, has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, most recently as president of Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan.
Manchester had an "exceptionally strong" candidate pool, said Dave Haist, who chaired the Presidential Search Committee. Young stood out because of her knowledge of higher education, her proven track record of leadership and her commitment to the communities she served, among other reasons.
"Stacy has a profound respect for the liberal arts roots of our institution," Haist said, "and will continue the vision of growth for our health professions programs here in Fort Wayne." | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/manchester-university-announces-next-president/article_83381d30-e842-11ed-bf90-a3af3d32d3c0.html | 2023-05-01T21:43:14 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/manchester-university-announces-next-president/article_83381d30-e842-11ed-bf90-a3af3d32d3c0.html |
Officials confiscated an unloaded gun from a Southwest Allen County Schools student today after administrators were alerted the boy might be in possession of such a weapon, Superintendent Park Ginder said.
No ammunition was found during a school resource officer's search of the Summit Middle School student and his book bag.
"The student made no threats and did not indicate an intent to harm anyone in the school building," Ginder said in an email to SACS families.
More than 850 students are enrolled at Summit, which is at Homestead and Aboite Center roads across from Homestead High School.
The district's safety procedures worked smoothly and efficiently, which happened about 1 p.m., spokeswoman Stacey Fleming said.
"We are thankful for those who notified staff of the presence of the weapon and the quick response of our school resource officers," Ginder told families.
The student will face the district's disciplinary procedures, Ginder said by phone, declining to elaborate about the specifics. He said local law enforcement is involved.
Ginder and Fleming said the incident underscores the importance of students notifying a trusted adult about anything they see or hear that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. They encouraged parents to remind their children to speak up.
"It matters," Fleming said, describing students as schools' eyes and ears. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/officials-confiscate-unloaded-gun-from-summit-middle-school-student/article_8864e45e-e84d-11ed-bc5b-5371038e9d37.html | 2023-05-01T21:43:20 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/officials-confiscate-unloaded-gun-from-summit-middle-school-student/article_8864e45e-e84d-11ed-bc5b-5371038e9d37.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Adidas is facing a class-action lawsuit from investors who allege the company knew about offensive remarks and harmful behavior from Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, years before ending its partnership with him.
The German sportsbrand, with its U.S. headquarters in Portland, cut ties with its star collaborator in late October, following Ye's antisemitic comments on social media and in interviews.
At the time, Adidas said the company “does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech” and called Ye’s remarks and actions “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous.”
Weeks before the decision, at Paris Fashion Week, Ye also wore a shirt with a “White Lives Matter” slogan — which the Anti-Defamation League categorizes a white supremacist phrase that originated as “a racist response to the Black Lives Matter movement.”
The current lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Oregon on Friday, claims that Adidas was aware of the potential harm that Ye's problematic behavior could cause the company for some time — pointing to earlier incidents, including 2018 comments where Ye suggested slavery was a “choice” and reports of Ye making antisemitic statements in front of Adidas staff.
The lawsuit — which represents people who bought Adidas securities between May 3, 2018, and February 21, 2023 — also alleges that Adidas failed to take precautionary measures to limit financial losses if the Ye partnership were to end.
The suit accuses Adidas, the company's former chief executive officer Kasper Rørsted and chief financial officer Harm Ohlmeyer of being aware of or “recklessly" diregarding false or misleading statements surrounding the partnership with Ye, who is not listed as a defendant in the suit.
The suit cites a Wall Street Journal article from November, which reported that executives, inlcuding Rørsted, had discussions dating back to 2018 about the risks of Ye's actions and the possibility of cutting ties with the artist.
The complaint also points to annual company reports from 2018 through 2021 which, the suit says, failed to disclose risks related to Adidas' partnership with Ye.
Adidas has pushed back on the allegations made in Friday's suit.
“We outright reject these unfounded claims and will take all necessary measures to vigorously defend ourselves against them,” Adidas said Monday in a statement sent to The Associated Press.
Friday’s suit seeks unspecified damages, the payment of legal fees and “further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.”
During his collaboration with Adidas, Ye designed the widely successful Yeezy line. According to Friday's suit, by 2019, sales of Yeezy shoes surpassed $1 billion.
Since cutting ties with Ye, Adidas has lost hundreds of millions of dollars. Ending the partnership cost 600 million euros in lost sales in the last three months of 2022, helping drive the company to a net loss of 513 million euros. The decline, also attributed to higher supply costs and slumping revenue in China, contrasts with profit of 213 million euros in the fourth quarter of 2021.
More losses could be ahead, especially as the company struggles with what to do with the existing Yeezy inventory. In March, the company forecasted a 500 million-euro hit to 2023 profit earnings if it decides not to repurpose the remaining Yeezy products in stock. The company also predicted a 2023 operating loss of 700 million euros. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/investors-sue-adidas-kanye-west/283-8ed31bea-3482-4d8e-8ca7-0e58f8948afc | 2023-05-01T21:48:31 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/investors-sue-adidas-kanye-west/283-8ed31bea-3482-4d8e-8ca7-0e58f8948afc |
After a school year of intense criticism of University of Arizona administrators' management of campus safety, both the school’s provost and police chief are stepping down.
In a memo Monday, UA President Robert C. Robbins said UA's Senior Vice President and Provost Liesl Folks will stay at her post until the end of the school year and that UA Police Department Chief Paula Balafas’ departure took effect Monday.
This comes about one month after the UA Faculty Senate named both Balafas and Folks in a vote of "no confidence" in Robbins, whose annual salary is more than $1 million, and his leadership team's handling of campus safety investigations.
The focus on campus safety followed the on-campus shooting death in October of Thomas Meixner, a hydrology professor, allegedly by ex-student Murad Dervish. UA officials had known Dervish sent threatening communications to Meixner and several others.
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Folks, provost since 2019, who received $497,490 a year in that role, will continue working for the UA to establish a Center for Semiconducting Manufacturing and as a faculty member in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Robbins said.
Robbins said he will soon announce an interim provost before launching a national search for Folks’ permanent replacement as the UA's chief academic officer.
Balafas was hired in early 2022 at a $200,000 annual salary and served as UAPD’s first woman police chief.
In the months following Meixner's shooting, faculty and staff criticized UAPD, as well as other administrative offices, for a breakdown in communication in the university's handling of the situation with Dervish.
When the UA attempted to discredit a faculty-led report criticizing UAPD’s handling of public safety, the police chief used the department’s February 2023 newsletter to speak against the faculty report.
“Take pride in your work and continue to demonstrate your professionalism, even in the face of criticism,” Balafas wrote to the department, echoing Robbins’ urgings to wait for the campus safety report from PAX, the outside firm the UA hired to evaluate the leadup to the Meixner shooting. “We are stronger than our critics.”
However, when PAX’s report came out, it also criticized various administrative units, including UAPD, for failing to effectively communicate about the threat posed by Dervish, who was expelled and barred from campus in February 2022. With that, Robbins said at a news conference that he regretted the UA’s dismissal of the faculty report, which made similar conclusions as PAX.
While the UA launches a national search for the next police chief, Chris Olson, commander of the Oro Valley Police Department’s Field Services Division, will serve as interim chief.
Olson, a 31-year law enforcement veteran who previously served as a UAPD officer, “will work closely with the campus’ Chief Safety Officer, Steve Patterson, who reports directly to me,” Robbins said.
Last month, Robbins announced that UAPD would no longer report to the Office of Business Affairs. Instead, it now reports to the newly established Office of Public Safety, led by Steve Patterson, the chief safety officer.
Reorganization and advisory
“In conjunction with establishment of the new Office of Public Safety we will more closely align several public-facing and public-serving units,” Robbins explained in the memo Monday. “I am confident the collaborative grouping of these key units that interface heavily with internal and external community members will foster even greater coordination among them, particularly with regard to matters of public safety.”
Effective July 1, this is how the reporting relationships of the following units will change
• Risk Management and Safety, under the leadership of Miguel Delgado, chief risk officer, will transition from the Office of Business Affairs to the Office of Public Safety.
• Facilities Management will move to a dual-reporting structure, connected to both its current Business Affairs home as well as the new Office of Public Safety. Facilities Management is led by Associate Vice President Chris Kopach, who also will continue to serve as Incident Command System commander.
• Parking and Transportation, headed by Executive Director Jim Sayre, similarly will shift to a dual-reporting relationship with both the Office of Business Affairs and the Office of Public Safety.
Those changes to the UA’s organization structure are part of the university’s attempt to implement the 33 recommendations PAX identified in its report as concrete steps toward improving campus safety. One of the report’s criticisms was of the UA’s Threat Assessment and Management Team, which according to PAX, operated in a disjointed fashion before Meixner’s death, resulting in “each TAMT member hesitating to offer a proactive response.”
PAX recommended that TAMT adopt a formal charter, which has since done. Robbins said TAMT will continue to make changes.
“Focused attention remains on enhancing the capabilities of TAMT both to intake community input and to evaluate and act upon reports of concerning behavior and threatening or potentially violent situations,” Robbins wrote in a memo. “With a TAMT charter now in place and TAMT members contributing to this important campus function, I would like to remind everyone to report any threatening or concerning incidents through the Threat Assessment and Management Team website.”
Additionally, Robbins announced the creation of the Campus Safety Advisory Commission, which is composed of “accomplished individuals from various disciplines and backgrounds (who) will offer their unique perspectives as new safety and security measures are implemented.” The committee, which will meet regularly over the next year, will report directly to Steve Patterson, who is Chief Safety Officer.
Student privacy
Another recommendation PAX included in its report is the interpretation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which is a law intended to protect student records. “Individual understanding of FERPA and privacy also contributed to confusion on what could and could not be shared about the prior (hydrology department) traumas and information about threats made by (Dervish),” noted the report.
Thus, Robbins announced Monday, the UA has updated its FERPA training website and is also launching a FERPA and privacy education campaign “that will benefit all University of Arizona employees, in coordination with the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Provost, and Human Resources. More details on the campaign will come this summer.
Moreover, Robbins is moving the human resources department under the oversight of the Executive Office of the President, effective July 1. Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Helena Rodrigues reporting directly to Robbins. “Human Resources will continue to engage colleagues across the University’s campuses and within its colleges to foster a culture consistent with our shared values, Robbins said about the change. “The HR team will remain instrumental in meeting the everyday needs of our people while strengthening our connections to one another. “
Cultural center shakeups
In addition to overhauling the UA’s campus safety leadership and organizational structure, Robbins also announced that numerous cultural resource centers on campus are now under the oversight of the Office of Inclusion, led by Interim Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer Francisco Moreno. The Dean of Students previously oversaw all of the cultural centers.
The affected centers include:
- African American Student Affairs
- Asian Pacific American Student Affairs
- Adalberto and Ana Guerrero Student Center
- Immigrant Student Resource Center
- LGBTQ Affairs
- Native American Student Affairs
- Women and Gender Resource Center
Calls for Dean's resignation
This announcement comes weeks after student launched a petition calling for the resignation of Kendal Washington White, who up until now, oversaw the cultural resource centers in her capacity as the UA’s dean of students and vice provost for campus life. White, who earns $208,314 a year, has served as dean of students since 2014.
According to the authors of the petition, the calls for White’s resignation have come because “she is unwilling to be part of a process of rebuilding trust with those she is charged to serve, and that to the contrary she contributes to an ongoing culture of fear and retaliation.”
The petition cites an April 4, 2023 email exchange, which the Arizona Daily Star obtained a copy of, between White and other administrators discussing the potential termination of “problematic” cultural center employees.
“I had a conversation with Jon Dudas this week regarding the Cultural and Resource Centers including the behavior of the staff and other colleagues who are problematic (Francisco Moreno, Sonja Lanehart, and others),” White wrote in the email. The email went on to say that Jon Dudas, who is senior vice president and chief of staff, “and I agree that if we release employees from the University, we will wait until after the end of the Spring semester (at the end of May or June). The rationale is that if we make any removals, it will give people another opportunity to create chaos.”
White’s email continued, referencing Julian Juan, who is coordinator of intersectional cultural group Common Ground Alliance.
“I’m unsure about him – is he aligned with the Center Directors? If not, I would move forward regarding his employment. If so, I think we do the same at the end of the May or June.”
According to the authors of the petition, the strategy White laid out for cleaning house at the cultural centers in response to criticism backs up their perception that White “is not prepared to work in ways that will build trust and community."
“Questioning or criticism, and advocacy on behalf of students are construed as 'problematic' and as reason for retaliation. That is precisely the sort of climate of fear and retaliation that the (February faculty-led safety report) highlights as problematic. It is also a climate that President Robbins has recently indicated to the Faculty Senate will not be tolerated.”
The UA has not yet responded to the Star’s request for comment about the petition and its calls for White’s resignation.
Kathryn Palmer covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at kpalmer@tucson.com or her new phone number, 520-496-9010. | https://tucson.com/news/local/police-chief-provost-out-at-the-university-of-arizona/article_03751cba-e856-11ed-81e9-5be6b3e42acb.html | 2023-05-01T22:00:29 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/police-chief-provost-out-at-the-university-of-arizona/article_03751cba-e856-11ed-81e9-5be6b3e42acb.html |
Parked behind downtown Tucson’s Z Mansion, an RV occupies a portion of the alley. A graphic of the human cardiovascular system hangs inside the RV on the doorway to a small room with a medical treatment table.
Community members line up to the side door of the vehicle, awaiting free care from medical professionals and from University of Arizona students eager to lend a helping hand.
The students are members of Street Medicine Tucson, a UA group dedicated to helping Tucson’s homeless population. The group operates as a university CUP clinic, which stands for Commitment to Underserved People, alongside other programs, including Flying Samaritans, which provides free medical and dental care in Sonora, and MexZona, which offers medical clinics in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.
The students involved in Street Medicine Tucson organize monthly clinics with their Mobile Health Unit, the RV fitted with the medical treatment room that they park at the Z Mansion, 288 N. Church Ave. There, people in need of health care are assisted at no charge by volunteer medical practitioners and students.
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In addition to administering health care, the students provide resources, including clothing, food, water and seasonal products like hand warmers.
Emmery Kelly, a pre-med student at the UA, is the president of Street Medicine Tucson. Her experience with public health in high school influenced her decision to join the club as a freshman, and the welcoming environment of the club inspired her to take on a leadership role.
The club was formerly called Mobile Medicats but changed its name to gain support from the national Street Medicine organization.
Now with backing from the national association, as well as from the UA medical school, Street Medicine Tucson gets help with insurance, permit acquisitions and funding for the RV. It also receives financial support through appropriations from the Associated Students of the University of Arizona.
The group used to hold its mobile health clinics at Santa Rita Park but encountered challenges when city government altered the permit laws, so it now uses the downtown site.
Z Mansion is an event and wedding venue owned by Reverend Tom Hill, a pastor and a professor in the Health Sciences department at the UA. Through Hill’s WORKship Methodist Church ministry, volunteers help serve the city’s homeless population at the mansion on Thursdays and Sundays.
Rick McCallum is the volunteer coordinator at the Z Mansion and also fills in with pastoral duties when Hill is unavailable. McCallum said volunteers with the WORKship ministry act as a low-barrier service provider at the mansion through their semiweekly clinics, which offer first aid and veterinary services for anyone who needs them.
“Low barrier means if you can show up and crawl through the door using your chin as a shovel, you are welcome,” McCallum said. “You don’t have to have an ID, we don’t care where you were born, we don’t care what your sexual orientation is, we don’t care if you’re grumpy or nasty, we don’t care if you like to act out a little bit. We have one rule: Don’t raise your voice.”
Kelly and Esteban Ureña, a physiology and medical science double major who serves as co-vice president of Street Medicine Tucson, said turnout for the club's mobile health clinics increased after the move to Z Mansion. They said Z Mansion’s good reputation among the homeless population made it much easier for patients to trust them.
“At our first clinic at Z Mansion (on Jan. 30), we saw the biggest number of patients we’d ever seen,” Kelly said.
All UA students are allowed to be a part of Street Medicine Tucson regardless of their major, and Kelly said that there are no requirements or application process to join.
“We’re always recruiting, and allowing people to come,” Kelly said. “There’s room for anyone and everyone.”
Vic Verbalaitis is a University of Arizona journalism student apprenticing with the Arizona Daily Star. | https://tucson.com/news/local/u-of-a-student-health-club-aids-tucson-s-homeless/article_8883c3d6-e606-11ed-b087-4be6b61bd4ef.html | 2023-05-01T22:00:35 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/u-of-a-student-health-club-aids-tucson-s-homeless/article_8883c3d6-e606-11ed-b087-4be6b61bd4ef.html |
Pima County experienced its first 100-degree day of the year and first wildfire of the season Sunday. The fire started Sunday near Mile Marker 4.5, the Pima Sheriff's Department said.
As of Monday afternoon, the blaze had grown to approximately 80 acres and was 70% contained, according to a National Forest Service official.
Catalina Highway was closed Sunday except to Mount Lemmon residents and workers, but it reopened Monday afternoon.
The Tucson Interagency Fire Center began receiving calls about a fire in the area just before 4 p.m. Sunday and immediately alerted the Coronado National Forest Service and local agencies.
The cause of the blaze, located near the Molino basin, was still under investigation as of Monday afternoon, according to the Forest Service official.
Federal, state and local agencies are currently involved in suppressing the blaze.
Authorities said to call the 24-hour Road Condition Hotline at 520-547-7510 for current updates.
Firefighters benefited from relatively cooler temperatures Monday, with the high expected to top out at 90 degrees. That's about 10 degrees cooler than Sunday when it hit 100 degrees in Tucson for the first time in 2023.
However, firefighters had to contend with some stiff winds and gusts that were expected to be as high as 45 miles per hour in some areas of Pima County.
Metro Tucson was one of several areas in southern Arizona under a Red Flag warning most of Monday, the National Weather Service said.
A look back at the Bighorn Fire in photos
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire - Arizona
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Arizona Wildfires
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains, 2020
Eddie Celaya is a cannabis writer and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019.
Eddie Celaya is a cannabis writer and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019.
A wildfire on Mount Lemmon started Sunday, the same day Tucson hit a high of 100 degrees for the first time this year. The high Monday will be about 10 degrees cooler, but high winds are expected most of the day. | https://tucson.com/news/local/wildfire-on-mount-lemmon-mostly-contained-by-monday-afternoon/article_44629382-e825-11ed-b682-776cc1fb400a.html | 2023-05-01T22:00:41 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/wildfire-on-mount-lemmon-mostly-contained-by-monday-afternoon/article_44629382-e825-11ed-b682-776cc1fb400a.html |
The Pima Community College men's golf team produced an impressive double over the weekend.
The ninth-ranked Aztecs won the NJCAA Region I, Division I team championship for the second straight year, defeating Estrella Mountain Community College by 13 strokes at Corte Bella Golf Course in Sun City West.
“This is definitely sweet, but it was extremely tough; probably one of the toughest tests we’ve had all season long,” Pima coach Marcus Smith said in a news release. "Estrella Mountain played lights-out golf. We weren’t competing the first two days, but the boys battled adversity, and it’s always sweet to win a region championship.”
Meanwhile, sophomore Max Krueger (Salpointe Catholic High School) made it back-to-back individual titles for the Aztecs, winning by three strokes. Krueger shot a 1-over 72 during Sunday's final round. Pima's Jay Shero won the individual title last year.
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“It’s a good feeling," Krueger said. "I played pretty good coming down the stretch and held it together. It’s a tough golf course."
Freshman Herman Holst finished in third place, while fellow freshman Daniel Aitken tied for fifth.
The Aztecs get an automatic team berth in the NJCAA Division I Championship, which will be held May 16-19 at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas.
Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter: @michaeljlev | https://tucson.com/sports/local/pima-mens-golf-nabs-2nd-straight-regional-title-max-krueger-is-individual-champ/article_171a0880-e85f-11ed-9812-b7b0f8d1b9bd.html | 2023-05-01T22:00:48 | 1 | https://tucson.com/sports/local/pima-mens-golf-nabs-2nd-straight-regional-title-max-krueger-is-individual-champ/article_171a0880-e85f-11ed-9812-b7b0f8d1b9bd.html |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg Police Department is searching for a man that they said robbed a Subway at gunpoint on Sunday.
On April 30, at 10:56 p.m., officers said they responded to Subway for an armed robbery.
The caller said the store was robbed by a man who pointed a gun at the employee and demanded that they empty the register, LPD said.
We’re told the man took an undisclosed amount of cash and ran away from the scene toward Timberlake Road.
LPD is now searching for the man, who they said was around 5′9″ to 5′11″ with a medium build and wearing a black balaclava, black scarf, a big black or dark blue heavy jacket, black gloves, and dark-colored pants.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective T. Hall at 434-455-6155 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. You can enter an anonymous tip online or use the P3 app on a mobile device.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
No image or footage from the incident was shared. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/lynchburg-pd-man-robs-subway-at-gunpoint-takes-undisclosed-amount-of-cash/ | 2023-05-01T22:01:40 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/lynchburg-pd-man-robs-subway-at-gunpoint-takes-undisclosed-amount-of-cash/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-weight-loss-drug-the-connection/3247866/ | 2023-05-01T22:02:49 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/new-weight-loss-drug-the-connection/3247866/ |
Former Hamilton County Councilman Paul Ayers dies. He was 79.
In January, former Hamilton County Councilor Paul Ayers watched his daughter Teresa enter local politics when she won a GOP caucus to fill a seat on the Carmel City Council.
It was a special night, Teresa Ayers said. Both were precinct committee persons and participated in the caucus.
But Ayers had one thing to tell his daughter when the caucus election was over.
“It was ‘Get to work, Teresa,’” she recalled him saying. “Get to work.”
The message to his daughter was just like Paul Ayers’ approach to service across organizations in Hamilton County, especially his two terms on the Hamilton County Council where his former councilors said Ayers was always fair and steadfast in his beliefs.
Ayers, a Carmel resident, died Friday. He was 79.
More:After councilman's death, Hamilton County Republicans choose Teresa Ayers to fill seat
Ayers graduated from Purdue University with a degree in physical education, but spent 40 years as a real estate developer with Marks Companies, according to his obituary.
He was part of the U.S. Marine Corps and received awards for sharpshooting and becoming a pistol expert during his service.
He was also deeply involved in the Catholic church at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, including coaching the school’s track team and teaching religious education.
Ayers passed his faith onto his eight children: Todd, Elly, Katherine, Anthony, Emily, Sara, Teresa and Christopher.
“He was the funniest, fun dad that anybody could ask for,” said Emily Campbell, one of Ayers’ daughters. “He just always made us laugh. He made our friends laugh. He was just a man of ethics and morals and just very faithful. He always taught us to keep Christ in our lives.”
In Hamilton County, Ayers was involved in community organizations such as Indiana Right to Life, the Carmel American Legion and the Hamilton County Republican Party.
Outside of local politics, Ayers was an avid runner and a triathlete. Ayers enjoyed spending time with his family and he deeply loved his wife, Cheryl, who died in 2020.
“The love he had for our mom was apparent to us in our household growing up, to neighbors and to the community and our church,” said Katherine Cervenka, one of Ayers’ daughters. “He was good to his community, but his love, number one, was my mom.”
2 terms on the Hamilton County Council
Ayers always participated in some kind of public service, said Elly Couto, one of Ayers’s daughters. That motivation eventually led Ayers to the Hamilton County Council. He was elected in 2010 and reelected to a second term in 2014.
“He just always wanted to help and give back to whatever community he was a part of. Seeing him work that all the way into, you know, his political career that he had in Hamilton County, it was just a part of who he was,” Couto said. "And to see him mentor our sister into that. It's just very special."
Ayers's knowledge of local and state politics helped prepare him well for his role on the council, said Brad Beaver, an at-large Hamilton County councilor who served with Ayers.
Beaver, who has served on the council since 1994, said it takes many newly-elected officials a lot of time to understand how the county council works, but Ayers was more than prepared when he took office.
“Paul already knew the landscape, not just in the county, but in the statewide area,” Beaver said. “So he already hit the ground running.”
Beaver said Ayers was “a good guy” and strong in his beliefs. He would not “flip flop” on an issue when serving on the council, Beaver said.
“There were a couple of issues where it got a little heated and we had people from the public coming in and yelling at us,” Beaver said. “Paul never wavered. You didn’t have to worry about him.”
Former Hamilton County Councilor Rick McKinney said an example of Ayers’ values came in 2015 when the Hamilton County Council nixed plans to fund a $3 million fire training center.
From 2015:Hamilton County Council nixes $3M for safety training facility
Ayers was the council president at the time and voted against the plan along with McKinney, Beaver, and former Hamilton County Councilor Fred Glynn. Those four members often served as a conservative bloc on the councils, seeing themselves as taxpayer stewards.
In regards to the training center, they felt Hamilton County did not have a statutory obligation to fund fire departments, believing such a project was more the purview of the towns and cities.
McKinney recalled Ayers giving a “passionate dissertation” about his family’s background in fire departments.
“I’m sitting there holding my breath, thinking that he’s going to switch his vote, because he had already told me and Brad and Fred how he was going to vote,” McKinney said. “And then he goes, ‘but I’m not voting for it.’ And there’s a gasp from all the fire people in the room.”
But despite criticism for the vote, McKinney said Ayers always saw the best in people.
“I'll say the biggest thing was he was fair, and he wanted the best for the county,” McKinney said.
Gatherings to remember Ayers will be held Thursday and Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, according to Ayers' obituary.
Starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, family and friends will gather to pray the rosary. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. Friday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.
Contact IndyStar's Carmel and Westfield reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter@CarloniBrittany. | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2023/05/01/indiana-hamilton-county-councilman-paul-ayers-dies-friday-april-28-2023-79-years-old/70169956007/ | 2023-05-01T22:03:04 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2023/05/01/indiana-hamilton-county-councilman-paul-ayers-dies-friday-april-28-2023-79-years-old/70169956007/ |
A school bus transporting students on Long Island collided with a pickup truck, injuring nearly two dozen students on board and sending the kids to a nearby hospital, officials said.
Officials in Nassau County said the crash happened around 4 p.m. near Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow. The local fire department said 40 students between 5 and 11 years of age were on board at the time, 20 of whom had to be transported to the hospital.
All injuries related to the crash were said to be minor, including that of the pickup driver who had to be pulled from his wrecked truck.
According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, the blue pickup smashed into the bus while making a left turn from a school parking lot around dismissal time. The driver of the school bus was hospitalized with minor injuries as well.
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It's not clear what led to the crash, though Ryder said speed and distracted driving were being eyed as possible causes. It is not believed that alcohol played any role.
An investigation is ongoing. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/20-students-injured-in-long-island-school-bus-crash-with-pickup-truck-spec/4293124/ | 2023-05-01T22:05:19 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/20-students-injured-in-long-island-school-bus-crash-with-pickup-truck-spec/4293124/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Vancouver non-profit iUrban Teen is giving local teenagers of color the opportunity to explore careers in sound engineering with the launch of its new iMusic program this summer.
The iMusic program, which will focus on sound technology and music production, joins the non-profit’s list of career pathway programs from engineering and computer science to creative writing to help students explore careers after high school.
Under the new music program, “students will learn how to implement math into music using music theory. They’ll also learn how sound production works and the software needed to create their own sound and record it,” said iUrban Teen Vancouver Program Manager Simone Thomas.
Thomas also noted the importance of creating a space for teens of color to explore career opportunities.
“If you take a look at all the jobs that are stimulated, it’s prominently white. So, we want to give the opportunity for Black and brown youth to get in there and make that good money and have these awesome careers that they worked hard for. It’s very important to give them the opportunity to get up there too,” Thomas said.
The organization will also be part of Washington’s statewide non-profit fundraiser Give Big Washington, which runs Tuesday through Wednesday. | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vancouver-non-profit-launches-sound-engineering-program-for-bipoc-teens/ | 2023-05-01T22:16:15 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/clark-county/vancouver-non-profit-launches-sound-engineering-program-for-bipoc-teens/ |
Police investigated a body found in the alley behind South Street and the 1200 block of Washington Street on May 3, 2018.
JEFF REINITZ
Raymond Birden Jr. exits the courtroom May 4, 2021, after a Black Hawk County jury found him guilty of murder for allegedly killing Shavondes Martin, the man who was acquitted of killing his brother years earlier.
WATERLOO — A district court judge has again upheld the conviction of a Waterloo man who allegedly shot and killed the person who had been acquitted of killing his brother.
Judge Linda Fangman on Monday issued a ruling that affirmed the jury’s verdict finding Raymond Birden Jr., 24, guilty of first-degree murder in the 2018 death of Shavondes Martin met a credibility-of-the-evidence standard.
“The weight of the credible evidence supports the verdict,” Fangman said during the brief hearing in Black Hawk County District Court on Monday.
The conviction had been appealed because an earlier ruling didn’t mention the standard and the Iowa Court of Appeals sent the case back to district court on the issue in a February 2023 decision.
Fangman went on to comment that she found parts of codefendant Danaesha Martin’s testimony credible – statements about setting up Shavondes Martin and her connections to Birden – and other parts less than credible – statements where she attempted to distance herself from the slaying.
The judge also noted that testimony from other witnesses, as well and other evidence, corroborated parts of Danaesha Martin’s account.
Birden was present in the courtroom for Monday’s hearing. Before the ruling he argued for a postponement to replace his court-appointed attorneys – who had represented him at trial – with a privately appointed attorney.
“This is the first time I’ve seen them and talked with them in three years. I don’t feel comfortable, with my life at stake, for this motion,” Birden said. “I don’t feel comfortable moving forward.”
Fangman ruled that the private attorney hadn’t filed an appearance in the case.
Defense attorney Steven Drahozal also argued unsuccessfully to grant Briden a new trial because of Danaesha Martin’s credibility issue.
Birden will now return to prison to resume serving his life sentence.
Birden’s brother, Otavious Brown, was killed in a 2016 drive-by shooting on Logan Avenue. Shavondes Martin was one of three people charged with murder in the case and he was acquitted of all charges at trial.
Authorities allege Birden had been seeking to get revenge since the acquittal and eventually used Martin’s cousin, Danaesha Martin, to lure him out.
Shavondes Martin, 22, was found dead in an alley behind South Street on May 31, 2018.
Danaesha Martin pleaded to a lesser charge of conspiracy and was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Shavondes Martin’s mother, 48-year-old Diane Martin, was killed in September 2018 when someone shot at her Ricker Street home. Her death remains unsolved.
Raymond Birden Jr. exits the courtroom May 4, 2021, after a Black Hawk County jury found him guilty of murder for allegedly killing Shavondes Martin, the man who was acquitted of killing his brother years earlier.
Raymond Birden Jr. entered the courtroom on May 4, 2021, moments before a Black Hawk County jury found him guilty of murder for allegedly killing Shavondes Martin, the man who was acquitted of killing his brother years earlier. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/judge-affirms-murder-verdict-in-2018-revenge-slaying/article_8400eab4-5593-5da2-95b9-3c4360e80947.html | 2023-05-01T22:16:21 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/judge-affirms-murder-verdict-in-2018-revenge-slaying/article_8400eab4-5593-5da2-95b9-3c4360e80947.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — A man from a Westchester County in New York was killed over the weekend when the taxicab he and five other people were riding in collided with another car, authorities said on Monday.
Almir Pachariz, 49, of Yorktown Height, was pronounced dead at the intersection of Artic and North Missouri avenues early Sunday morning, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.
The crash happened at about 3:40 a.m.
The taxi and Tesla collided at the intersection, killing Pachariz and injuring the cab's other passengers and driver.
The cab's passengers and driver were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division.
The Tesla's driver, who was not identified by authorities on Monday, was also taken to that AtlantiCare branch for non-life-threatening injuries.
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Information about the crash can be given to the Prosecutor's Office by calling 609-909-7800 or anonymously through acpo.org/tip/new. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/man-killed-by-atlantic-city-taxicab-crash/article_8a8a43ea-e858-11ed-85ef-7714c1a3f14b.html | 2023-05-01T22:18:57 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/man-killed-by-atlantic-city-taxicab-crash/article_8a8a43ea-e858-11ed-85ef-7714c1a3f14b.html |
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP — A few years ago, when Serena Zulauf and her husband, Kevin, bought their house next to Mays Landing Country Club, she wasn't afraid the aesthetics of a golf course could be trumped by home development.
Zulauf, a resident of the Glen Eyre housing development adjacent to the golf course, lives down the street from one of the shuttered country club's holes. Up until golfers stopped returning this season, the course was one of the neighborhood's most aesthetically pleasing aspects, a draw for buyers.
"Hearing the golf club hitting the ball, there's just something peaceful about it," said Zulauf, 35.
The club appears to have been closed for about two or three months.
Some residents fear more houses at the golf course could be on the way because a deed restriction from 2014 is still in place.
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While the entire property looks like a spot for a developer to add to Hamilton Township's property tax base, no fewer than 12 golf holes must be kept open on the land, according to a deed restriction amendment filed in 2014 and signed by James Fraser, the country club's former president.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP — An Atlantic County golf course has been sold to a businessman and Atlant…
However, the deed restriction leaves 50 acres that could be developed.
Residents of Glen Eyre, a newly built housing development beside the course, are concerned that property values may drop, especially for homes whose backyards are adjacent to the golfing action. When the development was built, homeowners who chose to live on the golf course paid a higher amount for their properties.
Fears of higher traffic and the effects of construction have also spread in the neighborhood.
The owners who purchased the course in 2015 said they planned on maintaining 18 holes, opting not to make substantial changes besides improvements. But that's not who owns the course now.
Frank Ruocco, executive vice president of Ocean Casino Resort, bought the shuttered golf course out of foreclosure, according to a notice of sale filed with the Atlantic County Clerk's Office late last month.
The purchase comes about two years after Ruocco and a group of investors purchased Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point.
MAYS LANDING — The Coalition for a Safe Community hosted its annual teen summit at Atlantic …
Ruocco has not returned multiple requests for comment.
The country club initially put a deed restriction on the land to keep it a golf course, according to a filing in the Clerk's Office from March 19, 2002.
In the filing, the club agreed the property "shall be used only as a public golf course and shall be operated and maintained as a public golf course in the first-class, mid-market manner and condition."
Should the country club be sold, the incoming owner would be subject to the same terms, the document states.
The deed restriction, however, was amended, according to a filing from 2014, which kept the limitation in place only for land occupied by holes 10-18, leaving the other holes closest to Monet Drive available for building.
That filing amended that the course's restricted area "contain no less than a 12-hole public golf course."
ATLANTIC CITY — It’s the middle of winter.
Fraser said when the country club was sold in 2015 that his family pondered selling part of the course to developers and leaving it as a 12-hole course, an idea that was scrapped because of Atlantic County's then economic condition and housing market.
Mayor Carl Pitale said last week he was not deeply familiar with the property or its history but wished for the new owner's success.
“I’m being optimistic that it’s a good thing,” Pitale said.
The country club was a well-known 18-hole course in Atlantic County and a Fraser family heirloom until it was sold in 2015 to Green Valley Destinations and Resorts. Its event room was also a popular place for parties and wedding receptions.
While prime golf season is approaching, drawing hundreds of local and visiting players, the facility is mostly dormant, displaying "no trespassing" signs on different ends of the property to steer away curious people.
Since the 2015 acquisition, the club appeared to retain its golfing operations before being acquired by WSFS Bank, based in Wilmington, Delaware, earlier this year for about $2.5 million, tax records show.
For now, customers can still get snapper soup with sherry on the side at the Cherry Hill Din…
Before the shutdown, the club's owners, in 2021, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, safeguarding the facility while its finances were reorganized in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill Schmidt, a resident of the 55-and over community that was built around the golf course, said he would like to see the facility reopened. The 72-year-old, who has been living there since about 2003, said he isn't a fan of new development closer to the Glen Eyre homes, as the amended deed restriction would permit.
"Compared to the courses around here, like Harbor Pines, Ballamor and stuff, it would need considerable tender loving care to get it into a reasonable state," Schmidt said. "It certainly isn't destroyed by any sense of the imagination. If they left it at 18 (holes), it would be great."
Staff Writer Christopher Doyle contributed to this report. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/mays-landing-country-club-site-must-have-golf-course-deed-restriction-says/article_2fe56dae-dfaf-11ed-946b-674ae98aacf2.html | 2023-05-01T22:19:03 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/mays-landing-country-club-site-must-have-golf-course-deed-restriction-says/article_2fe56dae-dfaf-11ed-946b-674ae98aacf2.html |
OCEAN CITY — However quickly the city's school district hires a new superintendent, there will likely be a need for an interim super for at least a while after Matthew Friedman leaves the job in June.
That’s according to Board of Education President Chris Halliday, who discussed the district’s plans for a new superintendent search at last week’s meeting, which also saw calls for Lauren Gunther, the district’s current director of student services, to be named interim superintendent immediately.
The meeting saw several residents express frustration with Friedman, who’s been in the job for less than a year, with some speakers saying he renegotiated the terms of his contract even as he was interviewing for a new job.
In late March, the Quakertown Community School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, tapped Friedman as its new superintendent. Friedman started the top job in the Ocean City district last July, with a salary of $190,000.
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Members of the public spoke about Friedman’s leaving, and the district’s pending search for a new superintendent.
“We need a leader with a long-term personal and professional commitment to Ocean City students and to our community,” said resident Marie Hayes. “That means we need a superintendent who is willing to make our wonderful island his or her home.”
OCEAN CITY — About a dozen students at Ocean City High School walked out of classes Wednesda…
Her husband, Dave Hayes, also spoke at the meeting, as did Dave Breeden, the president of the group Fairness in Taxes, who said there have been three school board presidents, three principals and will be four superintendents while his daughter has attended Ocean City High School.
“Leadership matters,” he said. “Without leadership, you have an organization that is floundering.”
Victor Steniec, also a Fairness in Taxes representative, suggested Gunther as a temporary superintendent.
“We’d like to see that happen as soon as possible,” he said, saying she has the needed qualifications.
Friedman attended the meeting but did not address the comments. He is not expected to leave the job before the agreed upon date of June 30.
Steniec also challenged a reimbursement of $605 to Friedman for a trip to Chicago for professional development. Friedman had successfully sought a change to his contract this year that allowed for more time for professional development and conferences.
OCEAN CITY — The Board of Education this week launched its search for a new superintendent t…
That payment was removed from the agenda before the board vote.
Several of the same speakers also called for a change in the meeting times for the school board, which now meets on Thursdays at the same time as City Council. School board member Robin Shaffer introduced a motion to change the night of the meeting.
Many in town, himself included, would like to be able to attend both meetings. Halliday suggested the board could revisit that issue in the future. The meetings have been advertised for the year, board attorney Michael Stanton said.
Halliday said the board would plan a meeting to get public input on what the community would like to see in a future superintendent. He said the previous superintendent search is still very fresh.
On Friday, he said, the district will begin to sift through resumes and applications, with plans for a special meeting of the board to discuss the next steps in the process. There had been a special meeting held, mostly behind closed doors, after Friedman announced plans to leave the district.
The district posted notice of the superintendent job opening through the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and on the district’s website, with a deadline of May 5 to apply.
UPPER TOWNSHIP — The Board of Education on Monday introduced a $36.68 million operating budg…
Whomever the board choses, Halliday said that person will need time to inform their current job of their plans.
“We will likely be required to have an interim superintendent,” he said. “Even if we fill this position expeditiously, there will be a lag.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/residents-frustrated-with-pending-change-in-superintendent-in-ocean-city/article_c14b87d0-e85e-11ed-8288-c78d6d5930e9.html | 2023-05-01T22:19:10 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/residents-frustrated-with-pending-change-in-superintendent-in-ocean-city/article_c14b87d0-e85e-11ed-8288-c78d6d5930e9.html |
Striped bass fishing continues to be phenomenal, but the opening of summer flounder season is probably the biggest news.
The season starts Tuesday (May 2), and the players seen to be in place for the opener. A canvas of the back-bay party boat specialists shows they are ready to get rolling.
The Keeper with captain John Herron is primed to start its 25th season from its usual headquarters on Amherst Avenue in Margate. The well-known Capt. John said Monday he has the usual two four-hour trips starting at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
That daily schedule is pretty much standard but varies somewhat for the area’s several other back-bay pontoon party boats. Mike Tabasso has the High Roller ready to rock out of Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City. The Avalon Lady departs from Avalon Sport Fishing Center. The Duke O Fluke is based at Higbee Avenue in Somers Point.
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Scott’s Dock in Margate, with its fleet of rental boats, pontoon boats and bait and a tackle shop, is ready for action, according to Ray Scott Bonar, known as Scott.
And really, the area’s bait and tackle shops mostly have been geared up because of the excellent fishing we have been enjoying for weeks now.
We are allowed to keep two summer flounder daily, measuring from 17 inches to less than 18 inches plus one of more than 18 inches in state marine waters. In Delaware Bay, the daily possession limit is three with a 17-inch minimum.
Striped bass have been the sluggers for weeks, and it sounds as though that is still going strong. Bluefish, weakfish and black drumfish arrived, and there are recent reports of kingfish joining the lineup.
White perch continue consistent in the area’s rivers and streams
Howard Sefton at Capt. Howard’s Bait and Tackle in Egg Harbor City said some perch fans have switched to minnow as bait because of the high cost of bloodworm.
We had some excellent fishing for tautog, but that season is now closed. Black sea bass is next up to bat, starting May 17 in state waters.
Numerous events are coming in May.
Debbie Mooers reported from Grassy Sound Marina in North Wildwood that they have a season-opening flounder contest scheduled for this week. It starts opening day and continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is no entry fee and no sign-up is necessary. Just bring in your catch from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. those days. The winning prizes are $150 in fuel for public and dock tenants.
May 13 has two events on the board.
The 41st Karl J. Boehret Surf Fishing Tournament in Sea Isle City gets the Association of Surf Angling Clubs season started.
The Delaware Valley Surf Anglers sponsor that one. Register at the Community Lodge, 300 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
The Fishermen Lost at Sea Summer Flounder Tournament is the same day. Register for $20 at Moose Lodge 216 at 3900 West End Avenue in Atlantic City or at One Stop Bait and Tackle in Atlantic City.
Call Steve Jones at 609-233-9774 for more information. More details to come on both events. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/fishing_boating/move-over-striper-summer-flounder-season-starts-tuesday-shep-on-fishing/article_71eafa36-e859-11ed-832c-2375eb3ebfae.html | 2023-05-01T22:19:16 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/fishing_boating/move-over-striper-summer-flounder-season-starts-tuesday-shep-on-fishing/article_71eafa36-e859-11ed-832c-2375eb3ebfae.html |
EDISON TOWNSHIP — Colleen Maguire, the executive director of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, called Monday a historic day for New Jersey high school sports.
How historic time will tell.
NJSIAA member schools voted to approve a more streamlined transfer rule and legalized the recruiting of elementary and middle school athletes.
“I think this is a giant step forward in finally just leveling the playing field,” Maguire said. “Every kid is now treated equally. It doesn’t matter if you played varsity at a small school or played varsity at another school. It doesn’t matter if you had a change of address. Times are evolving, and the association needs to evolve. You can’t ignore the fact that athletics plays an important role in kids’ lives. For us to continue to operate the way we have for the better part of the last 100 years is doing a disservice to the landscape that is out there today. We’ll see. We’re going to give this a try.”
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The rules were approved during the NJSIAA annual general membership meeting at Pines Manor. Both changes will have a major impact on high school sports.
Schools voted 216-96-1 to give student-athletes one penalty-free transfer during the first six semesters of their high school careers as long as that transfer occurs on or before the start of practice date in the sports season in which the transfer occurs. Athletes who transfer two or more times are automatically ineligible for 30 days for each transfer.
Students who transfer after practice starts are ineligible for the season’s first 30 days or half the maximum number of contests in that sport, whichever is less. Students who transfer after the season starts also are ineligible for the state tournament.
The new transfer rule will work this way: Baseball practice starts March 16, and the season starts April 1. Athletes who transfer for the first time before March 16 are eligible immediately. Athletes who transfer between March 16 and March 31 are ineligible for 30 days. Athletes who transfer April 1 or later are ineligible for 30 days and are ineligible for the state tournament.
Seniors who transfer must sit 22 days or one-third of the maximum number of games, whichever is less.
Schools voted 277-34-2 to have this new transfer rule take effect June 1. The rule applies to all athletes, not just the ones who played varsity.
“I think the transfer rule is good,” Holy Spirit athletic director and baseball coach Steve Normane said. “Kids make decisions, and sometimes they’re not right. This gives them the opportunity to correct a decision they maybe weren’t sure of. I think the one free transfer is fair.”
Recruiting allowed
Member schools also voted 263-48-4 to allow public and non-public schools to recruit elementary and middle school students.
Athletes already playing high school sports cannot be recruited. Under the rule, athletes become high school athletes the first day of fall practice or the first day of school if they are not playing a fall sport.
This rule will probably have the biggest impact on public school coaches who will now be expected to recruit prospective athletes.
Some expressed concern that the new recruiting rule could lead to a Wild West atmosphere around high school sports.
“Yipee ki-yay,” Absegami athletic director and Cape-Atlantic League president Steve Fortis said. “We’re going to have to be much more visible. If you’re an eighth grader in Galloway Township, you can choose from seven different high schools to go to. We have to be a part of that conversation. In the past, we were telling coaches you’re not allowed to, you’re not allowed to. Now, we’re going to have to say, ‘Drop what you’re doing and get out there.’ It’s going to be a radical change.”
The new transfer rules eliminate any reference to bona fide changes of residence. Under the current NJSIAA transfer rules, athletes are eligible immediately with a bona fide change of residence, which the organizaation defines as a person moving from one public school district to another.
The bona fide change of residence rule has been easily manipulated by student athletes and their families who either rented an apartment or pretended to move in with a relative to become immediately eligible.
The transfers of high profile athletes is an issue that troubles state high school associations all over the country. New Jersey has tried multiple ways to handle the issue in the past 20 years. At one point, all transfers had to sit an entire school year.
Maguire said the NJSIAA will monitor how these new rules unfold. She said the organization could revisit or reassess the matter in upcoming years.
“For now, I think this is a really good effort heading in the right direction,” she said, “to again bring equity to all types of student athletes, all types of schools and all sports.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/njsiaa-adopts-new-transfer-and-recruiting-rules-on-a-historic-day/article_2c015750-e85d-11ed-bb91-8b88c8f567ea.html | 2023-05-01T22:19:22 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/njsiaa-adopts-new-transfer-and-recruiting-rules-on-a-historic-day/article_2c015750-e85d-11ed-bb91-8b88c8f567ea.html |
AUGUSTA - Mainers showed up to the capital in droves to voice their opinion on the governor's proposed legislation LD 1619 an act to improve Maine's reproductive privacy laws.
If passed, the bill would make three changes to maine's reproductive rights.
It would allow termination at any point in pregnancy as long as it is approved by both the mother and a physician, as well as remove penalties for performing an abortion without specific licensing. It would also require that all abortions to be reported to the department of human health and services and the patients primary care physician within a month after the procedure.
Speaker of the House, Rachel Talbot-Ross says Maine's current reproductive laws are harmful because they do not allow for those seeking abortions to make a completely autonomous decision.
"LD 1619 seeks to address that harm and put the decisions about abortions later in pregnancy in the hands of doctors and their patients. Not politicians," says Ross.
Prior to the public hearing, members of the Pro-Life movement rallied together in the Hall of Flags.
Over one thousand people registered to speak at the public hearing both in person and online.
Many of those in person were there in opposition to the bill.
Senator Lisa Kiem says, "The capitol building is busting at the seams with people who are here just to speak up for life and to say we do not want this radical expansion".
Despite the opposition in the capital, one of the co-sponsors of the bill Representative Laura Supica of Bangor says she's not deterred.
"I don't think the people that are here today represent the majority of Mainers and their belief on the issue but I think its still wonderful when people show up and engage in the legislature and come to Augusta to voice their opinion" says Supica. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/over-one-thousand-mainers-speak-out-about-the-governors-reproductive-rights-bill/article_f05b82fe-e869-11ed-acae-0f5a3551c814.html | 2023-05-01T22:20:00 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/over-one-thousand-mainers-speak-out-about-the-governors-reproductive-rights-bill/article_f05b82fe-e869-11ed-acae-0f5a3551c814.html |
MARLIN, Texas — Marlin ISD announced the death of one of its elementary school students, Donte Trotter, 10, on Monday.
Trotter was a fifth grade student at Marlin Elementary School. He died on Saturday, April 29 due to an asthma attack, Trotter's mom, Latrice Sanders, told 6 News.
"Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss. We will always remember the joyful impact Donte had on Marlin ISD as a student, friend, and drummer," the district said in a statement.
Trotter's drum instructor, DeAundre James said Trotter, or "Tae Tae," was a talented and passionate snare drummer in drumline.
"He was such a burst of energy in the drumline... Definitely a great kid," James wrote.
Marlin ISD said it will provide support for students, staff and community members. It also said it "will continue to work closely with our staff members to ensure that the necessary support is provided."
6 News will have the full story of Trotter's passing, including comments from family and friends, on 6 News at 5 and 6 News at 6 on NBC. That story will be added to this article later Monday night. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/10-year-old-marlin-isd-student-dies/500-26c3205a-e9e2-431a-bd90-f882d3289cf9 | 2023-05-01T22:20:06 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/10-year-old-marlin-isd-student-dies/500-26c3205a-e9e2-431a-bd90-f882d3289cf9 |
TEMPLE, Texas — Discount retailer Tuesday Morning announced that it is closing all of its stores.
According to the company, they are now beginning their Going Out of Business Sale with up to 30% off the lowest ticketed price.
Gift cards and merchandise return gift cards will be accepted through Saturday, May 13.
There are two Central Texas locations in Temple and Waco. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/tuesday-morning-closing-stores/500-c9ca22a6-69c5-40e3-9ab1-7790c3a5bcef | 2023-05-01T22:20:12 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/tuesday-morning-closing-stores/500-c9ca22a6-69c5-40e3-9ab1-7790c3a5bcef |
UA provost, police chief to step down, university officials announce
The University of Arizona provost and police chief are stepping down from their current roles, the university announced Monday.
Provost Liesl Folks is stepping down from her role to focus on establishing a new Center for Semiconducting Manufacturing at the university. She will remain in her position through the spring semester.
The police chief at the University of Arizona Police Department, Paula Balafas, also stepped down from her role on Monday. The university said they will place Chris Olson, a commander of the Oro Valley Police Department, as interim UAPD chief.
This story will be updated with additional information.
Coverage of southern Arizona on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is funded by the nonprofit Report for America in association with The Republic.
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/05/01/ua-provost-police-chief-to-step-down-university-officials-announced/70172423007/ | 2023-05-01T22:22:23 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/05/01/ua-provost-police-chief-to-step-down-university-officials-announced/70172423007/ |
Man dies after being shot in the head by teen in Apache Junction
A man died Sunday evening after he was shot in the head by a teenager, according to Apache Junction police.
Police said they responded to a shooting call in the area of 16th Avenue and Warner Drive at about 5 p.m. Officers found the victim, identified as Tanner Lewis, 18, with a gunshot wound to his head.
Lewis was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said.
After investigating, police said they learned four people entered the house where Lewis was and a confrontation broke out. Police believe the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, pulled out a gun during the fight and shot Lewis.
The people who had come into the house then fled and went to a residence in Mesa.
The 17-year-old, who was unidentified because he is a minor, was arrested and booked into jail, police said.
Apache Junction Police asked anyone with information to call the department at 480-982-8260. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa-breaking/2023/05/01/man-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-head-by-teen-in-apache-junction/70172204007/ | 2023-05-01T22:22:29 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa-breaking/2023/05/01/man-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-head-by-teen-in-apache-junction/70172204007/ |
Owners of Mesa sports facility Legacy Park, already in default, file for bankruptcy
The nonprofit organization that owns Legacy Park, the massive sports complex in east Mesa, announced Monday it was filing for bankruptcy protection, further clouding the financial picture of the park that has brought in millions of athletes and visitors, but not enough dollars.
In a news release, a spokesperson for the facility said it would operate as usual while the nonprofit that owns it, Legacy Cares, goes through reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code.
The sports park project, which opened in January 2022, had already been in default on its $283 million in bonds, issued by an arm of the Arizona state government. Additionally, 18 firms that did construction work on the park have filed liens against the property claiming they were not fully paid for their labor.
In its bankruptcy filing, Legacy Cares said it had more than $242 million in assets, but $366 million in liabilities. Of the assets, $229 million were listed as the book value of the buildings and fields on the site, the filing said.
Legacy Cares, in a notice to bondholders, said it had worked with the trustee to ensure it had enough cash to continue operating the park as usual.
A telephonic hearing for creditors was scheduled for June 6, the court docket showed.
In a statement, Douglas Moss, the president of Legacy Cares, said the goal of the bankruptcy filing was to "preserve this landmark facility so it can continue to serve the community for many years to come."
The news release said Legacy Cares anticipated selling its interest in the park by August.
Behind Bell Bank Park:Developer of popular Mesa sports complex secured $280M despite troubling financial history
Citing the legal proceeding, the news release said Moss would not be granting any interviews.
In bond documents, potential investors were told that should Legacy Cares enter bankruptcy, the trustee would be treated like any other creditor, leaving the judge to sort out whose claims take priority.
The facility had money troubles from the beginning, with investors told on a June 2022 conference call that the problems stemmed from inflation and the continued COVID-19 pandemic.
Chad Miller — the CEO of Legacy Sports, the company that managed the park — promised investors brighter days were ahead. But one investor asked that Miller stop with the "hyperbolic" rosy comments and stick with the dire numbers in the financial reports.
Miller, along with his father, Randy Miller, worked for years to bring the project to fruition on 320 acres on the eastern edge of Mesa. It was land that had been used as a proving ground for General Motors vehicles.
Randy Miller and Chad Miller had been part of Legacy Cares, the nonprofit that would own the park. But both would step down and instead earn six-figure salaries managing the facility as a part of Legacy Sports USA.
In April, the Millers' Legacy Sports company ceased managing the park. Management was turned over to Elite Sports Group, a company whose website lists no executives. A public relations firm hired by Legacy Cares has not provided any information about who runs Elite Sports Group.
A group of bondholders had decided in November to do a financial audit of the park and look at restructuring the deal, asking the Arizona authority to issue new bonds that would pay off debt and keep the project going. But, by February, the bondholders said it would no longer entertain such a plan.
An April filing by the trustee said that Legacy Cares was looking to sell its interest in the park.
The notice to bondholders about the bankruptcy filing on Monday said that the recently-retained investment banking firm, Miller Buckfire, had already begun "preliminary marketing" for such a sale.
The facility opened as Bell Bank Park. But, in November, the North Dakota-based bank asked to end its naming agreement, no longer wanting to be associated with a facility that was in financial trouble. In April, it made the split public because the facility had taken no steps to stop using its name.
The facility was rechristened in April as Legacy Park: Arizona's Premiere Sports & Entertainment Complex.
Turmoil around the park also ensnared the co-founder of the architecture firm that designed it.
Michael Kuntz, who was part of Icon Architectural Group in North Dakota, had raised money from investors that he hoped to use to buy a portion of Legacy Sports USA, the company run by the Millers.
The North Dakota Securities Commission ordered Kuntz in April to pay back his investors. It also levied a fine of $2.88 million.
Kuntz left Icon in June.
The opening of the facility fulfilled a decades-long quest of Randy Miller, a Scottsdale man who had talked of creating such a spot since at least 1990. Deals to create the park with private funds fell through over the years, with three of the people Miller dealt with being found guilty of federal financial crimes.
Miller was able to secure the $283 million in funding with the aid of the Arizona Industrial Development Authority, an agency created by former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.
The authority issues bonds that are attractive for investors because their proceeds are exempt from taxation, a perk that comes from them being issued by a government agency. In turn, the projects pay a lower interest rate than they might with private financing.
Such authorities typically aid projects such as affordable housing or senior living facilities that might struggle to raise private funds. But Arizona's authority had agreed to lend its assistance to projects, some out-of-state, that on the surface seemed more like businesses.
It agreed to issue bonds for a resort in Puerto Rico, a Hilton Garden Inn in Harlingen, Texas, and another youth sports facility in Hutto, Texas, that was never built.
To get funding through the authority, Miller turned the Legacy Cares limited liability company he had formed in 2018 into a nonprofit. Court records say the conversion was done solely to get the tax-exempt funding from the Arizona authority.
Miller choked up during the ribbon-cutting for the facility. He told The Republic in an interview that he was thinking of all the twists and turns it took to bring his vision to fruition.
"I did get very emotional," he said, "because I not only put a lot of time and energy, a lot of people believed in me." | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/05/01/owners-of-east-mesa-sports-facility-legacy-park-file-for-bankruptcy/70171920007/ | 2023-05-01T22:22:35 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/05/01/owners-of-east-mesa-sports-facility-legacy-park-file-for-bankruptcy/70171920007/ |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – For Chris Martin, being a firefighter is not just a job, it’s a calling. The former New England Patriot and University of Central Florida football player started working in Seminole County as a first responder after his family experienced a personal tragedy, the drowning death of his 2-year-old son.
Martin spoke with News 6 reporter Catherine Silver Monday following a weekend tragedy during which Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Shaquil Barrett lost his daughter, Arrayah. Authorities said she drowned in the family’s swimming pool Sunday.
“We’re obviously devastated to hear things like that,” Martin said. “It breaks our heart, you know, it’s a pain we never want anyone to experience.”
Martin’s own son, Gunner, drowned in April 2016.
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“We had the unfortunate experience of coming out of the bedroom thinking he was asleep, and we learned quickly that he wasn’t,” Martin said. “We had a sliding glass door, and our first thought was to go check the pool.”
Four months later, Martin and his wife started the Gunner Martin Foundation with a mission of making a difference for other parents, and in 2022, Martin joined the Seminole County Fire Department.
“It was such an inspiration for me that I wanted to be that for other people as well in a way I could feel like I could help the community,” Martin said.
Data from the Florida Department of Children and Families shows 93 drowning deaths in 2022. Martin said it only takes a moment for someone’s life to change.
“Thirty seconds they say it can happen to a kid,” Martin said. “That’s going out to your car, picking up groceries. That’s putting something away in your house. That’s going and grabbing your laundry. It’s so fast and so quiet, and that’s what makes this really scary.”
Through Martin’s work as a firefighter and his family’s foundation, he and his wife work to provide education and awareness when it comes to water safety. Martin said having layered protections in place are key, including pool fences, knowledge of CPR and swim lessons.
“I do think there are certain barriers we can put in place to minimize the risk, and you know, as a parent that’s what we want,” Martin said.
Heidi Burnett has more than two decades’ experience teaching swim instruction in Central Florida. She said her school, swimsprout, has already received calls from parents who want to take action after the tragedy in Tampa.
“Now they feel this sense of urgency and unfortunately when they start to call us now, it’s a little too late because we can’t get them in for 6 to 8 weeks,” Burnett said.
Burnett is passionate about giving parents peace of mind having their kids around the water. She said teaching lifesaving skills is important for all ages, even infants.
“When a child is crawling, they ‘re moving and they’re mobile, they should learn to at least roll on their back and float,” Burnett said.
For Martin, those educational tools are important, along with breaking the stereotypes associated with drownings.
“With it being a football player too, somebody you would assume probably has it all in place, every preventative measure in place, but you know accidents happen, can still happen,” he said.
Martin said it’s a reminder of his mission to make a difference after his son’s death.
“I’m proud to be on this side of it, and I never want to have to experience, you know, saving a baby, but if I ever had the opportunity I would do my best to try,” Martin said.
Martin’s foundation helps parents pay for local swim lessons, offering scholarships to cover up to 95% off.
Seminole County is also doing its part to give the community access to the resources that are needed. They plan to give out pool alarms for free at several library locations this month.
You can read more water safety tips from the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County by clicking here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/nfl-player-turned-seminole-firefighter-talks-water-safety-after-bucs-players-daughter-drowns/ | 2023-05-01T22:24:56 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/nfl-player-turned-seminole-firefighter-talks-water-safety-after-bucs-players-daughter-drowns/ |
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann is “disturbed” over a draft audit of city spending released by Seminole County—but not because of what’s in it.
McCann said in a letter to Seminole County Clerk of Court Grant Maloy that “the draft audit report should have never been released to the news media because it is deemed confidential by law until the final audit report is completed by the County’s Inspector General and delivered to the City... It is highly unethical for me to respond about notes that are incomplete. This is entirely inappropriate that this is going to the media and everyone else before it’s finalized and that’s what the state statutes are for.”
Maloy released the 180-page draft audit publicly as a public record late last week after several months of investigation.
[READ THE FULL DRAFT AUDIT BELOW]
“My office’s work on the audit was finished and in our opinion, subject to public records requests,” Maloy said. “We are looking forward to the City’s response. The audit calls for more transparency and controls over how our tax dollars are spent. I would hope the Mayor would work towards that goal, instead of blaming others for the findings included in the report.”
When two of Winter Springs’ bridges failed after last year’s hurricane, some citizens began asking why the city didn’t replace them before the storms as planned using penny sales tax revenue.
“The City proposed a group of projects that included: roadway improvements, new trails, new sidewalks, asphalt resurfacing, bridge replacement and repairs, stormwater water quality, and pipe realigning valued at $19 million,” the audit reads.
State Sen. Jason Brodeur in January asked the state auditor general for an operational audit of the city and then Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower asked Seminole County’s Division of Inspector General for an audit.
[RELATED: City of Winter Springs under audit by State of Florida | Winter Springs city manager announces retirement amid audits]
Both Brodeur and Zembower were concerned how Winter Springs spent its portion of the penny sales tax that voters approved in 2014, intended for improving infrastructure.
Winter Springs had planned to beef up its bridges and roads with its $19 million share but then reallocated funds to include 20 “new police vehicles, white fleet vehicles, machinery and equipment,” according to the audit.
“Although we agree that the City is in compliance with the requirement of having a public meeting, and the City is in compliance with Florida Statues, the City Commission, in our opinion, did not follow the intent of the referendum,” the audit shows.
The draft also found “the City transferred money ($5.5 million) from the Infrastructure Fund... into the Water and Sewer Fund allowing the proceeds from a county-wide sales tax to be used on a municipal water and sewer utility means Seminole County taxpayers are subsidizing costs of local utility users,” the audit continues.
Brodeur wants more answers.
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“This confirms exactly what we had suspected before which was that the City is somehow commingling the funds and can’t account for the penny sales tax money that was given, and that puts the residents in jeopardy for their water and wastewater treatment,” Brodeur said. “And so what we’re trying to do is get to the bottom of where the money is and who’s responsible for those decisions that puts those residents in jeopardy.”
The draft, under “What were the results of the audit” on page 3, found that “a small portion of the funds were not spent in compliance with the law.”
McCann refuted that finding.
“There are other parts that I have read that very specifically say that we are in compliance,” McCann said.
McCann said City staff will respond to the draft and, when a final copy of the audit is released, promised to respond line by line.
The draft also mentioned that six other cities besides Winter Springs, Seminole County and the school board are getting money from the penny sales tax and recommends more accountability to ensure funds are appropriately spent, including internal controls and regular audits.
“More internal administrative controls are needed to increase transparency and protect the citizens’ tax dollars,” the audit concludes.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/winter-springs-mayor-disturbed-disappointed-over-release-of-harsh-city-audit/ | 2023-05-01T22:25:02 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/winter-springs-mayor-disturbed-disappointed-over-release-of-harsh-city-audit/ |
GARY — Just blocks away from burned-down husks of houses, dilapidated homes slated for demolition and other scenes of urban blight, a brand new restaurant easily looks like it could be in Chicago or any of its suburbs.
A neon sign set against a trendy backdrop of artificial ivy and flowers in the foyer of the newly constructed J's Breakfast Club greets diners with the expression "love to love to live," making for a ready-made image to share on social media. Big windows stream ample sunlight into a chic, contemporary dining space. Busy servers hurry out orders like salmon croquette breakfasts, shrimp and grits and ribeye steaks.
Owner Joslyn Kelly, who first opened her popular restaurant in Gary eight years ago, built the new J's Breakfast Club at 2601 Broadway just north of the Borman Expressway to greet visitors to Gary with a more positive image of Steel City and change perceptions about it and its potential. She envisions it as a gateway to the city.
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Kelly has recently been showered with awards for her investment, vision, community activism and bustling business. The latest is the Community Impact Small Business of the Year she received from the Indiana Small Business Development Center.
"J's Breakfast Club has created a venue for the local community," ISBDC State Director Natasha Jensen-Matta said. "It's bringing all of the people together under one roof under the mission of love. She has a direct impact by hosting events like Small Business Saturdays where she's highlighting small businesses in the community every week and Silver Mondays where they are supporting senior citizens in the community and bringing resources to them here where they don't have to go out and seek out those resources. It has an incredible impact on the community."
J's Breakfast Club opened earlier this year at the new, larger space.
"She does many things in Gary," said Lorri Feldt, regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. "It's not just a restaurant. People come here for different events. She's a great connector who's had an impact on the city of Gary."
Kelly said she was honored to win the statewide award.
"For me, it's confirmation that the work being done is worthwhile as people are not only acknowledging it, they've giving awards," she said.
J's Breakfast Club also recently won Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year from the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce and Hoosier Impact from the Indiana Small Business Development Corp. Kelly recently won Woman on the Rise from the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest.
"We're very appreciative of the appreciation. You work hard and push forward. But we live in a thankless world so those thank yous vindicate what you're doing," she said.
She said she's trying to address a problem identified in a recent University of Chicago study that found Gary residents spend $47 million a year on restaurant meals but travel outside the city to spend $44 million of it at restaurants in neighboring communities.
"There is demand. There is money here," she said. "That money is going to other communities because there are no quality dining establishments. We're providing a good and a service to a community that doesn't have ready access to it. It's the reason why this investment at this time makes total sense."
She sees an opportunity for more redevelopment in the city.
"Restaurants are only meeting the demand of $3 million, so the potential is here to substantiate this type of investment," she said. "We meet the community's needs. We provide them with what they want and are asking for. We're giving them something they truly deserve. It amazes me if you open your ears and your mind to everything going on around you, everything aligns perfectly." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/js-breakfast-club-wins-community-impact-small-business-of-the-year-award/article_979b3a8e-e85e-11ed-99cc-e313a50013b6.html | 2023-05-01T22:37:13 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/js-breakfast-club-wins-community-impact-small-business-of-the-year-award/article_979b3a8e-e85e-11ed-99cc-e313a50013b6.html |
Northwest Health estimates it had major economic impact last year and provided health care during more than 937,000 patient encounters.
The health care system with hospitals in Valparaiso, LaPorte and Knox released its annual community benefit report outlining its impact on Northwest Indiana.
Northwest Health estimates its economic impact was more than $429 million last year, counting spending, payroll and the taxes it contributes.
Last year, Northwest Health expanded its orthopedic surgery center Northwest Health Lakeshore Surgicare, opened another primary care clinic in Michigan City and brought 24 more health care providers such as doctors and nurse practitioners to the community.
It invested $14.5 million in capital improvements like new technology. It for instance added an artificial intelligence-based maternal-fetal early warning system to detect possible complications during birth.
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The health care system handled more than 81,000 emergency department visits, more than 17,500 inpatient admissions, more than 25,800 surgeries and more than 2,000 deliveries of babies. More than 811,000 patients visited Northwest Medical Group offices for services like checkups, imaging, physical therapy, lab work and wound care.
“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said Ashley Dickinson, chief executive officer for Northwest Health. “Our communities are truly blessed to have this dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers who are making a meaningful difference each and every day.”
Northwest Health provided more than $32.9 million in uncompensated and charity care last year, assisting the needy. It paid $48 million in taxes and also donates to charitable causes like the Pax Center, Starke County Youth Club and the Caring Place.
It had a payroll of more than $300.9 million, also offering employees benefits like tuition reimbursement, licensure reimbursement and help with student loan repayments. More than 500 medical students at seven colleges completed training at Northwest Health facilities last year, creating a pipeline of future clinicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, emergency medical technicians, medical assistants and imaging technologists.
“The vital care we provide is only one part of our broad impact. We are a cornerstone of the community and are committed to doing all we can to make Northwest Indiana a healthier community for all," she said.
For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com/community-benefits. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/northwest-health-contributes-429-million-to-economy-has-937-000-patient-encounters/article_4a30e564-e480-11ed-ab79-cb3a0f157c79.html | 2023-05-01T22:37:20 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/northwest-health-contributes-429-million-to-economy-has-937-000-patient-encounters/article_4a30e564-e480-11ed-ab79-cb3a0f157c79.html |
Schererville-based Paradise Spreads started making organic plant-based protein spreads so they can be enjoyed by people who might suffer from food allergies.
The product has caught on and is now being stocked at local supermarkets.
Paradise Spreads, which Emily Edwards launched in 2018, was named Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year by the Indiana Small Business Development Center.
"Emily Edwards is someone who has innovated in food, which is not an easy thing to do. It's the toughest business there is and she created a category that never existed until she started it," said Lorri Feldt, regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. "We're tremendously proud of her. Her company has thrived in the challenging food industry. It's difficult to get your product on supermarket shelves. It's difficult to get buyers to pay attention to you. It's challenging but she put up a fight and created something that didn't exist."
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The company makes spreads and "snax pax" in caramel sea salt vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors. It bills the snack food as "gluten-free, healthy and convenient."
"Paradise Spreads is an incredible, innovative company," ISBDC State Director Natasha Jensen-Matta said. "Emily has created an innovative product. She solved a lot of different problems for a lot of different people and created something delicious."
A Mississippi native, Edwards worked as a social worker and noticed how prevalent food allergies were becoming. She enjoyed baking and experimenting with food and devised a new product.
She initially launched Paradise Icing with the help of the Purdue Northwest Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond.
"When I started here with a One Million Cups presentation, I thought I was going to pass out," she said. "It took a lot of prayer and determination to get it off the ground. As a native of Philadephia, Mississippi, I learned from my mom who was a baker and cooked all the time. I learned recipes from her kitchen, which was a gathering place. It's where I first learned food could bring people together and where I licked the batter from the spoon when she baked cakes. I wanted to create something millennials could share with their children."
Eventually, she rebranded the product from Paradise Icing to Paradise Spreads as people associated icing more with cake when they were using it as a spread.
"We're now in 15 retailers. We sell online and wholesale," she said. "We're continuing to grow. We're very excited about our growth."
She's also developing new products like cookie sandwiches and a peanut butter flavor that's free from peanuts for people with nut allergies.
Paradise Spreads is now carried in eight Strack & Van Til stores. Edwards is working to get it stocked at Walt's and it will soon be available on Amazon and in military commissaries.
The goal is to get in stores nationwide.
"I want to continue to grow it from local to regional to national to a household brand name," she said. "I want to bring healthy sweetness to people. I want everybody to wake up in paradise." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/paradise-spreads-named-minority-owned-business-of-the-year/article_94941662-e85e-11ed-8dfc-1f78c1cc359e.html | 2023-05-01T22:37:26 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/paradise-spreads-named-minority-owned-business-of-the-year/article_94941662-e85e-11ed-8dfc-1f78c1cc359e.html |
ST. JOHN — A bomb threat at Lake Central High School Monday sent students home and prompted the school to bring in an investigative team and bomb-sniffing dog, school officials told The Times.
Lake Central Superintendent Larry Veracco said that at the end of the school's third period classes, a student received an AirDrop message on their phone which stated, "Bombing the school, it will go off soon as the end of the day bell rings. This is not a joke."
After the student reported this message to school administration, the district brought a bomb-sniffing dog around 1:15 p.m. to search in and around the classroom, Veracco said. The dog reportedly "indicated" on the same cabinet two separate times and students were moved away from the area towards the school's freshman center. At 1:45, school administration made the decision to dismiss school early and announced it to parents.
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At 4 p.m., Veracco told The Times that a second group of investigators was on its way to conduct a follow-up sweep of the building.
This comes amid a growing trend of threats of violence at schools in Northwest Indiana and across the U.S.
In January, three different threats of violence were made toward Valparaiso High School, triggering lockdowns and early dismissals, according to previous Times reporting. An Ohio 16-year-old was later arrested in connection with theses threats. Also in January, threats of violence were made towards Portage, Hobart and Wheeler high schools. Bailly STEM Academy in Gary also received a bomb threat in January. None of those January threats were found to be credible. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/bomb-threat-sends-lake-central-hs-students-home-early/article_ae4db842-e863-11ed-9910-d3ae4346710c.html | 2023-05-01T22:37:32 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/bomb-threat-sends-lake-central-hs-students-home-early/article_ae4db842-e863-11ed-9910-d3ae4346710c.html |
GARY — The last few years have been rough for Matthew Marrero.
"Where do I begin, I've have COVID, I've been shot, I've been in a car accident, I've been kicked out," on his 26th birthday, Marrero found himself with nowhere to go. "Then I heard a voice that said 'go to Brother's Keeper.'"
Founded in 1986, the Brother's Keeper homeless shelter connect residents with jobs, distributes food through an onsite pantry and operates a community garden. Brother's Keeper Executive Director Isaac Mootye said every year far too much of the organization's budget must go to maintaining the shelters' aged building.
However, the shelter's electricity bill should be going down — after years of nothing but fans and electric heaters, Brother's Keeper now has a heating and cooling system.
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"That's the sound of progress," Mootye said as he and U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan flipped the switch on the brand-new system.
The Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana, an organization that brings together local Indian healthcare professionals, was able to raise over $25,000 to pay for the system. Vivek Mishra, president of IMA, said his organization launched GoFundMe campaign after volunteering at the shelter and realizing the need for reliable heating and cooling.
Mootye said the shelter building, located at 2120 Broadway Avenue, is over 100 years old. When it rains, workers put out buckets to collect water from the leaky rood; in the winter residents wrap themselves in blankets and huddle around space heaters; and in the summer heat, the shelter's electricity often cuts out because of all the fans.
"It was a brutal winter," Marrero recalled.
Brother's Keeper Caretaker Denise Morris, also known as 'Mama Morris,' said a few winters back a pipe froze and burst, flooding the sleeping area.
Immediately after the new heating and cooling system was installed, Mootye said he noticed a change in resident's moods.
"Before people would get antsy, you can't sleep it it's too hot or too cold," Mootye explained. "They are humans, but they've never been treated as such."
The Indian Medical Association also upgraded all the shelter's light to new LED lights, added fresh signage outside the building and provided a UV air purifier. On Monday morning Mrvan, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince and representatives from the Indian Medical Association gathered at the shelter to celebrate the donation.
Mrvan pledged to use his role in Congress to advocate for affordable housing, good paying jobs and funding that supports mental health and addiction treatment programs.
Brother's Keeper is one of the few Region homeless shelters that serves men. The facility has 26 beds, some residents stay just a few months while others have lived there for decades.
CeDre Royster arrived at Brother's Keeper on Monday. The 28-year-old said he wanted to use his time at the shelter to get himself together and "become a better man."
"I'm grateful to have shelter... I could be under a bridge," Royster said. "It feels good to know they (Brother's Keeper) has your back."
The shelter's list of needed donations is lengthy — winter clothes, pillows, first aid kids, shows, bus passes and towels to name just a few items. When asked about future building improvements, Mootye lifted up a thin piece of plywood revealing a badly torn up floor.
Sandra Johnson, who sits on the Brother's Keeper Board, said the shelter needs new beds, a new TV area and computers to help residents search for jobs. Improving the shelter's physical building will help motivate residents, Johnson explained.
"You want to walk into a place that gives you hope," Johnson said. "You don't want to come of the streets and feel like you are still living on the streets."
Every Christmas, the Indian Medical Association makes a donation to the shelter. To learn more about donating, email brotherskeepergary@gmail.com. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/indian-medical-association-of-nwi-donates-heating-and-cooling-system-to-gary-homeless-shelter/article_266defe6-e854-11ed-8b54-db2cdbbc1207.html | 2023-05-01T22:37:38 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/indian-medical-association-of-nwi-donates-heating-and-cooling-system-to-gary-homeless-shelter/article_266defe6-e854-11ed-8b54-db2cdbbc1207.html |
Saks Off 5th at 901 Market St. in downtown San Francisco is slated to permanently close later this fall, a spokesperson for the discount luxury clothing retailer confirmed to SFGATE on Monday afternoon.
“Through the regular course of business we continually evaluate store performance and other factors, and, from time to time, may determine it necessary to close a store,” the spokesperson said in an email. “We expect this store to remain open to the public until the fall of 2023 and look forward to continuing to serve the community.”
Following the closure, customers can continue to shop at other Saks Off 5th locations in the Bay Area, including stores in Petaluma, Livermore and Milpitas, the spokesperson said. Saks Off 5th has been in operation in San Francisco since March 2015.
The news comes after a recent report that Ross Dress for Less could be opening a new Market Street location where Saks Off 5th is located alongside Nordstrom Rack. The new Ross would be just a block away from a current Ross store at 799 Market St.
SFGATE reached out to a spokesperson for Nordstrom Rack to learn if that store would be closing as well but did not hear back by the time of publication.
It’s not clear how many employees at Saks Off 5th will be affected by the closure. “We are committed to offering support and assistance to our team impacted by the closing,” the spokesperson said. “Eligible associates will receive appropriate employment separation packages and transfer opportunities will be explored where feasible.”
Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square remains open. | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/saks-off-5th-san-francisco-closure-18000980.php | 2023-05-01T22:40:45 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/saks-off-5th-san-francisco-closure-18000980.php |
GREENSBORO — Prosecutors say a former teaching assistant and coach at Dudley High School was found guilty Monday of multiple child sex offenses.
Christopher Arnell Holland, 40, of Greensboro, was convicted of two counts of statutory rape of a child 15 years old or younger; two counts of statutory sex offense of a child 15 years old or younger; and three counts of sex act with a student, according to the Guilford County District Attorney's Office.
Holland was sentenced to a minimum of 77 years in prison to a maximum of 113 years.
On Aug. 13, 2019, Greensboro police received a report that a former student at Dudley had an inappropriate sexual relationship with Holland, who was a teaching assistant at the school. The victim was a juvenile at the time of the offense.
Holland, who was a JV basketball coach, was arrested March 12, 2020. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/prosecutors-former-dudley-high-teaching-assistant-convicted-of-multiple-child-sex-crimes/article_a220b734-e865-11ed-a8c5-3304e09fc0c0.html | 2023-05-01T22:40:53 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/prosecutors-former-dudley-high-teaching-assistant-convicted-of-multiple-child-sex-crimes/article_a220b734-e865-11ed-a8c5-3304e09fc0c0.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Machinists union and Spirit AeroSystems opened talks Monday on a contract that will affect thousands of people in Wichita. The current contract expires at 11:59 p.m. on June 23.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 839 says the negotiations represent a culmination of 13 years without a fully negotiated contract. Union members extended the contract in 2010 after a 10-year initial agreement. They had to extend it again in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic.
“This contract is one of the biggest for the state and could potentially change the lives of over 7,000 employees of Spirit AeroSystems, not to mention the community itself,” Cornell Beard, District 70 directing business representative, said in a news release. “Changing lives is one of the things we stand for, and changing the culture is what we do. This company has had 13 years to tell the employees how important they are. Now it’s time to show us. We want a more than deserved fair contract for the next three years.”
The Machinists union said its members helped Spirit AeroSystems through the pandemic, downturns in the aviation market, Boeing 737 Max’s software issues, and changes in defense spending.
“Our IAM members have faced uncertainty after uncertainty, all while continuing to produce efficient and exceptional quality products,” General Vice President Ricky Wallace, IAM, said. “Thirteen years – it’s long past time for Spirit to sit down and craft an industry-leading agreement with our members.”
“Spirit is committed to negotiating in good faith,” according to Spirt AeroSystems.
It created a contract negotiations webpage for its machinists.
“Spirit wants to make sure you have the information you need to understand the negotiations process and what Spirit currently provides our IAM-represented employees,” Spirit said on the website.
Spirit said the two sides will meet regularly to work on topics ranging from pay to hours, benefits, and safety.
If the contract negotiators can reach an agreement, the union will ask its members to vote on it. If the members approve the contract by 50% + one, it goes into effect, and work continues.
There could be a strike if the negotiators do not reach an agreement during the contract talks or if the union members do not approve the contract. A strike would require approval by two-thirds of the union.
In March, the union members voted overwhelmingly to sanction a strike, which differs from voting to strike. According to Spirit, the sanction vote means the “Local Lodge has requested the potential right to legally strike, and strikers would be able to receive money from the International Strike fund.”
“We do not believe anyone benefits from a work stoppage, and we will make every effort to avoid one,” Spirit said on its contract negotiations webpage.
Stay with KSN News for any updates on the contract talks. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-and-spirit-aerosystems-begin-contract-talks-13-years-in-the-making/ | 2023-05-01T22:41:35 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/machinists-and-spirit-aerosystems-begin-contract-talks-13-years-in-the-making/ |
AUGUSTA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita Police Department (WPD) made an arrest in a local cold case Monday.
A 53-year-old man from Augusta was arrested on suspicion of two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated criminal sodomy.
According to the WPD, at 11 p.m. on November 13, 2007, officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of S Tara Falls in reference to a sexual assault case.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a suspect had broken into the home and sexually assaulted a female victim.
“Investigators worked to identify a suspect but were unable to despite exhausting all available resources at the time,” the WPD said.
The WPD says recently, investigators, in collaboration with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team and the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, were able to utilize genealogical investigative techniques to assist in identifying a potential suspect.
The suspect’s identity was confirmed through DNA.
KSN will not identify the suspect unless charges are filed in the case.
The case will be presented to the Districted Attorney’s Office. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-police-department-makes-arrest-in-local-cold-case/ | 2023-05-01T22:41:41 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-police-department-makes-arrest-in-local-cold-case/ |
SPRINGFIELD — At least six people were killed and dozens injured after multiple crashes on Interstate 55 in Montgomery County, authorities said Monday.
Illinois State Police said the interstate was shut down between mileposts 63 and 80, which is between Zanesville about 12 miles north of Litchfield in Montgomery County and Divernon about 17 miles south of Springfield in Sangamon County.
“Visibility in the area is reported to be low due to blowing dust,” state police said in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "... The cause of the crash is due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway leading to zero visibility."
Interstate 55 in southern Sangamon and northern Montgomery counties remains closed in both directions because of numerous crashes caused by a dust storm, which has greatly reduced visibility. (photo via @wics_abc20) pic.twitter.com/rYbWKndJa6
— IDOT_Illinois (@IDOT_Illinois) May 1, 2023
ISP Troopers were initially called to the area before 11 a.m. for crashes in both northbound and southbound lanes within a two-mile stretch. Twenty commercial vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger vehicles became involved in the pile-up, ISP Maj. Ryan Starrick said during a news conference Monday afternoon.
During the crashes, at least two semis caught fire as a result of the crashes, both of which had been been extinguished by 2:30 p.m. Starrick also said there were unconfirmed reports of an explosion.
More than 30 people, of ages between 2 and 80, were taken to four area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Starrick said late Monday afternoon.
Further information about the fatalities will come from coroner's offices, he said.
In a statement, ISP said the six fatalities all occurred in the northbound lanes of I-55.
I-55 traffic was being diverted using state Routes 104 and 48 through Taylorville, according to a tweet from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area. Recovery of vehicles and clean up continued after 5 p.m. Monday. The roadway was expected to remain closed through Monday evening, possibly into the early hours of Tuesday.
Starrick said the National Weather Service had advised that the high winds were expected to subside by 8 p.m. Monday.
Blowing dust causing a multiple car pile up on I-55 between Divernon and Farmersville. Visibility less than a quarter of a mile. Visibility can become zero at times. If you encounter blowing dust on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/8NS4zT76zg
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 1, 2023
Kevin Schott, director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency said, it had been an emotional day, but no first responders had reported injuries, despite their eyes being full of dust.
"This is a difficult scene, something that is very hard to train for, something that we haven't experienced locally before," he said, adding that they were "very lucky" to have the quality of first responders that were on scene keeping each other safe.
Schott said the most difficult part was "trying to get to the victims in a rapid manner. Multiple vehicles were involved, some were on fire" and responders had to search every vehicle to check for injuries. They've found those who were involved in the crash have been upset, "visibly so and understandably so."
The Auburn Travel Center in Divernon was being used for reunification for those able to safely leave the scene from the north side, but by 4 p.m., ISP began to direct travelers to the Mr. Fuel Travel Center in Litchfield where troopers and deputies were "working to get people reunified."
More than 30 agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments and EMAs, responded to the scene. Hazardous materials teams responded as a precaution and the Illinois EMA has offered support, Starrick said, noting some fuel spillage resulted from the crash.
Fire engines remained on scene late Monday afternoon in case of hot spots and reignited fires, Schott said.
Other agencies like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army also responded to offer assistance and support.
Starrick also said multiple helicopters responded to the scene and at least one person was airlifted.
"My heart goes out to the families; my heart goes out to anybody that found themselves in this situation," Starrick said.
State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said he visited the area on Monday afternoon and saw how hazardous the conditions were.
"I’m amazed at the work of the first responders from numerous agencies working to save lives in an extremely difficult situation," he said in a statement.
Lee Enterprises reporter Erin Henkel contributed to this report. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/multiple-fatalities-dozens-hospitalized-after-crashes-on-interstate-55-in-montgomery-county/article_ad34ff50-e855-11ed-8005-3f647d1783aa.html | 2023-05-01T22:42:03 | 0 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/multiple-fatalities-dozens-hospitalized-after-crashes-on-interstate-55-in-montgomery-county/article_ad34ff50-e855-11ed-8005-3f647d1783aa.html |
BLOOMINGTON — A Normal man is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police.
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is alleged to have delivered over 200 grams of a substance containing psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms, to a confidential ISP source on April 11.
On Wednesday, prosecutors said, Moen delivered a similar amount of a substance containing psilocybin and between 30 and 500 grams of cannabis to an ISP source.
Prosecutors say police also found over 200 grams of a substance containing psilocybin, between 2,000 and 5,000 grams of a substance containing cannabis and methamphetamine in Moen's possession prior to his arrest on Thursday.
Moen was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, and unlawful delivery of cannabis, a Class 3 felony.
Judge Pablo Eves set bond at $250,000, 10% to apply, for Moen on Friday.
Moen's arraignment is set for 9 a.m. May 19.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Bryant Lewis
Bryan Lewis, 28, of Bloomington, is charged with home invasion causing injury, a Class X felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Derek Roesch
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor
Justin M. Mata
Justin M. Mata, 28, no address given, is charged with possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. He was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and his next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Marcus D. Wesley
Marcus D. Wesley, 36, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle (Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 3 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Phillip Tinch
Phillip Tinch of Normal was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center with several felonies including:
- Five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, more than one but less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 1 felony.
-One count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, less than one gram of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
Trisha L. Hanke
Trisha L. Hanke, 36, is charged with theft of over $10,000 (Class 2 felony). Court documents indicate she knowingly took $14,000 belonging to a Love's Travel Stop, in LeRoy, where she was employed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William B. Givens
William B. Givens, 49, no address given, is charged with unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, possession of five to 15 grams of meth, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
David L. Oliver
David L. Oliver, 51, of Bloomington, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault.
Kenneth E. Funk
Kenneth E. Funk, 27, is charged with residential burglary (Class 1 felony) involving an apartment in Lexington on Dec. 31, 2022.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Charges have been filed against Jordan R. King, 34, for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Holly M. Isaacson
Holly M. Isaacson, 36, is charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing cocaine with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kenneth L. Minton
Kenneth L. Minton, 51, is charged with aggravated home repair fraud (Class 2 felony) and theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, is charged for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Britley L. Hilger
Britley L. Hilger, 32, is charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony) after she supposedly punched a McLean County Detention Facility officer in the chest.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jasmine L. Smith
Jasmine L. Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 2 felony) and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child (Class A misdemeanors).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jackie S. Claypool
Jackie S. Claypool, 46, appeared for a Friday bond court hearing for two new cases which charged her for one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), four counts of forgery (Class 3) and one count of deceptive practices (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noah R. Demuth
Noah R. Demuth, 22, of Evanston, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, aggravated battery in a public way, a Class 3 felony, mob action, a Class 4 felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. His next court date is Feb. 17.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brandon L. Parsano
Brandon L. Parsano, 39, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony. His next appearance is Feb. 17 for an arraignment.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexander N. Williams
Alexander N. Williams, 24, was charged Feb. 2 with the following:
3 counts of unlawful delivery of cannabis between 30 and 500 grams - Class 3 felonies. 2 counts of armed violence - Class X felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 2,000 and 5,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 1 felony. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 2 felony. 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon - Class 3 felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon - a Class 3 felony 3 counts of violating the Illinois FOID act - Class 3 felonies.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano
Carlos H. Sanchez-Solozarzano, 22, was charged with 1 count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaylin S. Bones
Jaylin S. Bones was charged with four counts of first-degree murder stemming from a homicide in Bloomington last year. A McLean County grand jury also returned a bill of indictment charging him with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Jordan R. King, 34, was charged with violating the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony) a second time in under a month.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dominique M. Banks
Dominique M. Banks, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony). The incident happened in October 2022 and involved one victim.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Austin T. Daugherty
Austin T. Daugherty, 29, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) after he entered an Avis Car Rental, 3201 Cira Drive, in Bloomington, without permission and with the intent to commit theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Sandra M. Lewis
Sandra M. Lewis, 77, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing MDMB-4E-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, with the intent to deliver (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samantha E. Morris
Samantha E. Morris, 40, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer (Class 2 felony) after supposedly spitting on a Colfax police officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nolan C. Love
Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nikkita L. Sandefur
Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Katlin M.B. Wilson
Katlin M.B. Wilson, 32, is charged with aggravated identity theft (Class 2 felony) after being accused of fraudulently obtaining money exceeding $300 but not exceeding $10,000 from a 60 year old man.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eli C. Garozzo
Eli C. Garozzo, 20, is charged with two counts of home invasion, a Class X felony, two counts of attempted armed robbery, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. His bond was set at $200,000 as a 10% bond, meaning he must pay $20,000 plus fees to be released. His next appearance is an arraignment on April 13.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tysean T. Townsend
Tysean T. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), three counts of child abduction, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and obstructing justice (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Curtis J. Byrd
Curtis J. Byrd, 31, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of fraud and two counts of financial institution fraud (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noral K. Nelson
Noral K. Nelson, 31, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) after he was arrested in connection to a shooting along the 1500 block of S. Main Street.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charles J. Tankson
Charles J. Tankson, 23, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony), theft and two counts of unlawful use of a debit card (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis, Micah S
Davis was charged with 3 counts of arson, Class 2 felonies, and 3 counts of criminal damage to property, Class 4 felonies.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Livingston, Joshua D.
Livingston was charged with 2 counts of possessing stolen vehicles, Class 2 felonies, possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin L. Ewen
Kevin L. Ewen, 42, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing and was charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony), obstructing a peace officer (Class 4 felony) and two counts of resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Emmanuel K. Mpay
Emmanuel K. Mpay, 23, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing following a grand jury indictment for two counts of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ahmad S. Manns
Ahmad S. Manns, 19, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing and was charged with cannabis trafficking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dylan R Mann
Dylan R Mann, 31, appeared Friday in bond court following four grand jury indictments for two separate cases relating to aggravated assault and battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and driving while license revoked or suspended (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Linden
William R. Linden, 79, was released Tuesday on felony burglary charges for trying to pass a forged check at Busey Bank.
Zadek U. Moen
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police on Thursday.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/normal-man-faces-multiple-drug-charges/article_dbf33528-e602-11ed-b2d0-9705253f79ba.html | 2023-05-01T22:42:09 | 0 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/normal-man-faces-multiple-drug-charges/article_dbf33528-e602-11ed-b2d0-9705253f79ba.html |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — U.S. Route 30 in Lancaster County is expected to be closed for an extended period of time, according to Lancaster County Dispatch, following a crash.
East Hempfield Township police are currently responding to the scene of the crash, which was first called in at 4:32 p.m.
There is one minor reported injury. At this time, all lanes of traffic along U.S. 30 westbound at the Centerville Road exit are closed. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/dispatch-route-30-lancaster-closed-extended-period-time-following-crash/521-4f8a5f32-af2e-4c22-bf8b-d677851e033e | 2023-05-01T22:43:36 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/lancaster-county/dispatch-route-30-lancaster-closed-extended-period-time-following-crash/521-4f8a5f32-af2e-4c22-bf8b-d677851e033e |
YORK, Pa. — A York County man will serve up to 47 years in state prison for his role in the death of a York woman in 2020.
Charles Cassell, 55, was convicted in March of third-degree homicide, drug delivery resulting in death, criminal use of a communication facility, tampering with evidence and recklessly endangering another person in connection to the death of Angelique Smith in October 2020, York County District Attorney David Sunday said.
Cassell was sentenced to 23.5 to 47 years in prison at a hearing Monday morning before York County Judge Harry M. Ness, Sunday said.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Erin Kraska and Deputy Prosecutor Isaac Zimmerman prosecuted the case.
The York City Police Department investigated the case and filed charges against Cassell. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/charles-cassell-sentencing-drug-delivery-death-angelique-smith/521-47af79ce-030b-40e6-8ea0-02222a443e92 | 2023-05-01T22:43:42 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/charles-cassell-sentencing-drug-delivery-death-angelique-smith/521-47af79ce-030b-40e6-8ea0-02222a443e92 |
UPDATE:
The NWS has released a preliminary EF-1 rating for Sunday morning’s tornado in Charlotte County roughly 20 miles east of Punta Gorda.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Early Sunday morning, a line of severe storms moved across the state of Florida prompting 16 tornado warnings across the state. Eight of those warnings were located here in Southwest Florida.
This afternoon, the National Weather Service in Tampa has confirmed that a tornado touched at 6:38 a.m. 12 miles east of Babcock Ranch near the Charlotte and Glades County line along Bermont Road.
Florida Power and Light confirmed a storage barn had collapsed due to the tornado. The National Weather Service has planned to survey the damage on Monday, May 1st. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/05/01/tornado-confirmed-near-charlotte-county-and-glades-county-line/ | 2023-05-01T22:44:26 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/05/01/tornado-confirmed-near-charlotte-county-and-glades-county-line/ |
SAN ANTONIO — New changes at the federal level are set to impact potential home buyers.
The government says the change to upfront mortgage fees will help buyers limited by income or wealth. But, one expert says, it also means a higher cost to people with better credit.
The change makes an impact in those trying to achieve the American dream.
“Formally, they’re called loan level price adjustments," said Michael Pena, sales manager and loan officer with Academy Mortgage. "They exist on loans, they always have."
The change kicks into gear this month, and affects the pricing framework of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—which back a majority of home loans made in the U.S.
Let’s say you’re getting a traditional mortgage on a $300,000 home, you have a credit score between 740 and 760, and you put 20% down. Pena says that, in that scenario, the buyer would face a fee adjustment that has increased to .875%, and likely means a higher interest rate.
“It does inherently punish the higher credit score a little bit, but the person with the higher credit score (is) still getting much less of a hit than the lower credit score,” Pena adds.
The government wants to clarify what it says are misunderstandings about the change.
“Higher-credit-score borrowers are not being charged more so that lower-credit-score borrowers can pay less," said Sandra Thompson, director of the Federal housing Finance Agency. "The updated fees, as was true of the prior fees, generally increase as credit scores decrease for any given level of down-payment.”
Pena says it's best to not compare your situation to someone else’s.
“You’re still getting rewarded in that sense for having higher credit score, just not as much," he said. "Cross-comparing is not the best representation."
Whether it makes it easier or harder for someone to buy a home is still debatable, he adds.
“I think if you’re a 660 (credit score) and it just made the cost less, then it makes it easier for them," he says. "And I think if you’re a 770, you’re probably in a good spot already. But just because you have a 770 doesn’t mean you have a lot of money, so it could make that harder if the cost of that loan is a little bit more."
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/home-buying-mortgage-fee/273-a107f354-34c9-4f35-8b89-b3e3292291eb | 2023-05-01T22:47:36 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/home-buying-mortgage-fee/273-a107f354-34c9-4f35-8b89-b3e3292291eb |
MESA, Ariz. — The owner of Legacy Park: Arizona’s Premiere Sports & Entertainment Complex announced Monday it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Legacy Cares Inc. said the 320-acre sports complex in Mesa would remain in operation as the organization uses the bankruptcy process to address debt obligations.
“Legacy Cares’ goal is to preserve this landmark facility so it can continue to serve the community for many years to come," Legacy Cares President Douglas Moss said. "Legacy Cares intends to use this process to protect and support the Park’s business operations and address Legacy Cares’ debt obligations while working towards an orderly and efficient possible sale of Legacy Cares’ assets in a manner that maximizes their value.”
The organization has also recruited the help of an investment bank to assist with the potential sale of all Legacy Cares assets.
Last month, Bell Bank announced it was ending its partnership with the sports complex following public reports of financial concerns. As a result, the facility changed its name to Legacy Park.
The facility opened in January 2022 and was already in financial trouble by October, according to the Arizona Republic.
Legacy Cares said the facility's day-to-day operations will not be adversely affected in the coming months and does not foresee any negative impact on the local community.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/owner-mesa-sports-complex-files-bankruptcy-legacy/75-25e77441-30b1-4cd2-81ab-ea66de14cfea | 2023-05-01T22:49:30 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/owner-mesa-sports-complex-files-bankruptcy-legacy/75-25e77441-30b1-4cd2-81ab-ea66de14cfea |
ROUND ROCK, Texas — With the hot summer months approaching in Texas, one city is asking everyone to do their part to help conserve water.
On Thursday, the City of Round Rock approved changes to its drought restriction ordinance, which was enacted in June 2022. People were given a twice-a-week watering limit with schedules based on their address.
The restrictions stated that watering would not be allowed from noon to 7 p.m. and was only in effect from May 1 to Oct. 31 each year.
The changes will now prevent watering from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. year-round.
However, the restrictions are completely voluntary.
Michael Thane is the utility director for Round Rock and said that although lake levels are still high, City leaders are looking ahead to ensure residents keep practicing habits to conserve.
"We want them to start practicing that, even though the lakes are full. That doesn't mean we just need to be wasteful with water because in Texas they ebb and flow," Thane said.
The City is also changing its supply-based triggers for tighter water restrictions.
For example, instead of allowing Lake Georgetown's water level to get down to 765, the City will only allow it to reach 770 before it enters Stage 2 of drought restrictions.
"We've been growing crazy, right? People have been moving here. We've been building commercial businesses," Thane said. "Our peak day, water usage has not reached what it was 11 years ago and that's related to how people view water conservation."
Round Rock gets the majority of its water from Lake Georgetown, but the county has exploded in population in the last decade.
In 2010, the City recorded about 422,000 people. As of last July, it's more than 650,000.
Even with growth, however, Thane said residents of Round Rock have been mindful when it comes to those water limitations and hopes to keep the trend going to make sure there is enough water for the future.
"I will say this for Round Rock, our customers have really come a long way over the last five years as far as how they look at water usage," Thane said. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/round-rock-city-council-adds-changes-to-drought-restrictions/269-b05c1810-ec4b-45f0-86e2-38fc8694589e | 2023-05-01T22:51:38 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/round-rock-city-council-adds-changes-to-drought-restrictions/269-b05c1810-ec4b-45f0-86e2-38fc8694589e |
FENTRESS, Texas — A licensed skydiver died while skydiving in Fentress, Texas on Friday.
On Friday, April 28, an experienced 31-year-old skydiver died while skydiving solo in Fentress, which is around 15 miles outside of San Marcos. According to Skydive Spaceland San Marcos, the skydiver has been licensed to skydive solo for the last four years and has completed multiple, successful skydives at the same location in the past.
The skydiver, who has not been identified as the family is still being contacted, used their own parachute for a "self-supervised skydive." The company stated that the equipment was appropriately sized for the skydiver, in good condition and maintained by the standards set out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
However, the early investigation has shown that the primary parachute malfunctioned, leading the backup parachute to be implemented.
"The skydiver did not survive the landing despite immediate medical attention," the company stated. "The skydiving community is small and any loss is felt deeply throughout the sport. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and the many friends who shared the skies throughout the years."
The FAA provided the following statement regarding the incident:
"The FAA is aware of a skydiving accident in Fentress, Texas around 1 p.m. local time Friday, April 28. Local authorities will provide the name and medical condition of the person involved. The FAA investigates the packing of the main and reserve parachutes and the rules of flight for the pilot and aircraft. The FAA does not determine cause."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/skydiver-parachute-malfunction/269-94d6a7af-6eef-4b6c-869c-acb2ec3e6da1 | 2023-05-01T22:51:46 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/skydiver-parachute-malfunction/269-94d6a7af-6eef-4b6c-869c-acb2ec3e6da1 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Investigators announced a large reward Sunday with hopes that it will lead to the arrest of the man they said shot and killed five people in San Jacinto County late Friday night.
The San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office and the FBI announced that $80,000 is being offered for tips that lead them to 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza.
The victims included Sonia Argentina Guzmán, 28, and her 9-year-old son Daniel Enrique Lazo.
"My wife died and so did my 9-year-old son. What can I say, I am trying to stay strong for my children," Wilson Garcia told us. "My daughter kind of understands things. It's hard when she comes to me and starts asking for her mom and her brother."
Two other women, Diana Velásquez, 21, and Obdulia Molina, 31, died while shielding Garcia and Guzman's baby and 2-year-old daughter, according to investigators.
Eighteen-year-old Jonathan Cáceres was also shot and killed when the gunman barged into the home and opened fire.
Investigators said Oropeza went on the shooting rampage after the victims asked him to stop firing his gun on his property so their baby could sleep.
Anyone with information should call 1-800-FBI-TIPS. The phone line is available 24/7.
Abbott tweet causes Twitter backlash
On Sunday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted about the reward that includes $50,000 provided by the state.
"I've announced a $50K reward for info on the criminal who killed 5 illegal immigrants Friday. Also directed #OperationLoneStar to be on the lookout," he tweeted. "I continue working with state and local officials to ensure all available resources are deployed to respond."
It was his reference to the victims as "illegal immigrants" that triggered a heated response and over 14,000 comments as of Monday morning, many of them critical of the governor.
On Monday, the League of United Latin American Citizens demanded an apology.
"What would Jesus say to the mass shooting victims?" LULAC National President Domingo Garcia asked. "Governor Abbott's words are unchristian. It is indefensible to any right-hearted Texan to use divisive language to smear innocent victims, including an 8-year-old boy."
"It is important to recognize that the mass shooting victims were individuals with families, hopes, and dreams," LULAC National Immigration Chair Lydia Guzman said. "They were loved ones whose lives were tragically cut short. They were not mere statistics or faceless criminals."
Among those criticizing Abbott was outspoken actor and activist George Takei.
"This is despicable. I would have thought bringing up the immigration status of the innocent victims of this senseless violence would be beneath even you. But I was wrong," Takei tweeted.
Others called the governor's statement, "vile and disparaging," "barbaric," and "shameful."
Some shared photos of the victims and accused Abbott of trying to "dehumanize" them.
Critics included Democrat Christian D. Menefee who is running for Houston City Controller.
A handful of commenters defended Abbott.
We reached out to the governor's press office Monday for a response to the backlash and they sent the following statement.
"We continue working with federal, state, and local officials to provide all available resources to catch and arrest the Cleveland mass shooter, including a combined $80,000 in rewards from state, local, and federal agencies for information.
Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families who have lost a loved one. Following the horrific shooting on Friday night, federal officials provided the state of Texas information on the criminal and the victims, including that they were in the country illegally. We've since learned that at least one of the victims may have been in the United States legally. We regret if the information was incorrect and detracted from the important goal of finding and arresting the criminal. The true focus remains on catching this heinous criminal who killed five innocent people and bringing the full weight of Texas law against him. For those with any information, please call the Texas Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 252-TIPS (800-252-8477)."
The victim Abbott was apparently referring to is Diana Velásquez who was reportedly a legal resident.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the victims.
Editor's note: There have been discrepancies in the spelling and ages of the victims. We are using names and ages supplied to us by the Honduran government. Previous reporting used spelling and ages supplied earlier in the investigation by the Houston office of the FBI. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-tweet-illegal-immigrants/285-49b00129-3560-45df-b8a1-1cc04e505e5c | 2023-05-01T22:51:54 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-tweet-illegal-immigrants/285-49b00129-3560-45df-b8a1-1cc04e505e5c |
TAMPA, Fla. — The 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowned Sunday morning after falling into a pool at the family’s home in the Beach Park neighborhood, police said.
A 911 call came in at around 9:27 a.m. from a home near South West Shore Boulevard about a toddler found in a pool, Tampa police say.
Tampa Fire Rescue responded and performed CPR on the girl and was able to get a pulse back, authorities say. The football player's youngest child was taken to Tampa General Hospital but later died.
The Bucs released a statement following the death of 2-year-old Arrayah Barrett.
"Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time.
"While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah."
Barrett, 30, and his wife, Jordanna, have three other children.
Tampa police officers do not believe the drowning is "suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic accident."
In his most recent Instagram post on April 19, Barrett shared it was Arrayah's second birthday. He added "You made our family complete" in the caption.
Several teams in the NFL including the Denver Broncos also shared their support on Twitter writing, "#BroncosCountry is with you, Shaq & the entire Barrett family."
Bucs fans like Chris Elmore, who works with the "What The Buc Really Matters foundation," said he wants Barrett and the rest of the family to know that Bucs Nation has their back.
"We're here to support him in any way possible and necessary," Elmore said.
Off the field, Elmore recalls Barrett as a gentle giant — always kind and loving to his fans.
10 Tampa Bay was there when Barrett helped surprise children with a shopping spree at Target in an event dubbed "Lights Up The Holidays" in 2019.
Barrett is also involved with his Fifty50 Foundation, where 10 Tampa Bay reported on his partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa to help distribute toys, hang out, and speak with families to provide a Christmas celebration for those in need. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/toddler-drowns-in-pool-in-south-tampa/67-ea53494d-5451-439c-a81b-b4165a9103bb | 2023-05-01T22:52:02 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/toddler-drowns-in-pool-in-south-tampa/67-ea53494d-5451-439c-a81b-b4165a9103bb |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Students from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) were crowned the district winners in a national advertising competition.
More than 120 schools compete in the National Student Advertising Competition. Each year, competing schools create a marketing campaign for the sponsoring client. In 2023, the sponsoring client was Indeed.
ETSU’s competitors were made up of students from the Art and Design, Digital Media and Media and Communication departments.
The Bucs won the District 7 competition, advancing them to the semi-finals. Only the top 16 of all 120+ competing universities advance to the semi-finals. The next phase of the competition will be held May 4-5.
District 7 is comprised of universities in Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. ETSU has won the district 4 times over the last five years. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-students-succeed-in-national-advertising-competition/ | 2023-05-01T22:54:11 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-students-succeed-in-national-advertising-competition/ |
JACKSON, N.C. (WJHL) — Saturday’s capture of fugitive former Johnson City business owner Sean Williams wasn’t nearly as dramatic as the amount of drugs allegedly discovered in his possession.
Williams, wanted for nearly two years on felony ammunition charges, is in a North Carolina jail after police say they found him with three-fourths of a pound of cocaine and nearly a pound of methamphetamine.
Western Carolina University (WCU) police arrested Williams, 51, at around 2 a.m. Saturday after allegedly finding the drugs in a vehicle. The arrest by WCU officer Charles Gooden occurred while Gooden was patrolling a small riverside park off campus that Western owns.
“We don’t get a lot of vehicles here extremely late at night,” WCU Police Chief Steve Lillard told News Channel 11 while standing at the Lena Davis Landing park along the Tuckasegee River. “So he went to inquire to see if there was any issues.”
What Gooden found, Lillard said, was Williams asleep, or nearly so, and enough evidence to conduct a search of the vehicle.
“We were able to get sufficient information to where we would move forward with doing the further search of the vehicle,” Lillard said. “And then we did identify some controlled substances at that time.”
That search allegedly yielded 354 grams of powder cocaine and 411 grams of methamphetamine. Williams was booked into the Jackson County Jail Saturday morning on seven drug counts, including two counts each for trafficking methamphetamine and trafficking cocaine.
Williams’s bond was set at $1 million.
Later Saturday, officers learned of a felon in possession of ammunition charge that U.S. Marshals began actively seeking Williams on in July 2022.
“Gathering additional information, it was discovered that the person we were dealing with had some outstanding charges from another state,” Lillard said. “And so we were able to confirm that we had the right person.”
Johnson City police investigated Williams in the fall of 2020 and winter of 2021 after a woman fell from a window of his fifth-floor apartment at East Main and Spring streets in September 2020. Mikayla Evans survived that Sept. 19, 2020 fall, but what Johnson City Police Department investigator Toma Sparks’s notes referred to as a “medical investigation” also turned up ammunition during a search of Williams’s safe several days later.
A later note from Sparks’s file showed that on Nov. 12, 2020 he “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.
More than a year later, in July 2022, U.S. marshals visited several downtown Johnson City businesses and left posters of Sean Williams with the same birthdate and height as the Williams currently in the Jackson County jail.
A conviction just for the cocaine amount could bring more than six years in prison. But Lillard said he’s also glad his agency caught a wanted felon.
“Any time that we’re able to locate somebody that’s wanted, it’s always a benefit for the whole community that we’re able to identify people that may have some outstanding charges so that those can be properly addressed.”
Lillard said campus police have no indication Williams posed a threat to Western.
“This is just a piece of property that’s owned by the university,” Lillard said. “So we do patrol it, but we have no indication that he’s ever had any affiliation or ties to our main campus.”
Williams had a bond hearing Monday in Jackson County Court. Judge Christine Earwood denied public defender Leo Phillips’s request that his bond be reduced from the $1 million that was set Saturday.
An assistant district attorney and Lillard both told News Channel 11 that if Williams were to make bond, he would likely be remanded to federal custody, where he is charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Williams has been wanted on those charges for a total of nearly two years.
Williams’s next court date is May 8. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/nc-police-allege-johnson-city-business-owner-had-12-ounces-of-cocaine-14-ounces-of-meth/ | 2023-05-01T22:54:17 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/nc-police-allege-johnson-city-business-owner-had-12-ounces-of-cocaine-14-ounces-of-meth/ |
The mother of two teens who were accused of breaking into a Mandan smoke shop has been ordered to spend 1 ½ years on probation and complete parenting classes.
Brittney Arnett, 38, on Monday pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, court records show. She also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug and drug paraphernalia possession charges. Four felony child neglect charges were dismissed.
Arnett, who according to court records also is known by three other names, was arrested in November. Police had identified her 15- and 13-year-old sons as suspects in an October break-in at Moe’s Smoke Shop on Memorial Highway. A search of Arnett's home uncovered 100 vape and vape refill items, many of which police said were stolen from the shop. A glass door to the shop was shattered with a rock, authorities said.
Police allegedly found in Arnett’s bedroom a digital scale and a quart jar containing packs of marijuana. Police said they also found marijuana in a car registered to Brittney Rough Surface, one of Arnett’s aliases. The drug was accessible to children in the home and the car, according to police documents.
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South Central District Judge Bonnie Storbakken ordered Arnett to obtain a drug evaluation and treatment. The judge deferred the imposition of Arnett’s sentence, which will keep the crimes off Arnett's record if she stays out of trouble during her probationary period.
Another of Arnett’s children, a 14-year-old girl, was charged with possession of stolen property after the search of the home. Officers said they found in her bedroom vape items that were stolen by the two boys on Oct. 26 from a business in Mandan. Court documents don't name the business. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mother-of-teen-break-in-suspects-placed-on-probation/article_bd2cac50-e869-11ed-b194-83d78a58d9f8.html | 2023-05-01T22:55:53 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/mother-of-teen-break-in-suspects-placed-on-probation/article_bd2cac50-e869-11ed-b194-83d78a58d9f8.html |
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia woman is celebrating 100 years of making history and her milestone birthday.
Ellen Maxine Pritchard is ringing in the centennial celebration on May 3. She was born in Matoaka, West Virginia in 1923 and is one of 10 children.
Her father, Harley Dishon, worked as a coal miner to support the family but was badly hurt in a mine collapse. The Great Depression influenced his decision to relocate to Baltimore where he found work building ships at the Bethlehem Ship Yard. The rest set the stage for Pritchard's life.
In her adult years, Pritchard answered an ad for the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors Corporation. The company was recruiting women to build the aircraft for WWII -- and Pritchard would become one of them.
She worked at setting up supplies and materials needed to complete the tasks. After the war, she continued to work at the Holabird Army Base in Maryland where she met her husband.
She and Everett Scott Pritchard married on February 19, 1949. Everett served in the First Special Services Force, Company G, the 474th Infantry Regiment with the U.S. Army. Everett's unit was dubbed the Devil's Brigade by the Germans, which inspired the film "The Devil's Brigade."
Together, they started a family. The Pritchards had four children. Over the years the family has blossomed to include eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Apart from being a mom, she also earned her master's degree and was a high school economics teacher for most of her life.
Eventually, she became a Cumming, Georgia resident, and left her mark on the Peach State too.
During her two decades living in Forsyth County, Pritchard answered an ad in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to help inmates at Phillips State Prison in Buford. She assisted with their transition helping them learn life skills. She also started the GED program and a library in the four years she volunteered there. She took her experience to the Forsyth County Jail and also tutored detainees for the GED for four years.
Her family describes her as a woman of faith and someone who shows God's love to everyone she meets.
They plan to host a big 100th birthday bash on May 13 in Forsyth County to celebrate her life. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/ellen-maxine-pritchard-turns-100/85-09c7e1a6-f44d-4de9-bce1-80843e148a26 | 2023-05-01T22:57:37 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/ellen-maxine-pritchard-turns-100/85-09c7e1a6-f44d-4de9-bce1-80843e148a26 |
NORCROSS, Ga. — This International Workers' Day, immigrant essential workers across the country are gathering to ask the Biden Administration for temporary protected status (TPS).
TPS would allow immigrants coming from countries with civil unrest to legally work in the U.S. for up to 18 months. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are the only Latin American countries that have TPS designation.
That includes Nohemy Martinez who is originally from Nicaragua and has been in Georgia for less than two years.
“I know what it’s like to start from scratch," she said in a Spanish interview that has since been translated into English. "I know what it’s like to grab a pot from the trash to be able to cook. I know what it’s like to miss even the plate you used to eat on back home."
Home is where Martinez remembers almost getting killed. She says leaving her country - and her parents - was the greatest fight of her life.
"I fought for my country, then the government broke into my house, destroyed everything, kidnapped my brother, sexually abused me," she recalled.
She sought asylum in Georgia nearly two years ago in the midst of Nicaragua's political and economic unrest.
Now, her current fight is getting fair pay and keeping her temporary protected status (TPS), which would allow migrants from countries with unsafe conditions to work legally in the U.S. There's been a renewed push to re-designate TPS for immigrants of such nations as continued dangerous living conditions and economic instability persists.
“I work, I pay taxes, I do everything a normal citizen has to do," Martinez said. "We get paid maybe $9, $10, $11 an hour to do the more complicated and dangerous jobs."
She’ll be surrounded by other Central American immigrant essential workers Monday afternoon, through an event at Mi Linda Managua restaurant in Norcross, hosted by CASA and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Luis Zaldicar, known as Lucho, is CASA's Georgia State Director.
“We have been told for a couple of months now that TPS for Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador was a top priority for Secretary Mayorkas," he said. "However, after months of having this conversation, we have not seen an announcement yet."
Lucho explains the impact TPS could have on the workforce.
"TPS is given to folks that come from countries that are going through a particularly strenuous situation," he said. "They're given two years to just have a driver's license and be able to work without fear of repercussions."
Lucho says temporary protected status workers add $22 billion in wages to the U.S. economy each year.
"We believe that is really important for the future of the economy. There is fear of deportation and people don't even complain when they are overworked and underpaid," he said. "We believe that TPS is a very first step. We know for a fact that at least 40,000 to 50,000 people will benefit from TPS and from other relief measures."
People, including Martinez.
"It’s either they give us that opportunity to be here and work, or send us back home to be killed," she said.
To learn more about CASA, click here. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-immigrants-2023-international-workers-day/85-edb35a06-23e2-4332-9c32-b51835a3972e | 2023-05-01T22:57:43 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-immigrants-2023-international-workers-day/85-edb35a06-23e2-4332-9c32-b51835a3972e |
DALTON, Ga. — Georgia agents are investigating a shooting involving a Dalton Police Officer at an emergency room.
The shooting happened early Monday morning after officers were called to Hamilton Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
Police were called after a woman barricaded herself in a patient room, damaging equipment and “resisting efforts by staff to help her,” according to a release from the Dalton Police Department.
While trying to take the woman into custody, an officer “received injuries to his eyes” and shot at the woman, hitting her, the release said.
Dalton Police said the woman was treated for the gunshot wound and is expected to recover. The officer was also treated for his injuries.
Currently, the woman is “in the process of being released to custody,” the release added.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/shooting-involving-dalton-police-officer-emergency-room-whitfield-county/85-cc5df961-1060-4268-834e-559edb642485 | 2023-05-01T22:57:49 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/shooting-involving-dalton-police-officer-emergency-room-whitfield-county/85-cc5df961-1060-4268-834e-559edb642485 |
ATLANTA — He is known as the former voice of the Atlanta Hawks where he turned 3-point shots into his signature "for3eeeeeeeee" call and he is back at it again with an all new radio show.
The Ryan Cameron Uncensored Show will now be broadcasted in all car stereos across the country. The show will originate from Atlanta, according to a release from Urban One usReach Media.
Cameron, who is an Atlanta native, is a two-time Emmy Award winner and member of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame. He is also an actor, comedian and community advocate. He also played the announcer in Stomp the Yard and Drumline.
Officials with the company describe the Atlanta legend as a force in the media world.
Cameron said the show will be about educating listeners while entertaining them.
"We want them to be able to talk about something we shared on the show with family, friends, co-workers, or even complete strangers," he added.
In 2015, Cameron was named one of Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful by Atlanta Magazine and is one of The Source’s Top 20 Influencers in hip-hop for 10 years running.
Cameron also founded an academy that helps high school students and their families with academic and career opportunities in the community, the release said.
Cameron joins the ranks of Rickey Smiley, Erica Campbell and more as he joins the Reach Media family, the release added.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at WhereAtlantaSpeaks@11Alive.com. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/the-ryan-cameron-uncensored-show-atlanta/85-04fe49ec-7dd5-4004-9dad-71cff0edc836 | 2023-05-01T22:57:55 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/the-ryan-cameron-uncensored-show-atlanta/85-04fe49ec-7dd5-4004-9dad-71cff0edc836 |
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What to Know
- Pennsylvania’s state Senate is approving legislation to ban so-called supervised injection sites, where opioid users could legally inject heroin and other drugs under supervision as a way to reduce overdoses.
- The bill passed Monday, 41-9, with every Republican in favor and nine of 22 Democrats against it. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Christine Tartaglione, says she supports recovery efforts, but not what she called “programs that perpetuate addiction without a path to recovery.”
- Sen. Nikil Saval said efforts to ban the centers are based on misconceptions and that they save lives. Gov. Josh Shapiro opposes supervised injection sites. The bill goes to the state House of Representatives.
Pennsylvania's state Senate on Monday approved legislation to ban so-called supervised injection sites, after Philadelphia became the center of a legal battle over opening safe havens where opioid users could legally inject heroin and other drugs under supervision as a way to reduce overdoses.
The bill passed, 41-9, with every Republican in favor of it and nine of 22 Democrats against it.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Christine Tartaglione, D-Philadelphia, said she supports recovery and harm-reduction efforts, such as needle exchanges and mobile methodone units, but not what she called “programs that perpetuate addiction without a path to recovery.”
Get Philly local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters.
Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, said efforts to ban the centers are based on misconceptions that they provide drugs or contribute to crime. Rather, the centers are sanitary and staffed by professionals who save lives by connecting addicts to treatment and services that can help them and reduce pressure on police and emergency responders, Saval said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has said he opposes supervised injection sites. The subject has divided Democrats, making it unlikely that the bill will come up in the Democratic-controlled state House of Representatives.
The U.S. Department of Justice in 2021 won a lawsuit when the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia rejected a plan to open a supervised injection site in the city. The court concluded the operation would violate a 1980s-era drug law aimed at “crackhouses.”
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take the case. The Justice Department has since said it is “evaluating” such facilities and talking to regulators about “appropriate guardrails.”
Rhode Island and New York City have allowed their use while the governors of California and Vermont each vetoed safe injection sites bill last summer. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pennsylvania-senate-votes-to-ban-supervised-injection-sites/3557261/ | 2023-05-01T22:59:51 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pennsylvania-senate-votes-to-ban-supervised-injection-sites/3557261/ |
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SPRINGFIELD — At least six people were killed and dozens injured after multiple crashes on Interstate 55 in Montgomery County, authorities said Monday.
Illinois State Police said the interstate was shut down between mileposts 63 and 80, which is between Zanesville about 12 miles north of Litchfield in Montgomery County and Divernon about 17 miles south of Springfield in Sangamon County.
“Visibility in the area is reported to be low due to blowing dust,” state police said in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "... The cause of the crash is due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway leading to zero visibility."
Interstate 55 in southern Sangamon and northern Montgomery counties remains closed in both directions because of numerous crashes caused by a dust storm, which has greatly reduced visibility. (photo via @wics_abc20) pic.twitter.com/rYbWKndJa6
— IDOT_Illinois (@IDOT_Illinois) May 1, 2023
ISP Troopers were initially called to the area before 11 a.m. for crashes in both northbound and southbound lanes within a two-mile stretch. Twenty commercial vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger vehicles became involved in the pile-up, ISP Maj. Ryan Starrick said during a news conference Monday afternoon.
During the crashes, at least two semis caught fire as a result of the crashes, both of which had been been extinguished by 2:30 p.m. Starrick also said there were unconfirmed reports of an explosion.
More than 30 people, of ages between 2 and 80, were taken to four area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Starrick said late Monday afternoon.
Further information about the fatalities will come from coroner's offices, he said.
In a statement, ISP said the six fatalities all occurred in the northbound lanes of I-55.
I-55 traffic was being diverted using state Routes 104 and 48 through Taylorville, according to a tweet from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area. Recovery of vehicles and clean up continued after 5 p.m. Monday. The roadway was expected to remain closed through Monday evening, possibly into the early hours of Tuesday.
Starrick said the National Weather Service had advised that the high winds were expected to subside by 8 p.m. Monday.
Blowing dust causing a multiple car pile up on I-55 between Divernon and Farmersville. Visibility less than a quarter of a mile. Visibility can become zero at times. If you encounter blowing dust on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/8NS4zT76zg
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) May 1, 2023
Kevin Schott, director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency said, it had been an emotional day, but no first responders had reported injuries, despite their eyes being full of dust.
"This is a difficult scene, something that is very hard to train for, something that we haven't experienced locally before," he said, adding that they were "very lucky" to have the quality of first responders that were on scene keeping each other safe.
Schott said the most difficult part was "trying to get to the victims in a rapid manner. Multiple vehicles were involved, some were on fire" and responders had to search every vehicle to check for injuries. They've found those who were involved in the crash have been upset, "visibly so and understandably so."
The Auburn Travel Center in Divernon was being used for reunification for those able to safely leave the scene from the north side, but by 4 p.m., ISP began to direct travelers to the Mr. Fuel Travel Center in Litchfield where troopers and deputies were "working to get people reunified."
More than 30 agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments and EMAs, responded to the scene. Hazardous materials teams responded as a precaution and the Illinois EMA has offered support, Starrick said, noting some fuel spillage resulted from the crash.
Fire engines remained on scene late Monday afternoon in case of hot spots and reignited fires, Schott said.
Other agencies like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army also responded to offer assistance and support.
Starrick also said multiple helicopters responded to the scene and at least one person was airlifted.
"My heart goes out to the families; my heart goes out to anybody that found themselves in this situation," Starrick said.
State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said he visited the area on Monday afternoon and saw how hazardous the conditions were.
"I’m amazed at the work of the first responders from numerous agencies working to save lives in an extremely difficult situation," he said in a statement.
Lee Enterprises reporter Erin Henkel contributed to this report. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/6-killed-dozens-hurt-in-crashes-on-i-55-in-central-illinois/article_ad34ff50-e855-11ed-8005-3f647d1783aa.html | 2023-05-01T23:03:42 | 0 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/6-killed-dozens-hurt-in-crashes-on-i-55-in-central-illinois/article_ad34ff50-e855-11ed-8005-3f647d1783aa.html |
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Four people are recovering following a crash that involved an ambulance in Tupelo.
The crash happened Monday morning shortly before 8:00 at the intersection of Highway 278 and South Gloster Street.
The crash caused the ambulance to flip on its side.
Tupelo Deputy Fire Chief Brad Robinson said three people were inside the ambulance at the time of the crash.
The cause of the crash has not been announced. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/crash-flipped-ambulance-monday-morning-in-tupelo/article_20f66ade-e859-11ed-bb11-f33538b001cb.html | 2023-05-01T23:04:01 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/crash-flipped-ambulance-monday-morning-in-tupelo/article_20f66ade-e859-11ed-bb11-f33538b001cb.html |
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo Police are trying to combat counterfeit illegal drugs.
The police department released a nine-minute video on social media in hopes of giving a dose of reality when it comes to fentanyl, THC and edibles.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo Police are trying to combat counterfeit illegal drugs.
The police department released a nine-minute video on social media in hopes of giving a dose of reality when it comes to fentanyl, THC and edibles. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/tupelo-police-publishes-video-to-combat-drugs/article_4da34aec-e869-11ed-93e6-5fd43753b86e.html | 2023-05-01T23:04:07 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/tupelo-police-publishes-video-to-combat-drugs/article_4da34aec-e869-11ed-93e6-5fd43753b86e.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Churchill Downs is returning to the Magic City for a second year.
Derby Day will be taking place Saturday, May 6 at City Walk. The event will be from 2 p.m. until 7p.m. It’s a free event and you must be 21 or older to attend. For more details, you can click here.
You can learn more by watching the video player above. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/2nd-annual-derby-day-being-held-saturday/ | 2023-05-01T23:04:25 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/2nd-annual-derby-day-being-held-saturday/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Bissell Pet Foundation is teaming up with ‘Dogtopia’ for its national adoption event ‘Empty the Shelters.’
The event is through May 15. Adoption fees at participating organizations are $50 or less. For more information, you can click here.
You can learn more by clicking the video player above. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/empty-the-shelters-pet-adoption-event-going-on-through-may-15/ | 2023-05-01T23:04:31 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/empty-the-shelters-pet-adoption-event-going-on-through-may-15/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — POLARIS will present a free business conference from May 1 through May 4, aimed at educating and empowering small business owners.
The event will take place during Small Business Week and is also open to entrepreneurs and people looking to start their own companies. The conference will focus on various topics, including taxes, business planning strategy marketing, communications and sales. The week of workshops will take place at 5521 1st Avenue South.
UAB’s entrepreneurship program is also partnering with Small Business Week to provide two scholarships for students.
For more information, you can click here. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/free-business-conference-during-small-business-week/ | 2023-05-01T23:04:37 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/free-business-conference-during-small-business-week/ |
Want to buy a dollar store? One's for sale
It appears Jacksboro Highway will not be home to four dollar stores after all.
The Family Dollar store at 3906 Jacksboro Highway is on the market. RBMM Ventures LLC in Irving, Texas, is listing the 7,000-square foot retail building for $850,000.
More:What a deal: Wichita Falls shopping area to house three dollar stores
The location goes on the market just as a new Family Dollar opened down the highway, along with a Dollar Tree in the site formerly occupied by Hispanic-themed supermarket La Michoacana at the intersection of Midwestern Parkway and Jacksboro Highway.
More:Former La Michoacana to become a dollar store?
Family Dollar and Dollar Tree are both owned by the same company. A Dollar General store is located just a few doors away.
More:Dollar General to open new store on Seymour Highway
This is the latest shuffling of dollar stores in Wichita Falls recently. A new Dollar General recently opened at the intersection of Seymour Highway and Turtle Creek Road, replacing a landmark "spider building" that had been home to several liquor stores. Another Dollar General opened on East Scott Avenue in September 2022. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/want-to-buy-a-dollar-store-ones-for-sale/70170246007/ | 2023-05-01T23:10:32 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/want-to-buy-a-dollar-store-ones-for-sale/70170246007/ |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Councilman Kristerfer Burnett of District 8 announced the introduction of legislation to establish Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) and regulations on the use of facial recognition technology in the city.
The councilman's proposed legislation would require any new surveillance technology proposed by police departments be subject to approval by the City Council and community input.
The legislation would also establish an oversight board to monitor the use of the technology to ensure it's in compliance with the regulations.
Burnett noted this would give Baltimore residents a voice on how surveillance technologies are used in their communities.
His proposed legislation would implement strict regulations on the uses of facial recognition technology, the storing/ selling of the data collected, requirement of public notification, and establish accountability. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/legislation-introduced-to-regulate-facial-recognition-technology-in-baltimore | 2023-05-01T23:13:08 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/legislation-introduced-to-regulate-facial-recognition-technology-in-baltimore |
They sell everything you could think of, and things you'd never imagine, all handmade in Maryland.
The small business and crafters super-group Makers of Maryland is taking over The Avenue at White Marsh this Sunday for their first ever 'My Sunday Market.'
"We didn't want to call it 'Makers Fast' or 'Makers Market' just because there's so many them everywhere. We wanted it to be personal so someone's like, 'Hey, where are you going,' 'I'm going to my Sunday Market,' like that's where I'm going. That's what I do with my kids on whatever on the second Sundays. We just wanted it to be about community, fun, family, and hanging out," said Stephanie Atkinson, founder of the Makers of Maryland.
50 vendors will set up in the main driveway at the Avenue to sell handmade candles, jewelry, soap, art, kitchen tools, food, and much more.
You'll also find Makers of Maryland at breweries and wineries this year on their 'Pour Tour.'
Another place to find them is their store front at the Avenue, next to Banditos, open daily 11am to 7pm from May to October. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/makers-of-maryland-set-to-takeover-the-avenue-at-white-marsh | 2023-05-01T23:13:14 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/makers-of-maryland-set-to-takeover-the-avenue-at-white-marsh |
CALVERT COUNTY — A police pursuit of four bank robbery suspects led to a serious crash on Monday afternoon.
Deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed bank robbery at the M&T Bank in the 10000 block of Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk.
According to deputies, a man approached the counter and passed the teller a note, he then proceeded to display a gun demanding money.
Witnesses saw the man enter a brown Kia with no front tag fleeing the scene southbound on Route 4. Detectives located a vehicle matching the description and initiated a traffic stop.
The suspect fled through a red light and caused several property damage accidents along northbound Route 4.
A pursuit began along Route 2 and Route 260 in Owings, where the suspect struck a vehicle leaving both cars disabled.
Two occupants in the suspect vehicle were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. The other two occupants were taken and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center.
The citizen in the uninvolved vehicle was taken to a trauma center and is in critical condition.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective W. Wells at wayne.wells@calvertcountymd.gov or 410-535-2800 ext. 2595. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/three-people-injured-after-pursuit-of-bank-robbery-suspects-in-dunkirk | 2023-05-01T23:13:20 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/three-people-injured-after-pursuit-of-bank-robbery-suspects-in-dunkirk |
A nationwide recall has been issued by General Mills for bags of Gold Medal flour after the bags were connected to a Salmonella outbreak across a dozen states, including Ohio.
The recall includes:
- 2-pound bags of bleached all-purpose flour with UPC code 000-16000-10710
- 5-pound bags of bleached all-purpose flour with UPC code 000-16000-10610
- 5-pound bags of unbleached all-purpose flour with UPC code 000-16000-19610
- 10-pound bags of unbleached all-purpose flour with UPC code 000-16000-19580
The recalled flour bags have “Better if used by” dates of March 27, 2024 and March 28, 2024.
The recall was issued after an investigation into 13 people infected with an outbreak of Salmonella, including one in Ohio, who fell ill from Dec. 6, 2022 through March 1, 2023. Of those 13, three have been hospitalized.
During the investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted an inspection at General Mills’ Kansas City, Missouri facility.
Salmonella was discovered sampling of Gold Medal’s 5-pound bags of all-purpose flour.
Although only 13 cases of Salmonella were confirmed to be linked to the flour, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe that the actual number of people infected is much higher, since most people who contract the disease recover without medical care and are not tested.
Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, which usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with weakened immune systems could experience severe illness and require hospitalization.
The CDC urged consumers not to use the recalled flour, but to throw it away or return it, and thoroughly wash any container used to store it.
Consumers who had to throw away flour connected to the recall can contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/gold-medal-all-purpose-flour-recalled-connected-to-salmonella-outbreak/LZLJZYWGJJCQHLY4RFF3KEOWYU/ | 2023-05-01T23:21:07 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/gold-medal-all-purpose-flour-recalled-connected-to-salmonella-outbreak/LZLJZYWGJJCQHLY4RFF3KEOWYU/ |
TAMPA, Fla. — Howell Donaldson III admitted to killing four people over a period of several weeks during the fall of 2017 in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood — a sudden development Monday morning in a years-long case.
Donaldson pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in a deal with prosecutors that will have him serve four consecutive life sentences, according to court spokesperson Mike Moore.
He will avoid being sentenced to death because of the plea.
"This remains and always will be a death penalty case. What this man did to four families and a small community within the city of Tampa is cold, calculated and unforgivable," State Attorney Suzy Lopez said during a news conference.
Authorities tied Donaldson to the shooting deaths of Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa and Ronald Felton.
Lopez explained that her office had the "moral and ethical obligation" to present Donaldson's guilty plea offer to the victim's families, who overwhelmingly supported it.
“This will not end the pain and suffering for them, but it will close a painful chapter in this story and begin to provide finality that a trial or death sentence would not provide," she said.
An investigation began in earnest on Oct. 9, 2017, when officers found Mitchell, 22, dead at a bus stop along North 15th Street and East Frierson Avenue. His parents sent him to the Tampa Bay area to grow up in a safe environment, 10 Tampa Bay reported at the time.
Mitchell aspired to be a musician.
Remembering 4 lives lost in the Seminole Heights killings
Officers responded early in the morning on Oct. 13, 2017, near the intersection of East New Orleans Avenue and North 10th Street where the body of 32-year-old Monica Hoffa was found. She was shot on Oct. 11, 2017, police said.
Hoffa lived in South Carolina but her father, Kenny Hoffa, at the time said his daughter spent most of her time with her mother, who lives in the Tampa area. Monica Hoffa's mother is deaf so she spent most of her time helping interpret for her, her father told 10 Tampa Bay.
"Can you help us find my daughter's killer," Kenny Hoffa tweeted at then-President Donald Trump, 10 days after his daughter’s body was found.
The Tampa Police Department announced on Oct. 20, 2017, that 20-year-old Naiboa was the third person killed in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. The recent high school graduate who had autism had accidentally taken the wrong bus home and ended up in the Seminole Heights neighborhood, then-Tampa Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan said.
"I just hope that someone just realizes the pain that our family, Monica’s family, as well as Benjamin’s family, is going through because justice has to prevail," said Maria Rodriguez, Naiboa's stepmother.
Amid the investigation, authorities faced pressure to find the gunman. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are offered a $25,000 reward — a figure that would continue increasing — for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the Seminole Heights killings.
On Oct. 22, 2017, hundreds of people joined together in a vigil to honor the victims by quietly walking with candles in hand to the locations where police found each victim.
Days later, on Oct. 25, 2017, then-Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn again called upon Tampa police to hunt down the "son of a b***h."
“This guy is not going to win,” Buckhorn said while addressing officers during a special roll call in Giddens Park. “He’s not taking over this neighborhood. You guys go hunt him down and bring his head to me.”
Widespread fear prompted Buckhorn and Dugan to join the community trick-or-treating in the Seminole Heights neighborhood for Halloween.
But on Nov. 14, 2017, officers found 60-year-old Felton dead near North Nebraska Avenue near East McBerry Street. It's believed Felton was crossing the street to meet with someone when a suspect came up from behind and shot him.
Pastor Glenn Dames of Allen Temple A-M-E Church called Felton a "Superman of service."
“I want you to know brother Felton trusted God. That's why he would wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning to make his way to the kitchen to set up for those who needed a meal because he trusted God and he knew God wasn't going to let him down,” he said. “Even though the enemy thought he was taking him down, he didn't know brother Felton had another home.”
All four shootings happened within blocks of each other; police suspected the shooter chose his targets at random.
The killings sparked a massive manhunt that led to Donaldson's capture at the Ybor City McDonald's where he worked.
Judge Samantha Ward in December 2022 had set the jury selection for Donaldson's trial to begin Aug. 9, 2023, with an expected completion date in two weeks. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/howell-donaldson-iii-guilty-seminole-heights-serial-killer/67-b41bddd2-f7f6-4b14-bb02-c19eb749d28e | 2023-05-01T23:22:16 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/howell-donaldson-iii-guilty-seminole-heights-serial-killer/67-b41bddd2-f7f6-4b14-bb02-c19eb749d28e |
TAMPA, Fla. — It was a big day on Monday as Tampa city leaders were sworn into office during a ceremony.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was sworn into office Monday morning along with other city council members.
This ceremony follows after recent municipal elections – which wrapped up last Tuesday.
Seats were filled in districts 1, 2, 3 and 6. Castor will enter her second term as mayor after running unopposed.
"I feel like we really are on a good trajectory in the areas that we've been focusing on during the first administration – transportation, housing, workforce, sustainability and resiliency," Castor said. "And so now we can focus on that quality of life. The things that really define a community..."
The newly sworn-in members will each serve four-year terms.
Castor also announced a new early childcare initiative starting in the Grant Park and Orient Park neighborhoods and called for action to improve roads, sidewalks and overall transportation.
"To my friends on City Council, I say this: We are not waiting for a surtax to fix our roads, our sidewalks, to make our streets safer or provide mobility options," the mayor said. "Transportation is our Achilles Heal. The time to act is now – by working together to address one of our city’s greatest needs." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-mayor-jane-castor-sworn-into-office-city-council/67-3b10a400-2f37-48b2-bee6-a18c65f14f0b | 2023-05-01T23:22:22 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-mayor-jane-castor-sworn-into-office-city-council/67-3b10a400-2f37-48b2-bee6-a18c65f14f0b |
TAMPA, Fla. — The 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett drowned Sunday morning after falling into a pool at the family’s home in the Beach Park neighborhood, police said.
A 911 call came in at around 9:27 a.m. from a home near South West Shore Boulevard about a toddler found in a pool, Tampa police say.
Tampa Fire Rescue responded and performed CPR on the girl and was able to get a pulse back, authorities say. The football player's youngest child was taken to Tampa General Hospital but later died.
The Bucs released a statement following the death of 2-year-old Arrayah Barrett.
"Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time.
"While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah."
Barrett, 30, and his wife, Jordanna, have three other children.
Tampa police officers do not believe the drowning is "suspicious in nature at this time, but a purely accidental and tragic accident."
In his most recent Instagram post on April 19, Barrett shared it was Arrayah's second birthday. He added "You made our family complete" in the caption.
Several teams in the NFL including the Denver Broncos also shared their support on Twitter writing, "#BroncosCountry is with you, Shaq & the entire Barrett family."
Bucs fans like Chris Elmore, who works with the "What The Buc Really Matters foundation," said he wants Barrett and the rest of the family to know that Bucs Nation has their back.
"We're here to support him in any way possible and necessary," Elmore said.
Off the field, Elmore recalls Barrett as a gentle giant — always kind and loving to his fans.
10 Tampa Bay was there when Barrett helped surprise children with a shopping spree at Target in an event dubbed "Lights Up The Holidays" in 2019.
Barrett is also involved with his Fifty50 Foundation, where 10 Tampa Bay reported on his partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa to help distribute toys, hang out, and speak with families to provide a Christmas celebration for those in need. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/toddler-drowns-in-pool-in-south-tampa/67-ea53494d-5451-439c-a81b-b4165a9103bb | 2023-05-01T23:22:28 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/toddler-drowns-in-pool-in-south-tampa/67-ea53494d-5451-439c-a81b-b4165a9103bb |
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A father and son duo were recently rescued from a rip current while swimming off Bean Point on Anna Maria Island, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office explains in a news release.
The two, who were on vacation from Europe, were swimming when a strong currently reportedly pulled them approximately 100 yards from shore.
Marine deputies with the sheriff's office saw the swimmers in distress while on patrol in the area. They were able to quickly pull them onto the boat before returning them safely to the beach.
The father and son, who both spoke little English, seemed to be unaware of rip currents which are common to some areas along Anna Maria Island, the agency explains.
"Fortunately, deputies were in the right place at the right time and saw the struggling swimmers before it was too late," the sheriff's office said in the release.
Deputies say anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm and try to swim parallel to the shore to move out of the current and then alert someone if help is needed.
"Fighting the current makes the condition worse," the agency said in a statement. "f you understand how rip currents form and the proper escape technique, your chance of survival, if caught in one, is greatly increased."
Watch the video of the rescue down below. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/father-son-rescued-rip-current-anna-maria-island/67-ccc42a4f-022e-480b-851b-c18acd05a487 | 2023-05-01T23:22:34 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/father-son-rescued-rip-current-anna-maria-island/67-ccc42a4f-022e-480b-851b-c18acd05a487 |
LARGO, Fla. — According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 63-year-old Murray Newsome was found Monday afternoon. The Purple Alert has since been canceled.
The previous story is down below.
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A Purple Alert was issued for a man last seen on Monday morning in Largo, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office explain in a media alert.
According to deputies, 63-year-old Murray Newsome was last seen at around 11:30 a.m. off SW 4th Street in unincorporated Largo.
He is described as being 5 feet, 4 inches and 190 pounds. He was last wearing a light-yellow T-shirt, black pants and black Crocs. The agency says Newsome left his house on foot and doesn't have a cell phone or vehicle.
The 63-year-old has been entered into FCIC/NCIC as a Missing/Endangered Adult, according to the sheriff's office.
Anyone with information on Newsome's whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement immediately. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/purple-alert-missing-murray-newsome/67-53d234b1-163a-4d3d-b8e8-368a35a9e5fe | 2023-05-01T23:22:40 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/purple-alert-missing-murray-newsome/67-53d234b1-163a-4d3d-b8e8-368a35a9e5fe |
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Tarpon Springs police are working to piece together what led to the shooting of two people, resulting in the death of one of them Sunday evening, according to a news release.
Police said they were called just after 8 p.m. to the area of East Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Levis Avenue after people reported they heard gunshots.
As officers were starting to locate witnesses to the reported gunshots, they said they were informed two people who had been shot had arrived at Advent Health of North Pinellas.
The agency said officers then learned the shooting happened in the area of Lincoln Avenue between E Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and E Harrison Street.
Both people were treated for their injuries. One person who was shot later died, the agency reported.
Police said they are investigating the shooting as a homicide at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information is asked to contact detectives at 727-938-2849. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/tarpon-springs-lincoln-avenue-deadly-shooting/67-a22ec138-ade2-4ead-a681-31044b48c72e | 2023-05-01T23:22:46 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/tarpon-springs-lincoln-avenue-deadly-shooting/67-a22ec138-ade2-4ead-a681-31044b48c72e |
TAMPA, Florida — A 22-year-old man who was part of the University of South Florida football team for the 2022-23 season was arrested for domestic violence Saturday.
Michel Dukes is accused of physically assaulting a victim, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
According to investigators, an argument between Dukes and the other individual took place at that person's home on Shire Court in Tampa. The argument turned physical and that's when the sheriff's office said Dukes allegedly strangled the individual.
The sheriff's office said Dukes was an active student at USF and on the school's football roster. However, in a statement, USF Athletics said Dukes has been suspended indefinitely from the team.
"USF Athletics is aware of a situation involving senior student-athlete Michel Dukes," the statement reads. "We have taken the immediate step of suspending him indefinitely from the team as we continue to gather more information and the proper authorities investigate the matter. We will have no further statement at this time."
The university also states that a student accused of a crime "may be subject to sanctions for violating the university's Student Code of Conduct."
Dukes transferred to USF after three seasons with Clemson University, according to USF. Last season, Dukes played in 11 games and carried the ball 54 times for 188 yards and five touchdowns.
"I applaud this victim for coming forward," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We do not tolerate domestic violence. There is never a reason or excuse for this type of behavior. Our Victim Advocates will ensure this individual gets connected with any and all resources." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/usf-football-player-dukes-arrested/67-1a09e044-b093-41d0-bd7d-c4fb244322b7 | 2023-05-01T23:22:52 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/usf-football-player-dukes-arrested/67-1a09e044-b093-41d0-bd7d-c4fb244322b7 |
TUPELO - Tupelo Lee Humane Society is hunting for a new executive director less than five months after filling the position.
Paul Shane, who took over the role as the nonprofit animal shelter’s executive director in December following the departure of former Executive Director Rachel Allred, was terminated by the humane society board in March.
Tupelo Lee Humane Society board member Angela Brooks said Shane’s vision of the nonprofit organization didn’t align with that of the board of directors.
“That became evident from early on,” Brooks said, adding that the humane society’s executive director serves at the “will and pleasure” of its board of directors.
In a recent statement the Tupelo Lee Humane Society board said it was in the process of interviewing candidates. The board of directors will help oversee operations at the shelter while the search for a new executive director is ongoing.
“(The board will) ensure that we continue to provide quality care for the animals in our community, which we serve,” the board said in its official statement regarding the staff change. “Our team at the shelter consists of many high-caliber employees who work tirelessly to promote the vision of the Board and operate in the best interest of the animals under our care.”
Operations Manager John Miller said he stepped in as interim executive director for the time being and interviewed for the job full-time. He is one of multiple individuals vying for the position.
“We are in limbo at the moment,” Miller said. “It's been a wild ride these last few weeks.”
Brooks said that although the position can be very challenging, she does not expect there to be continued turnover, noting that it was a matter of finding the right person.
Brooks said the board is also exploring the possibility of breaking the executive director position into multiple roles, dividing the workload over several individuals.
Whoever takes over the position will arrive at a time in which the shelter is straining with overpopulation. He or she will be tasked with continuing to stabilize the shelter’s population with a focus on the care of the animals within it.
Miller said the humane society saw an uptick in adoptions in March, which will help counteract the high capacity. In March, the shelter took in 212 animals and re-homed or transported 207, with 186 animals in the shelter, which has a capacity of 116.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-lee-humane-society-searching-for-new-director/article_818cf8d2-e493-5534-863b-636172a9075a.html | 2023-05-01T23:24:16 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/tupelo-lee-humane-society-searching-for-new-director/article_818cf8d2-e493-5534-863b-636172a9075a.html |
FRISCO, Texas — The City of Frisco has revoked the permit for the Frisco Fair, effectively canceling the remainder of the two-week event.
The city on Monday cited public safety concerns for the decision to take away the fair's special events permit.
According to the city, the police department received multiple calls to the fair over the weekend in regards to "disruptive behavior, arguments, fights and gunshots."
The police response, according to the city, required 26 officers for calls on Saturday, April 29, alone.
The city did not detail what led to the calls, but said the decision to revoke the permit was based on an assessment of what had occurred.
Frisco police on Sunday dispelled rumors swirling on social media about gunshots being fired at the fair. The department would only say that it responded to multiple disturbances in that area -- including a shots fired call -- but said that no gunshot victims were found, and no arrests made.
The fair had been slated to run through Sunday, May 14.
Refunds for any pre-sold tickets should be addressed with the fair itself, the city said.
"Frisco believes its permit revocation is in the community's best interest," the city's statement read. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/frisco-fair-canceled-remainder-schedule-permit-revoked-by-city/287-ed0261b3-912f-4290-8f5f-4cad0207fcb9 | 2023-05-01T23:28:32 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/frisco-fair-canceled-remainder-schedule-permit-revoked-by-city/287-ed0261b3-912f-4290-8f5f-4cad0207fcb9 |
BOISE, Idaho — Within a span of six days, between April 21 and April 27, Boise Police Department's Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested three suspects in three unrelated investigations for online child enticement.
According to the Boise Police Department (BPD), all of the victims were under the age of 16. Detectives, along with other adults aware of the crimes were able to intervene before any of the victims suffered physical harm.
On Monday, the department hosted a 2-hour Q&A (Questions-and-Answers) forum to discuss the recent arrests, warning signs of child enticement crimes, prevention and available resources.
"Our SVU detectives are committed to holding suspects accountable and protecting victims from further harm," said Boise Police Captain Matt Jones.
Aforementioned Online Child Enticement Arrests:
Three arrests were made by Boise police over a six-day period for child enticement via the internet. These are active investigations, according to the BPD.
- Friday, April 21, 2023 - Boise Police Department Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested a suspect after a parent alerted investigators to concerning text messages on a minor's phone. Detectives discovered that the messages were from another adult who was known to the victim and parent. Upon further investigation, BPD investigators deemed it evident that the suspect was corresponding with the minor in an attempt to pursue sexual contact. The suspect was arrested and charged with child enticement.
- Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - SVU detectives arrested a Registered Sex Offender who was accused of initiating contact with a 15-year-old on the social media app, Snapchat. Detectives concluded that the suspect did not personally know the minor. It was concluded, based on the evidence gathered, that the suspect was attempting to have sexual contact with the victim. Detectives arrested and charged the suspect with child enticement.
- Thursday, April 27, 2023 - SVU detectives arrested a suspect for arranging to meet and have sexual contact with a minor. This was the second incident regarding the suspect and the victim. In early April of 2023, detectives were informed of an incident that occurred over Snapchat between the two in November of 2021. According to BPD detectives, the suspect and the victim were not strangers, and did know each other. Additional evidence led detectives to arrest the suspect on two charges of child enticement.
Tips for Guardians and Minors:
Boise Police Department Special Victims Unit encourage parents and caregivers to communicate with minors about the potential threats associated with online child enticement.
- Communicate to children how to responsibly utilize a phone and the applications they may have access to.
- Discuss potential dangers and risk of cyberbullying, sexting, explicit imagery, online predators and abusive tactics.
- Set guidelines for phone, app, social media and online usage. Some phone plans have built-in controls to assist parents.
- Guardians should monitor phone usage and be vigilant in the minor's communications, including calls, texts and messages.
- Consider having the charging station in a guardian's bedroom or shared space at night to prevent phone usage overnight.
- Parents should know all passwords.
"Together, with doctors, counselors, prosecutors and parents, we are working to create a safer tomorrow for our youth and we hope more education about how these crimes occur will help protect kids online," said Jones.
Child enticement crimes can have traumatic impacts on victims of the crime. If you or someone you know is a victim of such crimes or is at risk of being victimized, report it to Boise Police at (208)377-6790 or contact the emergency line by dialing 9-1-1.
Watch more Lori Vallow Trial:
Watch more coverage of the Lori Vallow trial on the KTVB YouTube channel: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-child-enticement-arrests-six-day/277-fa827e7f-1216-42ba-9a96-9355b00439fc | 2023-05-01T23:32:42 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-child-enticement-arrests-six-day/277-fa827e7f-1216-42ba-9a96-9355b00439fc |
BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
A judge on Monday denied former Boise City Councilmember Lisa Sánchez's request for a preliminary injunction.
Wendy Olson, Sánchez’s lawyer, had asked the court to stop Boise’s city council from taking action without Sánchez and to direct the city to reinstate Sánchez. Sánchez lost her seat when she inadvertently moved out of her district at the end of 2022.
The city accepted applications to fill her vacant seat, and Sánchez applied and was a finalist, but ultimately was not reappointed.
“It cannot be said that Plaintiff is clearly entitled to the relief sought or substantially likely to prevail on her claims,” Judge Derrick O’Neill wrote in the memorandum. “For the reasons stated herein, Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is DENIED.”
The subject at hand was about Idaho code 59-901, which details how vacancies occur. One part, section C, said that if the incumbent is removed by lawful procedure, the office is vacant.
Olson argued that the city of Boise removed Sánchez “based solely on its own legal opinion.” She said the city should have had a court determine that her seat was vacant.
However, Dan Williams, the attorney for the city of Boise, had said that what applied was section E: If an incumbent is no longer a resident of the district in which they are elected, the office is vacant.
“That event happened, your honor, it doesn’t matter if it was a day or 100 days or two years, that event happened. And that caused the vacancy under the statute,” Williams told the judge last week.
The court had to determine that there were no complex issues of law or fact, and that Sánchez was substantially likely to prevail on her claims. However, the court did not draw that conclusion.
“Accordingly, the issue of irreparable harm is moot and will not be addressed,” the court said.
The judge ruled solely on the preliminary injunction and did not make any opinion on the other ongoing aspects of the lawsuit.
Sánchez has suffered harm from the city’s actions, her lawyer said, including not being able to serve her entire term, which was set to end in January 2024, especially after being elected in a specific district.
Since losing her seat, if she elects to run for city council this November, she will have to do so as a challenger rather than an incumbent and does not get to vote on issues such as the hotly debated zoning code rewrite that Boise's planning and zoning commission approved last week.
She also said in a filing that because she lost her council seat, she lost her medical and dental insurance and is no longer accruing retirement benefits. She also lost her council salary of around $27,000, the filings said, which was her only income.
Sánchez did not immediately return a request for comment.
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/judge-decision-former-boise-councilmembers-request-reinstated/277-3138c14d-bd5d-4edc-a787-3b34f5ae559b | 2023-05-01T23:32:48 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/judge-decision-former-boise-councilmembers-request-reinstated/277-3138c14d-bd5d-4edc-a787-3b34f5ae559b |
SALEM, Va. – Summer is just weeks away and that means some kids won’t have access to consistent meals provided at school.
“It’s a big concern. it’s a big concern,” said Mickey Estienne, the director of the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry.
He said this time last year, the pantry served 294 people a month. Now that’s grown to 410.
“We’re getting a lot of clients that hadn’t been to the pantry in years that are coming back in need,” said Estienne.
The pantry also runs a snack buddy program, providing snacks to preschool and elementary students in Salem, Vinton and Roanoke County public schools eleven months out of the year
But Estienne said that inflation and the rising cost of groceries mean donations are down.
“People that could or used to donate are struggling also,” said Estienne.
On Saturday, May 13, the pantry is participating in the U.S.P.S. Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
City of Salem residents can donate by simply leaving nonperishable and canned food items by their mailbox. All those donations will go directly to the pantry.
At Feeding Southwest Virginia, the nonprofit is participating in the drive virtually by accepting monetary donations online to restock bare shelves.
Wes Childress, director of marketing and communications, said donations are down 10 to 15%, but demand is up 30%. Especially now that additional pandemic benefits have ended, he said families are hurting.
“We’re starting to see the numbers that we saw pre-pandemic, without the donations and the funding of the pandemic,” said Childress.
The nonprofit supplies food for dozens of summer backpack programs across the region. With summer fast approaching, they’re hoping the community steps up so no kid goes hungry.
“Kids shouldn’t be worried about where their next meal is coming from,” said Childress.
To learn about food resources near you, click here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/roanoke-area-pantries-in-desperate-need-of-donations-ahead-of-summer-break/ | 2023-05-01T23:32:53 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/roanoke-area-pantries-in-desperate-need-of-donations-ahead-of-summer-break/ |
BOISE, Idaho — Boise Police and Fire Departments are responding to reports of a missing kayaker on the Boise River. Crews were at the West Parkcenter Bridge and Beacon.
There have been several reports from officials that water levels on the river are high and dangerous, and people should use caution. The kayaker has not been found at this time.
"The Boise River is running high and fast and the Boise Fire Department has posted the "Dangerous River Condition" notice. This posting is in coordination with the City of Boise's Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise Police, Ada County Parks and Waterways, and other stakeholders. Current river flows are right around 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) making river conditions extremely dangerous for people and pets. This posting will remain in effect until further notice," a press release from The City of Boise stated.
The Boise Fire Department has recommended people stay out of the river at this time, "do not recreate in the river, as these conditions can be life threatening. Keep pets leashed near the river as they may chase other animals/wildlife into the swift water and be swept away rapidly."
I addition, Boise City is reminding people that they could be charged with costs incurred for their recovery.
"Rescue emergency means a public safety or fire emergency incident resulting from a person or persons knowingly entering any area that has been closed to the public by competent authority for any reason, where such closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device, and an emergency response such as a search for or rescue of such person results from the entry. For example, a rescue emergency would arise when the Boise River is flowing at a cubic foot per second level such that an authorized State, County, or City official declares the river closed to floating or rafting, the entry points are signed or otherwise posted as closed, and a person ignores the closure and a search and/or rescue results from the entry," the Public Safety Emergency Response Cost Recovery Ordinance Section states.
KTVB will update this article as information becomes available.
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/local-boise-emergency-crews-responding-to-report-of-missing-kayaker/277-a315179c-3282-46a6-9762-3b94b750c56e | 2023-05-01T23:32:55 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-boise-emergency-crews-responding-to-report-of-missing-kayaker/277-a315179c-3282-46a6-9762-3b94b750c56e |
ROANOKE, Va. – The mission to combat gun violence in Roanoke continues.
On Monday, Roanoke City Council and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission met for a joint meeting to go over expectations of one another.
This comes after several council members, including Mayor Sherman Lea, have spoken out saying they want to be more involved with the decisions made by the commission, specifically when it comes to handing out funding to other organizations.
“I want council, and we’ve talked about this, to be more involved in that decision-making process,” said Mayor Lea.
Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb, who is also the chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission, presented the commission’s strategic plan recommendations to council. The plan included eight recommendations.
- To continue the research process of gathering and reviewing evidence-based data related to the root causes of gun violence
- To codify a framework for the City of Roanoke’s gun violence funding support of prevention, intervention, and response efforts
- Secure ongoing funding for gun violence prevention, intervention, and response efforts by identifying sources of dedicated and sustainable funding streams.
- To increase and sustain partnerships within the community to aid in the reduction of gun violence
- To implement a public campaign to promote the City’s efforts to prevent, interrupt, and respond to gun violence
- To support the GVPC internal committee structure and stakeholder engagement plan
- To add two youth and young adult (non-voting) seats to the GVPC
- To address, with the City Council, the root causes of gun violence with these recommendations, in an identified and prioritized section of the city
“It’s a reflection of the work that’s happening in the community right now and some recommendations of how we can sustain that work with infrastructure and then also forward-thinking strategies,” said Cobb.
Council spent a lot of time discussing the second recommendation regarding how they should be involved when it comes to the commission handing out funds. A proposal presented during Monday’s meeting says council would receive recommendations from the commission on how to spend the funds, then council would give its stamp of approval.
“I think it will just add another layer of communication. I think the reality is while the commission is frontline in so many ways, council is even more frontline because we get a lot of questions,” said Cobb.
City leaders also spoke about continuing to focus their efforts in the northwest section of Roanoke, which is considered a “hot spot” for gun violence.
“That’s no secret to everybody in Northwest,” said Mayor Lea. “Our money has been going to Northwest,” he said.
These strategic recommendations were discussed in the midst of an audit of the commission, which Mayor Lea says he hopes will be completed and the findings revealed later this month. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/roanokes-gun-violence-prevention-commission-reviews-strategic-plan-with-city-council/ | 2023-05-01T23:32:59 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/roanokes-gun-violence-prevention-commission-reviews-strategic-plan-with-city-council/ |
BOISE, Idaho — Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is looking for public feedback on a new bus network design. The proposals for the new network involve creating a better grid and more frequent bus service for people, including better regional connections.
"This is the best path to creating a more useful bus system," VRT's Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Clegg said. "If we're going to grow as a system, attract new bus riders, and better support existing bus riders, our first priority must be frequency. By focusing on the core of the system and reducing how long a passenger waits for a bus, we can create a better foundation to grow from."
There are three proposals for the public to review and are differ in each city and municipality.
Scenario A: Same budget, fewer service hours
This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand, all within the current budget; due to cost increases, this scenario would also reduce service levels on select routes and frequency improvement to others
Scenario B: Increased budget, same service hours, frequency focus
This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand; with a budget increase, VRT could provide even more service to high-demand areas in this scenario
Scenario C: Increased budget, same service hours, coverage focus
This option would shift service from less-used routes to areas of higher demand; with a budget increase, VRT could provide on-demand service in areas impacted by the changes to provide a more flexible transit option
"The bus network of the future will depend on the funding provided by our partners in this region, and this may mean uncomfortable adjustments are necessary for now," Clegg added. "However, we're confident that these changes will move us toward a more reliable system for our community."
People can get more information and give feedback online at rideVRT.org/redesign, email feedback@rideVRT.org.
There will also be two in-person open houses people can attend.
5/25/23: Ada County Open House, 3-7 p.m. (location TBD)
5/30/23: Canyon County Open House, 3-7 p.m. at the Nampa Library
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/local-valley-regional-transit-wants-public-feedback-on-bus-network-design/277-94023c07-5feb-4f77-83c8-024c4b15f899 | 2023-05-01T23:33:01 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-valley-regional-transit-wants-public-feedback-on-bus-network-design/277-94023c07-5feb-4f77-83c8-024c4b15f899 |
BLACKSBURG, Va. – The countdown is on until Hollywood writers could go on strike, potentially shutting down production on most TV shows.
The industry is hoping to avoid a rerun of the last strike in 2007 that went on for 100 days.
Members of the Writers Guild of America are pushing for more pay and copyright protections, now that artificial intelligence is becoming more popular.
Dr. James Ivory, a professor at Virginia Tech’s School of Communication, said this strike could have wider implications than you might think, including the rise of reality TV shows that don’t require writers.
“Your talk show hosts won’t have the people that were writing their comedy bits for them to deliver. And you’ll also see shows in development right now not being written, maybe canceled. So there will be immediate and long-term effects for the audience. And again, more emphasis on producing shows that rely less on writers, which I’m not sure is a good thing,” said Ivory.
The strike will begin if an agreement isn’t reached by midnight. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/virginia-tech-expert-weighs-in-on-looming-writers-strike/ | 2023-05-01T23:33:05 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/virginia-tech-expert-weighs-in-on-looming-writers-strike/ |
President Joe Biden is many things, but he’s clearly not an economics whiz. That’s an unfortunate reality for Americans, since our economy is facing many challenges. The country is struggling with rampant work force shortages, high inflation, a flagging housing market and the economy may soon be thrown into a recession.
Biden isn’t to blame for every economic woe, but he sure hasn’t responded well either. In an attempt to get 40-year-high inflation under control, the Federal Reserve under Biden repeatedly raised rates, and the nasty side effects have been coming to a head.
Because of this policy, mortgage rates surged higher — decimating an already weak housing market — and some banks found themselves on unstable footing. This led to high-profile bank failures, and as you might imagine, the stock market hasn’t reacted well. Oh, and inflation still remains high. Great job, guys.
The Biden administration has decided that it will next focus on the housing market, which is an absolute mess, especially here in Georgia where homes have increasingly become unaffordable. Housing prices jumped from $235,000 in January 2020 to over $345,000 in March of this year, and like the rest of the country, mortgage rates also have ballooned here.
In January 2021, the national average mortgage rate was about 2.65%. Thanks in large part to the Biden administration’s meddling, if you put down 20% on a $400,000 home today and have an 800-plus credit score, then you’re likely to get a 6.8%mortgage rate on a 30-year loan. That gives you a $2,600 monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance — an increase of nearly $800 from the previous rate.
In an effort to make homeownership more affordable — but only for some — the Biden administration took an audacious step. “Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced an action that will save homebuyers and homeowners with new FHA-insured mortgages an average of $800 per year, lowering housing costs for an estimated 850,000 homebuyers and homeowners in 2023,” reads a White House Fact Sheet.
The plan is ridiculous, but that shouldn’t come as a shock. In the world of Bidenomics, what’s bad is good and what’s good is bad. The plan reveals a rob Peter to pay Paul scheme in which the government will levy surcharges on home buyers with good credit scores and those who make large down payments. Over the lifetime of a 30-year loan, this can cost each person tens of thousands of dollars, and the government plans to use that money to lower the mortgages for prospective homebuyers with subpar credit scores.
The Wall Street Journal didn’t mince words when describing the imprudence of this plan: “This is the socialization of risk, and it flies against every rational economic model, while encouraging housing market dysfunction and putting taxpayers at risk for higher default rates,” according to the paper.
The Biden administration is clearly ignoring lessons learned from the 2008 crash. Biden’s rule aims to penalize people who have spent a lifetime building good credit, and in doing so, it will disincentivize them from purchasing homes. Meanwhile, it incentivizes those with subpar credit scores to make large purchases.
“Progressives want to reduce the importance of credit scores for mortgages, but such scores are designed to measure comparative risk,” The Wall Street Journal reported. Given that they are a legitimate indicator of who will repay their debts, Biden should be encouraging those with high scores to buy homes, not the other way around.
The current scheme seems incredibly unfair, risky and may set the stage for future problems. While the plan’s ultimate result is to be determined, it will likely saddle people with more debt than they will be able to handle and won’t fix the housing market’s broader problems.
Two of the biggest issues are low inventory and high mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve reduced its rates, then mortgage rates would fall as well — making homeownership more affordable for everyone.
This is only part of the solution because low inventory is driving prices ever higher. According to Redfin, Georgia has only a two-month supply of homes for sale, and the gulf between supply and demand is vast. A 2022 Georgia Trend article noted that the Peach State has the 10th-worst housing deficit.
Reducing mortgage rates would permit people, who purchased homes with low interest rates and are looking to up- or downgrade, to finally sell their homes. This would help improve the inventory problem, as would reducing red tape, fees, ordinances and building moratoriums that inhibit new construction.
Biden doesn’t need to be an economics expert to figure out how to ease this problem. Much of the housing market’s woes come down to some pretty basic market principles, but for some reason, the president just doesn’t get it.
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Marc Hyden is the director of state government affairs at the R Street Institute. You can follow him on Twitter at @marc hyden. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/marc-hyden-bidenomics-robbing-peter-to-help-paul-buy-a-house/article_5932fdb4-e826-11ed-a350-d3cc1d1ab3bf.html | 2023-05-01T23:34:01 | 0 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/marc-hyden-bidenomics-robbing-peter-to-help-paul-buy-a-house/article_5932fdb4-e826-11ed-a350-d3cc1d1ab3bf.html |
Irene Cardoso teaches sixth grade in Cedar Hill ISD, at least for now.
"Can I make it one more year as a teacher? Will I have enough to pay my bills?" she asked on behalf of teachers across Texas.
She is one of many teachers who say the raises they've gotten have barely put a dent in the cost of inflation, and school leaders say she's right.
"Despite being one of the largest and wealthiest states in our nation, Texas has consistently ranked near the bottom of per-pupil spending on education," said Nancy Humphries, Plano ISD School Board member.
Teachers, school board members, superintendents even business leaders from Frisco to Cedar Hill got together Monday to sound the alarm to state lawmakers.
"Mayday is used by pilots and sailors to sound an alarm and request immediate rescue, let me make it official. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. Texas public schools are in need of immediate rescue, we're declaring an emergency," said Stephanie Elizalde, superintendent of the Dallas ISD.
They're looking at the $34 million in excess funds lawmakers are sitting on as they struggle to pay bills. Even business leaders are saying schools need the money.
Carter In The Classroom
Focusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed.
"The number one challenge facing all our companies today is workforce, and we have to go deep within our bench to have a pipeline of talent and that starts with our schools," said Doug McDonald, director of economic development for the City of Plano.
Schools face competition from lawmakers wanting to score points with voters and lower property tax rates, but schools say the amount of local tax money they send to the state has gone up and at the very least they need more money to combat inflation.
"Teachers should not have to work second jobs to make ends meet," said Cardoso.
Schools are trying to hold on to the few teachers they have left as the cost of living makes teaching increasingly unrealistic for Texas families.
School leaders are asking you to call, or email your state lawmakers and ask them to fully fund Texas public schools. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/north-texas-schools-ask-for-help-persuading-lawmakers-for-money-call-their-budget-an-emergency/3247863/ | 2023-05-01T23:35:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/north-texas-schools-ask-for-help-persuading-lawmakers-for-money-call-their-budget-an-emergency/3247863/ |
Carter In The ClassroomFocusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/north-texas-schools-ask-for-help-persuading-lawmakers-for-money/3248007/ | 2023-05-01T23:35:25 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/north-texas-schools-ask-for-help-persuading-lawmakers-for-money/3248007/ |
A child was reportedly shot in the head, grazed by a bullet in Kaufman County Monday afternoon.
Deputies with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office and Kaufman County Constables were notified about a shooting at a home on the 2000 block of Cone Flower Drive in Forney.
NBC 5 has learned the child's mother called 911 at about 2 p.m. saying her son had been shot in the head and that she was taking him to Baylor Scott & White Emergency Center in Forney.
The mother reportedly told 911 operators that her child had been grazed by a bullet.
No further information about the shooting or the child's condition has been confirmed.
Check back and refresh this article for the latest update. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/child-shot-in-forney-grazed-in-the-head-by-a-bullet/3247917/ | 2023-05-01T23:35:32 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/child-shot-in-forney-grazed-in-the-head-by-a-bullet/3247917/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/graduation-photos-ava-grace/3247960/ | 2023-05-01T23:35:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/graduation-photos-ava-grace/3247960/ |
Gunshots at a prom after-party Saturday led to the death of a young Fort Worth father.
It happened in the 3500 block of Northwest 27th Street on Saturday night. Neighbors said a large group of teenagers and young adults had gathered for a party when shots rang out.
Macro Cornejo, 20, was shot and killed, according to family members.
His family said Cornejo had just celebrated his daughter’s first birthday and was eager to welcome his second daughter this summer.
“He was very grateful. Grateful for everything he had,” said his wife. “He was a great dad and that’s why I just can’t believe he’s not going to be there for my second one, my labor and everything.”
Fort Worth Police said the suspect fled and has not been identified.
Anyone with information or videos is urged to reach out to detectives at 817-392-4330. Callers can remain anonymous. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/gunfire-at-fort-worth-prom-after-party-kills-young-father/3247904/ | 2023-05-01T23:35:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/gunfire-at-fort-worth-prom-after-party-kills-young-father/3247904/ |
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