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MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — It may sometimes be easier to receive forgiveness than permission, but Jim Chew promises he’ll get the permission first next time.
Chew, who describes himself as an advocate for the homeless of Rio Grande, recently started a community garden on Route 47. He has already planted tomatoes and zinnia, with a plan to give the produce to the homeless, and the flowers as well.
He described the space as about 16 feet long and 8 feet wide, on a vacant stretch of ground across from a Baptist church. As he put it, the plan was for it to be a blessing to the homeless.
On Monday morning, he had a call from the state Department of Transportation, saying he would need to remove the garden or it would be destroyed. He told the Township Committee Monday evening that someone from the township complained to the state.
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“Who in his right mind would oppose wildflowers growing along the highway? They actually plant them along the Garden State Parkway,” Chew said. “Who in their right mind prefers weeds, thorns and crabgrass over beneficial flowers? We live in an insane, upside-down, perverted and perhaps hateful world.”
Mayor Tim Donohue said the township did not complain, it notified the DOT that the garden was being planted in the DOT’s right of way.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — There seems to be little disagreement that the Rio Grande section of the t…
“You took on this project on property that was not yours, that belongs to someone else, that was brought to our attention by several residents,” Donohue said.
Chew plans to dig up the plants and relocate the garden. Where it will go remains to be determined.
At other meetings, Chew has suggested the township has not done enough for the homeless in Rio Grande. Donohue has bristled at that suggestion, saying the township is sympathetic and works hard for the entire community.
Donohue said the township has hosted community gardens in other areas, and there may be somewhere for a garden in Rio Grande.
“A word of advice from someone who has some experience in how things work: Sometimes it’s better to ask permission before you do something,” Donohue said.
“Yeah, I have a tendency not to do that. I’m sorry,” Chew responded.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Isaac Williams doesn’t mind bragging about the devastating fastball he had…
“You’re doing a lot of work, and you’re doing God’s work, but you’re doing it in the wrong place,” Donohue told him.
There was no immediate comment from the DOT on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said officials were looking into the matter and would respond later. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/rogue-garden-in-middle-township-will-need-to-be-relocated/article_67377324-e914-11ed-8539-07896fac3511.html | 2023-05-02T22:49:08 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/rogue-garden-in-middle-township-will-need-to-be-relocated/article_67377324-e914-11ed-8539-07896fac3511.html |
ORONO -- Tick season has begun.
While the exact numbers are hard to predict, experts say that Maine's milder winter could likely mean a rise in the state's tick population.
"With the warmer temperatures, they have an easier time surviving that winter, so they can emerge in higher numbers, so we can see those warming trends during the winter months contributing to expanding tick numbers and tick distribution," said Griffin Dill, tick lab coordinator for the UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 2,600 cases of Lyme disease in 2022 -- an illness spread by deer ticks.
Additionally, the CDC recently reported that Babeseosis -- another disease carried by ticks -- is now considered endemic in Maine, meaning it is regularly found in the region.
To ward off the ticks, experts say it's best to wear clothing that fully covers your skin and to make the area around your home less hospitable to them by mowing the lawn and using pesticide sprays.
However, protection goes even further than that.
Experts say it's important to check your pets and yourself for ticks after spending any amount of time outdoors -- not just after a hike or a walk in the park -- because ticks can be found in places you might not expect.
"What we've found with the tick submissions to our lab is that the majority of the people that are encountering these ticks and sending them in are picking them up in and around the home landscape -- just going down to check the mail at the end of the driveway or taking the dog out for a quick walk," said Dill.
For dogs, experts recommend tick collars and the Lyme vaccine.
Doctor Kate Domenico, president of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, says it's important to look out for warning signs in your pets.
"If you can prevent the tick from attaching, that is going to prevent disease transmission. And so, the signs we see -- your pet could simply just not be eating, they could have a fever, lameness, they could just not be able to get up, so their legs act like they're not working," said Domenico.
In humans, experts say Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms, and sometimes produce a "bull's-eye" shaped rash near the tick bite.
Tick season typically runs from spring to fall. If you suspect you have a tick-borne illness, visit your health care provider as soon as possible. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-experts-talk-about-tick-season-safety/article_16c51608-e92d-11ed-9022-63a7638e89b4.html | 2023-05-02T22:55:35 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-experts-talk-about-tick-season-safety/article_16c51608-e92d-11ed-9022-63a7638e89b4.html |
BANGOR - Anyone in the Bangor area with a sweet tooth has a new destination to get their fix.
SugarRay opened their first brick and mortar store at 20 state street in downtown Bangor Tuesday morning.
Owner Rian Halbert says its always been a dream of hers to open up a physical storefront and she can't believe its finally happening.
"Its a bit overwhelming honestly. Its great but its a bit- its a bit shocking I guess cause I still haven't completely taken it all in I guess is probably the way I would word it", says Halbert.
SugarRay's opening day was such a success, Halbert had to close early after selling the majority of her inventory.
Sugar ray is open Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. To 4 p.m. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/sugarray-opens-store-in-downtown/article_86acd72c-e931-11ed-b37d-b391b5c832fe.html | 2023-05-02T22:55:42 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/sugarray-opens-store-in-downtown/article_86acd72c-e931-11ed-b37d-b391b5c832fe.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson City’s fiscal 2022 audit shows three “material weaknesses,” the first time in years the city has reported the more serious of the two types of audit findings.
The city’s audit, which was completed several months later than usual, was posted by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office April 28.
Staff turnover and continued adjustments to new accounting software were among the causes the city cited in its “management’s response” to each of the findings. That software was initially put in place in fiscal year 2021.
“When you’re looking back at how processes have worked, if we ever go to do this (software conversion) again we will hire a third party project manager instead of relying on our staff, who were already loaded down with day-to-day responsibilities,” Assistant City Manager Randy Trivette told News Channel 11 Tuesday.
The material weaknesses reported by the auditor for the fiscal year of July 2021 through June 2022 included the following:
- Bank reconciliations were not performed in a timely manner, and reconciliations “were not readily available for any month after Dec. 31, 2021. This meant cash balances for audit testwork couldn’t be verified.
- The city’s financial reporting during the fiscal year was inaccurate because implementation issues with the new software conversion “were not timely addressed and corrected.” This led to errors in report generation, reconciliation to subsidiary ledgers, and incompatible software integration.
- The city recorded some monthly processes in its food service inventory incorrectly and then not reconciled them to proper accounts. This meant the June 2022 inventory balances were overstated.
Both the bank reconciliation and food service inventory items had been listed as “significant deficiencies” — a less severe finding — in the city’s fiscal 2021 audit. Trivette said the financial reporting issue flowed from the bank reconciliation problem.
“That stuff should all be addressed (for the 2023 audit),” Trivette said.
“The food service inventory and the bank reconciliations we have corrected, and we actually have implemented the automated system into our software now to where our bank reconciliation will be verified every week, and then every month it’ll be balanced out.”
Trivette said the new Oracle cloud software is very robust, and some staff are still working on using it properly, but that the city is over the hump as far as the types of things that would flag auditors.
“It’s a very powerful machine,” he said. “We are extremely satisfied with it.”
Trivette also pointed to the city’s bottom line, which improved significantly in fiscal 2022 due to strong sales tax and hotel-motel tax revenues.
The audit shows local sales tax totaling $52.4 million in FY2022, up $7 million from 2021, with state sales tax coming to Johnson City up $1.4 million to $8 million. Lodging tax set a new record by a wide margin, totaling $2.9 million where the previous high was $2.3 million.
“We increased our fund balance about seven and a half million dollars to nearly $53 million, with $23 million of that being unrestricted or unassigned,” Trivette said. “And so we got the rainy day fund for emergencies and then we’ve got $23 million of additional funds in there for any projects or anything that comes up.”
The fiscal 2022 audit had one significant deficiency. It related to proper cash disbursement documentation not being “obtained and/or retained for every purchase” and some city departments “circumventing certain steps of the purchasing procedures in an effort to acquire replacement parts that are in short supply.”
The software conversion caused Johnson City to request two extensions to its filing date, which usually comes in December. Those requests were granted by the state. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/3-material-weaknesses-in-johnson-city-audit-fund-balance-up-7-5-million/ | 2023-05-02T22:55:44 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/3-material-weaknesses-in-johnson-city-audit-fund-balance-up-7-5-million/ |
ELLSWORTH-- There are many reasons Maine is known as Vacationland: the nice weather, picture-perfect views and of course, the seafood. Because of its reputation, the state has seen steady growth in its tourism industry.
Every year, the Maine Tourism Association conducts a statewide study on how businesses are equipped for the upcoming tourist season.
The study found just 29% of business owners reported they had sufficient staffing levels going into the summer season.
"There's still a staffing shortage out there. A lot of businesses are going into the season that are going to be understaffed from where they need to be," said Tony Cameron, chief executive officer for the Maine Tourism Association.
Even well-known landmarks like Union River Lobster Pot report they're struggling to hire enough staff, despite their best efforts.
"I used to be able to start in April and be able to finish up by mid-May but now we start in January in recruiting. It's gotten to be a full time job," said Brian Langley, owner of Union River Lobster Pot
Other local business owners spoke about all the preparation that goes into preparing for the summer season.
"Usually by the end the previous summer, we start planning for the next summer. It's usually an eight to 10 month long process for us," said Amanda Beals, owner of Popp and Polka Dot Boutique.
"For us, it's about building up our supply here for the store, knowing what people are looking for and being ready for the influx of people," said Molly Dilena, co-owner of Union River and Book Toy Company.
Cameron says companies struggling with staffing should utilize the programs the organization offers to help recruit and retain employees.
"We're all in this together. Being proactive about it instead of being reactive, trying to go out and resources that the tourism job board has out there and communicate with each other. We're going to help mitigate the problem better than other states," said Cameron. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/survey-finds-maine-businsses-unprepared-for-tourism-season/article_f34b5eba-e933-11ed-9da6-3ba567d6a0f4.html | 2023-05-02T22:55:48 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/survey-finds-maine-businsses-unprepared-for-tourism-season/article_f34b5eba-e933-11ed-9da6-3ba567d6a0f4.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Elizabethton-Carter County and Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelters said new state requirements on outdoor shelters for dogs will allow them to work with owners on how to better care for their pets.
Tennessee lawmakers have created an amendment defining requirements on shelters for dogs kept outdoors.
This amendment is sponsored by two local lawmakers, Representative John Crawford (R – Kingsport) and Senator Jon Lundberg (R – Bristol).
It defines requirements previously left up to owners’ interpretation. Some of these requirements include:
- Shelter must be constructed of sound material, with a roof, and can protect the animal from inclement weather
- Shelter allows the animal to stand up comfortably
- Shelter allows the animal to retain normal body heat in both the colder and warmer months of the year
“Defining the law that was just passed is actually to help the living conditions of these animals that are outside,” said Director of the Elizabethton-Carter County Animal Shelter, Shannon Posada. “Believe me, we’ve seen enough living conditions inside that it’s not even fit for a roach to live in.”
Posada said she’s had plenty of situations she’s gone to where dogs did not have adequate shelter.
“We had a situation that we went to, the chain was frozen to the ground,” said Posada. “The deputy and I worked and worked and worked and we finally had to cut the chain from the dog and just take the dog. Right beside of it, there was a pig that had frozen to death.”
The Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter said it’s seen poor outdoor living conditions for dogs too.
“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for my animal control officers to go on welfare checks on dogs,” said Executive Director of the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter Tammy Davis. “And to that person, they felt like that was adequate shelter for that animal, but really it was not sufficient.”
The problem with not specifying these shelter requirements is that everyone had their own interpretation, said Washington County Animal Control Officer, Amanda White. She said she feels like this change will help make her job easier.
“We get so many calls about dogs living outside,” said White. “And that will also educate everyone else on what to look for, so it could lower the number of calls we get for welfare checks. And then it’s going to make it easier for owners to comply after we educate them as well.”
Davis says education is the root remedy in this amendment.
“Our goal is not to come and remove that dog from their home,” said Davis. “We want to educate the community. We want to help them when we can. If we want to help them provide adequate shelter for their dog, a correct dog house, that is what we’re going to do.”
The amendment has been sent to Governor Bill Lee to be signed into law and is expected to go into effect on July 1.
If you believe there is a dog that is not receiving adequate outdoor shelter, you can contact your local animal shelter to reach an animal control officer.
You can read more about the amendment here. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/area-animal-shelters-speak-on-new-state-requirements-for-outdoor-dog-shelters/ | 2023-05-02T22:55:50 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/area-animal-shelters-speak-on-new-state-requirements-for-outdoor-dog-shelters/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A Johnson City nonprofit held a luncheon that raised funds leaders say are crucial in order to continue serving local children.
Coalition for Kids (C4K) held the event Tuesday to acquire funding and resources that will be put to use providing a safe place for children to grow emotionally, physically and educationally after school. The organization provides help with homework, music lessons, meals, athletic opportunities and programs for children from domestic situations.
“These luncheons are huge to us,” said C4K executive director Randy Hensley. “Not only do they give us the opportunity to bring resources, funds together, they give us the ability to bring hundreds of people into one moment at our facility, let them see our place. And not only that, let them hear the vision of where we’re going, what’s been going on, how God has blessed us and how we want to go forward.”
Hensley said without events like Tuesday’s luncheon, the non-profit would lose operations in several schools.
During the event, C4K leaders announced the nonprofit has grown in number of both staff and children.
“Today, we’ve announced that we’re going to be over 800 kids a day by September this year,” said Hensley. “And having grown from 40 staff three years ago to 110 staff this next school year is absolutely thrilling to be able to say, ‘look what’s going on in East Tennessee.'”
At the luncheon, guests were able to see C4K’s STEM lab and other features at the facility.
To learn more about C4K or to volunteer or donate, visit the nonprofit’s website. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/coalition-for-kids-luncheon-raises-vital-funds-as-nonprofit-grows/ | 2023-05-02T22:55:56 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/coalition-for-kids-luncheon-raises-vital-funds-as-nonprofit-grows/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Grandview Elementary students are energy smart and it’s paying off in a big way. The Washington County K-8 school in Telford earned a $10,000 grant from the TVA Energy Right School Uplift program.
In a release from Washington County Schools, Grandview Principal Dr. Tara Churchwell thanked the TVA and Brightridge for their investment in the community.
“We learned so much through this program about how to make our school more efficient and comfortable, and I’m proud of our staff and students whose efforts earned this grant,” said Churchwell. “We plan on investing the grant money in developing an outdoor classroom in the courtyard area of our school which will improve our facility and make Grandview an even better place for all students to learn and thrive.”
The School Uplift program is a year-long initiative to help schools, classrooms and people be more energy efficient during the school year.
Grandview Elementary is one of over 118 schools that have completed the Energy Right School Uplift Program. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/grandview-elementary-earns-10000-energy-right-uplift-grant-from-tennessee-valley-authority/ | 2023-05-02T22:56:02 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/grandview-elementary-earns-10000-energy-right-uplift-grant-from-tennessee-valley-authority/ |
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A new way to renew vehicle license tags is available for Washington County, Tennessee residents.
On Tuesday, county leaders cut the ribbon on a new outside kiosk at 378 East Marketplace Boulevard in Johnson City.
Washington County Clerk Cheryl Storey told News Channel 11 that the kiosk will help reduce wait times at the clerk’s office.
“You can just walk up days, nights, weekends, holidays and access the kiosk anytime,” Storey said.
The kiosk does not dispense license plates, nor does it allow users to change addresses. Anyone wishing to still renew their tags in person can do so at the Johnson City and Jonesborough offices. Those offices are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/new-vehicle-tag-renewal-kiosk-open-in-washington-county-tenn/ | 2023-05-02T22:56:08 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/new-vehicle-tag-renewal-kiosk-open-in-washington-county-tenn/ |
UNICOI, Tenn. (WJHL) — Lia Dunning was first alerted that something was amiss at her Unicoi home by her supervisor at work.
“They have a policy that you can’t have your phone,” Dunning told News Channel 11. “A supervisor came over and said I had to go home for an emergency, and I checked my phone and the EMS and the fire department had been trying to call me.”
Dunning owned the home and lived there with her son, her roommate, Amy McKnight, and four children that she cared for.
Crews from the Unicoi County Fire Department arrived at the scene around 10:30 a.m. to respond to the fire. When they left around 3 p.m., all that remained standing was the Plantation Road home’s chimney.
Dunning said her first reaction arriving at the scene was to search for her pets–three cats and three dogs.
She said she’s still looking for two dogs that she suspects escaped from the home, a Pitbull mix and a Great Dane.
“They’re going to be scared as hell because they’ve never been out of the yard,” said Dunning.
A spokesperson from the Town of Unicoi said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The spokesperson urged citizens to call Unicoi County Dispatch at 423-743-1850 or Unicoi County Animal Control at 423-743-3071 if they see any animals that look lost.
The Red Cross was on scene at the fire working to help the residents find temporary housing.
Friends of Dunning’s tenant, McKnight, have set up a Gofundme to help the family recoup the loss of their possessions in the fire. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/resident-of-burned-unicoi-home-looking-for-lost-pets/ | 2023-05-02T22:56:14 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/resident-of-burned-unicoi-home-looking-for-lost-pets/ |
Editor’s Note: The Tri-Cities is growing and News Channel 11 wants to keep you informed of new construction underway commercially and residentially. Our weekly series “Who’s Building That?” uses public documents, research, community connections and hard work to bring you information about who’s building or renovating what, where, and for what use. You’ll also get facts and figures about project costs and potential property tax revenue as well as trend data. Don’t drive by and wonder anymore!
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — It appears plans are in the works to build what would be Johnson City’s second Aldi grocery store in north Johnson City that could be open by the end of this year.
Local development company Westminster Commons has paid for and submitted a traffic study on the intersection of North Roan and Whitewood Boulevard just north of Indian Trail Middle School. The study was required because the city said under current traffic patterns, a traffic signal wasn’t warranted.
The study shows justification for a traffic light based on a 20,000-square-foot supermarket and an additional 30,000 square feet of retail in a separate building. The development is on a 5.6-acre parcel that has long housed a pad and steel building supports but nothing else.
City officials told News Channel 11 they were told that the supermarket would be an Aldi. The corporation and developer both said they’re not ready to confirm that on the record.
Aldi’s only Johnson City store on West Market Street is just under 17,000 square feet.
The developer would have to pay for the traffic signal at an estimated cost of more than a half million dollars.
WHAT: Johnson City’s second Aldi supermarket with 20,000 square feet of space (pending finalization of deal). Additional commercial building planned on property.
WHERE: North Roan Street and Whitewood Blvd., (just north of Indian Trail Middle School).
WHO: Westminster Commons LLC (developer) and Aldi U.S.
WHEN: Traffic study submitted to City of Johnson City said plans were for completion by end of 2023.
YOUR TAX BENEFIT: Estimated Aldi value $3 million would bring about $43,000 annually combined in city and Washington County property taxes. Significant local option sales tax revenue. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/whos-building-that/new-aldi-grocery-likely-coming-to-north-roan-street/ | 2023-05-02T22:56:20 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/whos-building-that/new-aldi-grocery-likely-coming-to-north-roan-street/ |
BOISE, Idaho — A 23-year-old Texas man was arrested in Boise on Saturday on a murder warrant issued out of Texas.
On Saturday morning, April 29, the Boise Police Department (BPD) was made aware of a possible fugitive from Texas being in the Boise area.
The investigation came after Boise Police responded to an unrelated incident near State and 13th Street Saturday morning.
Boise Police officers were able to confirm that Frank Harvey of Seadrift, Texas had an active warrant out for his arrest from Victoria, Texas for the charge of murder.
Harvey is being charged with murder in the death of his 61-year-old mother who was found with fatal gunshot wounds in her Texas home on April 26, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.
According to BPD, officers searched the vehicle associated with the suspect, ultimately locating it in a parking lot near Overland and Orchard.
Officers from the Boise Police Department's Special Operations Unit successfully executed the arrest and took Harvey into custody without incident at around 1:30 p.m.
"I want to commend our officers on their efforts to assist an out-of-state agency and quickly locate the suspect of a violent crime," said BPD Captain James Quackenbush.
The suspect was booked into the Ada County Jail and is facing the felony charge of a fugitive from justice.
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office said that arrangements are being made to extradite Harvey to Calhoun County, Texas to face the charges.
"Officers along with members of SOU developed a tactical plan that first and foremost kept the community safe during the arrest and kept the involved officers and the suspect safe as well," said Quackenbush.
Watch more on the trial of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell:
See all of the latest coverage in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-arrest-texas-fugitive-murder-warrant/277-554ed2f4-eca7-40c7-8521-d65310ce4b05 | 2023-05-02T22:56:58 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-arrest-texas-fugitive-murder-warrant/277-554ed2f4-eca7-40c7-8521-d65310ce4b05 |
HOWARD COUNTY, Texas — The Howard County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding a missing person.
Elizabeth Liza Cantu, 41, was last seen on Friday at approximately 5 a.m., in the 7500 block of the North Service Road.
At that time, she was wearing black stretch pants and a black "rock band style" shirt with the white outline of a female’s face on it.
Cantu was not wearing any shoes and may have been wearing socks.
The department said she does not have her cell phone with her. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/hcso-asks-for-help-finding-missing-person/513-1e02726d-f259-40f0-a307-f6fba1e9f8de | 2023-05-02T22:57:24 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/hcso-asks-for-help-finding-missing-person/513-1e02726d-f259-40f0-a307-f6fba1e9f8de |
Rents in West Texas are still among the lowest in the state, according to apartmentlist.com, and that includes Midland.
The online apartment guide reported a slight increase in Midland in its May 2023 National Rent Report, with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for $847 and the average two-bedroom renting for $1,062. The averages in Midland are higher than in Odessa ($697 and $917, respectively), but consistent with other larger cities in West Texas, according to apartmentlist.com. Those cities include Lubbock and San Angelo -- both at $866 for a one-bedroom and $1,064 for a two-bedroom. Abilene’s rents are at $798 and $1,020, respectively.
Odessa and Midland are home to some of the highest percentage increases during the last 12 months, according to the website. Odessa’s year-over-year increase was 18.9%, Midland’s was 16.1%. The highest of the other three West Texas cities is Lubbock at 11.5%. Apartmentlist.com reported the year-over-year rent growth nationally continues “to decelerate, and now stands at 1.7%, its lowest level since March 2021.”
Rents nationally increased by 0.5% in the past month. In Midland and Odessa, that monthly increase was 0.9%.
Compared to the rest of the state, there are few locations that show lower monthly rents than Midland. Odessa is home to the lowest average two-bedroom rate in the state ($917). Other cities below Midland include Beaumont ($1,042) Abilene and McAllen ($997).
Larger metropolitan areas of note include Houston ($1,287), San Antonio ($1,308), Fort Worth ($1,339), Dallas ($1,440), The Woodlands ($1,613) and Austin ($1,771).
Apartmentlist.com shows four cities near Dallas with average two-bedroom rents higher than $2,000 a month. They are Flower Mound ($2,243), Frisco ($2,108), Addison ($2.042) and Allen ($2,011). | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/apartmentlist-com-midland-apartment-rents-still-18074495.php | 2023-05-02T22:58:18 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/apartmentlist-com-midland-apartment-rents-still-18074495.php |
DULUTH — Tara Swenson has been plenty involved in her community, but entering the realm of politics will be a new experience for the Piedmont Heights neighborhood resident.
She plans to formally announce her plans to enter the 4th District City Council race at a 5:30 p.m. gathering Friday at Warrior Brewing Co., 2711 W. Superior St.
"The last few years, we've really seen politics shift and get cast in maybe more of a negative light, unfortunately, which is something that is concerning to me," she said. "And I would say it made me apprehensive to really throw my name out there. But as I started listening to conversations that my family was having and my community was having, they're about a lot of those core city functions that we need to support. And instead of sitting there and complaining about it, I asked: What can I do to change it, and how do I get involved to make a difference?"
Snow removal emerged as a particular concern to Swenson.
"I have children in the school system, and when their school is closed because we didn't get the snow removed, there's just a trickle effect of how that impacts our community," she said. "And I would say seeing that multiple times this year did frustrate me. And it was something that made me ask: How do we do better?"
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Improved public safety is another big motivator for Swenson, an avid runner.
"I always ran down in Canal Park and on the Lakewalk. It's just the dynamic of that atmosphere has changed pretty tremendously. So I, myself, and a lot of my female running friends no longer feel safe running alone down there," she said, stressing the need to support the local police and fire departments.
Swenson works for Holden Insurance Agency but also has leadership experience in health care, engineering, retail and volunteer roles. She serves on the board of directors for the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's FUSE initiative.
Swenson is poised to become the second 4th District candidate, as Salaam Witherspoon, a community organizer, entered the race in April.
Incumbent 4th District Councilor Hannah Alstead was appointed to fill out Renee Van Nett's term, after the late councilor's death to cancer while in office. Alstead announced in March she will not seek election to the seat in November. The 4th District includes Duluth's Lincoln Park, Duluth Heights and Piedmont Heights neighborhoods.
Five of nine Duluth City Council positions will be up for grabs this year. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/swenson-to-enter-race-for-4th-district-duluth-city-council-seat | 2023-05-02T23:02:08 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/swenson-to-enter-race-for-4th-district-duluth-city-council-seat |
June 20, 1950 – April 28, 2023
Leslie June Hines, 72, of North Bend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2023 with family and loved ones close by her side. She was born at McAuley Hospital on June 20, 1950. Cremation Rites have been held under the direction of Nelson's Bay Area Mortuary. A Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
She graduated from Marshfield High School, where she was a member of the gymnastics team, band, and choir in 1968. She spent countless nights of her high school life babysitting to buy herself her own flute. She worked as a phlebotomist at both NBMC, Keizer Hospital and Bay Area Hospital. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life including rose gardening, fishing, family game nights, crocheting, enjoying music and one of her favorite activities camping. One of her fondest memories was an 8-week camping trip to Alaska with her husband and their best friends. She married her soul mate and lifetime partner, Bill Hines in 1975 and would spend 50 wonderful years together. Leslie was an animal lover as well, and for most of her life always had a 4-legged companion which she spoiled.
Even though small in stature, Leslie was a powerful force and influence in everyone’s life that she touched. She was always the words of wisdom and sometimes the words of mischief when people needed to have a little fun. She was a rock for everyone and never asked for a favor in return. She will be remembered always as a loving wife, gracious and forgiving mother, a fun-loving friend, and a confidant to all.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Hines; her 3 children and their spouses, Angela Christensen-Strand and Tamera Strand, Cassandra and James Parmenter, and Randal and Jessica Hines; her two sisters, Billie Arnoth and Lori Wollin; as well as 11 beautiful grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson's Bay Area Mortuary, 405 Elrod Ave., Coos Bay, Oregon 541/267-4216 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/leslie-june-hines/article_f8bf7648-e937-11ed-9ec7-135d0f8b47d6.html | 2023-05-02T23:02:42 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/leslie-june-hines/article_f8bf7648-e937-11ed-9ec7-135d0f8b47d6.html |
YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Six thousand elementary school students catapulted into STEAM on May 2 with a friendly competition to build the craftiest catapult.
Students from first through third grades spent the day designing and building their catapults using just straws, plastic spoons, popsicle sticks and rubber bands.
At Wallace Elementary in West York Area School District, ping pong balls flew in arcs across the classroom as first graders tested their catapults’ strength.
“Kids are more creative, they’re excited, they’re running to school knowing that they get to participate in activities like this,” said the district’s Technology Integrator Donna Meeks.
After their experiment, third graders at Hayshire Elementary in Central York School District video called another class at Schaeffer Elementary in Manheim Township School District. Students shared their hardest and most successful moments building the catapults.
Educators said collaboration with other students and schools was a key element of the event.
“Getting to connect and see that other classes have maybe the same ideas, the same struggles. Just getting to know different classes and seeing that we’re all kind of doing the same thing is a good experience for them,” said Hayshire third-grade teacher Missy Rhodes.
For one third grader, Ian Montalvo-Garcia, the experience of building his own design helped convince him to go into a STEM field when he grows up.
“I have a few things on my list but I haven’t really decided. I kind of want to become a mechanic when I grow up,” he said.
The event, part of the Remake Learning Days festival, launched in 2016 from Pittsburgh. This year it reached 175,000 families across the U.S. and the world, with participants in Uruguay, New Zealand and the U.K. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/crafty-catapults/521-307cf16e-9ddf-4979-b039-1bd549eec31e | 2023-05-02T23:05:32 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/crafty-catapults/521-307cf16e-9ddf-4979-b039-1bd549eec31e |
LOCAL
News in 90: New superintendent, scrub sanctuary compromise and Palm Bay High lockdown
Rob Landers
Florida Today
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Brevard reopens Malabar Scrub Sanctuary after conceptual agreement with town over tree removal
Rob Landers is a veteran multimedia journalist for the USA Today Network of Florida. Contact Landers at 321-242-3627 or rlanders@gannett.com. Instagram: @ByRobLanders Youtube: @florida_today | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/ni90-brevard-superintendent-scrub-sanctuary-palm-bay-high-lockdown/70176341007/ | 2023-05-02T23:05:51 | 1 | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/ni90-brevard-superintendent-scrub-sanctuary-palm-bay-high-lockdown/70176341007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man from Augusta has been charged in a Wichita cold case from 2007.
According to court documents, 52-year-old Ted Foy has been charged with the following:
- Aggravated criminal sodomy; no consent
- Rape; Sexual intercourse with a person who does not consent; Force
- Aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear
- Attempted rape; With person who doesn’t consent; Force
According to the WPD, at 11 p.m. on Nov. 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 a 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 were able to utilize genealogical investigative techniques to assist in identifying a potential suspect. This was in collaboration with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team and the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center.
The suspect’s identity was confirmed to be Foy’s through DNA.
Foy is being held on a $500,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for May 15. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/augusta-man-charged-in-wichita-2007-cold-case/ | 2023-05-02T23:07:25 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/augusta-man-charged-in-wichita-2007-cold-case/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — There is a small stretch of road in a west Wichita neighborhood that is named Squaw Lane, but not for much longer.
At Tuesday’s Wichita City Council meeting, the Council voted to rename Delano Avenue.
The road is 357 feet long and intersects with Maize Road, just north of Central Avenue. It was platted in the Toh-N-Hah Village Addition.
The City of Wichita Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board requested the name change due to the sensitivity of the word “squaw.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary calls the word “offensive,” “dated,” and “disparaging.”
Council Member Bryan Frye said it is the first time in his eight years on the Council that someone has requested a street name change. He asked City staff to explain the process.
“I wanted to make sure that we had a fair and deliberate process that was conducted to ensure that everyone affected was treated the same,” he said.
J.R. Cox with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department said the process is relatively simple and involves four steps.
- The Wichita-Sedgwick County Street Naming Committee reviews any requests for street name changes.
- If it is recommended that a name be changed, an application is filed with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department.
- MAPD notifies affected residents, schedules a subdivision committee hearing and prepares a staff report.
- If the subdivision committee approves the change, it is forwarded to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and an ordinance is prepared and sent to the City Council for approval.
Frye said he wants people to know a lot of consideration goes into it.
“This isn’t something that we go into lightly,” he said. “Name changes don’t happen very often. This was brought to my attention last November, and now we’re into May, so it took about seven months.”
Frye said there was plenty of time for people to weigh in on the topic. He said the Diversity and Inclusion and Civil Rights Board looked at it. In addition, the District Five Advisory Board discussed it Monday night. He said he also contacted the Mid-America All-Indian Museum and the Native American Indian Youth Education Program at USD 259.
“Every step of the way, the consensus was the same — that it was time to change the name because the word itself narrows the connotation to all women of Native American heritage,” Frye said.
The City said there are only two lots that have Squaw Lane addresses. Those residents have been notified. City staff will notify utilities and the post office, but the residents may still have some inconvenience.
“But it’s temporary … whereas a street name should be lasting and something that should be inviting to all residents of Wichita,” Frye said.
Mayor Brandon Whipple agreed with Frye and thanked him for his work on the issue.
“I appreciate the council member’s efforts to ensure that we create a Wichita for all, including those who … perhaps weren’t thought of when this road was named.”
Frye then made a motion for the Council to approve the name change. The Council approved the name change on a vote of 7-0. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-street-with-offensive-name-gets-new-name/ | 2023-05-02T23:07:31 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-street-with-offensive-name-gets-new-name/ |
SCRANTON, Pa. — A home was damaged by fire in Lackawanna County Tuesday afternoon.
Flames broke out around 5:30 p.m. along Pen-Y-Bryn Drive in Scranton.
Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames.
Officials say one person was home at the time of the fire and got out safely.
No one was hurt.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/fire-damages-home-in-scranton-pen-y-bryn-drive-lackawanna-county-department-crews/523-6a9fea7f-cdef-44ae-b89a-a3c05d7f7c93 | 2023-05-02T23:07:45 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/fire-damages-home-in-scranton-pen-y-bryn-drive-lackawanna-county-department-crews/523-6a9fea7f-cdef-44ae-b89a-a3c05d7f7c93 |
LEHMAN, Pa. — If you're looking for an excuse to not cut your grass when the weather breaks, how's this one from Lehman Sanctuary founder Christopher Miller: "Because it's so important to the food we have and the species we have on our planet."
'Let It Grow' is the motto for spring at the Lehman Sanctuary in Lehman Township, especially where clover and dandelion-sprinkled lawns are concerned.
"It's really important for us to save pollinators. Bumble bees, honey hummingbird moths, even as John Ackourey says, you know the hornet because all of these insects protect us, pollinate flowers, and keep more than half the food that we eat on our tables without pollination. We'd have no food anywhere in the world," said Miller.
He encourages folks to participate in the 'No Mow May' initiative, even if you might find what some would consider 'weeds' unsightly.
"So these insects need places to go. Without dandelions, without clover, they have no place to go for food, and so it's, it's really important that we try to keep at the very least stations, areas of lawn untended to unfertilized you know, let it grow wild for a while," suggested Miller.
As Miller showed Newswatch 16 the educational rain garden at the sanctuary, he explained how all the rain the last couple of weeks has given this initiative a kick start.
"Absolutely, all that water helps all of the flowers that we plant wherever we plant them. It's really important stuff. I mean, we're making good use of what nature gives us or what nature throws at us," said Miller.
So cross-cutting the grass off your to-do list this weekend, Miller says the planet will thank you.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/no-mow-may-to-help-early-pollination-lehman-sanctuary-christopher-miller-township-grass/523-923ddbe6-1b98-4e9f-869c-b6d78db29567 | 2023-05-02T23:07:47 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/no-mow-may-to-help-early-pollination-lehman-sanctuary-christopher-miller-township-grass/523-923ddbe6-1b98-4e9f-869c-b6d78db29567 |
HAZLETON, Pa. — Current and retired members of Pennsylvania State Police Troop N gathered at the Hazleton barracks for a memorial service to commemorate 118 years of dedication and service.
"Since the inception of policing, men and women have stood courageously to uphold the law and protect those who are in need," said Capt. Norman Cramer, Troop N commanding officer
Bagpipes provided moments for reflection for troopers killed in the line of duty since the inception of the Pennsylvania State Police.
"The act of protecting the innocent from evil is proving very costly and still does this day," Capt. Cramer said.
The 102 names of those fallen troopers were remembered with a roll call.
Retired Capt. Joe Zuber served as a state trooper for 35 years and says even at the age of 92, the pride of being a state trooper doesn't fade.
"We'll always, always remember who we are. We are proud, humble Pennsylvania State Police."
And every day, not just around Memorial Day, he prays for all members of the state police and their families.
"We are out here daily, try to do our job. We try to help as many people as we can. And there are times that it gets a little touchy, and we're all aware of it, and God willing, we could hang in there and stay safe," Zuber said.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/state-police-observance-honors-fallen-troopers-n-captain-norman-cramer-joe-zuber/523-3577956e-d66d-4db8-be0d-b4a932739866 | 2023-05-02T23:07:47 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/state-police-observance-honors-fallen-troopers-n-captain-norman-cramer-joe-zuber/523-3577956e-d66d-4db8-be0d-b4a932739866 |
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Salvation Army food pantry in Williamsport helps feed hundreds of food-insecure families in Lycoming County every month.
"With the ending of the SNAP benefits as well as other benefits and inflation of food prices, we are seeing families come in that have never sought help from the food pantry before," said Laura Templeton, the organization's public relations director.
The community garden located behind the Williamsport YMCA is operated by the Salvation Army. Since 2015, the urban farm has grown more than 15,000 pounds of produce. All of it helps feed families in need.
"We grow spring crops, we grow summer crops, and we grow fall crops now. A lot of it is the leafy vegetables," said Sid Furst, the manager of the community garden.
To combat the rising demand for food, the Salvation Army will begin the planting season sooner and has already doubled the growing space at the urban farm.
"The total area here is about 40,000 square feet, and maybe about 20,000 square feet is in the urban farm program," added Furst.
"Doubling the size of the urban farm component of this garden will allow us to provide more fresh produce to the community from spring to the fall," Templeton said.
Catherine Driscoll has been volunteering at the community garden for more than a year. She usually stops by every day, helping grow the food that others eat.
"I really enjoy working with the soil and in the sun, so if this helps people, then I love to do it," said Driscoll.
The organization will plant the urban farm this Saturday, May 6th. Volunteers can show up as early as 9 a.m.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/salvation-army-expanding-urban-farm-to-meet-community-needs-lycoming-county-williamsport-laura-templeton/523-6e91c8e5-2bd7-4b00-8c43-b0a46f4f7d94 | 2023-05-02T23:07:48 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/salvation-army-expanding-urban-farm-to-meet-community-needs-lycoming-county-williamsport-laura-templeton/523-6e91c8e5-2bd7-4b00-8c43-b0a46f4f7d94 |
SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE, Pa. — No rounds of golf will be played on the course at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort near the Delaware Water Gap.
Days of heavy rains have caused the water level in the Delaware River to rise and wash out the resort's golf bridge.
"Every now and again, usually once or twice a season, the river levels will increase, and it can impact the bridge. It doesn't always wash it out, but it does make it, so we take precautions with letting guests on or off the course," said Jeremy Wo, the resort's marketing director.
The bridge connects golfers to 24 holes on the island course and is used every day.
Wo says all tee times are being pushed back to a later date or completely rescheduled while they wait to rebuild.
"Anytime we're down, it pains us because we want to exceed everyone's expectations, and if they can't play Shawnee's course, it's challenging. Everyone loves to get out on our island course to play a round, and while it's down, it is tough."
While the bridge will be down for a couple of days, work is underway to construct a more permanent solution to ensure high river levels don't impact golfing on the course in the future.
"We're building a permanent bridge that is above the 100-year flood mark, which will make us impervious to all future flooding that would washout a bridge."
Wo says the permanent bridge will allow year-round access for guests and golfers.
"We were having discussions about having golf extend the season and open earlier. You know, this time next year or even in a couple of months, it'll be a completely new experience at Shawnee."
Workers have to wait until the water levels recede before they can start rebuilding the bridge.
If all goes well, the new, permanent bridge is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
You can keep an eye on river levels HERE.
Get the full Stormtracker 16 forecast HERE.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/high-water-washes-away-golf-at-shawnee-inn-resort-delaware-river-bridge-jeremy-wo-monroe-county-delaware-water-gap/523-c7528f31-054d-451b-a11b-7e5708785f5d | 2023-05-02T23:07:54 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/high-water-washes-away-golf-at-shawnee-inn-resort-delaware-river-bridge-jeremy-wo-monroe-county-delaware-water-gap/523-c7528f31-054d-451b-a11b-7e5708785f5d |
HEYWORTH — Vogel Coffee, 1280 W. Cleveland St. Suite D in Heyworth, is this week's pick for Eats of the Week.
The coffee shop, which also sells non-coffee drinks, baked goods and ice cream, opened Dec. 16. Owner Nathan Holt and his wife, Devon, previously held pastoral roles at churches in Indiana and Wisconsin, and they noticed it was the "cool" thing to have a coffee shop inside churches they encountered.
Holt said he has always had a passion for coffee and cannot stand when it is burnt. On a trip to Disney World, the couple conducted a wide-ranging search for the best coffee before finding one drink they agreed that they both liked. That's when they decided they should open a coffee shop themselves if they could find the right community.
"We loved this community. We hear the horror stories of everyone saying, 'Man I just spent $6 on this drink and threw it away,'" said Holt, who is originally from Hopedale. "So we decided why don't we just take the leap of faith. We loved the location because we've got the drive-thru and it's right off the interstate; there's nothing directly off of 51 or 136 that you can drive and get coffee for 40 miles that's not Starbucks."
When deciding on a name for the shop, Holt said they wanted something that represented what their family stood for, which is building strong bonds and lasting community. Holt said the barn swallow symbolizes those qualities, and "Vogel" is a translation of swallow in other languages. Holt added that the name of the shop has caught the attention of local birdwatchers.
He said the shop is the only one in Illinois to sell Seattle-based Kuma Coffee, which sources its beans directly from farmers.
"You're getting a really good high quality, high-caffeinated coffee whenever you get our stuff," Holt said. "We also try to use as much local ingredients as possible, like Kilgus Farms in Fairbury is where we get our organic milk and makes some very good, creamy coffee. And we try to use Wild Honey Harvest in Heyworth."
Vogel Coffee offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Popular menu items include the hummingbird latte, which is made with espresso milk, butter, pecan syrup, cinnamon and a hint of banana, creating a flavor that Holt likened to banana bread. Another favorite is the Vogel latte, made with brown sugar and oat milk.
Central Illinois Bakehouse supplies the business with baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls and maple bacon Danishes. Cronuts are available on Fridays and Saturdays. The shop also sells Ice Cream Factory brand ice cream.
A signature latte special is offered once a month to every two months. In May, the specials include a caramel delight frappe, a rose latte with subtle floral flavoring, and a dirty vanilla chai latte, which is an extra spicy chai latte with a shot of espresso and vanilla.
For those who aren't into coffee, the shop offers smoothies, refreshers and Lotus drinks, which are plant-based energy drinks.
"Our customers are choosing us over other people because they are getting that consistent cup of coffee. We take pride in everything that we do," Holt said. "We try to put emphasis on quality because we understand that if we have good quality that's what is going to keep people coming back for more."
Vogel Coffee also hosts and helps out with several local events, including the Black and Red Gala, Heyworth Summer League Baseball, Coffee and Canvas Nights, Farm to Wick Candle Pouring and bag tournaments. Holt said they hope to bring in some bands and host parking lot parties in the future.
Each month, Holt said, the shop spotlights local businesses, such as Wild Harvest Honey in Heyworth and 2 FruGALS Thrift in downtown Bloomington.
He said he would consider opening more Vogel Coffee locations in the future, but would seek to fill a need in other small towns that don't have any coffee shops.
Food prices fall on world markets but not on kitchen tables
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/vogel-coffee-aims-to-fill-cups-and-community-need-in-heyworth/article_98918e98-e5f7-11ed-bf12-ffcfae1890c8.html | 2023-05-02T23:08:46 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/business/local/vogel-coffee-aims-to-fill-cups-and-community-need-in-heyworth/article_98918e98-e5f7-11ed-bf12-ffcfae1890c8.html |
BLOOMINGTON — A 30-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison on two felony weapons charges, with one stemming from a 2021 residential break-in in Bloomington.
Joshua D. Rials, of Bloomington, received his sentence before Judge William Yoder after pleading guilty to two Class 2 felony counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, which were filed in separate cases.
Assistant State's Attorney Emily Young said Rials was identified as an intruder to a Bloomington residence on Nov. 19, 2021. She said his fingerprints were found on a gun that was dropped by Rials, after a victim inside that home fired their own gun at him during a break-in. Young said Rials fled the scene.
Young said a loaded 9 mm gun was found outside the residence. Rials was charged March 2022 with four Class 2 felony counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in that matter. She also noted Rials was convicted of methamphetamine possession in 2019.
Young said in a second case, Rials was a front-seat passenger in a Honda vehicle stopped Jan. 30, 2022, by Normal police for a stop sign violation near Raab and Towanda streets. She said officers found a loaded 9mm pistol under Rials' seat.
That incident resulted in the following felony charges: two counts of armed violence (Class X), four counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon (Class 2), delivery of a controlled substance (Class 3), possession of less than 15 grams of a controlled substance (Class 4), manufacturer or delivery of 30-500 grams of cannabis (Class 3). He was also charged with misdemeanor cannabis possession.
Despite perceptions of rising crime, theft has become far less common in recent years than it used to be. However, there are still hotspots where break-ins and burglaries are far more common than the typical American neighborhood.
All remaining charges in both cases were dropped with Rials' plea agreement.
Yoder ruled that Rials concurrently serve 12 years in prison on each of the two UUW charges. He also credited him for at least 427 days served in jail, and stipulated Rials be placed on one year of mandatory supervised release.
Assistant Public Defender Matthew Koetters represented Rials and declined comment.
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
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter
Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bloomington-man-sentenced-to-12-years-on-weapons-charges/article_c0a9d806-e91a-11ed-8a4c-97423d9d6aad.html | 2023-05-02T23:09:18 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/bloomington-man-sentenced-to-12-years-on-weapons-charges/article_c0a9d806-e91a-11ed-8a4c-97423d9d6aad.html |
BLOOMINGTON — Environmental cleanup for the Nicor Gas in Bloomington continues.
Restoration work on Washington Street is scheduled to begin in the near future, and the street will remain closed while Nicor works on underground repairs and surface restoration within the right-of-way as part of the Bloomington Manufactured Gas Plant environmental cleanup project.
The work is scheduled to be completed in the summer, when Washington Street will reopen to traffic.
The city has evaluated the detour route, signage and adjacent intersection operations and has made adjustments to improve traffic flow and minimize inconveniences to travelers and impacted businesses, including the northbound left turn timing at the intersection of West Market Street and Morris Avenue to help get traffic through the intersection.
This is necessary to ensure worksite and traveler safety, according to the city.
Visit bloomingtonsite.info or contact info@bloomingtonsite.info or 309-261-4155 for more information.
Photos: Fighting natural gas fires in LeRoy exercise
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Bernie Anderson, Nicor Gas regional manager of community affairs, makes a group picture of about 40 participants in a natural gas fire training session Tuesday, April 16, 2019, outside the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Bernie Anderson, Nicor Gas regional manager of community affairs, gives a lecture on the properties of natural gas during the classroom orientation part of the training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Bernie Anderson, Nicor Gas regional manager of community affairs, shows a PAC pipe during the classroom orientation part of the natural gas fire training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Equipment is seen as firefighters listen during the classroom orientation part of the natural gas fire training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Bernie Anderson, Nicor Gas regional manager of community affairs, gathers materials while presenting in the classroom orientation part of the natural gas fire training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Mark Hylton, of the Dale Township Fire Department and a field operations supervisor at Nicor Gas, kneeling, instructs participants on the functions of a Purple-K fire extinguisher during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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LeRoy Community Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Ed Underhill watches participants in a natural gas fire training session Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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A Nicor Gas worker lights a residential gas meter demonstrator on fire during natural gas fire training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Mark Hylton, of the Dale Township Fire Department and a field operations supervisor at Nicor Gas, instructs participants as they doused a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Firefighters aim a Purple-K fire extinguisher toward a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Firefighters aim a Purple-K fire extinguisher toward a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Mark Hylton, of the Dale Township Fire Department and a field operations supervisor at Nicor Gas, works with Downs Community Fire Protection District's Zach Price, left, and Ellsworth Fire Protection District's Jessie Barnhill during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department. Barnhill is shutting off the gas meter after Price doused the flames on it.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Firefighters aim a Purple-K fire extinguisher toward a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
Staying prepared
Ellsworth Fire Protection District firefighters Logan McKeon and Logan Manuel aim a Purple-K fire extinguisher toward a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department. Observing their work is Mark Hylton, of the Dale Township Fire Department and a field operations supervisor at Nicor Gas. About 40 firefighters from five area fire districts — LeRoy, Ellsworth, Farmer City, Downs and Bellflower — took part in the training.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Firefighters work at dusk, aiming a Purple-K fire extinguisher toward a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Farmer City Fire Department firefighters work to douse a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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A firefighter from the Bellflower Fire Protection District aims a Purple-K fire extinguisher towards a natural gas fire on a residential gas meter demonstrator during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Firefighters wait for their turn during training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
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Purple-K fire extinguishers are photographed during natural gas fire training Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the LeRoy Fire Department.
LEWIS MARIEN, THE PANTAGRAPH
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/nicor-gas-environmental-cleanup-continues-in-bloomington/article_6d46d3c8-e909-11ed-894b-57db736fd2ed.html | 2023-05-02T23:09:20 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/nicor-gas-environmental-cleanup-continues-in-bloomington/article_6d46d3c8-e909-11ed-894b-57db736fd2ed.html |
DALLAS — On Tuesday, former President George W. Bush surprised 19 members of SMU’s student veteran groups in the Oval Office replica during their tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Museum.
The visit happened as the Bush Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary with free admission to the Bush Museum from April 29 through May 5. Wednesday is the last day of classes at SMU before exams, making this visit a way to congratulate students on getting through the school year.
During the visit, Bush expressed his gratitude for the students’ service in the U.S. military — many of whom are at SMU through the Post-9/11 GI Bill — before taking questions from them and taking some photos as well.
On May 1, 2013, the Bush Museum first opened, and in the ten years since, it has welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors from across the nation and the world, according to the Bush Center. Visitors have an opportunity to explore the permanent exhibit, which offers a display of Sept. 11, 2001, a replica Oval Office and an interactive experience in presidential decision-making.
Also on display is the special exhibit, Freedom Matters. This features rare artifacts and interactive activities. It highlights the importance of freedom in building peaceful societies, how the work of freedom advocates has changed the lives of millions and what people can learn from the study of history.
Artifacts include a 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta as well as rare versions of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Other pivotal documents and objects from world history are also on display.
The museum holds regular operating hours during the week of free admission, with special extended hours until 8 p.m. on May 4. Free admission tickets can be claimed online or in person through May 5.
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is made up of the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, which is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/president-george-w-bush-surprises-smu-student-veteran-groups-2023/287-bd8238c4-708b-469c-b7a0-2ece8ea2f234 | 2023-05-02T23:15:17 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/president-george-w-bush-surprises-smu-student-veteran-groups-2023/287-bd8238c4-708b-469c-b7a0-2ece8ea2f234 |
DALLAS — Texas state troopers removed hundreds of people from the gallery of the Texas House as protesters chanted and unfurled banners in support of transgender youth in the state.
Protesters on both sides of the bill that would limit gender-affirming care for minors filled the capitol on Tuesday.
Debate and a vote on Senate Bill 14 was blocked by a point of order Tuesday, though, and instead sent back to committee.
The bill blocks treatments including surgery, puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It would also revoke a doctor’s license is they violated the law.
“The weight of it, you can feel it palpably because people are struggling,” Ricardo Martinez, who heads LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Texas, said. “People are sacred, they’re angry.”
SB14 passed the Senate on a 19-12 party line vote, and Tuesday will be voted on in the Texas House.
“This bill does nothing to improve the lives of Texans,” Martinez said. “It’s just going to make it miserable and impossible for some of us.”
Johnathan Saenz is the president of Texas Values, which led support for the bill. He argues mental health treatments are a better remedy for children experiencing gender dysphoria.
“When you have kids go through gender transitions, it harms them,” Saenz said. “Let’s focus on the heart instead of thinking that removing body parts is somehow going to make their mind feel better.”
The American Medical Association supports the treatment for kids. The Texas Medical Association is neutral. In its testimony, it advocated against the revocation of licenses for doctors who violated the law.
It also pushed a measure lawmakers tacked on as an amendment which would allow patients to continue their treatments if they’d already received two or more sessions, but they’d be required to be gradually removed from the care in the future.
“You’re seeing a lot of disinformation meant to scare people in order to create outrage,” Martinez said.
Saenz called the treatments "experimental," though medical experts and the Texas Medical Association say there are guardrails for care in place already.
“That’s not health care,” he said. “That’s not doing anything to allow these children to deal with whatever emotions and whatever struggles they’re going through.”
“This sets the standard that the government can interfere in your life when they don’t like how you lead it and that should terrify everyone,” Martinez said.
Martinez said by his count the bill is one of 140 these sessions targeting LGBTQ Texans, including criminalizing drag shows and limiting the discussion of LGBTQ topics in classrooms.
A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA estimated there are 92,900 transgender adults in Texas and 29,800 who are 13-17 years old.
“Stigma leads to discrimination,” Martinez said. “Discrimination leads to violence against our community and that’s what we’re seeing play out.”
He said other states with similar laws saw transgender teen suicides rise. Saenz argued that’s more evidence treatment should focus on mental health.
“Kids are not in a position to make these decisions and even if the parents support it,” Saenz said. “It’s not healthy for them.” | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/protesters-kicked-out-texas-house-debate-vote-postponed-bill-ban-gender-affirming-care/287-34f32b04-cc3d-4892-a762-671bf64772a8 | 2023-05-02T23:15:23 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/protesters-kicked-out-texas-house-debate-vote-postponed-bill-ban-gender-affirming-care/287-34f32b04-cc3d-4892-a762-671bf64772a8 |
Waymo warehouse fire in Phoenix leads to evacuation, hazmat response
A Waymo warehouse fire in Phoenix led to the evacuation of employees on Tuesday morning. The fire's cause remained under investigation.The Phoenix Fire Department sent an alert at 8:48 a.m. about a hazardous materials incident near Seventh Street and Buckeye Road, later disclosing that firefighters were dispatched to a commercial fire at a warehouse in the area of North Third Street off Interstate 10.
Firefighters found an electric vehicle fire inside a warehouse for Waymo, the self-driving vehicle company, and extinguished the flames, the Fire Department said.
The assistance of the hazardous materials unit was requested due to the warehouse size and a city environmental dumpster was dispatched to take the vehicle to be recycled, the Fire Department said.
Waymo employees safely evacuated the facility prior to the arrival of fire crews, according to the Fire Department.
No injuries were reported and investigators were working at the scene to determine a cause.
Waymo, which is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., offers a ride-hailing service in central Phoenix and the East Valley. Some of the vehicles have recently stalled on Phoenix streets, leading to traffic jams. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/waymo-warehouse-fire-in-phoenix-leads-to-evacuation-hazmat-response/70176608007/ | 2023-05-02T23:16:14 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/waymo-warehouse-fire-in-phoenix-leads-to-evacuation-hazmat-response/70176608007/ |
West Phoenix man chained to bed by mother, court records say
A woman was jailed on suspicion of chaining her son for hours over the weekend at her west Phoenix home.
Meilin Jaqueline Vasquez Maradiaga, 33, is charged on suspicion of her adult son's unlawful imprisonment, according to court records.
About 5:46 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a call at a home in the area of South 32nd Drive and South 31st Avenue from a man who said his mother was restraining him with chains, according to a probable cause statement. Officers spoke with the mother, Vasquez Maradiaga, who directed them to the son chained by his ankle to a bunk bed in a bedroom in a house in the back, charging documents say.
Vasquez Maradiaga gave officers a key to unlock the padlock used to chain her son, according to court documents. The son was unchained and Vasquez Maradiaga was taken into custody without incident, court documents say.
According to court records, Vasquez Maradiaga said the incident began about 11 p.m. Saturday when she and her son were arguing over him again asking for money for his fentanyl pill addiction. She said she refused to give her son money to pay off a drug dealer before he threatened to damage her car and hurt his siblings, whom he had begun to approach, according to court documents.
The mother grabbed the son and they struggled, whereupon he began slamming his head on the ground and talking about suicide, court documents say.Vasquez Maradiaga, according to charging documents, asked her brother to help restrain her son using ropes and the two bound his hands and feet together before releasing him. She received her son's consent to chain him to the bed for his and everyone's safety, according to court documents.
But shortly after, Vasquez Maradiaga's son changed his mind and wanted to leave, but she refused his request and kept him chained for six to seven hours, according to court documents. The son found a cellphone inside the house in the back and called police, court documents say.
Vasquez Maradiaga said she did not unchain her son because she feared he might go on a drug binge and overdose, kill himself or hurt someone else.
Jail and court records show that as of Tuesday morning, Vasquez Maradiaga is being held in jail with a preliminary court hearing on May 18. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/west-phoenix-man-chained-to-bed-by-mother-court-records-say/70175766007/ | 2023-05-02T23:16:20 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/west-phoenix-man-chained-to-bed-by-mother-court-records-say/70175766007/ |
Peter from 'The Brady Bunch' visits Brockton's Cape Cod Cafe. Here's why and what he said.
BROCKTON — When Tim King started his shift at the Cod on Tuesday, he had no idea he'd be teaching the guy who played Peter Brady on "The Brady Bunch" how to pull a pie out of the oven.
"I taught a Brady how to cook a pizza," King said later as he shared a table with the actor, producer and entrepreneur Christopher Knight.
Knight stopped by both Cape Cod Cafe and the Italian Kitchen Tuesday. He's is in the area to host a fundraiser for Journey Forward, a Canton-based charity that works with people who've suffered spinal cord injuries.
And for those wondering: No, the Cod did not prepare a special porkchop and applesauce pizza. For the record, Knight sampled two pies: one a half linguica, half pepper and onion, the other a half cheese, half pepperoni.
"It was brought up," said Jonathan Jamoulis, one of two brothers who own the Cod and the Italian Kitchen. "[We decided] Just leave the guy alone."
Arguably Peter's best-known scene on "The Brady Bunch" was channeling Humphrey Bogart to say what's for dinner: "Porkchops and applesauce."
What is Journey Forward in Canton, MA?
Journey Forward in Canton is a gym and program designed to help paralyzed people. If you've had a spinal cord injury, for instance, it offers intense exercise programs that aim to restore mobility if possible and at a minimum provide the benefits of exercise, according to the nonprofit organization's website.
"We work with paralyzed clients of all levels and abilities providing a very active and full body approach to recovery," Journey Forward's description of itself reads. "This is what separates Journey Forward from many other adaptive gyms."
No-hitters and walk-offsVote for the High School Baseball Player of the Week
Why does Christopher Knight work with Journey Forward?
For years, Knight hosted Journey Forward's "Casino Night" fundraiser. This year's event is Thursday at King's bowling alley in Dedham.
"I was drawn to it," said Knight, 65. "It was planted in front of me and it spoke to me."
Knight said it's not the only charity he gives time to, but it's the only one he gives time to consistently.
"There are so many benefits to it," Knight said of Journey Forward.
Insurance does not pay for the intensive exercise program. It leverages million-dollar plus exercise equipment. Knight's wife, Cara, told of being impressed by seeing a patient able to move with the help of one such machine and see his own strides and rebuild neural pathways.
Famous people with ties to Brockton-areaGameStop frenzy whiz isn't the only famous Brockton-area native — here's a bunch more
Christopher Knight played Peter Brady in the 1970s: What else has he done?
Knight has "starred in a 'bunch' of TV shows and movies," to quote his punny Instagram bio. He's best known for playing Peter Brady, the middle son on "The Brady Bunch." The iconic series ran from 1969 to 1974, and Knight appeared in 117 episodes, according to IDMB.com.
His production company will release a documentary this fall about Callie Truelove, a young woman with Williams syndrome. The chromosomal disorder poses great challenges to her, but also gives her a kind of superpower to connect with people.
Outside of movies and TV, Knight has a furniture brand, Christopher Knight Home. You might have seen his furniture in an "accidental product placement" when Oprah sat the duke and duchess of Sussex in chairs from his line for her famous interview with the couple.
Knight is good-natured when folks want to talk about his most famous role. He said the enduring appeal of the show about what we'd today call a "blended family" is that kids like watching kids and learning "Where do I fit?" in their families. He said the show's best demographic now on reruns and streaming is probably ages 4-9. And it's huge in Australia.
The short history of Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton
Knight got a chance Tuesday to learn all about "bar pizza," a category he said he hadn't heard of before his visit to Brockton. Cape Cod Cafe not only slings a lot of the pies out of their restaurant, but they also sell frozen versions at grocery stores in the region.
The short history of the Italian Kitchen of Brockton
The Italian Kitchen is an iconic Brockton restaurant. The Jamoulis brothers bought it from the Tosches family last year. The staff has stayed largely the same across its 60-plus year history, as has the recipe for its famous meatballs.
Made a celebrity sighting? Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on Twitter at @HelmsNews.Thank you, subscribers. You make this coverage possible. If you're not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise of Brockton. | https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/brockton-ma-peter-brady-bunch-cape-cod-cafe-journey-forward-paralysis/70174777007/ | 2023-05-02T23:16:59 | 0 | https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/brockton-ma-peter-brady-bunch-cape-cod-cafe-journey-forward-paralysis/70174777007/ |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/students-return-to-building-21-philadelphia-2-months-after-asbestos-was-found/3558075/ | 2023-05-02T23:20:58 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/students-return-to-building-21-philadelphia-2-months-after-asbestos-was-found/3558075/ |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Police are investigating an apparent drive-by shooting Tuesday afternoon that left a man critically hurt. He was shot in the chest while he was leaving a Decatur barbershop, the police department said.
Officers responded to the 2400 block of Wesley Chapel Road around 1:30 p.m. in reference to a "person shot" call. It happened at Brown's Barber Lounge which is next to a CVS and around the corner from the Home Depot.
When officers arrived, DeKalb Police said they found a 31-year-old man who was shot in his chest. Police said he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Authorities are looking into "several promising leads," as they continue to investigate the shooting. Police said they have no other information to release at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/decatur-barbershop-shooting-wesley-chapel-road/85-482d629d-d16d-46c1-aabb-49b3ed262a5e | 2023-05-02T23:25:02 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/decatur-barbershop-shooting-wesley-chapel-road/85-482d629d-d16d-46c1-aabb-49b3ed262a5e |
ATLANTA — A planned expansion of a Georgia Power substation in a hot in-town residential neighborhood is drawing some anger in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.
The utility said it needs to modernize its site and has bought property to upsize it.
"It’s a great street," said Sam Shapero, who is raising a family on a street that’s about a half block from a sizable Georgia Power substation in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.
Georgia Power aims to nearly double the footprint of the substation, which has been an issue here for months.
"It's been incredibly stressful," Shapero said. "We’ve been talking to them for about a year. For a long time, it seemed like it was going well and they were listening to us."
Residents said Georgia Power quietly bought eight homes and a ninth residential parcel as part of the expansion project. Some of the homes purchased have been razed already.
Georgia Power never used its power of eminent domain to purchase any of the property, though residents said the implied threat of taking it involuntarily has factored into decisions to sell.
Three homes due to be razed are across from Shapero's house, where he's lived since 2009.
The land purchases gave the utility the property it needs to expand. Then the plan got ugly, said Shepero, who is an electrical engineer himself.
"We don’t understand why they're building the substation as large as humanly possible with a maximum grade, 10 to 15 feet from the road," he said, citing plans the utility has provided. "There’s smart ways of doing it and there’s dumb destructive ways of doing it. And Georgia Power has chosen the dumb destructive way."
Georgia Power's Misty Fernandez disputes the contention the substation will come that close to the road.
She said the larger site is necessary to modernize its substation, and they have room to expand it as the city's electricity needs and population expand.
"The option we ultimately landed on was the least disruptive and also the most cost-effective," Fernandez said.
Fernandez said the size of the green space buffer has changed over the last year but now provides for a 40-foot strip of green space in front of Shapero’s house. It will also include a security wall to contain new 65-foot towers. She said residents will be consulted on the design of the wall.
"As we know, this area of Atlanta continues to grow. And so that’s required us to and secure additional property to make sure we can meet these needs and the energy needs of our customers," Fernandez said.
Residents are having a neighborhood meeting Tuesday night to brainstorm their next move. They’re asking politicians to intervene. They also know Georgia Power has its own political clout and now owns the land it wants – possibly giving the utility the upper hand. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-power-land-larger-substation-old-fourth-ward-atlanta/85-00cd530a-b5ff-4cd6-b23f-3a6e66bc2bd7 | 2023-05-02T23:25:08 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-power-land-larger-substation-old-fourth-ward-atlanta/85-00cd530a-b5ff-4cd6-b23f-3a6e66bc2bd7 |
TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority ended the employment of its CEO Adelee LeGrand on Tuesday.
The decision followed months of investigation into an alleged hostile work environment and allegations of HART policy violations.
Board members debated for more than three and a half hours on a decision that hinged on money and the threat of a potentially expensive lawsuit.
LeGrand first offered to walk away from the job, effective June 30, with a total settlement package of just over $110,000.
But some board members raised questions about whether HART would contractually have to pay LeGrand for her accrued leave time, close to $55,000, since she would be leaving the transit authority while not in good standing.
Like so many other legal negotiations, it came down to money.
LeGrand rejected the board’s first counteroffer to exclude the accrued leave time.
That triggered a presentation and then a rebuttal from LeGrand’s attorney with a veiled legal threat.
“Negotiating, if we can, if not, we will be rehashing these issues for a while. And that’s probably not good for either side,” LeGrand’s attorney Steven Wenzel said.
Board members were warned that litigating the case could cost $500,000 in legal fees alone, leaving board members to weigh the risk.
“The funds spent trouble me. They really do,” HART Board Chairman Luis Viera said. “When we can potentially end this.”
Ultimately, the two sides split the difference.
LeGrand is out effective immediately with a buyout of a little over $88,000.
The transit authority now has to look for a new CEO.
Also, days earlier, state lawmakers voted to place HART under a microscope due to its financial issues in a move that could end with HART having to restructure. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/hart-reaches-settlement-ceo-adelee-legrand/67-5b1630fe-c02a-4dcb-8a50-eaca3ce00be4 | 2023-05-02T23:25:35 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/hart-reaches-settlement-ceo-adelee-legrand/67-5b1630fe-c02a-4dcb-8a50-eaca3ce00be4 |
PLANT CITY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County deputy is being recognized after successfully helping to deliver a baby on the shoulder of Highway 60 in Plant City.
On Sunday, a driver approached Master Deputy Daniel "Red" Jones in a panic, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release.
The driver told the deputy his pregnant wife was about to give birth. After hearing this, Jones immediately called for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to respond. But he didn't just sit there and wait – Jones sprang into action to lend a helping hand to the mother who was giving birth on the side of the road.
The deputy was able to provide "constant encouragement and emotional support" while also using his training to make sure it was a safe delivery.
Within just minutes, the agency says a healthy baby girl was born.
"I am extremely proud of Master Deputy Jones's quick actions and dedication to serving our community in any capacity," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "This is his third time assisting a citizen with delivering a baby! While delivering in the front seat of a car was not the original birth plan, Master Deputy Jones reassured the mother of six that she was in good hands.
"I wish mom, dad, and their new baby girl all the joy and happiness. Congratulations!"
Once medical crews arrived at the scene, they took both the mother and child to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and care.
Jones, who has been with the sheriff's office since December 2001, was thrilled to help welcome the baby girl and even cheekily recommended they name the baby "Red." | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/hillsborough-deputy-florida-helps-deliver-baby/67-4ffab27a-7006-4f06-8eb6-02e8926eebe7 | 2023-05-02T23:25:41 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/hillsborough-deputy-florida-helps-deliver-baby/67-4ffab27a-7006-4f06-8eb6-02e8926eebe7 |
RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Firefighters were able to contain a three-alarm fire on Tuesday at what appears to be a warehouse building in Hillsborough County.
Crews were dispatched around 9:07 a.m. to the area of Eagle Palm Drive and 78th Street after receiving reports of a "large column of smoke from a distance," the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue wrote.
Engine 1 arrived to find heavy smoke inside the "metal warehouse-type building." Firefighters said they deployed a handline to begin attacking the blaze but were met with heavy fire as they entered the building.
Additional crews arrived and began an exterior, defensive attack from outside the building. The "deep-seated" fire was ultimately contained within an hour and 45 minutes by a combination of aerial and ground streams, according to the fire department.
Crews battle 3-alarm fire in Hillsborough County
"There are currently 26 units on the scene working to ensure it is
completely extinguished," fire crews said just after 2 p.m.
There are no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Aerial images from Sky 10 show a smoldering building, with several vehicles up against and near the structure. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/riverview-fire-hillsborough-county/67-01d45d2d-51de-4c29-8870-478278ca3ea7 | 2023-05-02T23:25:47 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/riverview-fire-hillsborough-county/67-01d45d2d-51de-4c29-8870-478278ca3ea7 |
SEFFNER, Fla. — A Riverview man is behind bars after Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they caught him driving an SUV outfitted like an official law enforcement vehicle and had fake police badges in his possession.
FHP said in an affidavit its investigation began just after 3:30 p.m. Monday along Interstate 4 eastbound in Seffner. The trooper stated he saw a black Cadillac SUV that had "unusual and suspicious features" — what appeared to be emergency lights mounted on the rear window and a probable dash camera mounted on the windshield.
The trooper noted the side windows appeared to be tinted darker than the legal limit. The trooper added in the affidavit his suspicions about the SUV led him to run the SUV's license plate, which revealed the vehicle belonged to a Florida rental company.
The license plate had also been flagged back in April as potentially one being used to impersonate law enforcement.
These factors led the trooper to pull the driver over. That's when the trooper made contact with 37-year-old Conroy Traille — only after he had to ask Traille several times to roll down his windows, the affidavit noted.
The trooper said once the windows were down, he could clearly see Traille and a young girl, later determined to be Traille's 3-year-old daughter inside. Along with both Traille and his daughter inside the SUV, the trooper said he could see emergency lights mounted in the front window, a computer stand with a laptop on it and "other police-related accessories."
Traille reportedly "immediately" asked why he was pulled over. The trooper said he told Traille it was due in part to having too-dark tinted windows and that he had been following another car too closely.
Traille couldn't provide any insurance, registration or rental agreement for the SUV, and told the trooper he had gotten it from a friend, according to the affidavit.
Eventually, the trooper asked Traille to get out of the SUV, who eventually complied after the trooper reportedly "encouraged him to bring his daughter and cell phone with him."
The trooper called for backup and a K-9 unit arrived. K-9 Titan did a "free-air sniff" around the SUV and alerted his partner to the possibility of drugs inside. FHP said they found marijuana, white powder in several plastic bags, and a brown paper bag containing 21 pills identified as oxycodone and acetaminophen.
A gun was also found in the car in a holster. FHP stated when asked Traille said he had a weapon inside the SUV. He did have a concealed carry permit, but it had expired in February, troopers said.
Troopers said they found two badges on "police-style lanyards" inside a handbag on the front passenger floorboard. The badges said "law enforcement" and had the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal and "federal officer" written.
The SUV was further outfitted with police-like equipment including a body camera, ceiling-mounted dome light, dash camera, siren control panel and a siren under the hood.
Traille was then arrested on charges including false personation, unlawful use of blue light, drug possession and drug possession intended for trafficking.
Traille's daughter was turned over to his girlfriend. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/riverview-police-impersonator-arrest-conroy-traille-fhp/67-4bcd88cc-2dc2-45b1-80d4-f00bf7ac927c | 2023-05-02T23:25:53 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/riverview-police-impersonator-arrest-conroy-traille-fhp/67-4bcd88cc-2dc2-45b1-80d4-f00bf7ac927c |
TAMPA, Fla. — It took five years for the man police say killed four people in Seminole Heights to admit to guilt. Five years later and people in the neighborhood still remember living in fear in 2017.
"You would open the door and it would just be eerie because there was no one around anywhere at night," Rev. Matt Horan, who was the pastor at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church at the time, stated.
In the fall of 2017, those living in Seminole Heights feared the serial killer who was on the loose.
"Overnight everything changed," Horan recalled. "Businesses struggled because no one will go outside at night."
Horan remembers the Seminole Heights neighborhood around the church living in fear for 51 days.
"There were police everywhere and he still managed to get away," Horan recalled about the suspect.
Four lives were taken with no reason why. Pastor Horan remembers Anthony Naiboa‘s service at his church.
"I don’t normally ask people to come to church with guns, but I did that day," he said.
It’s been years and Horan can still remember those fearful months in 2017.
"It was this constant tense what next kind of feeling," Horan stated.
At the time, Horan assured his community when they caught the person, he would alert everyone.
"I said listen, when they catch this person we'll ring the bells," Horan said.
At midnight on Nov. 29, Pastor Horan finally rang the church bells with relief.
"It was a neat moment when people came outside after hearing the news, and then, hearing the bells," he recalled.
He’s sharing that moment with so many more in a book he wrote, "Church Bells at Midnight." It details his community coming together in a time of pain and panic.
For years to come, the church bells remind the neighborhood, in trying times, they have each other.
"It’s almost like he picked the wrong place to do this because he had a lot of people come together to get through it together," Horan said.
Howell Donaldson III will serve four consecutive life sentences for killing the four innocent people, according to court spokesperson Mike Moore. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/seminole-heights-pastor-recalled-fear-2017-serial-killer/67-9d2ec784-640f-46fa-a5d2-23818b05a122 | 2023-05-02T23:25:59 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/seminole-heights-pastor-recalled-fear-2017-serial-killer/67-9d2ec784-640f-46fa-a5d2-23818b05a122 |
TAMPA, Fla. — The nursing shortage is continuing to impact hospitals all over the nation. The Florida Hospital Association predicts a shortage of almost 60,000 nurses by 2035 if this continues.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, one of the ways they are tackling the nursing deficit is by increasing their involvement with nursing schools. They launched the accelerated BSN program with the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University.
Liza Bryant with Moffitt’s talent acquisition team says the program is for people who already have a bachelor's degree and are looking to go back for about 15 months to get their nursing degree.
"We are partnering with schools in the community and offering scholarships to those students to help them with their education cost so that they can then graduate and become a nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center," Bryant said.
So far, they have given out 30 scholarships to nursing students who have agreed to work with Moffitt after graduation.
Bryant says they are not only continuing to strengthen their relationships with local schools, but they are also trying to draw people in from different areas.
“We also are partnering with nurses at Universities in Puerto Rico as well as nurses across the country,” Bryant explained.
Ahead of opening the new Moffitt McKinley Hospital, the company has 179 open nursing positions.
“We are on track to open in July of 2023 and we are going to have about 19 ORs there so we need about all the nurses we can get,” Bryant said. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/nursing-shortage-moffitt-bsn-program/67-d4bfbac1-5c03-4fdd-b2bf-593f4f9613d4 | 2023-05-02T23:26:05 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/nursing-shortage-moffitt-bsn-program/67-d4bfbac1-5c03-4fdd-b2bf-593f4f9613d4 |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nearly the entire Gulf Coast was under a high rip current risk this past weekend, and officials are warning families to be careful at the beach.
The Stephens family is hoping others will heed those warnings after their own experience on April 23.
"It could happen within seconds like it did for my family, unfortunately," Brooke Stephens said.
She's one of six siblings in mourning after a beach day turned deadly.
"It was calm, then windy and choppy. In seconds they were pushed out a good distance," Stephens says about her father and little sister.
At just 17 years old, Brooke Stephens is grieving an irreplaceable loss. Michael Stephens, 42, and his 10-year-old daughter, Isabella, got caught in a rip current at Pass-a-Grille beach.
"I wasn't there, but on the way we prayed. You know, I really just wanted them to be OK," Brooke said.
She spoke to 10 Tampa Bay's Angelina Salcedo while sitting next to her older sister's boyfriend, Jessie. He was there in the water with Michael and Isabella when things took a turn.
"I start freaking out a little bit, Brittany starts freaking out," Jessie Johnson said. "I knew I had to think about what to do fast because it's a life or death situation."
Jessie was able to swim and get his girlfriend to safety. He tried to go back and get Michael and Isabella, but the water was too deep.
"I heard him screaming for me, 'Jessie help! Jessie help!' I wish I could've done more in that situation, but I didn't want to risk losing another life. I just knew there was nothing else I could do," Johnson said.
Pinellas County deputies, St. Pete Beach fire rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard raced to find them.
"I see my sister Trinity, my sister Brittany and Jessie sitting down, you know, at the rocks and they looked at me," Brooke said. "They were just concerned. They were you know, in tears, they were scared. They didn't know what was going to happen."
Michael and Isabella were rescued but didn't survive. Isabella was the youngest of six siblings. Michael was the life of the party and a loving father who tried to save his daughter.
"I still love him. He died a hero,'" Brooke said. "I don't think me or my family are ever gonna go to a beach again after this, or even probably step foot near one for a while. It's been a lot on us."
The family says they'd like to look into putting a memorial for both Michael and Isabella on Pass-a-Grille Beach. Their sudden death experience has forced the family to try and come up with funeral arrangements before next week. If you'd like to help support them you can find their GoFundMe by searching "The Stephens Family" here. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/father-daughter-pass-a-grille-beach-drowning-family-speaks/67-8b12af33-46e6-44ef-9951-8a464ebbc5cc | 2023-05-02T23:26:11 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/father-daughter-pass-a-grille-beach-drowning-family-speaks/67-8b12af33-46e6-44ef-9951-8a464ebbc5cc |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With a focus on putting the spotlight on local small businesses, the city of St. Petersburg announced a new program that will provide accessible funding opportunities for them.
During a news conference Tuesday, St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch explained the new South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Microfund Program will distribute a $1.35 million "boost" to local small businesses.
Welch says the program is an investment that will bolster the city's small business capacity along with supporting equitable economic development.
"In the city of St. Petersburg, we put small businesses first because when they're competing and thriving, they're the heart of a healthy, vibrant and diverse community that we all love," the mayor explained.
The funding will be distributed over four application rounds, with the first round starting in May of this year. $350,000 dollars will be divided and distributed to 45 accepted applicants, which reportedly includes five early-stage startups and 40 eligible businesses.
The CRA Microfund Program allows business owners to make "targeted improvements without providing any upfront capital or matching."
"We are thankful for your commitment to work and live in St. Pete, and we are truly blessed for what you give back to our communities," Welch said, thanking local business owners who were in the audience. "Today, we are investing in you."
The application period opens Tuesday, May 9, and closes Wednesday, May 31 – or until maximum program numbers are met.
According to the city of St. Pete, the funding levels include:
- Existing Brick and Mortar - $10,000
- Existing Family Childcare - $10,000
- Existing Home-Based Business - $5,000
- Existing Shared Commercial Space - $5,000
- Early-Stage Startup - $2,500
For anyone interested in the program, city leaders say some highlights of the Microfund Program are:
- The Microfund is a no-match program.
- The Program offers personalized capacity building through increased education, mentoring, and networking in exchange for CRA funding so business owners can make targeted and planful improvements without having to provide upfront capital.
- Cohort will be given up to 45 business days to complete the assigned capacity-building curriculum which may require up to 15 hours of attendance and/or engagement.
- Program periods are expected to recur upon the completion of each cohort, approximately every four months.
- Following the completion of the first Cohort, the program will be reviewed for effectiveness, and modifications will be implemented as needed.
"We believe this could be a game changer for South St. Pete businesses as they work to compete, survive and thrive," Welch said. "This is what Inclusive Progress looks like."
Click here to find more information on the South St. Petersburg CRA Microfund Program and eligibility requirements. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/st-petersburg-small-business-cra-microfund-program/67-065d75f1-bbde-4df1-aea5-1732ae3b95dd | 2023-05-02T23:26:18 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/st-petersburg-small-business-cra-microfund-program/67-065d75f1-bbde-4df1-aea5-1732ae3b95dd |
VENICE, Fla. — A 15-year-old girl competing in an equestrian event died from her injuries after the horse she was riding stumbled and fell on top of her, authorities said.
Hannah Serfass was about halfway through the course at Fox Lea Farms, located at 800 North Auburn Road, when the horse appeared to have taken an awkward step, according to a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office news release.
Deputies say Serfass had just made the No. 6 jump. The horse landed successfully but after a few steps toward the next hurdle, it planted its left front hoof, which caused the animal to lean down toward its hoof.
The action caused Serfass to topple forward and off the horse toward the ground. The horse continued falling over, ultimately onto the teen's head, according to the sheriff's office.
Staff at Fox Lea Farms and others began first aid until the Sarasota County Fire Department could arrive and take over.
Serfass was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she died from her injuries.
The Sumpter County 4-H group asked people on Facebook to keep Sherfass' family in their thoughts and asked for privacy. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/teen-girl-dies-horse-falls-florida-equestrian-event/67-e4fc60e3-01c8-40a5-94dc-fe9314a6d6f4 | 2023-05-02T23:26:24 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/teen-girl-dies-horse-falls-florida-equestrian-event/67-e4fc60e3-01c8-40a5-94dc-fe9314a6d6f4 |
BOISE – A man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for murder stemming from a fatal shooting that took place in downtown Boise in September 2021.
Timmothy Morgan, 21, was found guilty in February of the second-degree murder of 28-year-old Lamont “Bam” Rogers. On Tuesday, Ada County District Judge Nancy Baskin sentenced Morgan to serve up to life in prison, with 25 years fixed before being eligible for parole.
During the early morning hours of Sept. 5, 2021, at the intersection of Sixth and Grove streets, Morgan shot Rogers at least eight times before fleeing the scene, according to a news release from the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
“This defendant’s senseless actions led to the death of a young man, which will forever impact Mr. Rogers’ family and friends. This murder also impacted the community who expects to feel safe when they’re in downtown Boise,” Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said in the release. “I want to thank the Boise Police patrol officers, who responded immediately to the scene as they heard shots fired, the homicide detectives for their thorough investigation, and finally, my trial team, for their hard work on this case, which ultimately ensured justice was served.”
The state recommended a fixed life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder while also factoring in Morgan’s propensity for violence, the release said.
Morgan was previously sentenced to 20 years fixed before being eligible for parole in an unrelated case on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The fixed sentence on the second-degree murder charge was ordered to be served concurrently to this previous sentence, effectively adding five years of fixed time for Morgan to serve for the murder of Rogers. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-fatal-downtown-shooting/article_7f2b644a-e92d-11ed-8a6e-fb19ab0b22ca.html | 2023-05-02T23:27:43 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-man-sentenced-to-prison-for-fatal-downtown-shooting/article_7f2b644a-e92d-11ed-8a6e-fb19ab0b22ca.html |
Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, appears at a hearing in Latah County District Court, on Jan. 5, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. A media coalition is trying again to get a gag order lifted in the criminal case of Kohberger.
BOISE — A coalition of 30 news organizations launched another effort Monday to get a gag order lifted in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death.
The coalition, which includes The Associated Press, had asked the Idaho Supreme Court earlier this year to reject the gag order issued in the criminal case against Bryan Kohberger, contending it violates the First Amendment rights of a free press. The order prohibits attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and others involved in the case from talking to the news media unless they are quoting directly from a court document.
But last week the Idaho Supreme Court unanimously denied the request, saying the news groups should have first asked the lower court to have the order lifted. The Supreme Court justices did not weigh in on whether the gag order violates First Amendment rights.
“This Court has long respected the media’s role in our constitutional republic, and honored the promises in both the Idaho Constitution and First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” Justice Gregory Moeller wrote in the high court’s decision, going on to quote a ruling from a federal case that said responsible press coverage “guards against the miscarriage of justice” by subjecting the court system and those who are a part of it to public scrutiny.
Still, Moeller wrote, the balancing act between the First Amendment protections afforded to the press and the Sixth Amendment fair trial rights promised to defendants has become increasingly difficult with the advent of the internet and social media.
Now, the media coalition has challenged the gag order at the lower court level.
Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.
The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.
The case garnered widespread publicity, and in January Latah County Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall issued the sweeping gag order that has barred attorneys, law enforcement agencies and others associated with the case from talking or writing about it.
The coalition of news organizations contends the gag order violates the right to free speech by prohibiting it from happening in the first place.
Kohberger's attorneys contend the gag order essentially requires the attorneys involved in the case to act ethically to ensure Kohberger gets a fair trial.
Wendy Olson, the attorney representing the news coalition, said the ruling provided a clear road map for the organizations to challenge the gag order at the lower court level.
The Goncalves family has also asked the lower court judge to lift the gag order, saying their attorney should be allowed to speak about the family's opinions on the case on their behalf. A hearing on the Goncalves' request has been set for May 25.
High-publicity cases often present a conundrum for judges, who work to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial. Courts sometimes feel that controlling the flow of information around the case — by forbidding those involved from talking about it — is an effective way to limit publicity.
But gag orders can infringe on the First Amendment rights of the public and of the people involved in the case. News organizations that cover the courts serve a watchdog role, keeping the public informed about how the judicial branch operates.
During the investigation into the University of Idaho students’ slayings, news organizations’ interviews with investigators and law enforcement officials often worked to quash misinformation spread online by people who styled themselves as sleuths on social media sites. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/media-coalition-challenges-gag-order-again-in-idaho-slayings/article_661cba4e-e928-11ed-b5f9-af36afc1dc71.html | 2023-05-02T23:27:49 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/media-coalition-challenges-gag-order-again-in-idaho-slayings/article_661cba4e-e928-11ed-b5f9-af36afc1dc71.html |
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard pose for a photo during a celebration of the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan speaks as members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan speak as members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Air Force Col. Joseph Egresits, 372nd Recruiting Group Commander, speaks as members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard pose for a photo during a celebration of the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the opening of state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan speak as members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Air Force Col. Joseph Egresits, 372nd Recruiting Group Commander, speaks as members of the United States Air Force and the Idaho Air National Guard gather to celebrate the state’s first Total Force Recruiting Office in Meridian, Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
MERIDIAN — Meridian is home to the newest combined Air Force and Air National Guard recruiting office.
Located at 5956 N Linder Road, the “Total Force Recruiting Office” is only the third such recruiting office in the nation, said Meridian City Councilmember Brad Hoaglun at the facility’s ribbon cutting Tuesday afternoon.
The office is the first tenant to occupy the space and will offer recruitment for the Air Force and Space Force, including the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Air Force Civilian Service.
Hoaglun said when his father worked at Meridian High School as a teacher and guidance counselor, he would encourage students to consider military service as a post-high school career option.
“It doesn’t have to be because you don’t have a plan, or because your grades are poor,” he said. “It’s because you can have a purpose and you can do things and go places that only are afforded to you because of the U.S. military.” He thanked the service members for choosing to locate the facility in Meridian.
Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan, assistant general with the Air National Guard, said locating the facility in Meridian was made possible by civilian leadership, military leadership, and Gov. Brad Little working together.
The facility is part of an effort to optimize efficiency across the military, he said. The Air Force is at its smallest since World War II, “and yet we are the most heavily tasked in our history,” he said. (The Air Force became its own military branch in 1947, separating from the Army.)
“Frankly, we are out of money,” Donnellan said, “and we cannot do things like we used to … so things like a Total Force Recruiting (Office) is exactly the type of thing that our American taxpayers demand of our government, and especially of our military.”
Retention is a problem for every member of the military, he said. Therefore, the onus is on everyone to bring prospective service members to recruitment facilities, he said.
About 7% of U.S. adults have served in the military, according to a Census Bureau report that utilized 2018 survey data. That is down from 18% in 1980, according to the Pew Research Center.
Air Force Col. Joseph Egresits, 372nd recruiting group commander, said that military service in some communities “seems to be a lost art.”
“I’ve been approached a couple of times in this crowd asked about, ‘is our recruiting in crisis?’” Egresits said. “‘Has the culture changed so much that young people don’t want to serve?’ And I’ve been happy to respond, ‘absolutely — across our country, we do have a tremendous number of young people that do want to serve and are delighted to bring their talents to our Air Force and Space Force.'”
Donnellan called on the public to consider a life of military service.
“For those of you who are listening to this or may read this, my charge is to you to live a life of higher purpose,” Donnellan said. “Live a life of self-sacrifice, and serve something better than yourself, and consider serving your country. Walk through these doors and have a better life.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/new-military-recruitment-office-in-meridian-is-3rd-of-its-kind-in-u-s/article_5bf381bc-e935-11ed-9153-0743d04f0817.html | 2023-05-02T23:27:55 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/new-military-recruitment-office-in-meridian-is-3rd-of-its-kind-in-u-s/article_5bf381bc-e935-11ed-9153-0743d04f0817.html |
KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen Police Department is asking the public's help in identifying the driver who struck a pedestrian Monday, then took off.
On Monday, May 1, around 12:30 a.m., officers were called to the 4600 Block of E. Central Texas Expressway regarding a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
When officers arrived, they found 48-year-old Rasha Kendrick lying in the road. She was taken to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Hospital where she later died, police said.
Upon investigating, police learned that Kendrick entered the outside lane of the roadway when an Infinity Sedan going eastbound struck her, police said. The driver of this vehicle returned to the scene.
A second vehicle, also going eastbound, also struck the victim, but left, police said.
Now, police are searching for the driver of this vehicle, which is said to be a red or orange colored Dodge Journey. Police said this vehicle may have front end or lower front bumper damage, along with possible mechanical damage to the underside of the vehicle.
Police provided photos. Click here to see higher quality images.
If you know who the suspect is, or see the vehicle, call Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS where you can report anonymously.
Other crime news on KCENTV.COM: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/killeen-pd-searching-hit-and-run-suspect-in-pedestrians-death/500-011c7210-d095-4202-b8fd-fc4dcb6ae3cf | 2023-05-02T23:30:31 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/killeen-pd-searching-hit-and-run-suspect-in-pedestrians-death/500-011c7210-d095-4202-b8fd-fc4dcb6ae3cf |
DALLAS — Texas state troopers removed hundreds of people from the gallery of the Texas House as protesters chanted and unfurled banners in support of transgender youth in the state.
Protesters on both sides of the bill that would limit gender-affirming care for minors filled the capitol on Tuesday.
Debate and a vote on Senate Bill 14 was blocked by a point of order Tuesday, though, and instead sent back to committee.
The bill blocks treatments including surgery, puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It would also revoke a doctor’s license is they violated the law.
“The weight of it, you can feel it palpably because people are struggling,” Ricardo Martinez, who heads LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Texas, said. “People are sacred, they’re angry.”
SB14 passed the Senate on a 19-12 party line vote, and Tuesday will be voted on in the Texas House.
“This bill does nothing to improve the lives of Texans,” Martinez said. “It’s just going to make it miserable and impossible for some of us.”
Johnathan Saenz is the president of Texas Values, which led support for the bill. He argues mental health treatments are a better remedy for children experiencing gender dysphoria.
“When you have kids go through gender transitions, it harms them,” Saenz said. “Let’s focus on the heart instead of thinking that removing body parts is somehow going to make their mind feel better.”
The American Medical Association supports the treatment for kids. The Texas Medical Association is neutral. In its testimony, it advocated against the revocation of licenses for doctors who violated the law.
It also pushed a measure lawmakers tacked on as an amendment which would allow patients to continue their treatments if they’d already received two or more sessions, but they’d be required to be gradually removed from the care in the future.
“You’re seeing a lot of disinformation meant to scare people in order to create outrage,” Martinez said.
Saenz called the treatments "experimental," though medical experts and the Texas Medical Association say there are guardrails for care in place already.
“That’s not health care,” he said. “That’s not doing anything to allow these children to deal with whatever emotions and whatever struggles they’re going through.”
“This sets the standard that the government can interfere in your life when they don’t like how you lead it and that should terrify everyone,” Martinez said.
Martinez said by his count the bill is one of 140 these sessions targeting LGBTQ Texans, including criminalizing drag shows and limiting the discussion of LGBTQ topics in classrooms.
A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA estimated there are 92,900 transgender adults in Texas and 29,800 who are 13-17 years old.
“Stigma leads to discrimination,” Martinez said. “Discrimination leads to violence against our community and that’s what we’re seeing play out.”
He said other states with similar laws saw transgender teen suicides rise. Saenz argued that’s more evidence treatment should focus on mental health.
“Kids are not in a position to make these decisions and even if the parents support it,” Saenz said. “It’s not healthy for them.” | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/protesters-kicked-out-texas-house-debate-vote-postponed-bill-ban-gender-affirming-care/287-34f32b04-cc3d-4892-a762-671bf64772a8 | 2023-05-02T23:30:37 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/protesters-kicked-out-texas-house-debate-vote-postponed-bill-ban-gender-affirming-care/287-34f32b04-cc3d-4892-a762-671bf64772a8 |
A Sarpy County woman's "thank-you" card and donation to Planned Parenthood in response to a 37-year-old man's anti-abortion mailing did not justify a protection order, the Nebraska Court of Appeals said in an opinion Tuesday.
Isaac Koch, who recently moved to Alabama from the Nebraska town of Richland, near Columbus, last year appealed a Colfax County judge's denial of a harassment protection order against the woman, identified in the order as "Susan S.," whom he didn't know.
According to the order, Koch sent an envelope to her address and others containing a pamphlet called "Life in the Womb," which contained a link to a video that compared the Holocaust to "premeditated miscarriage" and described abortion as "murder of children in the womb."
In response, the woman sent him a handwritten thank-you note "for the lovely reminder about misinformation. I have donated to Planned Parenthood in your name."
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Koch said the act seriously intimidated him and served no legitimate purpose.
He sought a protection order preventing her from harassing him and his two children, who don't live with him, for a year, and ordering her to "withdraw any donation and provide written proof to [him] within 10 business days."
Koch claimed Planned Parenthood was “conducting activities in other states that is illegal in Nebraska” and therefore “it is illegal to donate” to that organization in Nebraska. And he contended her actions were crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder.
When the judge denied his request for a protection order, Koch appealed.
Writing for the panel, Court of Appeals Judge Riko Bishop said: "Even assuming that Susan’s alleged conduct could be considered by a reasonable victim as seriously terrifying, threatening, or intimidating, Koch did not allege sufficient facts to show that Susan had engaged in a harassing course of conduct as required by statute."
It involved a single letter, not a series of events.
It is the second appeal involving Koch and a protection order that the Court of Appeals has ruled on in less than a year.
In September, they affirmed his plea-based conviction for attempted violation of a domestic abuse protection order where he admittedly tied himself to a chair and covered his mouth with duct tape in an attempt to get the woman who had a protection order against him in trouble.
He was sentenced to 60 days in jail in the case.
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6 Bedroom Home in Lincoln - $699,500
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4 Bedroom Home in Lincoln - $645,000
This practically-new, gorgeous two-story Fallbrook home is available now, so don't miss your chance! There are so many extras with this home and it is completely move-in ready. Think new construction, but with all the extras DONE- beautiful landscaping, fully fenced, custom Hunter Douglas blinds, custom closets, and the list goes on and on! This home has an open concept main-floor with a first-floor office, living room with gas fireplace, stunning kitchen, dining space, & large walk-in pantry. The kitchen has quartz countertops, soft close cabinetry, & stainless steel appliances. The two stall garage is wide and deep, with lots of extra storage space. Upstairs has the primary bedroom ensuite, two more bedrooms, and full bathroom plus a loft area with walk-in closet. The basement has been completely finished with a 4th bedroom, bathroom, wet bar, family room and large storage space. You do not want to miss this home! Contact the listing agent today to schedule your private showing.
2 Bedroom Home in Lincoln - $254,900
***Contract Pending available for backup offers only***This charming home is located in the desirable Lincoln Country Club area. The single-story home features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open living and dining area with plenty of natural light. The kitchen has been recently updated with modern appliances and sleek finishes. The backyard is spacious and ideal for outdoor activities, with a covered patio it is perfect for entertaining. The brick walkway/patio area, arched doorway to dining, the built-in cabinet in living room and the stone fireplace on each floor, add to the character and charm. The property is conveniently located near parks, shops, and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
4 Bedroom Home in Lincoln - $699,999
Cozy cul-de-sac... 1st Fl: Gorgeous foyer, grand stairwell to the 2nd level. French doors to your home office. Laundry room w/ cabinets, large sink & located next to the 3 stall garage. A formal living room, & formal dining room which wraps around into the open concept kitchen. Kitchen overlooks the informal dining space, massive family room & grand fireplace. Large deck awaiting memories to be made most of the year. Enjoy the backyard oasis, filled with trees, beautiful landscaping, bike trail, breezes & birds singing. Half bath. 2nd Fl: 4 large bedrooms with ample closet space. Each room has a restroom attached which makes the morning rush much more manageable! Primary suite features a jacuzzi tub with a view of the backyard beauty. Bsmt: Home Library? Yes please! This room could be a large non-conforming bedroom, an additional home office or business, or indeed the family library. Enjoy Enjoy the built in bookshelves stretching the length of the room. Large fam room & bar.
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***Offer accepted. On the market for backup offers only during the inspection period.*** Welcome to 5027 Beckys Way. This custom built home is nestled in the popular Northbank Preserve subdivision. This home sits on a quarter acre lot with beautiful views and no backyard neighbors. The main bedroom suite connects to a walk-in closet and the laundry room. The main suite bathroom has a jacuzzi tub and shower. Laundry hookups on both levels! With fresh paint and new basement carpet, this home is move-in ready! As the weather warms up, you will have an incredible outdoor space to enjoy including a large covered deck, pool, pergola and hot tub. I can't forget to mention the finished heated garage and the quick access to I-80. Waverly is only 10 minutes away and Omaha can be reached in 30 minutes. Come check out this beautiful home in a beautiful serene neighborhood.
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OPEN HOUSE March 5th, 3:00-4:30! Another quality home built by Shotkoski Custom Homes. This beautiful home boasts over 2800 sq ft of finished space. A large three car garage and nice front porch welcomes you into this open concept kitchen, dining and great room with 9' ceilings on main and lower floors. The master suite on one side of the great room has a large double sink vanity and walk in closet, while the opposite side has 2 more bedrooms and bath. Off of the dining area, you'll enjoy the view and weather under the covered deck. Downstairs, you'll enjoy a large family room with daylight windows, bedroom #4 with egress and another finished full bath. Plus, a bonus storage room! Don't miss out on this one! Contract early to work with builder to tweak and choose finishes to your personal preferences!
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5 Bedroom Home in Lincoln - $479,917
Contract Pending - Model Home Only. Complete and ready to move in! Don't miss out on this Buhr Homes walkout ranch located in Southwest Village Heights! This California Ranch features a split plan with a private primary suite & 2 additional bedrooms located on the opposite side of the main level. A functional kitchen with large island opens to the great room with hardwood floors & 11' ceilings. The spacious primary features dual vanity w/ linen cabinet, tiled walk-in shower & walk-in closet. Main floor laundry room/mud room provides access out to a 3 stall garage. The fully finished basement includes a rec room, full bath, and two additional conforming bedrooms. A 12 x 14 covered deck leads down to an extended patio - perfect for enjoying time outdoors or entertaining. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-loses-appeal-seeking-protection-order-against-nebraska-woman-who-responded-to-his-anti-abortion/article_eba6012a-e8fb-11ed-80b9-df79341d85ff.html | 2023-05-02T23:33:39 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-loses-appeal-seeking-protection-order-against-nebraska-woman-who-responded-to-his-anti-abortion/article_eba6012a-e8fb-11ed-80b9-df79341d85ff.html |
The Nevada man who was shot by narcotics investigators Monday afternoon amid a confrontation in a west Lincoln parking lot had fired a gun toward police before they returned fire, wounding him, authorities alleged.
The man, identified Tuesday as 35-year-old Chace Abney, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries after investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln Police Department shot him at about 2:45 p.m. Monday in a parking lot near Northwest 27th and West O streets, according to authorities.
Abney remained in critical condition as of Tuesday morning, said Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner, whose agency is investigating the shooting.
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At least one Lincoln Police officer and one state trooper shot Abney after the 35-year-old fired one round from a 9 mm handgun toward police, Wagner said. No officers were injured in the shooting.
At a news conference at the sheriff's office's headquarters Tuesday morning, where Wagner appeared alongside nearly a dozen local police officials, the sheriff suggested Abney's shooting seemed justified and declined to name the officers involved while painting a clearer picture of what authorities say led up to the incident.
The investigators — both of whom work on the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, an inter-agency unit that also includes Lancaster County Sheriff's Office deputies and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police officers — had been conducting surveillance at the Super 8 motel at 2635 W. O St., Wagner said.
The investigators were not looking into Abney, but Wagner said the 35-year-old followed the officers in his Chevy Malibu across O Street to a parking lot at 123 N.W. 28th St.
Wagner said the investigators, wearing police vests or badges over plainclothes, confronted Abney and shouted repeated commands — though it's unclear how many commands — to exit the sedan.
Instead, Wagner alleged, Abney pointed a handgun at police and fired one round. Wagner said he wasn't sure if Abney was inside or outside the car when the shooting transpired.
The investigators returned fire, striking the 35-year-old more than once, the sheriff said. Wagner declined to say how many times Abney was shot.
"From preliminary information — it appears that (the officers) were justified in their actions," Wagner said.
Wagner said it remains unclear why Abney followed police from the hotel, where he had been a guest but was not staying in the room police were surveilling.
"I'd be guessing if I told you," he said.
Investigators haven't found the projectile Abney is accused of firing toward police, but Wagner said they did recover a shell casing from his 9 mm, which was reported stolen Monday in Norfolk, the sheriff said.
The involved officers immediately rendered first aid to Abney before Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews responded and took him by ambulance to Bryan West Campus.
Abney had most recently been living in New York and had outstanding warrants in New York, Arizona and California, Wagner said. He had ties to Lincoln and had been here for about a week prior to Monday for a family function, the sheriff said.
Members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force generally drive unmarked cruisers and wear plainclothes as they investigate drug and weapons crimes. Task force investigators don't wear body cameras.
The task force is made up of 35 investigators, including 11 investigators and four sergeants from the Lincoln Police Department, according to the agency's latest annual report. Capt. Ryan Dale of LPD leads the unit.
Wagner said none of the involved investigators — including the two who fired and a third who was on scene but did not shoot at Abney — were wearing body worn cameras. He also said there was not dashcam footage of the incident.
Both investigators have been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with each agency’s policy.
The sheriff deferred to the State Patrol and Lincoln Police Department to individually identify the officers who shot Abney.
Col. John Bolduc, who leads the Nebraska State Patrol, definitively declined to do so.
"We do not release the names of officers involved in officer-involved shootings," he said at Tuesday's news conference. "We never have. And that policy is not likely to change any time soon."
In fact, a State Patrol spokesman said, it would be a violation of the agency's contract with the state troopers union, which only allows Bolduc to disclose information on internal investigations to the Legislature, the state's crime commission, the Nebraska Police Standards Advisory Council, the Equal Opportunity Commission or a complainant involved in an investigation.
And Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins also declined to identify the police officer involved in Monday's shooting, though she said the department would assess whether the officer or their family would be at risk of harm before making a final decision on the matter.
"So we have to be very careful how we go through this process," she said, later adding: "It's gonna be up to — to really me looking at the assessment, looking at the threat against the officers that could be posed. It may go to a grand jury. And so, we can't give you information until we understand where it's gonna be going."
If Abney dies of his injuries, Nebraska state law requires a grand jury to investigate his death. The law doesn't call for a grand jury to be convened for nonfatal police shootings.
Other law enforcement agencies in the state have been more transparent than the State Patrol or Lincoln Police Department in such nonfatal shootings.
The Antelope County Attorney identified a Neligh Police officer who shot a Norfolk woman last May in a nonfatal incident.
And in Omaha, police officials have repeatedly identified officers involved in nonfatal shootings, doing so at least three times in the last two years, including in November 2022, June 2022 and December 2021.
An Omaha Police officer resigned in 2015 after he was involved in two fatal shootings in six years and identified publicly each time.
Wagner, who acknowledged the officers' names may never be made public if Abney survives the shooting, said he was withholding their identities to remain in line with the other involved agencies' policies.
"I'm gonna abide by their policy on this," he said. "They can make the decision, if and when they want to release their officers' names."
Ewins declined to say how experienced the officers were, but they must have at least three years of experience to apply for a position on the specialized task force, which Ewins lauded Tuesday in the aftermath of the shooting.
"They go out there all the time, the task force, and they risk their lives every single day," she said. "And they do a great job. And this just another example of the great job that they did.
"You know, when people — drugs are one of those things that we just don't know what people's behavior will be. And so, understand that — it's hard to understand why someone would go after the police officers. But it doesn't make sense. Drugs don't make sense."
Investigators found methamphetamine and marijuana in Abney's car after police confronted and shot him, Wagner said. Authorities do not know if he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the shooting.
In the minutes after the shooting, several police officers — some wearing plainclothes and others armed with long guns — converged on the Super 8 motel a block east of the shooting scene and took one man into custody.
His arrest was unrelated to the shooting, authorities said.
In his remarks Tuesday, Wagner noted the parallels between Monday's shooting and the most recent police shooting in Lincoln prior to Monday, which transpired in November 2021, when a State Patrol trooper working for the same task force shot and killed a 27-year-old man near 19th and G streets in Lincoln.
"You might remember that, I think, the last officer-involved shooting we had in Lincoln was the same scenario," he said. "Task force officers from the narcotics task force."
In that instance, a plainclothes State Patrol investigator, Adam Strode, shot and killed German Pedraza at an apartment near 19th and G streets as the Columbus man reached for a handgun, according to authorities. A grand jury later cleared Strode of any wrongdoing in the shooting.
Neither Pedraza nor Abney had been sought by investigators on the day of their shooting, only crossing paths with task force investigators by happenstance.
Police maintain Pedraza had been the subject of an ongoing narcotics investigation at the time of his death, but investigators were not seeking him the day they contacted him at 19th and G streets, according to investigators' own testimony.
Wagner, who brought up the previous shooting to highlight "the work (task force investigators) do is dangerous," dismissed the notion that the parallels between the two shootings might be cause for concern.
"Not to me," he said. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nevada-man-fired-gun-at-police-before-lincoln-investigators-shot-him-officials-say/article_90f59a66-e8f0-11ed-9088-9322e5ab7e68.html | 2023-05-02T23:33:45 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/nevada-man-fired-gun-at-police-before-lincoln-investigators-shot-him-officials-say/article_90f59a66-e8f0-11ed-9088-9322e5ab7e68.html |
NASHUA — The “sophisticated cyberattack” that infiltrated school district records over the weekend was limited to the district’s IT system, and investigators have determined that no other city departments have been targeted, Mayor Jim Donchess said Tuesday afternoon.
“The security breach is not spread across other city departments, as the school district maintains a separate IT system,” Donchess said in a statement.
City officials “did take preventive measures to double-down on security, however,” Donchess said, adding that “as soon as the city was notified, we disconnected all network links to the school district.”
Officials also blocked all email traffic from the school district’s domain.
Meanwhile, investigators have been scanning the city’s systems for any infiltrations, and so far there are no indications that City Hall and other city departments have been compromised, Donchess added.
School officials said Monday that they “immediately launched an investigation” once the district discovered that it had been targeted by what officials termed “a sophisticated cypberattack.”
“We are working diligently to investigate the incident, confirm its impact on our systems, and securely restore functionality to our environment as soon as possible,” Superintendent of Schools Mario Andrade said Monday.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we have significant resources devoted to this process,” he added. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/local/mayor-nashua-ransomware-attack-confined-to-school-district-records/article_5d67c1fb-13fa-538f-925d-ea2406bc976c.html | 2023-05-02T23:38:36 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/local/mayor-nashua-ransomware-attack-confined-to-school-district-records/article_5d67c1fb-13fa-538f-925d-ea2406bc976c.html |
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. – A woman was not injured after crashing her SUV into a stone wall at a park in New Hartford on Monday.
The crash happened at the entrance of Sherrill Brook Park on Route 12. Police say the driver, Raquel Welch, of Clinton, lost control of her vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane before crashing into the wall.
Both the vehicle and the wall were significantly damaged.
Police say the entrance to the park was closed for a short time as crews started clearing the scene. Highway officials were called in to finish removing the debris.
The park is back open.
Winter received a ticket for failure to keep right. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/driver-crashes-into-stone-wall-at-entrance-of-new-hartford-park/article_fc5cfbe2-e92b-11ed-a254-1b6b2080201a.html | 2023-05-02T23:39:52 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/driver-crashes-into-stone-wall-at-entrance-of-new-hartford-park/article_fc5cfbe2-e92b-11ed-a254-1b6b2080201a.html |
TABERG, N.Y. – A fire broke out at a mobile home on Pond Hill Road in Taberg on Tuesday, destroying much of the roof and parts of the siding.
The Taberg and Camden fire departments responded to the scene around noon.
It is not clear if anyone was home at the time or if there were any injuries.
The American Red Cross has been called in to help those displaced.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-mobile-home-on-pond-hill-road-in-taberg/article_6fb3c23e-e930-11ed-9e5b-3f0e8f57e49a.html | 2023-05-02T23:39:58 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/fire-breaks-out-at-mobile-home-on-pond-hill-road-in-taberg/article_6fb3c23e-e930-11ed-9e5b-3f0e8f57e49a.html |
Eddy County prepares for construction of new Happy Valley Park north of Carlsbad
Demolition and construction of a park north of Carlsbad could start in the next three months, said Eddy County Public Works Director Jason Burns.
He said clean up work started at Happy Valley Park nearly two weeks ago after a dead tree blew down from heavy winds that have battered Eddy County during the spring.
Happy Valley resident Ken Harrington expressed concern to the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners during its April 18 meeting that the park was a safety hazard and needed cleaning up.
More:Eddy County seeks public input to rehabilitate Happy Valley Park with modern amenities
“It’s embarrassing to go by (the park) and it's a county park. So, you guys need to do something about it. Just some kind of notice to the people of what’s going out there,” he said.
Burns said the county would place a sign at the park located at 5899 Jones Street explaining plans to remove old trees, athletic courts and picnic tables.
He said work on removing old materials could start in the next two to four weeks and construction to remodel the park could begin sometime after July 1.
Burns estimated demolition and construction would cost around $500,000. He said the New Mexico Legislature set aside $250,000 of capital outlay money during the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session.
He said Eddy County allocated the other $250,000 in the 2024 Eddy County Budget. The new fiscal year starts July 1.
State Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-55) and State Rep. Jimmy Mason (R-66) secured the state money for the park.
“The park needs to be brought up to modernization,” Brown said.
She said the park needed upgrades and new lighting as park functions were outdated.
Burns said Eddy County’s work on the park was especially meaningful for him.
More:Eddy County seeks public input to rehabilitate Happy Valley Park with modern amenities
“It’s something I use everyday as a community member. I’m excited to get it going,” he said.
Burns said Eddy County and Pland Collaborative, formerly MRWM Landscape Architects, from Albuquerque gathered input from Happy Valley residents for park improvements with public meetings held in 2022.
Burns said the park would have new picnic tables, dirt, turf, walking trail and a shaded area for parties.
More:New bridge crossing at Carlsbad Beach area connects visitors with recreation options
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter. | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/community/2023/05/02/state-provides-250k-for-happy-valley-park-eddy-county-pays-other-half-parks-recreation/70147597007/ | 2023-05-02T23:44:13 | 0 | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/community/2023/05/02/state-provides-250k-for-happy-valley-park-eddy-county-pays-other-half-parks-recreation/70147597007/ |
Lane shift on eastbound I-4 prepares for removal of CR 557 bridge in Polk County
Florida Department of Transportation contractors will begin work Wednesday night to shift eastbound traffic on Interstate 4 near the County Road 557 interchange slightly north onto the old westbound lanes. The shift will allow contractors to continue building the new eastbound lanes and the ramps for Exit 48.
Crews will also begin the process of removing the remainder of the old CR 557 bridge, most of which has already been removed. FDOT did not offer a schedule for the removal of the remaining span.
PreviouslyNew westbound exit ramp now open at Interstate 4 and County Road 557 near Lake Alfred
At new CR 557 interchangeWildlife crossing in Polk County will be 1st for I-4 between Tampa, Orlando
The agency began a $70.5 million project in 2020 to replace the outdated, two-lane bridge with a taller, four-lane overpass. The exit ramps for CR 557 near Lake Alfred are also being replaced. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/fdot-prepares-for-removal-of-cr-557-bridge-at-i-4-in-polk-county/70176251007/ | 2023-05-02T23:48:25 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/fdot-prepares-for-removal-of-cr-557-bridge-at-i-4-in-polk-county/70176251007/ |
The Casper Police Department is bringing back a tool that allows residents to submit non-emergency police reports online.
The goal is to make it easier for the community to get in touch with the agency, as well as free up the 911 dispatch for emergency response, said Scott Hoffman, the agency’s police technologies manager.
The tool, part of a public safety system developed by Motorola Solutions, would only be available for certain types of non-emergency situations. Think things like property damage, or suspected credit card fraud, Hoffman said.
By inviting people to report those less urgent incidents through a separate pipeline, he estimated calls to dispatch could go down by as much as 15%.
The agency previously offered an online reporting tool, but it was too buggy to use effectively, Hoffman said. It was duplicating information within the police department’s data management system, so the agency took it offline.
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When the old system was still available, though, the agency did see an increase in reporting — it got about 50 or 60 online online submissions a day, according to Hoffman said.
Casper City Council gave the department the go-ahead to purchase the new tool in early April. The technology will cost a total of $65,750 over the next five years, according to a March 28 memo from Hoffman and Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters to Casper City Manager Carter Napier.
The new product will provide the same services as the old one, plus a few additional features.
The module accommodates digital evidence collection, anonymous tipping and crime mapping, for example, Hoffman said. There’s even a feature that allows residents to register their camera with the Casper Police Department.
“So if a business downtown has graffiti every week or somebody’s burglarizing — and they give us the okay to actually get into that camera that would that would help as well,” Hoffman said. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-police-department-purchasing-new-online-reporting-tool/article_ef866e6e-e92e-11ed-9e21-a74bcacae999.html | 2023-05-02T23:50:14 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-police-department-purchasing-new-online-reporting-tool/article_ef866e6e-e92e-11ed-9e21-a74bcacae999.html |
FAIRLAWN, VA – Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is working to serve the community in the New River Valley.
On Tuesday, it celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new mission center.
The center is located in Fairlawn, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It provides discovery services GoodCare healthcare training, a senior community employment program and other programs.
Organizers said it’s important for the New River Valley to have a space like this.
“We want people to feel welcome, we want people to know that we are a part of the community, and it’s also very important for the people that we serve to have an accessible, functional and beautiful space to be served in,” said Stephanie Hoer, vice president of Mission Services for Goodwill.
A full list of their services can be found here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/goodwill-mission-center-opens-in-fairlawn/ | 2023-05-02T23:54:26 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/goodwill-mission-center-opens-in-fairlawn/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The COVID-19 public health emergency is coming to an end.
On May 11, the federal government will lift the health emergency order.
Now, local health departments are chiming in on how that will impact their jobs.
Dr. Cynthia Morrow with Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts said they’ll continue reporting data as normal for now.
“The way that we’re managing COVID as a local health department is not going to significantly change at this point,” Dr. Morrow said. “We still have COVID funds to support enhanced surveillance should we need to continue that.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/roanoke-area-health-department-addresses-covid-19-emergency-ending/ | 2023-05-02T23:54:32 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/roanoke-area-health-department-addresses-covid-19-emergency-ending/ |
Va. – Gun violence is taking a toll on communities in our region. Since the beginning of the year, 10 News has been tracking incidents of gun violence against juveniles.
Twelve children under the age of 18 have been victims of gun violence in the region since the beginning of the year.
In just over four months, there have been four shootings in Lynchburg – three of which have been in the Diamond Hill neighborhood. There were three shootings in Roanoke and one in Campbell County.
Each of the incidents has differing circumstances, but some are part of a concerning trend: the rise of firearm-related deaths in children.
“They surpassed I believe car crashes or car accidents as the leading cause of death for children,” Volunteer with Mom’s Demand Action Against Gun Violence Mike Fox said. “It’s a horrible commentary on where our gun laws are and our gun culture is in America.”
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 19,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded by firearms every year in the United States.
“Innocent people being struck by stray bullets or worse even being killed, especially children, it creates this sense of fear in these communities that this could happen,” Fox said.
A number of cases remain open when it comes to the 12 local cases with young victims.
One of those open cases is a familiar case – there are still no charges placed in 12-year-old Malayshia Solomon’s case. She was shot and killed in her Lynchburg home, as we previously reported.
And in Roanoke, police say they have a suspect in the case of 7-year-old twin boys who were shot on Salem Avenue, but no one has been charged.
Meanwhile, gun violence prevention advocates call for change.
“We’re failing our kids,” Fox said. “We really are, and there’s so much that can be done at every level of government to stop this from happening.”
Advocates said one way to play your part in preventing gun violence is to join or support community partners and gun violence prevention programs in your area. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/were-failing-our-kids-juvenile-gun-violence-victim-cases-in-southwest-virginia/ | 2023-05-02T23:54:38 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/02/were-failing-our-kids-juvenile-gun-violence-victim-cases-in-southwest-virginia/ |
The city hoped to begin the project last year using $3.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. However, after construction bids came back much higher than expected, the city decided to hold off on rebidding the project until inflation was lower.
During a Monday night Common Council meeting, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said the city was able to save about $1 million by waiting.
Fire Station No. 2 at 2211 Calumet Ave. serves the Robertsdale neighborhood. The city is looking to relocate the station a mile south to 2400 Calumet Ave., where the Lake County Environmental Education Center used to be. The education center has relocated to 8695 Broadway in Merrillville.
Hammond Fire Chief Jeffrey Smith said the current station can't accommodate larger, modern fire equipment. He also said the new building will allow fire engines to pull directly into the "apron," what fire departments call the driveway area in front of the garage, without blocking traffic along Calumet.
The project will cost about $8.1 million. The city will contribute $2.5 million in ARPA funding and Lake County Council members David Hamm, D-Hammond, and Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, have each committed $1 million in ARPA funds to the project as well. The remaining cost will be paid for using the "Build-Operate-Transfer" method. Under a BOT agreement, cities partner with private companies to finance, build and operate a project. Operation of the project will eventually be transferred back to the city. Hammond is working with GM Development and Hasse Construction Co.
Two residents spoke out against the relocation during a public hearing for the BOT agreement. Robertsdale resident Dave Matura and Whiting resident Carolyn Marsh both said the new location could disturb the natural area around George Lake.
Marsh noted the station will abut George Lake.
"You're adding to the pollution with 24/7 activity from a firehouse," Marsh said.
The Common Council unanimously approved a resolution awarding the BOT agreement. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/relocation-of-fire-station-no-2-moves-forward-in-hammond/article_e031e00a-e614-11ed-8d12-3f647312c37f.html | 2023-05-02T23:55:29 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/relocation-of-fire-station-no-2-moves-forward-in-hammond/article_e031e00a-e614-11ed-8d12-3f647312c37f.html |
The warmer temperatures are a reminder that summer is just around the corner. But as families plan to spend more time at the pool, the risk of drownings increases, especially at apartment pools.
That’s why the city of Dallas is trying to prevent drownings this summer by making sure apartment pools are following the rules.
“It’s important because we’re trying to prevent drownings. We’re doing this for the safety and the welfare of the community,” said Henry Trevino, an inspector for City of Dallas Code Compliance.
Right now, code compliance inspectors are conducting a pool sweep across Dallas. Since early April, they’ve been inspecting their way through more than 800 pools. A separate division is also inspecting hotel pools for any safety violations.
“We have been extremely busy,” said Trevino. “All of these things have to be checked.”
Time is running out to get it done before the temperatures soar. NBC 5 followed along for an inspection as a team when through a long and detailed checklist.
Pool fences must be at least 5 feet high. Any gaps in the fencing must be smaller than 4 inches.
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Lifebuoys with ropes and pool rescue hooks are required on-site.
“On the lifebuoy, we make sure that it is Coast Guard stamped. And we also make sure that it has a rope attached to it so that if it needs to be used in case of emergency, they can cast it and pull it back in,” said Trevino.
Inspectors also make sure railings are secure and that steps are clearly marked.
Warning signs must also be specific about no diving, whether a lifeguard is present and listing out the pool rules. Small details, like the water depth signage, are also a violation if it’s not listed.
If you don't see an emergency phone on site, that's a violation of state law. Inspectors will push the button on the call box to make sure it connects to an operator.
The most common violation they're seeing involve the pool fence or the pool gates, which need to have a properly working lock.
“I’ve noticed a lot of step issues to where children or teenagers can climb up and jump the fence at the pool,” said inspector Corey Boyd. “We try to keep it close eye on that and keep the fences secure.”
His team will thoroughly inspect the gate to make sure that it closes on its own and does not stay open in any way so that a child doesn’t accidentally wander into the pool area unattended.
While inspecting the pools is important, so is supervision. Data from Children's Health shows that for 69% of the kids that drown, there was an adult present.
“People don't realize that they have to literally have their eyes on their children all of the time because drowning is silent,” said Jennifer Pewitt, associate vice president of aquatics for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Our message is always close supervision is the best protection against drowning. And when you're at the pool, you have to have your eyes on your kids all the time. You have to designate a water watcher and be watching the pool.”
Swim lessons are also important. The YMCA offers free swim assessments year-round. There is also a free swim assessment open house on May 27 at various YMCA locations across North Texas.
“The next layer of protection is enrolling your child in swimming lessons. The CDC says that formal swimming lessons reduce a child's risk of drowning by 88%,” said Pewitt. “Even if a child doesn't become a fully competent swimmer, if they just gain a few skills, we know that that drastically changes how safe they are around the water.”
This is only the third year for the code compliance pool sweep program. Code inspectors are hoping to wrap up well before Memorial Day, which is the unofficial start of summer.
“Take your time, I know everybody’s anxious with the summer coming up with Memorial Day and the holidays. Just be cautious, read your rules, and have fun,” said Boyd.
The city of Dallas is also asking residents to report any pool code violations that might pop up throughout the next few months by calling 3-1-1. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-code-compliance-conducting-pool-sweep-across-apartment-complexes-to-prevent-drownings/3248766/ | 2023-05-02T23:58:57 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dallas-code-compliance-conducting-pool-sweep-across-apartment-complexes-to-prevent-drownings/3248766/ |
Dallas County Commissioners Tuesday scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday over juvenile detention issues.
Commissioner Andrew Sommerman uncovered evidence kids are being mistreated in juvenile custody.
“Children are being kept in solitary confinement for extended periods of time and this must stop,” Sommerman said.
County Judge Clay Jenkins said the reason is a lack of staff to properly supervise detainees.
“And we’ve been locking those children up in solitary confinement, essentially because there weren’t enough people there to do the care that is required by law,” Jenkins said.
Tuesday’s discussion follows a series of troubling revelations about Dallas County Juvenile Justice.
Commissioners approved a $50,000 study at the suggestion of District Attorney John Creuzot who noticed juvenile court and detention problems.
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That study released in March said juvenile offenders accused of minor crimes might remain in custody for up to 100 days while an offender 18 years or older would be sent home while awaiting trial.
Since the release of the study, the number of juvenile offenders in Dallas County custody has declined from around 200 to 140.
A nine-member Juvenile Board oversees Dallas County Juvenile Courts and Detention. The highest county elected official, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, is a member along with one Dallas County Commissioner.
Commissioner John Wiley Price served in that post for many years but after a bitter dispute with Jenkins, Price was replaced with Sommerman a month ago.
Tuesday, Sommerman gave a report on what he has learned about juvenile justice problems. He asked for the special meeting so commissioners could use a state law that could give them access to confidential juvenile records that would redact the names of the children. Sommerman said the records would show exactly how many kids have been kept in solitary confinement.
“We can find out that information through these observation records that I have continually asked for in one form or fashion and have been denied,” Sommerman said. “We need to know what the ratio of children to officers are in the juvenile justice system to be able to properly administer.
Chief Dallas County Juvenile Probation Officer Darryl Beatty said he took offense at the notion that his staff had not been cooperative. He said juvenile court judges decide if the records should be released.
“I will work with the courts and my employees will,” Beatty said.
Jenkins and Sommerman said detention officials have been working in good faith.
“I’m not looking to demonize anyone, but I do want all of us to work together to get to the bottom of this,” Jenkins said.
Price said commissioners have no authority to speak directly with juvenile detainees to hear their experience in confinement. An ombudsman is appointed for that role.
Price said juvenile officials had an opportunity to receive funding and staff for proper detention.
“Any staff associated with ratios is done during budget time,” Price said.
Commissioner Elba Garcia supported the special meeting.
“Our kids deserve better and I’m ready to move for some changes. It’s not time to waste,” Garcia said.
The special meeting is set for 11 a.m. Monday. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/emergency-dallas-county-commissioners-meeting-set-on-juvenile-detention/3248832/ | 2023-05-02T23:59:30 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/emergency-dallas-county-commissioners-meeting-set-on-juvenile-detention/3248832/ |
CROWN POINT — Trial proceedings continued Tuesday with testimony from a co-defendant in the murder trial against an East Chicago man accused of killing a woman because she shorted him $10.
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Kevin Varner was charged with charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and firearm enhancement for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Danielle Brown Feb. 12.
Varner, 51, has decided to represent himself in court, despite the fact that all defendants are offered court-appointed attorneys if they cannot afford one.
On the first day of trial, Varner admitted to killing Brown in his opening statements, but he said it was an act of self-defense.
Charging documents allege that on Feb. 12, Varner sold Brown marijuana and she shorted him $10. Varner then purportedly had Steven Nash drive him to Brown’s friend’s house, located in the 1000 block of Durbin Street in Gary, where Varner shot her with an AK-47.
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The probable cause affidavit referred to Nash as Varner’s nephew, but Nash testified in court on Tuesday that Varner is his cousin.
Nash was also facing murder charges, until he entered a plea agreement on April 13. The deal stipulated that Nash will plead guilty to assisting a criminal in exchange for his cooperation with prosecutors.
Nash testified during pretrial depositions that Brown was purchasing marijuana from Varner, but he said in court Tuesday that Brown bought if from him. He said that he originally lied because he was scared of catching additional charges.
“Your statements keep changing,” Varner said.
Varner attempted to find inconsistencies in Nash’s statements throughout his testimony. Varner asked Nash multiple times if he was saying whatever will satisfy the prosecutors, and each time Nash said no.
Varner also asked Nash if he, Brown and the other man at the house when she was shot had organized a plot to rob and kill Varner, and again Nash said no.
Prosecutor Bernie Johnsen asked Nash if Brown had any weapons on her when he went to the house, and Nash said she did not. Nash said she usually carries a gun, but she didn’t have one that day.
Prosecutors filed motions ahead of trial to prevent Varner from bringing up Brown’s criminal history, particularly in reference to a purported stabbing in East Chicago. The state’s motion mentions that Brown “laughed at a person she allegedly just stabbed in East Chicago, Indiana, in September of 2022.”
Brown allegedly sliced a woman’s face with a box cutter in January and was charged with stabbing a Chicago man in the neck in July.
Court records did not indicate whether the state’s motion was granted.
Myrna Maldonado, a spokesperson from the Lake County Prosecutor’s office, said the state’s motion was partially granted to allow some information, but not all of it. She could not specify which information was allowed.
Varner’s trial is set to continue on Wednesday in Judge Samuel Cappas’s courtroom.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Marlon Manning
Age : 40
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303914
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Stewart Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303910
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Tylicki
Age : 63
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303901
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jazmin Guerrero
Age : 28
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303897
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kane Jackson
Age : 25
Residence: Geneseo, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303900
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Peter Kochopolous
Age : 59
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303907
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD; STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Billy Fowler
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303899
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE I
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Franklin George
Age : 72
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303911
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jasmine Escalante
Age : 37
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303896
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Copollo
Age : 33
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303913
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rex Engle
Age : 45
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303915
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Roshaud Bell
Age : 21
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303905
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jamyra Thomas
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303875
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Camden Wall
Age : 18
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303883
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devonte Phillips
Age : 28
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303878
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Melissa Reyes
Age : 38
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303873
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brian Sheppard
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303881
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ernest Murphy III
Age : 53
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303876
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua McCafferty
Age : 37
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303879
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mark Millsap Jr.
Age : 35
Residence: Phoenix, AZ
Booking Number(s): 2303885
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Caroline Hamilton
Age : 25
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303880
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tyrone Holyfield Sr.
Age : 64
Residence: Riverdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303890
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Dale Crawley
Age : 33
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303884
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeffery Vlietstra
Age : 59
Residence: Joliet, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303839
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adam Valdez
Age : 39
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303860
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ryan Valleyfield
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303869
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cody Sucich
Age : 28
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303868
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jarred Rumph
Age : 36
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303865
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Lamont Murdaugh
Age : 23
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303856
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicholas Ramirez
Age : 36
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303598
Arrest Date: April 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Edward Reddick
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303863
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Kelley Jr.
Age : 49
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303854
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elizabeth Millan-Rodriguez
Age : 19
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303852
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leonard Johnson Jr.
Age : 28
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303850
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Andrian Esparza
Age : 51
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303843
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicole Fuentes
Age : 27
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303867
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
James Grover Jr.
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303861
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR AN UNRELATED CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amy Alexanderson
Age : 38
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303844
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jose Becerra Hernandez
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303866
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Romell Cooper
Age : 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303841
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Micah Singleton
Age : 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303827
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Vaughn
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303819
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - COUNTERFEITING AND APPLICATION FRAUD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Nanay
Age : 63
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303820
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Collins Onchagwa
Age : 35
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303835
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jessica Ottomanelli
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303822
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roberto Sanchez
Age : 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303805
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Flores
Age : 35
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303832
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyrone Leverson Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303818
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jaquies Moore
Age : 28
Residence: Dolton, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303823
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DEF. USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Thomas Aiken
Age : 51
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303821
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Martell Flippins
Age : 35
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303817
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/co-defendant-testifies-in-trial-for-ec-man-accused-of-killing-woman-over-10/article_7d4d7080-e92a-11ed-94e1-27369724f3e3.html | 2023-05-02T23:59:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/co-defendant-testifies-in-trial-for-ec-man-accused-of-killing-woman-over-10/article_7d4d7080-e92a-11ed-94e1-27369724f3e3.html |
The Dallas Police Department held services Tuesday afternoon in honor of the 2023 Police Memorial Day. The solemn event recognized Dallas police officers who died while on the job.
"They knew the inherent danger of putting on this uniform, doing this work, answering their calling," Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. "They embarked bravely into the darkness. They did it every day, putting the needs of others ahead of their own. These officers, they stand for everything that is right. Everything that is just we can only hope to live up to the standard of service they have set for us."
Many families of the 93 officers honored were present to remember their loved ones.
“It’s like it happened yesterday. I still feel hurt and sad,” Enrique Zamarripa said. Zamarripa’s son, Patricio Zamarripa, was one of the officers killed during the 2016 Dallas ambush downtown.
“I just feel terrible,” Zamarripa said.
Although the sight of their loved one’s name engraved on the memorial, brings up raw emotions, families said it is helpful in their grieving process.
Kim Black waited 25 years to see the name of her father Sgt. Claude Standridge on the memorial.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
“It couldn’t have been any more wonderful than it was today,” Black said.
Standridge died years after being shot three times in the line of duty. Black said she worked tirelessly for his name and years of service to be included in the Dallas Police Memorial.
“Everybody finally knows what kind of man he was,” Black said. “What kind of policeman he was, what kind of standard the set for himself and for others. I’m so very grateful.”
"We added his name to this wall and his daughter tells us that there is nothing quite Standridge wanted more than to be a Dallas police officer," Garcia said. "I can tell you he will always be a Dallas police officer. Sergeant Standridge and the other 92 brave heroes whose names are carved into this memorial. They were truly unafraid."
“We will work hard at continuing the tremendous partnerships we share with our communities, but the wicked be warned, do not mistake kindness for weakness,” Garcia said.
The Dallas Police Memorial is located at 500 S. Akard St. at Young St. in downtown Dallas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nearly-100-dallas-police-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-honored-at-memorial-tuesday/3248921/ | 2023-05-02T23:59:49 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/nearly-100-dallas-police-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-honored-at-memorial-tuesday/3248921/ |
Tarrant County rolled out its new court software system over the weekend.
The development took more than 10 years and $26 million in tax dollars. Commissioners met Tuesday to get an update on the launch. The county administrator, clerk and district clerk said despite a few glitches, they viewed the rollout as a success.
But Precinct 4 Commissioner Alisa Simmons pushed back, citing complaints with e-filing and requesting an in-person demonstration.
“If it works, it works. Show us,” Simmons said.
The new court software system is a long time coming.
In 2011, Tarrant County signed on with Dallas County to fund and develop TechsShare software. Dallas and others ultimately left the deal, citing problems and rising costs.
Tarrant County stayed and spent $26 million developing the software.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
“I would characterize this as a significant waste, not an investment,” said Simmons.
County commissioners Tuesday debated what to do with the software and their TechShare agreement, questioning if the software could be sold to other counties to recoup some of Tarrant County’s costs.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Manny Ramirez questioned the county’s role in software development going forward.
“Government has no business running a private company,” Ramirez said. “We need to determine the best route forward so we’re not subsidizing a company that is essentially just production for us.”
Action was delayed until TechShare could answer questions regarding annual maintenance costs and any business or marketing plans to sell the software.
“It’s pretty clear that we have a local government corporation essentially trying to run a private company, which I think is a bad idea to begin with. But we’re here and we got to deal with it,” said County Judge Tim O’Hare. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-county-rolls-out-new-court-software/3248820/ | 2023-05-03T00:00:07 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/tarrant-county-rolls-out-new-court-software/3248820/ |
This is a big month for University of North Texas senior Joseph Reding. He's about to graduate with majors in classical violin and jazz studies, and he's about to release his first single, 'Held Close'.
"The emotion that I need to communicate is -- you've been without a hug for a while, you get a hug, and you realize, oh I've been missing this hug," Reding said.
Reding stands out for his talent on the violin and shoulder-length red hair. Both are part of his alter ego.
"Whenever I play jazz fusion on my electric violin, I am 'Sir Autismo'. That is my kinda stage name," Reding said. "I identify as autistic and I've kind of embraced that ability as a superpower."
Reding said he was diagnosed at 6 years old with PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, on the autism spectrum.
"Part of my mission as a musician, as someone with autism, is to help spread awareness of how beautiful everybody's mind is," Reding said. "I think it's my responsibility to be somewhat of a voice for people who otherwise might feel like they don't have a voice."
Earlier this year, Reding orchestrated 'Symphony of an Immigrant', which was composed and performed by UNT Jazz Strings Professor Scott Tixier.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
"I just wanted to use more of his potential," Tixier said. "I knew he had an incredible, limitless potential."
Reding said whatever his future holds, it will include music.
"I'll be waiting with my popcorn," Tixier said. "And watching!"
Reding is playing at Revelers Hall in Dallas on Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. for his single release. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/unt-violin-student-on-mission-to-give-voice-to-autism/3248886/ | 2023-05-03T00:00:13 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/unt-violin-student-on-mission-to-give-voice-to-autism/3248886/ |
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A federal judge on Tuesday approved a $144.5 million settlement for families of victims of the 2017 mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.
In a Zoom hearing, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez reviewed, in particular, settlement amounts for juvenile survivors of the shooting. The amounts for the minors will include money for medical bills, trusts and annuities or other structured settlements.
Lawyers for survivors and families of the victims reached the tentative $144.5 million deal in April with the Justice Department, which defended the Air Force in lawsuits blaming the service for failing to report the gunman’s previous violent crimes to an FBI database. Overall, the settlement will resolve claims by more than 75 plaintiffs.
“We are thankful that Judge Rodriguez and his hard-working staff handled this approval so efficiently for these children and families,” said Jamal Alsaffar, the lead trial lawyer for the plaintiffs. “Now all that is needed is for the Department of Justice to swiftly approve payment for these families. I’ve been assured, and do believe, that the DOJ will fulfill that obligation to the victims.”
RELATED: Why are taxpayers on the hook for First Baptist Church massacre in Sutherland Springs?
Using an assault-style rifle he bought from a gun shop, the gunman opened fire during a Sunday church service on Nov. 5, 2017, killing 27 (one of them unborn) and wounding more than 20 other people, several of them children. He was chased out of town by an armed neighbor and a passing driver, and shot and killed himself during the pursuit.
The gunman had been discharged years earlier from the Air Force because of violent incidents that included cracking the skull of his infant stepson.
In a trial, the families’ lawyers argued that the Air Force failed to report his domestic violence conviction to a national FBI database that is used in background checks for gun purchases. They argued that, had the conviction been on record, he would not have been able to buy guns legally.
Rodriguez found the Air Force was 60 percent liable for the shooting, and placed the rest of the blame on the shooter. The trial also determined that the Air Force had not been reporting criminal records to the database for decades.
In a separate trial on damages, the judge awarded the families and survivors more than $230 million. The government appealed, but struck the settlement as the case wound through the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
“No words or amount of money can diminish the immense tragedy of the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. The deal, she said, “brings the litigation to a close, ending a painful chapter for the victims of this unthinkable crime.”
Guillermo.Contreras@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/sutherland-springs-settlement-18073406.php | 2023-05-03T00:06:49 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/sutherland-springs-settlement-18073406.php |
PHOENIX — There's good news for many Phoenix residents who are experiencing homelessness, especially seniors.
St. Vincent de Paul broke ground on its next temporary housing facility, "Ozanam Manor," near Central Avenue and Interstate 17 Tuesday morning.
The new 50,000-square-foot building will also bring services for seniors and their four-legged companions, including a fully-staffed animal clinic on site.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego attended the groundbreaking ceremony, explaining who stands to benefit the most and how it's an all-around effort between nonprofits and the city.
"We are breaking ground on a hundred new beds, which will be transitional housing for those experiencing a crisis. It's a great partnership with all levels of government and philanthropy in the private sector. This investment includes a facility for animals because for so many of our residents-- their four-legged family members are family members, and they want to be somewhere their pet can be with them."
The $20-million project is made possible by city, county, and state funding and private donations.
Construction is set to start later this summer.
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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/st-vincent-de-paul-breaks-housing-facility-for-homeless-seniors-phoenix/75-2bbdef86-9c79-47ab-8629-0bb6e433ebb5 | 2023-05-03T00:07:28 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/st-vincent-de-paul-breaks-housing-facility-for-homeless-seniors-phoenix/75-2bbdef86-9c79-47ab-8629-0bb6e433ebb5 |
Dozens of new bills were signed into law this week by Gov. Eric Holcomb, including those that will allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control, establish a pilot program for speed cameras in road work zones and exempt military members from paying state income taxes.
The 68 bills passed during the 2023 legislative session – which came to a close shortly before 3 a.m. Friday – are the latest to get executive approval. In total, lawmakers passed 252 bills during the four-month session. Holcomb has signed 161 of those by Monday, meaning 91 still need a signature.
Here’s a look at some of Monday’s bills-turned-laws.
More access to birth control
Hoosiers pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe birth control under limited circumstances.
House Enrolled Act 1568 allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control pills, patches and rings to those over 18 without having to see a health care provider first. The law takes effect July 1.
Pharmacists who want to prescribe birth control will be required to complete training, give patients a self-screening risk assessment and refer patients to their primary care providers. The prescriptions are good for up to six months at a time. But patients will need to visit a health care provider to get a prescription for longer than 12 months.
Additionally, pharmacists won’t be required to prescribe a contraceptive and could refuse to do so if it violates their ethical, moral or religious beliefs.
Those in support of the measure said it was especially necessary to help increase access to contraceptives for Hoosiers in rural areas.
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House Enrolled Act 1034 exempts Hoosier military members from paying income taxes starting July 1.
The final draft of the measure signed by Holcomb increases the active duty military income tax deduction from its current $5,000 cap to a full exemption.
This follows a 2019 law allowing all retired military income to be tax-exempt.
Supporters argued more military members will reside in Indiana under the bill instead of the 28 other states that exempt service income and 10 states with no income tax.
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“Incumbent” Indiana utility companies already have a “right of first refusal” to build, own, and operate new transmission lines in their service area. But House Enrolled Act 1420 expands that to inter-regional transmission projects.
This prevents new projects from being competitively bid on by other energy companies outside of that territory that would then retain an ownership stake.
The newly-enacted legislation does require utilities to use competitive bidding when they subcontract out construction portions of their projects. Utilities will still own and operate the infrastructure, however.
If the incumbent does not want a project, they must notify MISO, the multi-state Midcontinent Independent System Operator, within 90 days, and then a competitive bid process would initiate.
Republican lawmakers who pushed the controversial bill forward maintained its goal is to ensure better cost control for the utility companies and lower rates for customers.
But critics argue that the proposal will stifle innovation, while also increasing costs for Hoosier ratepayers. They said that – without a comprehensive competitive bidding process – certain utilities will have even greater power to restrict competition and raise rates.
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Starting July 1, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) can use license plate cameras to enforce speed limits in highway work zones.
House Enrolled Act 1015 creates a pilot program for speed cameras. The technology will ticket drivers going more than 11 mph over the speed limit in an active work zone. Only four cameras can be used statewide, and signage must make drivers entering the work zone aware that the technology is in use.
Construction workers also have to be present under the speed camera pilot.
Drivers will receive a warning for an initial work zone speed limit violation under the new law. Violators then face a $75 fine for a second offense and a $150 fine for a third offense and beyond.
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/indiana-bills-on-birth-control-speed-cameras-military-tax-exemptions-are-latest-to-become-law/article_0aa8bc34-e933-11ed-9429-2709de02aac2.html | 2023-05-03T00:08:36 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana-bills-on-birth-control-speed-cameras-military-tax-exemptions-are-latest-to-become-law/article_0aa8bc34-e933-11ed-9429-2709de02aac2.html |
Rep. Ann Vermilion resigned from the state legislature today after nearly four years on the job.
Since, August 2019, Vermilion had represented District 31 – Marion and most areas in and around Grant County. She was elected by a caucus to replace former Rep. Kevin Mahan and ran unopposed in the 2020 and 2022 general elections.
Vermilion sent her letter of resignation to House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, on Friday and resigned effective May 1. In her letter, she said holding the office has been the honor of a lifetime.
"Unequivocally, the decision to leave public office was made without hesitation, with utter peace and anticipation of our family's future endeavors," she said in the letter.
Vermilion, who declined an interview request, said in the letter that many family members will be "enjoying pinnacle stages in life's journey" and that she's thrilled to support them in the coming months and years.
In 2016, Vermilion ran unsuccessfully for then-state Rep. Jim Banks' seat in Senate District 17, coming in third in a caucus.
Vermilion was one of only 22 women of the 110 Republicans serving in the legislature at the time of her resignation.
A hospital executive, Vermilion advocated for health care-related bills often during her time at the Statehouse, including sponsoring bills this session to expand mental health services and to allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.
Vermilion broke with her Republican colleagues at times, most notably by voting against the near-total abortion ban passed in last summer's special session. She also was excused and didn't vote on Senate Bill 480, which bans gender affirming care for minors.
Later this month, a Republican caucus in House District 31 will meet to select a replacement to serve the rest of Vermilion's term. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/political-notebook/marion-lawmaker-steps-down-after-session/article_6e0c9e04-e856-11ed-be8d-03cd3e7d130e.html | 2023-05-03T00:08:42 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/political-notebook/marion-lawmaker-steps-down-after-session/article_6e0c9e04-e856-11ed-be8d-03cd3e7d130e.html |
Despite billions in state reserves, fixed income retirees who are part of the Indiana public pension program won’t be getting a bonus benefit from the legislature this year.
The Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) blasted the General Assembly for omitting the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or 13th check from the state’s two-year budget process, noting that one or the other has been included almost every year in recent decades.
“Since 1985, retirees have received some level of pension adjustment every year through a 13th check or COLA to support the ever-heightening cost of living they face,” said Jessica Love, RIPEA’s executive director. “And now, in 2023, when inflation is the highest it’s been since the 13th check started in 1991, legislators approved a budget that leaves out public employees altogether? These retirees deserve better.”
House lawmakers placed the blame squarely on the Senate, saying that House Bill 1028, which obligated $37.8 million one year followed by $38.2 million the next to supplement retiree pay, passed their chamber unanimously but never got a hearing in the Senate.
“Many of these people are old retirees and when they retired, their income wasn’t that great or they never worked that many years… The 13th check was definitely the way to go but the Senate didn’t want to act on it,” said bill author Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield. “Our Senate brethren are going to have to answer for that because our phones are going to be ringing off the lines and all we can say is, ‘We tried; the Senate didn’t do it.’”
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Pensions offer flat amounts over the course of one’s retirement but, due to inflation, rarely keep up with the costs of living. Other types of government payouts for the elderly are annually adjusted, including Social Security, which saw a 8.7% adjustment last year following a record-breaking 9.1% inflation peak in June.
Pensions to roughly 97,000 Indiana retirees are determined by years of service spent working for state government, from teachers and law enforcement to gaming agents and conservation officers.
Cherry and other advocates argued that legislators had the money to fund either a 13th check or a COLA, especially following ongoing inflation and an unexpected $1.5 billion windfall last month.
Additionally, lawmakers left $2.7 billion in reserves accounts with the caveat that anything over $3 billion must go to paying unfunded debt.
But notwithstanding that revenue, the monies don’t even have to come from the budget, Cherry and Love observed, because the state has dedicated funds for this purpose that already have money.
“So, funds designed for this very purpose will now just sit there – untouched – while some retirees’ lives will truly shatter over the loss of the 13th check. And they won’t shatter just because they won’t receive the $150 to $450 that retirees could have gotten, which is significant in and of itself for many,” Love said. “They’ll shatter because, with each approval of a 13th check or a COLA, state government showed it cared, at least a little bit, until now.”
While both the COLA and 13th check seek to augment retiree pensions, they do so in different ways. The 13th check is an additional, one-time check on top of the year’s other monthly payments while the COLA is a percentage increase for all payments moving forward.
Cherry noted that roughly two-thirds of those pension earners get $200 or less. Under a 1% COLA, they would get an additional $2 monthly, or $24 over the next year. A 13th check, on the other hand, would net them an additional $200.
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Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray observed that having to find ways to support retirees every two years wasn’t as efficient as having a long-term plan.
“I have said before, I’d like to try and see us get out of the 13th check business and move to a COLA,” Bray, R-Martinsville, said.
Bray noted that budget negotiations at one point offered a COLA of 0.4%, something everyone agreed wasn’t sufficient. Instead, Bray said the issue of a COLA or 13th check will need further analysis.
“We have charged this to go to a study committee to figure out how we can do that in an ongoing way to provide a COLA at least every other year, every budget year, to provide some benefit or cost of living allowance to the folks who are receiving those pensions,” Bray said.
The budget itself tasks the Indiana Public Retirement System with compiling a report by November 1 analyzing several scenarios, including ways to fund a 0.5% COLA annually.
The research must also include the fiscal impact to state and local government as well as the possibility of creating a supplemental allowance reserve account for post-retirement benefits for certain state police retirement funds.
Cherry agreed that a long-term solution needed to be found but bemoaned the lost opportunity this budget cycle. He vowed a 13th check would be one of the first bills he filed in 2024, a non-budget year that typically doesn’t advance many state expenditures.
“It’s got to be fixed and what we need to do is have a base adjustment – then maybe a 1% COLA would work,” Cherry said. “But giving a 1% COLA with inflation at 6, 7 or 8%… everything you turn around and touch costs more. It’s not the way to treat our retirees.”
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/no-cola-or-13th-check-for-indiana-retirees/article_eae5f736-e932-11ed-bede-337bda3b8021.html | 2023-05-03T00:08:48 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/no-cola-or-13th-check-for-indiana-retirees/article_eae5f736-e932-11ed-bede-337bda3b8021.html |
Parkview Huntington Hospital’s facilities manager Nate Koch got a call Tuesday morning about an emergency situation involving a mother and 11 babies.
The call came just after 7 a.m. from Justine Gates, a nurse in the John B. Kay Medical Office Building. While walking in the parking lot, Gates heard a commotion coming from the bottom of a storm drain: a flock of ducklings quacking.
“There was a mother duck that was pacing back and forth and was kind of frantic,” Koch said.
It was right around the same time as the hospital’s shift change, Koch said, so the scene drew a crowd that “became quite a concern.”
Koch sent three members of the facilities team to help out: Chad Gerdes, Eric Marshall and Doug Bollan. He said Gerdes, a facility technician, worked at the Department of Natural Resources at Huntington’s J.E. Roush Lake before coming to work at Parkview.
“Chad jumped down in there cautiously and started scooping the ducks up,” he said.
Gerdes carefully removed each from the drain while Marshall and Bollan kept the rescued duckling corralled in the grass, away from the parking lot.
“It was like she knew how many there were,” Koch said of the mother duck. “Once all 11 were up there, they all marched down to the pond together and swam away.”
Koch said he’s had to rescue ducks from landscaping at the hospital before, but never from a storm drain. He said facility technicians never know what each day will involve, and Tuesday was no different.
“Stuff like that really helps us,” Koch said. “It breaks up the mundaneness of the day.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/quack-team-to-the-rescue-huntington-hospital-workers-save-ducklings/article_2941997c-e924-11ed-9ce2-07eb321277a9.html | 2023-05-03T00:08:54 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/quack-team-to-the-rescue-huntington-hospital-workers-save-ducklings/article_2941997c-e924-11ed-9ce2-07eb321277a9.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The city of Birmingham is considering investing nearly two million dollars into the revitalization of a vacant parking deck downtown.
On Tuesday, the joint Economic, Development and Tourism Committee met to discuss allocating $1.7 million dollars in ARPA funding to Yo Mama’s restaurant.
The city wants to redevelop and enhance the restaurant by moving it from its current location on 2nd Avenue to a new space on 4th Avenue. The project will expand the restaurant’s capacity to nearly 5,800 square feet and seat up to roughly 100 people.
City Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said this project will help better utilize a previous project that didn’t come to fruition while also helping a local small business expand.
“This particular space on 4th Avenue is underutilized. We have a tenant in place so we’re expending the funds to improve a city of Birmingham-owned property and immediately put a tenant in there, one that we know has a very successful track record,” O’Quinn said.
The full city council will need to vote on the final approval of the project, which is expected in the coming weeks.
O’Quinn said this is a great way to celebrate small business week and help move the city forward. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/city-of-birmingham-to-invest-1-7-million-into-revamped-yo-mamas-restaurant/ | 2023-05-03T00:11:31 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/city-of-birmingham-to-invest-1-7-million-into-revamped-yo-mamas-restaurant/ |
SAN ANTONIO — It's a crime becoming all too common: catalytic converter thefts.
Data from San Antonio police indicates more than 700 catalytic converters have already been reported stolen in 2023. Last year, thefts surpassed well over 3,000.
The most recent attempt to steal a catalytic converted was on Monday morning at a business along San Pedro near Basse Road on the city's north side. The alleged thief was shot by the owner who is now charged by police for firing his gun at the suspect. At last check, the man who claimed to be protecting his property remains behind bars.
"I was actually a little surprised he was charged," said Nico La Hood, a criminal defense attorney who has no ties to the case.
In an early report, police said a struggle between the man and alleged thief broke out. When the alleged thief tried to get away, he hit the man with the vehicle. That's when man shot the alleged thief but now he is charged for firing at him.
At last check, the alleged thief hasn't been charged in the case. Based on the information police have release so far, La Hood believes the alleged thief could be charged on the grounds of aggravated robbery which could justify the actions by the man who shot him.
"In that situation you can meet the force with the similar amount of force, which if it's deadly force, he responded with deadly force," he said, referring to the alleged thief striking the man with the vehicle.
La Hood said it will be up for the district attorney to decide when the case is reviewed.
Abel Pena, who is retired law enforcement, advised to avoid these types of situations entirely if possible, and not engage. Instead, he said to be a good witness and take down the description of the suspect and the vehicle if one is involved.
Record the crime, if possible.
"I know that's not what everyone wants to hear but again it will avoid these types of situations where now this person has been arrested," said Pena.
When asked why police arrested and charged the man, they said, "Every case is different. We have to account for totality of circumstances before saying someone's actions are justified or not. In this case, the detectives on scene were able to talk to all involved parties and make a determination." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-shooting-catalytic-converter-san-antonio/273-74dc84d8-1b2f-4be2-87d7-7910a9ccbc8a | 2023-05-03T00:17:22 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-shooting-catalytic-converter-san-antonio/273-74dc84d8-1b2f-4be2-87d7-7910a9ccbc8a |
A man seen on video target shooting in Molino Basin is wanted for questioning in connection with a wildfire that started Sunday on Mount Lemmon, officials say.
Forest Service investigators are looking for the man captured on video approaching the site of the blaze that grew to more than 100 acres before being put out Tuesday, a news release from the Coronado National Forest Service said.
The man was filmed shooting a shotgun at a homemade target. Five shots were fired, the news release said.
It appeared that the man was using incendiary bullets, causing sparks to fly and start the wildfire, officials said.
The man about 50 to 60 years old. He wore a light grey short and tan cargo pants, the agency said. The use of incendiary bullets and starting a wildfire are punishable by up to six months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine, the news release said.
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The April 30 fire was approximately 115 acres by the time it was fully contained Tuesday. Crews continued mop up, which includes removal of burning materials near the control lines, felling snags and trenching logs to lessen the possibility of timber rolling into new areas.
Anyone with information is asked to call 520-388-8343 or email the Coronado National Forest at Mailroom_R3_Coronado@usda.gov.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-wanted-for-questioning-in-mt-lemmon-wildfire/article_6f7a5ece-e933-11ed-bcc4-cf8907ef6e38.html | 2023-05-03T00:19:07 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-wanted-for-questioning-in-mt-lemmon-wildfire/article_6f7a5ece-e933-11ed-bcc4-cf8907ef6e38.html |
A new trial date has been set for the man accused in the April 2012 killing of 6-year-old Isabel Celis, following a mistrial in the initial case.
Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner set Sept. 12 as the date Christopher M. Clements, 41, is to begin a second trial. A mistrial was declared March 3, after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in the first kidnapping and killing trial Clements faced in the Celis case, the Arizona Daily Star previously reported.
After hearing from 30 witnesses, jurors spent two days deliberating before Marner declared a mistrial, the Star reported.
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In September, Clements was convicted in the kidnapping and killing of Maribel Gonzalez, 13, in June 2014. He was sentenced to natural life in prison for first-degree murder plus another 17 years in prison for kidnapping, which will be served consecutively, the Star reported.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-trial-date-set-in-killing-of-6-year-old-tucson-girl/article_c996ce8a-e936-11ed-a897-f39f7f87734a.html | 2023-05-03T00:19:13 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-trial-date-set-in-killing-of-6-year-old-tucson-girl/article_c996ce8a-e936-11ed-a897-f39f7f87734a.html |
PHOENIX — Top legislative Republicans have hired an out-of-state attorney, at taxpayer expense, to defend a 2022 law forbidding transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
In new pleadings filed in federal court, attorney Justin Smith of St. Louis told a judge that Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma have a legal right to intervene in a lawsuit filed against the statute by two transgender girls. That is because Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes disqualified herself from defending the law, he said.
Mayes acknowledged bowing out, telling Capitol Media Services Tuesday that it was clear her views on defending the lawsuit did not align with those of Tom Horne, the Republican state schools chief who is named as a defendant in the case.
Horne has publicly stated his support for the law so Mayes gave him permission to hire his own attorney.
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But Smith told U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Zipps that Horne has yet to file any legal papers in the case "despite an imminent briefing deadline on plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction.''
"In fact, no other party has filed an entry of appearance to defend the statutes at issue,'' he wrote.
Smith said that even if and when Horne takes action — the schools chief said he has hired a Phoenix law firm — that won't be enough. He said Petersen and Toma have "unique legislative interests'' in defending the validity of the law, interests that may differ from those of Horne.
How the law passed
The statute requires public schools and any private schools that compete against them to designate their interscholastic or intramural sports strictly as male, female or coed. It specifically says teams designated for women or girls "may not be open to students of the male sex.''
Proponents of the law said males have an inherent biological advantage.
Legislative approval came despite the fact the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which governs high school sports, already had protocols to handle requests by transgender athletes to participate in sports case by case. Factors included a student's "gender story,'' including the age at which they became aware of the "incongruence'' between the sex assigned at birth and gender identity, and whether the student was undergoing gender transition.
Dr. Kristina Wilson, who was on the AIA's medical advisory board, testified that out of 170,000 high school athletes, there had been 16 requests by transgender individuals to compete.
None of that convinced then-Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican who, in signing the measure, lashed out at the organization for allowing any transgender youths to participate.
In explaining GOP legislative leaders' new move to intervene in defending the law, Petersen said it's a matter of fairness.
"Female athletes deserve equal opportunities in sporting events, which will not happen so long as males are allowed to compete against them,'' he said in a written statement.
The challengers
Lawyers for the two transgender girls said that isn't the case, at least not here.
One is an 11-year-old who attends an elementary school in the Kyrene School District and is set to attend Aprende Middle School in July, where she would like to try out for girls' soccer and other teams. Her lawyers said she has "lived her life as a girl'' since she was 5.
They said she has not started puberty, meaning she "has not experienced any of the physiological changes, including muscle development, that increased testosterone levels would cause in a pubescent boy.''
The other is a 15-year-old transgender girl who attends The Gregory School, a private school in Tucson.
Lawyers said the girl's parents informed administrators and teachers of her transgender status before enrolling her. She has been on puberty-blocking medication since age 11.
In that case, the lawsuit says the school would permit the girl to try out for the girls' volleyball team, if it were not for the 2022 law.
The attorneys contend the statute, at least as it applies to these two girls, violates constitutional requirements for equal protection under the law.
"Plaintiffs, who identify and live as girls and who have not and will not undergo male puberty, are similarly situated to other girls with respect to their participation on girls' sports teams at school,'' the lawsuit states.
It also alleges the statute violates Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination in education programs based on sex.
"Neither Title IX, its regulations, nor its guidance purport to define 'sex' as something that is determined at fertilization and revealed at birth or in utero,'' the lawyers told the judge.
Zipps has yet to set a date to hear the legal arguments.
Legislative arguments
Petersen, in his statement, did not address the two specific cases cited in the lawsuit and ignored the arguments about strength being tied to puberty.
"Science is clear that male athletes have many inherent physical advantages over females, including greater size, stronger muscles and larger bone structure,'' he said. "By allowing males to compete against females, we're essentially subjecting young girls to greater risk of injury, as well as stripping them of athletic opportunities their female predecessors have long fought for.''
Horne, for his part, said he's ready to address the arguments that these two transgender girls have no inherent advantage.
"We're going to be compiling medical evidence that shows that, even in that situation, the biological males have an advantage,'' he said.
A spokeswoman for Petersen said the amount state taxpayers will spend defending the law has not been determined.
Beyond the merits of the dispute, Petersen also took a swat at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, one of the law firms representing the two plaintiffs, calling it "a radical activist organization.''
Rachel Berg, a staff attorney at the organization, disputed that description.
"NCLR is a legal organization for LGBTQ people and their families,'' she said, saying it has fought on their behalf for more than 40 years. Petersen did not respond to questions asking that he justify his description of NCLR.
Other legislation pending
The issue of gender identity is back before Arizona lawmakers again this year.
Senate Bill 1040 would require public schools to provide a "reasonable accommodation'' to any person who is "unwilling or unable'' to use a multi-occupancy restroom or changing facility designated for that person's sex. The measure defines gender as someone's "immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of the person's birth.''
SB 1001 would bar school employees from addressing a student younger than 18 by a pronoun that is different than the person's "biological sex'' unless there is first permission from a parent.
Both measures were approved by the Senate and await final House action.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs already vetoed SB 1005, which dealt with the ability of parents to sue schools over perceived violations of parental rights while minimizing the risk of being held liable for legal fees. The Human Rights Campaign said the measure would have increased the threat of schools being sued for providing support for LGBTQ students.
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-goes-to-court-to-defend-ban-on-transgender-athletics/article_413e6ec6-e913-11ed-9157-27376c0cbfdd.html | 2023-05-03T00:19:20 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/arizona-goes-to-court-to-defend-ban-on-transgender-athletics/article_413e6ec6-e913-11ed-9157-27376c0cbfdd.html |
OCEAN CITY — In a game that did not feature a lot of offense, Taylor Vaugh made the most of her opportunity Tuesday.
The sophomore hit a two-run, two-out single with bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth inning to lead the Ocean City High School softball team to a 2-0 victory over Buena Regional in a Cape-Atlantic League National Division game. The Red Raiders' win prevented Chiefs coach Pam Pickett from earning her 700th career victory.
The Red Raiders (7-6) outhit the Chiefs 7-3. Ocean City's Jessica Mooney struck out 13 to earn the win.
"It felt really nice," Vaugh, 15, of Galloway Township, said. "I haven't really been hitting the ball a lot recently. It felt really nice to kind of get out of my slump with that big (hit). It was kind of like the winning hit, so it felt really good. … I didn't want to crush the ball; I just wanted to keep the inning going."
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In the fourth inning, Ocean City's Carly Hennis drew a leadoff walk. Buena pitcher Anna Sheridan then got back-to-back strikeouts. Ocean City's Anna McCabe reached first, and MacKenzee Segich singled to load the bases. Vaugh, who had popped out and lined out in her first two at-bats, then singled into the outfield to score Hennis and McCabe.
Buena fell to 7-6 with the loss.
"I feel good for her," Ocean City second-year coach Carrie Merritt said. "She has been in a slump herself. It's something we talked about, and something she knows. There is no one who works harder than Taylor. (Tuesday), all her work paid off. She had a great game. We are happy her hit fell."
Ocean City defeated Buena 13-1 to open the season, but Merritt knew it would not be that kind of result Tuesday. As a 1998 Millville graduate and a former softball player, she knows Pickett well.
"She is a legend, and I know what to expect from her teams," Merritt said. "They have been challenging and good teams for as long as I can remember, and we are going 25 years now. I absolutely did not take this team for granted. I knew it was going to be a tough game. We have been watching and listening and knowing they have been improving, so this is a typical Pam Pickett's fighting team."
Buena is a young team that graduated some key seniors from last year's squad. With only one senior, Buena started the season losing four of its first five games. But the Chiefs have since gone 7-2, including winning streaks of three and four games.
On Tuesday, Buena left the bases loaded in the fifth inning and a runner at third base in the first.
"I think we are starting to find our stride a little bit," said Pickett, noting there are many players in new positions this spring. "The beginning of the season, we had to find our way. They are just starting to come around themselves. But I am pretty proud with their game (Tuesday). Obviously, we didn't get enough hits in key positions. That is something we are going to work on. We are not going to give up. Otherwise, I am happy with where we are."
Ocean City features a lot of sophomores and juniors, but they work well together, Vaugh said. Ocean City had the bases loaded with one out in the third inning, but Sheridan struck out the next two batters to keep the game scoreless. The Red Raiders put that behind them and did their damage the next inning with Vaugh's single.
Ocean City also has improved, having won five of its last six games. The Red Raiders are now in first place in the CAL National and have the tiebreaker with Buena, which is in second place.
"This is looking good for us," Merritt said. "We are happy but still want to keep our foot on the gas. Any given day, any team can come out. But I'm really pleased with the team and excited for the next couple weeks."
Buena will play Wildwood Catholic at 4 p.m. Wednesday, the Chiefs third straight day with a game. Buena defeated ACIT on Monday to give Pickett her 699th win. Only five New Jersey softball coaches have 700 ore more wins, but none in South Jersey. Under Pickett, Buena has won five South Jersey titles, including three straight from 2013-15.
On Tuesday, Jay Morales doubled for Buena, and Cami Johnson and Laylah Collins. Sheridan finished with eight strikeouts.
"It's a tough three-game stretch. I would have preferred not to play three in a row, but the rain took care of that," said Pickett, who downplayed having to wait at least another game to reach the milestone.
"That's unimportant. These kids weren't even born when that started. You coach 35 years, you will hit different milestones along the way. That isn't anything for the kids to worry about. That'll come when it comes. We aren't going to worry about it." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/taylor-vaughs-two-run-single-sends-ocean-city-past-buena-delaying-700th-win-for-pam/article_d379748e-e936-11ed-890a-c34a82cf71bf.html | 2023-05-03T00:20:37 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/taylor-vaughs-two-run-single-sends-ocean-city-past-buena-delaying-700th-win-for-pam/article_d379748e-e936-11ed-890a-c34a82cf71bf.html |
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Filthy porta-potties on Fort Myers Beach are making it tough for people who have to use the restroom.
They say the porta-potties themselves need to go if they can’t be kept clean.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach lost its restrooms near Time Square during Hurricane Ian. Since then, both the county and town have brought in temporary porta johns. However, they’re not being kept clean and oftentimes they don’t have toilet paper.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Backed up’ porta-potties becoming glaring issue for Fort Myers Beach residents
Christina Moylin opened the door to one of the porta-potties and said the smell was foul and said the town needs to do better.
However, the purple porta-potty she was looking at is being supplied by the county. The contract says they’re supposed to be cleaned four days a week.
Cleaning logs on the porta-potty doors show that’s not happening. Some are going five and six days without being cleaned and it can be difficult for women to use.
Kim Gesick said she opened the door to one porta-potty and the toilet lid was broken off and sitting on the floor.
Others say given the damage to the island, they’re willing to accept the condition.
Town council has even threatened to find a new company to replace many of their gray porta-potties littered across the island, which they admit have been dirty.
“If a contractor is not providing what they’re supposed to do and honoring the agreement then you move on,” said Interim Town Manager Keith Wilkins.
County workers showed up to restock their porta-potties. The county’s plan is to hook up a portable restroom trailer at Lynn Hall Park, however, there is no date for that to happen just yet. The county is working with FEMA to rebuild its parks and restroom facilities. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/05/02/filthy-porta-potties-on-fort-myers-beach-frustrate-locals/ | 2023-05-03T00:23:08 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/05/02/filthy-porta-potties-on-fort-myers-beach-frustrate-locals/ |
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — New speed limit signs could be coming to a popular part of Punta Gorda. Aqui Esta Drive is just over two miles long and currently has only five posted signs in total.
Punta Gorda Police (PGPD) report they continue to receive complaints about speeders on this roadway. They’ve tried placing radar devices on the road and adding officers for enforcement. Now, they’re proposing something more permanent.
The idea is to add six new speed limit signs. The report on the city council agenda describes urban settings as needing more speed limit signs with a max separation of a quarter mile. It said this is especially important in areas where the posted speed limit is less than normal.
We talked with various residents about the proposal and their experience with speeders.
“I think it’s a good start. I also think they need more than that. They need speed bumps or cushions, something that would get the driver’s attention,” Linda Taylor said.
“There are a few that really like to get it going, no doubt,” Mike Feldman added.
PGPD recommends new signage at the following locations:
- Just west of Chapman Blvd. (westbound)
- 1434 Aqui Esta Drive (westbound)
- 1940 Aqui Esta Drive (westbound)
- 1623 Aqui Esta Drive (eastbound)
- Across from 3129 Aqui Esta Drive (eastbound)
- 331 Aqui Esta Drive (eastbound)
The city council will hear the proposal at their council meeting on May 3. Public Works reports they already have signs available if the council moves forward with the idea. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/05/02/punta-gorda-police-proposes-addition-of-new-speed-limit-signs/ | 2023-05-03T00:23:14 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlotte-county/2023/05/02/punta-gorda-police-proposes-addition-of-new-speed-limit-signs/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo is rolling out major service adjustments this June due to driver shortages and to better align with its future service plan.
“We need to hire a minimum of about 100 drivers to get the service to where we want it to be and need it to be,” said IndyGo spokesperson Carrie Black.
Routes 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 26, 28, 31, 38, 55, and 902 will be affected. Route 56 will be added as a new one.
“That means we are going to be changing the routes a little bit, where maybe one piece of the route will go away but then maybe another route will pick that up,” Black said.
Routes undergoing temporary frequency changes:
- Route 11 – 60-minute frequency to 90 minutes.
- Route 26 – 45-minute frequency to 30 minutes.
- Route 38 – 30-minute frequency to 60 minutes.
- Route 902 – 30-minute frequency to 45 minutes.
Routes undergoing alignment changes:
- Route 2 – From downtown, Route 2 will travel Delaware to Fort Wayne to 10th Street to College Avenue, continuing up College Avenue to East 38th Street before turning south on Orchard Avenue and back to 34th Street. Route 2 will be extended to IndyGo’s East Campus, located at 9503 E. 33rd St.
Routes 12 and 13 – Routes 12 and 13 will be consolidated and renamed Route 13. Segments of both existing routes will be removed as part of this consolidation.
- Route 16 – As part of the restructuring of service in southeast Indy, Route 16 will no longer serve several segments in this quadrant of the city. Service along Main Street and Emerson Avenue will be picked up by the new Route 56.
- Route 26 – Also as part of the restructuring of the service in southeast Indy, this crosstown route will be realigned to provide a faster, more direct route between the Community Justice Complex and the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. The 45-minute frequency during the week will change to 30 minutes. On weekends, frequency will be 1 hour 15 minutes. While portions of the service along this route are going away, the Route 16 realignment will cover the southeast portion of Route 26 from Troy Avenue to Thompson Road.
- Route 28 – A small segment of Route 28 will be removed to mitigate the safety concerns that exist when traveling along Spring Mill Road between 64th Street and Kessler Boulevard during weather events. No new stops will be created along 64th or Meridian streets, however.
- Route 31 – This route will now end at Greenwood Park Mall instead of Community South Hospital. Riders can still access the hospital on inbound trips from County Line Road.
- Route 38 – In addition to the change in frequency, the segment of Route 38 that travels along Massachusetts Avenue today will be removed. Instead, Route 38 will travel along 10th Street and Fort Wayne Avenue to and from downtown.
- Routes 14, 55, and 56 – Due to low ridership, routes 14 and 55 will be consolidated to create the new Route 56. Route 56 will take over Route 16’s service traveling to downtown Indy and servicing downtown Beech Grove along Main Street.
You can find turn-by-turn descriptions of the changes and maps here.
If you have questions about these changes, IndyGo representatives are holding three events:
- Virtual Public Meeting | Tuesday, May 16 | 5:30 p.m. (Register here)
- Transit Center Open House | Wednesday, May 17 | 6 – 8 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m.
- Transit Center Open House | Thursday, May 18 | 6 – 8 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indygo-making-bus-route-changes-amid-driver-shortage/531-aad15372-2e3b-4591-baf4-389606b7a703 | 2023-05-03T00:24:03 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indygo-making-bus-route-changes-amid-driver-shortage/531-aad15372-2e3b-4591-baf4-389606b7a703 |
GRAY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Eighth-grade students and faculty at Ridgeview Elementary School had the opportunity to hear Holocaust Survivor Sonja Dubois speak about her journey to discovering her true identity.
At nearly 2 years old, Dubois, originally named Clara Van Thijn, was hidden away by her parents to protect her from the Nazis in 1942. Her parents left her in the care of a family friend named Dolf Henkes. She was later taken in by Dutch Christian couple Willem and Elisabeth van der Kaden. They relocated to the United States in 1952.
“My mother and daddy were brave enough to leave me behind,” said Dubois. “I was 21 months old. I mean, I can’t imagine leaving a baby or toddler behind. They did and I wasn’t sure that I would live even then, because there were lots of collaborators in Holland and in any country.
Nazis could never have done this by themselves. They had helpers, collaborators, everywhere.”
Dubois is known as a ‘hidden child’ of the Holocaust.
“I’m a hidden child, which means I’m the last generation that can interact with people,” said Dubois. “Meaning that from now on, it’s in the history books, but not a whole lot of it.”
She talked with students about her childhood with her adopted parents and how she started uncovering more about her Jewish roots at 60 years old.
She learned of when her parents died at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp and other facts about her family’s history.
Dubois believes she has a mission to keep the legacy of her family alive.
“If I weren’t here to speak, their names would mean nothing,” said Dubois. “They wouldn’t be recognized. They don’t have graves.”
Garrison Jones, is an eighth grader at Ridgeview Elementary. He said he’s been reading and studying about the Holocaust.
“I thought she had a very great story, and it just really put it into perspective how horrible things were,” said Jones. “And how strong she had to be to overcome that and then to share her story afterward. It’s just very impressive. And she’s a brilliant woman.”
Dubois wrote a book called, Finding Schifrah: The Journey of a Dutch Child Holocaust Survivor which was published in 2019. It’s about her life and the discoveries she made. She named the book after her Hebrew name, “Schifrah.”
“The book is all about how I lived and what happened later, my married life and lots of incidents about what I recall from that time,” said Dubois. “It’s strange, especially odors, smells bring me back to that period of time and I can relate and live that again.”
Dubois says her story is just one example of the many hidden children of the Holocaust. She also says she speaks for all the children from her hometown of Rotterdam, Netherlands who died during the war.
She showed the students a photo of when she visited the Jewish Child Monument in Rotterdam, which memorializes the 686 children from the town who died in the Holocaust.
“Racism is so real today and if we don’t learn from history, we repeat it,” said Dubois “And I’m afraid that’s what’s happening today. There are lots of anti-Semitic riots. People are getting damaged verbally and physically.”
She wants students to remember that fighting racism starts young.
“I want them to be very aware that racism starts right now, right around them,” said Dubois. “You know the kid that looks different, talks differently, that sits alone at the cafeteria. Reach out. Be a friend.”
“She really proved the point to be grateful for what you have,” said Jones. “And I feel like that resonated a lot with me. And you just need to be grateful because it could all be stripped away in a moment. It’s time. So, just be grateful for what you have and what you’re given.”
Jones encourages other students to learn about the Holocaust. He plans to read Dubois’ book to learn more about her life.
Dubois now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. She continues to speak to students about her journey to uncovering her heritage. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/holocaust-survivor-shares-her-story-with-ridgeview-elementary-students/ | 2023-05-03T00:29:35 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/holocaust-survivor-shares-her-story-with-ridgeview-elementary-students/ |
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – Local and state government leaders are looking at a major overhaul to traffic flow on Boones Creek Road.
The road, which is under Tennessee Department of Transportation control as State Route 354, is the connector between Jonesborough and Interstate 26 at Exit 17.
In the last year, several new housing developments have started construction on the road as the region anticipates population growth.
But a group of local mayors and state lawmakers said the two-lane road does not have the capability to handle that growth and requires improvements.
On April 17, a letter was sent to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley requesting funding in the state budget for comprehensive road widening and traffic flow improvements along a 5.5-mile stretch of Boones Creek Road.
The letter was signed by Washington County’s state legislative delegation: Senator Rusty Crowe, Representative Rebecca Alexander and Representative Tim Hicks.
It was also signed by Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, Jonesborough Mayor Chuck Vest and Johnson City Mayor Todd Fowler.
Grandy said getting improvements to Boones Creek Road will prove vital to the county’s growth.
“This is a critical corridor,” Grandy said. “To get the road in a better condition and have a higher capacity is really important.”
The plan calls for the road to be widened to four lanes and a turning lane from Christian Church Road near the I-26 interchange to the red light at Boones Creek Elementary School.
From the elementary school to just outside of Jonesborough, the road would be two-lane with a turning lane.
At each intersection, new turn-offs would also make turning off of the road a safer and smoother experience.
“I worry a little bit about rear-end collisions because there’s not any turn lanes there,” Vest said. “This third lane will alleviate a lot of those risks.”
Jonesborough’s new K-8 school also factors into the plan. It is located about a mile off of Boones Creek Road.
With only a two-lane country road feeding into the school, the plan would include a new road leading from the school to Boones Creek Road, which will lead into a roundabout next to Parsons Circle.
Vest said that additional way to the school will alleviate traffic concerns with the area, along with the school traffic already on the road from Boones Creek Elementary.
“We feel like that is the most important exit point, is getting to the Boones Creek Road the quickest,” Vest said. “With this extension road, we can do that.”
A major bike trail would also be created. The path would run along the length of Boones Creek Road and connect to Johnson City and eventually to the Tweetsie Trail.
Grandy said the miles of trails could be attractive for both new and existing residents.
“It’ll be a huge attraction,” Grandy said. “It’s really rare to find a trail system that creates a loop. Ride 40, 45 or 50 miles on a trail and wind right back where you started.”
A new traffic light would be installed at the Knob Creek Road intersection under the plan. Rep. Hicks said the group wants that to get done in conjunction with improvements on Knob Creek.
“We really want to push and try to get that soon, and this be not long after that,” Hicks said. “They really need to be worked together.”
Boones Creek Road has been a target for improvements for some time, but the momentum started picking up among this local collaboration a few months ago.
The passage of the Transportation Modernization Act allowed major metropolitan areas to create choice lanes to improve traffic flow, which has freed up money for more rural projects.
Rep. Alexander said TDOT should now have the money to complete projects like this.
“Lots of times projects have been on the back burner for 10-15 years,” Alexander said. “With this funding that we’re going to get to each TDOT division, then we’ll have some money to work with on roads that we really need to do so we can help the growth in our area.”
If the funding is approved, the improved Boones Creek corridor could spur additional growth along the thoroughfare from Jonesborough to I-26.
“We see a lot of growth for commercial and residential in that whole corridor,” Hicks said. “I think really in a lot of ways it’s just now starting.”
Rep. Alexander said it may end up being a much different-looking Boones Creek.
“A lot of land out through there that we will see developed,” Alexander said. “We blink and can’t believe that was the old Boones Creek Road in a few years.”
Grandy said TDOT will ultimately make the decision on any road changes, but presenting TDOT with their plan now gives them an idea of what local leaders want.
“It’ll make a statement to the commissioner and to the governor that you have three government entities working together on a project that’s vitally important to the community, that we’ve stepped out in front, and we’ve created a design concept,” Grandy said.
Details on the total cost and timeline for the project are unclear because that is contingent on its inclusion in the state budget. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-leaders-eye-potential-boones-creek-road-widening-roundabout/ | 2023-05-03T00:29:41 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-leaders-eye-potential-boones-creek-road-widening-roundabout/ |
Henrico County police are asking for the public's help identifying two people they say were involved in a vehicle theft.
Police were called to the 2000 block of Maywill Street at 6:29 p.m. Sunday for a report of a stolen motorcycle.
The victim told police a white and red 2014 Triumph Street Triple R motorcycle was stolen over the weekend, police said.
Surveillance video shows two men loading the motorcycle into the bed of late 1990s or early 2000s Ford F-150 at about 4:30 a.m. The truck has specialty stickers on the rear window which includes a “Jimmie Johnson #48” sticker, police said.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police at (804) 501-5248 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
The Times-Dispatch's 'Photo of the Day' 📷
Jan. 1, 2023
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson (36) tries to stop him during the first half of a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, January 1, 2023 in Landover, MD.
Shaban Athuman/ RICHMOND TIMES-D
Jan. 2, 2023
Sharon MacKenzie of Mechanicsville walked with her friend Cindy Nunnally and her golden retriever, Sunny, during a GardenFest for Fidos at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Jan. 2.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Jan. 3, 2023
People remember eight-year-old P'Aris Moore during a vigil in Hopewell Tues., Jan. 3, 2023. Moore was shot and killed while playing in her neighborhood.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 4, 2023
UR's Jason Nelson presses down court as George Washington's Brendan Adams, left, and Hunter Dean defend in the Robins Center Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 5, 2023
Manchester's Olivia Wright reaches in on James River's Alisha Whirley at James River Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 6, 2023
Daron Pearson plays basketball at Smith Peters Park in the Carver neighborhood on Friday, January 6, 2023 in Richmond, Va.
Shaban Athuman/ RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 7, 2023
UR's Tyler Burton takes a shot as Duquesne's Joe Reece defends Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 8, 2023
Park ranger Bert Dunkerly leads a walking tour of Revolutionary Richmond on the grounds of the Chimborazo Medical Museum in Richmond on Jan. 8. The tour was part of a multiday annual event interpreting Richmond’s Revolutionary history, including the capture of the city by British General Benedict Arnold on Jan. 5, 1781.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 10, 2023
Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital COO Joey Trapani and Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille react after cutting the ribbon to commemorate the opening of the East End Medical Office Building on Tuesday. Bon Secours Richmond Market President Mike Lutes (left) and Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, were also part of the festivities.
EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 11, 2023
Pages are introduced at the Senate chamber during the first day of Virginia General Assembly at Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 12, 2023
Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, worked at his desk at the Virginia State Capitol on Thursday. Above him is a portrait of former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, now a congressman representing the 8th District in Northern Virginia.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 13, 2023
Elizabeth Leggett is photographed with her pup Pallas, 10, in her neighborhood in Richmond's business district on January 13, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Jan. 14, 2023
Aubrey Nguyen, age 5, and Andrew Nguyen, age 8, eye the dragon as it comes by during the Tet celebration at Vien Giac Buddhist Temple Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Jow Ga Kung Fu, of Virginia Beach, performed the Dragon Dance.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 15, 2023
The St. James's West Gallery Choir sings during "Evensong, A Celebration of the Life and Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." at St. James Episcopal Church Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 16, 2023
James "States" Manship of Thornburg came to the gun rights rally at the Bell Tower in Capitol Square on Lobby Day, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, dressed as President George Washington.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 17, 2023
Del. Emily Brewer, R-Suffolk, confers with Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, at the state Capitol on Jan. 17. Brewer sponsored the bill on state purchasing, House Bill 2385.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 18, 2023
Aaliyah Rouse, 9, and Jennifer Rouse stand by as Aaron Rouse is sworn in in the Senate by Clerk of the Senate Susan Clarke Schaar during a general assembly session at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Jan. 19, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin talks to the media at George W. Carver Elementary School on Jan. 19.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 20, 2023
VCU's fans cheer for the team against Richmond during the second half of the NCAA men's basketball game at University of Richmond, Richmond, Va., on Friday, January 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 21, 2023
Jacqueline Dziuba, bottom left, and Steven Godwin, who live in Greenville, N.C., and other visitors check out the exhibits at the Poe Museum in Richmond in January as the museum celebrates Edgar Allan Poe’s 214th birthday and its own 100-year anniversary.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 22, 2023
Paul McLean (left), founder of the Virginia Minority Cannabis Coalition, listens alongside Mark Cannady during the “Is Social Equity in Off the Table in 2023?” portion of the program on Sunday on the second full day of the Virginia Cannabis Conference presented by Virginia NORML at Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown. Lobby Day takes place Monday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 23, 2023
The flags at the Executive Mansion are at half-staff to honor those killed and injured in Monterey Park, California last weekend. Photo was taken on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 24, 2023
Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, listens to debate during a Senate floor session in the state Capitol on a bill to make Daylight Savings Time year-round.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 25, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin listens to George Daniel as he tries some Brunswick stew on Brunswick Stew Day at the Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Next to Daniel are (L-R) Dylan Pair, stewmaster Kevin Pair and Austin Pair. The yearly event returned to the Capitol for the first time since the pandemic.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 26, 2023
Meghan Vandette is photographed with her dogs, Pepper, a deaf mini Australian shepherd, and Finn on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Ruff Canine Club in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 27, 2023
Three-year-old London Oshinkoya (from left) and 3-year-old twins Messiah and Malkia Finley go through the toys brought by Crystal Holbrook-Gazoni near the Gilpin Resource Center in Richmond on Friday.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 28, 2023
Dance instructor Paul Dandridge (foreground) works with youngsters as he teaches a theater dance during the “Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series: On the Road” at the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School on Saturday. The series offers free workshops and performances throughout the year for youth of all ages.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 29, 2023
Ronnie Jenkins II of Chesterfield County sits inside a Barefoot Spas hot tub with his 11-year-old son, Connor, and his wife, Amber, during the RVA Home Show at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.
Daniel Sangjib Min photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 30, 2023
Frank Saucier listens as elected officials give remarks during a vigil for Tyre Nichols on Monday at Abner Clay Park in Richmond. Nichols died from the injuries he sustained after being beaten by police officers in Memphis.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Jan. 31, 2023
Mayor Levar Stoney gets ready to deliver his State of the City on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the Richmond Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 1, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin attends the Virginia March for Life in Richmond, VA on February 1, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 2, 2023
Petersburg High School's basketball standout Chris Fields Jr. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 3, 2023
Shawnrell Blackwell, left, a Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation homeowner and board member, watches as Dianna Bowser, president and CEO of SCDHC, shares a moment with Suzanne Youngkin during a ceremony at Virginia Housing in Richmond on Friday after Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the first lady presented the first Spirit of Virginia Award of 2023 to the affordable housing nonprofit.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 4, 2023
Members of the Break it Down RVA Line Dancing group perform during a Black History Month Celebration at Virginia State University on Feb. 4.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 5, 2023
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) of the Washington Commanders, right, look on before the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday in Las Vegas. With him are, from left, NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) of the Detroit Lions, NFC wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys and NFC wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) of the Minnesota Vikings.
John Locher, Associated PRess
Feb. 6, 2023
(From left) U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, and Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., director of the National Science Foundation, arrive for a tour of VCU's Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility with lab director and physics professor Massimo Bertino, Ph.D. (right) on Monday, Feb. 6. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 7, 2023
Sen. Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, is seen 4 1/2 hours into Tuesday's crossover session at the state Capitol.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 8, 2023
Chef Patrick Phelan works with his staff on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Lost Letter in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 9, 2023
Onlookers stand near a shattered window on East Broad Street following a shooting on Thursday. One person was killed and another wounded.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 10, 2023
Colonial Williamsburg moves a 260-year-old building, originally called the Bray School, on a truck to a new location a mile away, where it will be put on public display, in Williamsburg, Va., on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. The Bray School is believed to be the oldest building in the US dedicated to the education of Black children.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb 11, 2023
Randolph-Macon celebrate after beating Roanoke College during a NCAA Division III Basketball game on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Randolph Macon Crenshaw Gym in Ashland, Virginia. With today's win, the Yellow Jackets hold the longest home winning steak in NCAA Division III history.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 12, 2023
The Science Museum of Virginia hosted a competition for student engineers during a commemoration of Celebrate Engineering Ingenuity Day. A packed crowd watches Sunday as a team of “Bridge Breakers” from the American Society of Civil Engineers puts students’ inventions to the test.
Lyndon German
Feb. 13, 2023
A crew from Walter D. Witt Roofing installs a new roof for Melvin Washington, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, as part of the Owens Corning National Roof Deployment Project in Richmond, VA on February 13, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 14, 2023
Richmond City Council member Cynthia Newbille pulls the winning raffle ticket as Marc Edwards, from InnovAge Virginia PACE, holds the basket during the 9th annual "For the Love of Our Seniors" event at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA on February 14, 2023. The event is a resource fair for senior residents and caregivers in Church Hill. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 15, 2023
A crew from the Richmond-based company Cut Cut installs the new art installation "McLean" by Navine G. Dossos on the façade of the Institute for Contemporary Art in Richmond, VA on February 15, 2023. The installation is part of the exhibit "So it appears" opening February 24th. The vinyl pieces being used are adapted from a series of paintings. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 16, 2023
Giov. Glenn Youngkin meets with the community at Westwood Fountain in Richmond, VA on Thursday, February 16, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 17, 2023
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alison Linas, left, and Franklin greet Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jennifer Guiliano and attorney Alex Clarke at the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court building on Friday.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
Feb. 18, 2023
Fans take pictures during the All-alumni Block Party before VCU’s game against Fordham on Saturday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 19, 2023
Virginia Tech's Georgia Amoore, left, waits for a pass from Elizabeth Kitley (33) during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina State on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Blacksburg.
Matt Gentry, The Roanoke Times
Feb. 20, 2023
Richmond resident David Scates filed an appeal with the VEC last summer four days after the state agency notified him that he had been overpaid unemployment benefits after catching COVID-19 and losing his job. Now, Scates is one of almost 17,000 Virginians at risk of having their appeals dismissed because the VEC contends they filed too late.
EVA RUSSO, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 21, 2023
State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, greets chief election officer and college friend Sheryl Johnson (right) at the Tabernacle Baptist Church polling station in Richmond, VA on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 as (from left) election workers Katie Johnson and Eric Johnson look on. McClellan is running to succeed Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th. McClellan would be the first African American woman to represent Virginia in Congress and would give Virginia a record four women in its congressional delegation. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 22, 2023
Members of the media tour Fox Elementary School in Richmond, VA after Richmond Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Dana Fox provided an update on construction plans to rebuild the school on Wednesday, February 22. The building, which dates to 1911, was heavily damaged in a three-alarm fire on the night of Feb. 11, 2022. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 23, 2023
Marley Ferraro and her boyfriend, Zack Bannister, both VCU freshmen, spend time together between classes at Monroe Park as Thursday weather reaches around 80s in Richmond, Va., on Feb. 23, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 24, 2023
Sen. Aaron Rouse, left, D-Virginia Beach, talks with Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, before a general assembly session at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 25, 2023
Jenna Anderson of Cosby High shows her medal to her dad, Waylon Anderson, after winning the 112-pound weight class during the VHSL Girls State Open Championships at Unity Reed High in Manassas on Saturday.
SHABAN ATHUMAN, TIMES-DISPATCH
Feb. 26, 2023
Contestants in a duathlon race (run-bike-run competition) dash from the starting line in the first event of the West Creek Endurance Festival at the West Creek Business Park in Goochland County on Sunday.
Mark Bowes
Feb. 27, 2023
Eric and Linda Oakes speak to a small crowd before unveiling a plaque and bench dedicated to their son, Adam Oakes, in the VCU Student Commons building near the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life on February 27, 2023. The date marks the two-year anniversary of Oakes' death in a hazing incident, and VCU is calling this an annual hazing prevention day and day of remembrance for Oakes. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
Feb. 28, 2023
Jess Tanner (center) looks on as her daughters Aubrey (left), 10, and Charleigh, 8, deliver Girl Scout cookies to school counselor Michelle Nothnagel (right) and the other teachers and staff members at Manchester High School on February 28, 2023. With help from groups of retired teachers and others in the community, the girls, who are members of Girl Scout Troop 3654, raised over $1,000 to purchase the cookies for the staff. Jess Tanner, is an art teacher at Manchester and also a co-leader of their troop. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 1, 2023
Shirley Wiest, left, and Wilma Bowman, center, show a blanket for a veteran with the help of Julie Wiest, daughter of Shirley Wiest, at Sunrise of Richmond in Henrico, Va., on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Shirley Wiest and Wilma Bowman sewed over 3000 blankets for people at the VA Hospital, the Children’s Hospital and Moments of Hope Outreach among others.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 2, 2023
Carl Gupton, president of Greenswell Growers, is shown at the greenhouse of the company in Goochland, Va., on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Greenswell Growers, an automated indoor farming, can produce 28 times more greens per acre than traditional farming. They just sealed a deal with Ukrops and will start selling on Kroger shelves all across the mid-Atlantic.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 3, 2023
Highland Springs walks off the court after beating Stone Bridge during the Class 5 boys basketball quarterfinal on Friday, March 3, 2023 at J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 4, 2023
Nutzy plays with Shane Paris-Kennedy,9, during the Richmond Flying Squirrels Nutzy's Block Party on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 5, 2023
Patrons wait in line for Caribbean soul food from Mobile Yum Yum, one of the food trucks participating in Mobile Soul Sunday in Monroe Park. The event kicked off the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, a weeklong celebration of Richmond’s Black-owned restaurants.
Sean McGoey
March 6, 2023
Henrico County officials celebrate the start of renovations at Cheswick Park in Henrico's Three Chopt District on March 6, 2023. The 24.5-acre park, Henrico's oldest official park, will receive $2.1 million in improvements, including a new open fitness area and upgrades to its trails, playground, restroom facilities, pedestrian bridges, parking lot, main entrance, stormwater management infrastructure and signage. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 7, 2023
Congresswoman-elect Jennifer McClellan heads into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC for orientation on March 7, 2023 in preparation for her swearing in as the first Black Congresswoman from Virginia. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 8, 2023
Kate Chenery Tweedy shows the exhibition of Secretariat at Ashland Museum in Ashland, Va., on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Kate Chenery Tweedy is spearheading an effort to bring a monument of Secretariat to Ashland.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 9, 2023
John Marano of Top Trumps USA speaks to the media next to Mr. Monopoly at Maggie Walker Plaza in Richmond, Va., on March 9, 2023. Top Trumps USA, under license from HASBRO, will design a Richmond-specific board that highlights the region’s favorite historic landmarks.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 10, 2023
The U.S. Postal Service commemorate the history and romance of train travel with the unveiling of its Railroad Stations Forever stamps during a ceremony at the Main Street Station in Richmond, Va.
Lyndon German
March 11, 2023
Susie Williams of Richmond gets a makeover at the Shamrock the Block Festival in Richmond on Saturday. The festival was relocated to Leigh Street this year.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
March 12, 2023
A procession of Fifes and Drums moves down Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg on Sunday. It traveled from old Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse to the Raleigh Tavern, where Thomas Jefferson and other leaders formed a Committee of Correspondence in 1773.
Sean Jones photos, Times-Dispatch
March 13, 2023
Cuong Luu, foreground, a volunteer of Feed More, prepares boxes of meals with other volunteers and staff at the food bank in Richmond, Va., on Monday, March 13, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 14, 2023
Bill Barksdale, technical director of Virginia Video Network, works with Kelli Lemon, director of digital programming, at the video studio of Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va., on March 14, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 15, 2023
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, looks on a portrait after unveiling it as former Speaker of the House at the house chamber of the State Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Filler-Corn made history as the first woman and first Jewish Speaker in Virginia.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 16, 2023
MIKE KROPF, THE DAILY PROGRESS Virginia's Isaac McKneely (11) becomes emotional after an NCAA Tournament first round game against Furman in Orlando, Fl., Thursday, March 16, 2023.
Mike Kropf
March 17, 2023
Brian Erbe, center, a pipe manager, and other members of Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums perform to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Rosie Connolly's Pub Restaurant in Richmond, Va., on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 18, 2023
Virginia Tech's Mekhi Lewis takes down Oklahoma State's Dustin Plott during the consolation semifinals at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Tulsa, Okla. (Ian Maule/Tulsa World via AP)
Ian Maule
March 19, 2023
Virginia Tech's Kayana Traylor (23) is congratulated by teammates after scoring just before halftime of a second-round college basketball game in the women's NCAA Tournament, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Matt Gentry)
Matt Gentry
March 20, 2023
Hannah and Ty Bilodeau of Lynchburg visit the recently completed Richmond Virginia Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with their children, Blythe, 5, Goldie, 4, and Graham, 2, in Glen Allen in Henrico, Va., on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 21, 2023
Doug Ramseur, center left, and Emilee Hasbrouck, center right, defense lawyers for Wavie Jones, one of three Central State Hospital employees , who was charged in death of Irvo Otieno, speak to the media at Dinwiddie Courthouse in Dinwiddie, Va., on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 22, 2023
WRANGLD's, from left, senior customer success manager Trevor Lee, chief business officer Andy Sitison and CEO Jonathan "JD" Dyke work at their office of the 1717 Innovation Center in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 23, 2023
New Bon Secours Community Health Clinic is open in Manchester, Richmond, Va., on Thursday, March 23, 2023. The clinic will serve scheduled appointments and same day call-in appointments for the uninsured. The 8,000 square foot building is also home to the Bon Secours Care-A-Van, a mobile health clinic.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 24, 2023
Liz Kincaid, CEO of RVA Hospitality and owner of Max's On Broad, is photographed at the restaurant in Richmond, VA on March 24, 2023. Max's On Broad will be closing April 1 and will relaunch as a new concept in the summer. Kincaid also owns Tarrant's & Bar Solita. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 25, 2023
Henrico County families gather at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center on Saturday to celebrate all things agriculture during the county's second annual Farm Graze event. Children went booth to booth learning about the wonders of agriculture while participating in fun activities and scavenger hunts.
Lyndon German
March 26, 2023
Church Hill resident Alex Gerofsky finishes the Hill Topper 5K at the Church Hill Irish Festival with a time of 20 minutes, 26.8 seconds.
Thad Green
March 27, 2023
Wyatt Kingston, center, conducts a strength training session with Marshall Crenshaw, left, and Kevin Wright, right, at Hickory Hill Community Center in Richmond, Va., on Monday, March 27, 2023. Kingston, 71, has been working with the parks department for nearly 40 years on all kinds of initiatives, particularly those aimed at children in public housing communities.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
March 28, 2023
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, center, talks about the ongoing housing crisis in the city during a news conference on March 28.
Daniel Sangjib Min, TIMES-DISPATCH
March 29, 2023
(From left) Caroline Ouko and Leon Ochieng, mother and older brother of Irvo Otieno, react near the casket during the celebration of life for Irvo Otieno at First Baptist Church of South Richmond in North Chesterfield, VA on March 29, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
March 30, 2023
Senior students in Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center's culinary program presented Taj Mahsala: an Indian fusion menu.
SYDNEY SHULER, THE DAILY PROGRESS
March 31, 2023
Richmond Police address onlookers Friday, March 31, 2023 at the intersection of North Avenue and Moss Side Avenue, near Washington Park. Richmond police shot a man who was suspected of shooting a woman earlier in the day in the 1100 block of Evergreen Avenue on Richmond's Southside.
April 1, 2023
Sculptor Jocelyn Russell takes photos of the crowd after the unveiling of her statue of Secretariat at Ashland Town Hall Pavilion on Saturday.
Michael Martz photos, TImes-Dispatch
April 2, 2023
Drivers race in the Toyota Owners 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA on April 2, 2023.. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 3, 2023
Dinwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill is photographed at the Dinwiddie County Courthouse on April 3, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 4, 2023
From left, Judy and Ron Singleton pose for a photo on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. MIKE KROPF/TIMES-DISPATCH
Mike Kropf
April 5, 2023
Beatrix Smith dips her matzah in salt water as she enjoys a Pasover Seder with her classmates (from left) Helen Corallo, Camp Maxwell, and Amara Ellen at the Weinstein JCC Preschool Program in Richmond, VA on April 5, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 6, 2023
Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré speaks with students at Piedmont Virginia Community College on Thursday.
SYDNEY SHULER, THE DAILY PROGRESS
April 7, 2023
A worker pushed water off a tarp on the field at The Diamond Friday, when the Flying Squirrels were scheduled to open their season against Reading.
MIKE KROPF/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 8, 2023
Ember O’Connell-Evans, 1, plays with hula hoops during the Dominion Energy Family Easter event at Maymont on Saturday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
April 9, 2023
Mike Kearney plays an early form of badminton with grandkids Savannah and Ashton on the lawn of Montpelier during “We, the Kids” Day.
ANDRA LANDI, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REVIEW
April 10, 2023
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, center left, tours Richmond Marine Terminal with W. Sheppard Miller III , Virginia Secretary of Transportation , center right, as Stephen A. Edwards, left, Virginia Port Authority CEO, and Christina Saunders, manager of Richmond Marine Terminal, give them the tour on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 11, 2023
Inaara Woodards, 5, of Henrico, visits Italian Garden at Maymont with her mother, Victoria Crawley Woodards, and three brothers, Kai, 13, Zion, 12, and Avion Woodards, 11, during their home-school field trip to the park in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. "It’s gorgeous!" Victoria Crawley Woodards said of Tuesday weather. She said it was the perfect weather for the field trip and other activities.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 13, 2023
Clarence Thweatt, right, a lead trainer for Chesterfield Public Schools, works on marking points during a transportation road-e-o event, which is friendly competition of school bus drivers demonstrating their driving skills and knowledge of laws, at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 14, 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at Liberty University.
PROVIDED BY LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
April 15, 2023
Tyson Foods workers attend a job fair at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Mechanicsville Turnpike. The Glen Allen plant is closing, displacing about 700 employees.
Em Holter
April 16, 2023
A display of 32 white balloons were raised and a 32-second moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims of the April 16, 2007, tragedy at the start of the 2023 3.2-mile Run in Remembrance on the Virginia Tech campus.
MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke Times
April 17, 2023
Albert Hill Middle School sixth-grader Drew Sirpis looks for birds during the educational boat trip on the James River on Monday.
Eva Russo, Times-Dispatch
April 18, 2023
Richmond Flying Squirrels Luis Matos steals the second base against Erie SeaWolves shortstop Gage Workman in the 3rd inning at The Diamond, Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 19, 2023
Children participate in Little Feet Meets at Matoaca High School in Chesterfield, VA on April 19, 2023. A total of 1,400 Special Olympic athletes from grades PK-5 throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools competed in Little Feet Meets between two dates, April 12 at James River High and April 19 at Matoaca High. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 20, 2023
Mike Blau, center, a line cook, and others work on preparing a soft opening of The Veil's new taproom, located in Scott’s Addition at 1509 Belleville St., on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 21, 2023
(From left) VCU sophomore Caroline May, of Pittsburgh, PA, and senior Lee Finch, of Norfolk, VA carry a coffin with a blow-up Earth ball during a VCU Student Climate Protest in Richmond, VA on April 21, 2023. The small crowd walked from the James Branch Cabell Library, though Monroe Park, to the office of VCU President Michael Rao in a mock funeral procession. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 22, 2023
Anthony Clary gestures as he runs through confetti during the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k on Saturday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
April 23, 2023
A volunteer picks up an old wooden palate and brings it to a trash pile during Friends of Fonticello Park's community cleanup on Sunday.
Sean Jones, Times-Dispatch
April 24, 2023
Kay Ford spends time with her cat, Patches, at her home in Mechanicsville, VA., on Monday, April 24, 2023. Ford recently adopted Patches, a 40-pound cat, from Richmond Animal Care and Control. The story of Patches went viral after RACC publicized the cat.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 25, 2023
Emily Cover, a project manager with DPR Construction, is shown at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, left top, in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. DPR is the team that built the hospital.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 26, 2023
Guests tour the Anthropology Lab at the new College of Humanities and Sciences STEM building on West Franklin Street in Richmond, VA on April 26, 2023. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 27, 2023
Police tape marks the scene outside George Wythe High School.
ANNA BRYSON/TIMES-DISPATCH
April 28, 2023
Sculptor Kate Raudenbush takes in her finished piece "Breaking Point" in the Flagler Garden Near the Monet Bridge at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on April 28, 2023. The garden is set to debut "Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture" on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Incanto features five designed, allegorical sculptures, accompanied by poetry, throughout the garden. The exhibition is the work of Raudenbush and poet Sha Michele. EVA RUSSO/TIMES-DISPATCH
Eva Russo
April 29, 2023
Pharrell Williams performs during the Pharrell's Phriends set at Something in the Water in Virginia Beach on Saturday.
Kendall Warner
May 1, 2023
A man carries a piece of furniture through a neighborhood in Virginia Beach, Va. on Monday May 1, 2023. The City of Virginia Beach declared a state of emergency after a tornado moved through the area and damaged dozens of homes, downed trees and caused gas leaks. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)
Ben Finley
May 2, 2023
Sports Backers Stadium is shown next to The Diamond in this drone photo, in Richmond, VA., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Daniel Sangjib Min/TIMES-DISPATCH | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/have-you-seen-this-truck-henrico-police-say-it-was-involved-in-a-motorcycle-theft/article_d4300c10-e93d-11ed-8007-af8e8235082f.html | 2023-05-03T00:30:15 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/have-you-seen-this-truck-henrico-police-say-it-was-involved-in-a-motorcycle-theft/article_d4300c10-e93d-11ed-8007-af8e8235082f.html |
MOUNTAIN IRON — A congressional hearing that would normally be held in the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, D.C., convened in an Iron Range school auditorium Tuesday.
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Hermantown, chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, brought five fellow Republican representatives to Mountain Iron-Buhl Public School Auditorium to hear from three witnesses that support copper-nickel mining: Jessica Johnson, community outreach and government relations manager for Talon Metals Corp., which is looking to develop an underground nickel mine near Tamarack; Dean Peterson, chief geologist of Big Rock Exploration in Minneapolis; and Joe Baltich, owner of Northwind Lodge in Ely.
But their testimony on the controversial issue was unlikely to change the minds of the U.S. representatives, who already support Stauber’s push for copper-nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota. The group also toured NewRange Copper Nickel, the joint PolyMet and Teck project, earlier in the day.
“We’re here to see what you all see every day,” Stauber said. “To hear your desires, receive your input, and therefore, make better laws and policies when we’re in the halls of Congress back in Washington.
The hearing comes on the heels of Stauber introducing a bill that he said would nullify the Biden administration's decision to withdraw, or ban, new mineral leases on 225,500 acres of federal land within the same watershed as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
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And after the Republican energy package, which includes Stauber’s bill to speed up the federal permitting of mines, was included in the GOP’s recently passed bill to increase the debt ceiling and cut spending. But the bill is unlikely to be taken up by the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Like the speakers, hearing attendees were largely pro-mining.
Dean Halverson, of Mahtowa, said he was “100% in favor of copper-nickel mining.”
“It can be done safely. … We need these mines,” Halverson said.
Steve Saari, of Ely, said he has seen graduating classes fall from almost 150 students in the late 1970s to just a few dozen today.
“We don’t have jobs that are family-sustaining, so, therefore, we don't hardly have any kids in our school anymore,” said Saari, who serves on the board of the pro-mining group Up North Jobs.
But before attending the hearing, five copper-nickel opponents stood outside the school and auditorium entrances with signs that read “Let the public speak” on one side and “Thank you Secretary Haaland" on the other, a reference to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s decision earlier this year to ban mining on federal land in the Superior National Forest and Rainy River Watershed.
“What we need is investment in alternatives, and we need to see that there is more than one way of life here for the future,” said Leah Rogne, who lives near Orr.
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Kathleen McQuillan, of Virginia, was disappointed the public wouldn't have a chance to weigh in.
“We decided to show up because we have a voice and Congressman Stauber represents the entire 8th District,” McQuillan said. “And not everyone agrees with him on his actions with the copper-nickel mining proposals … so we wanted to make a showing that some of us would like to speak.”
In a news conference ahead of the hearing, Stauber said congressional hearings allow for expert witness testimony but not general public comment.
Asked about the makeup of the witnesses, and if there was anyone speaking who was opposed to copper-nickel mining, Stauber told reporters: “They’re represented by the (Biden) administration.”
John Seibels, press secretary for the House Natural Resource Committee, said all Democratic members of the committee were invited and could have invited their own expert witnesses to speak on any side of the issue.
“I am disappointed that my colleagues from across the aisle did not show up today,” Stauber said during the hearing.
Stauber was joined by U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, who serves as Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District representative and is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Republican Reps. Mike Collins, of Georgia, Rob Wittman, of Virginia, Larry Bucshon, of Indiana, and Jack Bergman, of Michigan, also attended the hearing. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/stauber-hosts-mining-congressional-hearing-in-mountain-iron | 2023-05-03T00:33:39 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/stauber-hosts-mining-congressional-hearing-in-mountain-iron |
INDIANAPOLIS
Shelby County 2023 primary election results
Chris Sikich
Indianapolis Star
Here are the election results in Shelby County. Click on "change race" to scroll through the contests on the primary ballot.
Live coverage:The polls have closed in Marion County's primary election: Live updates | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/05/02/election-2023-shelby-county-primary-election-results/70171523007/ | 2023-05-03T00:37:06 | 0 | https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2023/05/02/election-2023-shelby-county-primary-election-results/70171523007/ |
100-bed housing shelter with veterinary clinic for residents' pets coming near downtown Phoenix
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will start construction on a 100-bed transitional shelter geared toward seniors, veterans and people with disabilities near downtown Phoenix this summer, nearly tripling the capacity of the nonprofit’s existing facility.
The new building, called Ozanam Manor II, will sit adjacent to the first phase, located near Third Avenue just south of Interstate 17 in an industrial area. Construction is expected to take about a year.
The shelter also will have a veterinary clinic run by Midwestern University to take care of companion animals of people who are experiencing homelessness and others who cannot afford care for their animals.
At a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday morning, Shannon Clancy, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, said having pets can create a barrier for people seeking shelter, because many shelters will not allow them.
“We found a lot of people who would not come in without bringing their animal with them,” she said.
However, when the county asked St. Vincent de Paul to open a temporary heat relief space during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clancy said the nonprofit allowed animals and learned that they present few behavioral issues, and are usually bonded to their owner.
After that experience, the nonprofit allowed companion animals into its shelter at 28th and Washington streets, which opened in summer 2022. That shelter has 200 residents and about 40 animals, she said.
“It could change one of those barriers,” Clancy said of having services available for pets within the new development.
Stays in temporary shelters lengthen as housing prices rise
In the past few years, stays at St. Vincent de Paul’s transitional shelters have increased to eight to nine months, up from five to six months a few years ago, Clancy said. The length of time spent in transitional shelters before finding permanent housing is driven by the housing market, as rents have increased across the Valley and those seeking affordable rents are priced out.
Clancy said there are always waitlists for shelters around the Valley. The point-in-time count done in January, which determines the number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County at a given time, showed about 4,900 people were unsheltered and experiencing homelessness. Another 4,700 were homeless and living in shelters or transitional housing.
Most of the funding for the $20 million project is coming from Phoenix, Maricopa County and the state, which are each contributing $6 million, Clancy said. Other funding has come from private donations. The project’s general contractor, Ryan Cos., is waiving its construction fees for the development and building it at cost.
Ryan Cos. also was the general contractor for the first phase. Chuck Carefoot, president of the Southwest region for Ryan Cos., said the next phase will build on the success of the first where most people who transition from the shelter into permanent housing are still in permanent housing six months later.
“This is a rallying cry for our culture,” Carefoot said, adding that finding solutions for homelessness is an issue for the entire community.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said she was glad to see positive change helping those experiencing homelessness.
Gallego said it can be easy to notice the work that still must be done, like seeing unsheltered people on the streets, without being aware of the successes.
How the shelter helped one man regain his life
At the groundbreaking ceremony, a former resident of the first phase of Ozanam Manor shared his story of losing his home and then getting a new start in life from his time in the transitional shelter.
The man, who went by Skip, said he was a Bronze Star recipient from his time in the Marines serving in the Vietnam War. He had opened a successful business and had owned two houses. He never thought he would lose his home.
But a divorce and debt knocked Skip off his feet, he said. He drank heavily after leaving the military, and his family took him in, but eventually kicked him out. Veterans Affairs helped set him up with the St. Vincent de Paul facility, where he said his case manager “saved his life.”
Skip, who is 76, quit drinking and has moved into permanent housing in Sun Lakes. He has mended relationships with his family and now “lives for the days” when he can see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“If it weren’t for St. Vincent de Paul, I don’t know where I’d be,” he said.
Reach the reporter at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter @CorinaVanek. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/st-vincent-de-paul-to-build-phoenix-housing-shelter-clinic-for-pets/70176859007/ | 2023-05-03T00:38:44 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/02/st-vincent-de-paul-to-build-phoenix-housing-shelter-clinic-for-pets/70176859007/ |
ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Ada County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) Deputy Todd Nelson was finally able to go home Tuesday, May 2 after being stabbed during a fatal confrontation with a man on Interstate 84 on Monday, April 10.
As KTVB previously reported, the deputy endured three weeks of medical treatment and physical therapy. According to ACSO, he still has a lengthy recovery time but is now able to do it at home.
Nelson had undergone multiple surgeries for stab wounds. The sheriff's office said the suspect, 40-year-old Jared Decker, died in the "confrontation that resulted in an officer-involved shooting."
As he left the facility, he was greeted and cheered by friends, medical staff, family and other law enforcement officers and first responders from all over the Treasure Valley.
Download the KTVB mobile app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.
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-da-county-deputy-stabbed-in-i-84-confrontation-finally-goes-home-after-weeks-of-treatmental/277-0d73eb61-266e-413b-9e24-c1d0fd64a0a5 | 2023-05-03T00:39:20 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-da-county-deputy-stabbed-in-i-84-confrontation-finally-goes-home-after-weeks-of-treatmental/277-0d73eb61-266e-413b-9e24-c1d0fd64a0a5 |
The Flagstaff Eagles baseball team is now one game away from elimination, having dropped a second-round 4A Conference state championship tournament game to Saguaro Monday at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe.
The No. 7-seeded Eagles (17-3, 10-2 Grand Canyon) lasted just five innings before falling 13-2 to the second-seeded Sabercats via mercy rule.
Saguaro led 7-0 after two innings. Down 13-1 in the top of the inning, the Eagles scored one run.
Eagles freshman Will Carpenter finished his day at the plate 2 for 2 with a walk. Junior teammate Jake Carpenter went 1 for 2 with an RBI and a walk.
Flagstaff will face sixth-seeded Arizona College Prep for a Wednesday contest in the first game of the elimination section of the bracket in Chandler at 4 p.m.
Wrestling
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The National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHS) announced new rules for the 2023-24 high school wrestling season this week.
The new rule states that high school wrestlers will be able to wrestle in six matches in any one day of competition beginning in the winter.
Another new rule is that officials are now to be more lenient on facial hair for wrestlers during health checks and weigh-ins. There will still be regular skin checks, but facial hair alone is not a means of disqualification.
“If there are any questionable areas with regard to skin disease on or around the face, the on-site approved healthcare professional would be involved; however, the length of the facial hair does not have any influence on the referee’s decision,” said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/local-roundup-fhs-baseball-loses-in-second-round-of-state-tourney-to-saguaro/article_68f89888-e909-11ed-8906-9bc12aa25b42.html | 2023-05-03T00:54:43 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/local-roundup-fhs-baseball-loses-in-second-round-of-state-tourney-to-saguaro/article_68f89888-e909-11ed-8906-9bc12aa25b42.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Jumping in a Wichita pool this summer may depend on whether the City of Wichita finds enough lifeguards.
The City’s aquatics supervisor Joe Martin said workers are getting the pools ready and repairing any vandalism. They have already filled at least one pool and plan to have all six pools ready by opening day, May 29, Memorial Day.
But he needs to hire 40 more lifeguards.
“That’s kind of the critical component to us even being able to open our facilities and operate them for a full day,” Martin said. “If we don’t hit that minimum, we are looking at either closures for open swim or rolling closures.”
He said anyone aged 15 and up can apply. Pay starts at $12 an hour. The City will train them.
“We do provide all the certifications free of charge for those that are looking to work for us,” Martin said.
The training includes emergency management, CPR, first aid, and AEDs (automated external defibrillators).
Martin hopes to prevent any more vandalism with new security cameras being put in place.
“It’ll be able to detect when somebody approaches or somebody is inside of a designated area that they shouldn’t be in.”
To apply for a job or find the swimming pool or splash pad closest to you, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-pools-almost-ready-but-not-enough-lifeguards/ | 2023-05-03T00:57:14 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-pools-almost-ready-but-not-enough-lifeguards/ |
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Mayor Ken Welch says the program is an investment that will bolster the city's small business capacity along with supporting equitable economic development.
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Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. | https://www.wtsp.com/video/news/local/pinellascounty/st-pete-introduces-new-accessible-funding-program-for-local-businesses/67-c3ebb908-9c08-4a04-9a9b-abb78f5be2e8?src=rss | 2023-05-03T01:00:48 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/video/news/local/pinellascounty/st-pete-introduces-new-accessible-funding-program-for-local-businesses/67-c3ebb908-9c08-4a04-9a9b-abb78f5be2e8?src=rss |
DALLAS — A Dallas woman faces several years in federal prison and the forfeiture of millions of dollars after pleading guilty to a health care scam involving fraudulent COVID-19 testing.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Texas announced that 52-year-old Connie Jo Clampitt, who was indicted in December, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Court documents revealed Clampitt admitted that she and her co-conspirators accessed private patient information from clinics where one of the accused worked as a contract lab technician.
Clampitt and the other defendants then used that information to submit claims to insurance providers for COVID-19 testing, according to court documents. The testing was never performed and the patients were unaware that their information was being used, officials said.
They ended up submitting around $30 million in claims and received more than $7 million in reimbursements for the testing, according to court documents.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Clampitt faces up to five years in federal prison. She also agreed through the plea deal to a $7.29 million forfeiture money judgment and will have to forfeit items seized during the investigation, including $2.5 million from various bank accounts, two houses, six vehicles and six luxury watches, officials said.
"As the country struggled to cope with a devastating pandemic, this defendant conspired to swindle insurance providers out of millions of dollars," U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said in a statement. "She exploited the healthcare system when it was at its most vulnerable, indirectly raising healthcare costs for everyday Americans." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-woman-pleads-guilty-scamming-insurers-millions-fake-covid-19-tests/287-8dab8602-fd21-4070-8e15-fcbea256a021 | 2023-05-03T01:04:07 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-woman-pleads-guilty-scamming-insurers-millions-fake-covid-19-tests/287-8dab8602-fd21-4070-8e15-fcbea256a021 |
SAGINAW, Texas — Earlier this week, police in White Settlement released surveillance video of suspects committing vehicle burglaries in different neighborhoods. In one of those instances, a homeowner who was sitting in his vehicle at the time was shot.
Now, police believe the same suspects have been seen check for unlocked car doors in a neighborhood in Saginaw, which is about 10 miles away from White Settlement.
A security camera recorded the suspects around 3 a.m. Sunday in the area of Giddyup Lane in Saginaw. One of the suspects can be seen carrying a handgun.
That's why police chiefs like Chris Cook in White Settlement are sounding the alarm. Based on preliminary information, Cook believes the suspects are possibly in their late teens or early twenties.
"They're really putting their lives in jeopardy as suspects as well. They're going to come across the wrong house and someone's going to use deadly force," Cook said. "What's most concerning to us is that someone's going to be killed."
Cook believes the Saginaw suspects are the same burglars caught on camera over the weekend who his investigators hope to identify. In one case, a suspect fired shots and injured a man who was in the passenger seat.
"After the shooting, which happened around 2 in the morning, we have other surveillance video. 3, 3:30, 4 in the morning where they still didn't leave the area. They started burglarizing other cars," said Cook.
Cook and his law enforcement partners in Saginaw, Fort Worth, Lake Worth and on the federal level are in contact with each other. They are waiting on evidence that could reveal if their cases are connected. Cook has even reached out to agents at the ATF.
Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrels also offers assistance to local police departments when it comes to fighting crimes, especially when it's organized like the group of suspects appear to be.
"We're going to build an engaging and organized crime offense against all four of these suspects, even though we only believe one was the shooter. All of them should be prosecuted under Texas statutes of engaging in organized criminal activity," Cook said. "And so, the more offense reports that we can link them to, the more that we can tie them to, the better off as we proceed through the judicial system to make sure that they get justice that they deserve."
"We got the cellphone. It's being analyzed today by the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office. So, we're optimistic that it's going to belong to one of our suspects," Cook added.
Identifying the suspects is something Arlington police are interested in because of the unsolved murder of 36-year-old Ali Ismail. On Feb. 14 around 5 a.m., Arlington detectives believe he surprised car burglars who then shot him and ran away.
With more video popping up and similar cases across several North Texas cities, Cook gives this warning to everyone.
"Keep your cars locked," said Cook. "Don't keep your garage door openers in your car either, have motion detector lights, keep your front door to your residence locked because it's scary." | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/new-video-same-car-burglars-shot-white-settlement-texas-homeowner-different-city-crime-spree/287-23d24bc3-1f9e-42b3-a96d-be219f75ebae | 2023-05-03T01:04:13 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/new-video-same-car-burglars-shot-white-settlement-texas-homeowner-different-city-crime-spree/287-23d24bc3-1f9e-42b3-a96d-be219f75ebae |
POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Many organizations are located in the former post office on South Second Street in Pottsville.
One of them is working to meet the growing need for mental health counseling.
Alicia Fleischut is the Executive Director of Clinical Outcome Group Incorporated.
She says they've seen an increase in the number of patients throughout Schuylkill County who've developed mental health issues after living through a traumatic experience.
“90% of our clients experience some kind of trauma in their lifetime. Which is often an obstacle in getting sober or getting better mentally. So we offer specialized training with our staff so that they are better prepared to deal with the clients where they are instead of where we think we are,” she said.
Their biggest obstacle: getting new patients to come in.
So, the nonprofit is rebranding itself as a Trauma Informed Care Center, requiring employees to go through training with the Behavioral Health Alliance Of Rural Pennsylvania.
BHARP CEO, Sally Walker, says this allows more people to open up and process events that, if ignored, could lead to more mental health issues down the road.
“There are things every day that cause trauma and just acknowledging that and then understanding that people's responses aren't to you but are to a past experience or situation they're had,” she explained.
The trauma training includes all staff members, even those who aren't counselors.
Financial Director, Kelly Examitas, says it's changed her approach with patients.
“You're not looking at them in any sort of way. We're just looking at the person and not what they're going through or what they're going to be. And just keeping it a welcoming environment,” she added.
Clinical Outcome Group Incorporated hopes its staff members will utilize their trauma training outside the office's walls, normalizing the conversation around mental health.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/pottsville-non-profit-rebrands-as-trauma-informed-care-center-alicia-fleischut-bharp-ceo-sally-walker/523-46de1377-ec2f-42a9-b899-7e302854de1a | 2023-05-03T01:10:14 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/pottsville-non-profit-rebrands-as-trauma-informed-care-center-alicia-fleischut-bharp-ceo-sally-walker/523-46de1377-ec2f-42a9-b899-7e302854de1a |
MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) - Tuesday was a special Election Day with 21 different proposals on the ballot across Mid-Michigan.
A controversial measure in Montrose will determine whether the city allows recreational marijuana dispensaries.
Most of the questions on the ballot Tuesday involve school millages, including costly millages for voters in Saginaw Township Community Schools and Lake Fenton Community Schools.
The Saginaw Township school district is asking voters to approve nearly $245 million in bond funds. The district says it will use the money to build a new high school and renovate seven other buildings.
Voters in the Lake Fenton school district will decide on a $57 million bond proposal. The money would be used to build new facilities and a new early childhood center.
Other districts with bond proposals on the ballot include Bangor Township Schools in Bay County, Coleman Community Schools in Midland County and Dryden Community Schools in Lapeer County.
Gladwin Community Schools are asking for more than $55 million to build a new junior high school.
Other items on the ballot include sinking funds and fire protection millages.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to see which communities have questions on the ballot Tuesday and where to vote. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/polls-close-on-may-2-special-election-check-here-for-results/article_3b9393e8-e882-11ed-9c14-4fdc1fdf8a12.html | 2023-05-03T01:10:38 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/polls-close-on-may-2-special-election-check-here-for-results/article_3b9393e8-e882-11ed-9c14-4fdc1fdf8a12.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A few days after employees at the Portland State University Urban Center Starbucks officially unionized, workers are saying that their lead organizer was sent home from her shift for wearing a pro-union t-shirt.
Starbucks Workers United reported that staff members at the PSU Urban Center location filed a petition for union election with the National Labor Relations Board in mid-March. The workers’ rights group announced that the store had unanimously won their union election by a 14-0 vote on Friday, April 28.
Following staff members at a Starbucks store in Hillsboro, the Urban Center coffee shop is the 16th Portland-area location to unionize.
“The freshly unionized Portland Starbucks partners have joined the fight against the Company’s hour cuts, inadequate staffing, disregard for partner safety, and refusal to bargain with the union in good faith,” SBWU said. “They’re standing up to the faux-progressivism the Company continues to use in marketing despite consistently disregarding the concerns and well-being of their workers.”
On Monday, May 1 — which coincides with “May Day” or International Workers Day — PSU Urban Center baristas say they all went on strike after lead organizer Lauren Smith was told to clock out for wearing a t-shirt that supported the union.
According to a release, community members joined the striking staff members later in the afternoon. Labor and community organizer Jamie Partridge said Starbucks managers had to close the store down.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz stepped down in March, ahead of his testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee led by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The hearing focused on Schultz’ efforts to prevent Starbucks unions. According to Sen. Sanders, the coffee company had ‘waged the most aggressive and illegal union-busting campaign in the modern history of our country.’
“The fundamental issue we’re confronting today is whether we have a system of justice that applies to all, or whether billionaires and large corporations can break the law with impunity,” the senator added.
KOIN 6 reached out to Starbucks corporate for comment, but hasn’t yet heard back. | https://www.koin.com/local/starbucks-staff-strikes-after-lead-organizer-was-sent-home-for-wearing-pro-union-shirt/ | 2023-05-03T01:12:35 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/starbucks-staff-strikes-after-lead-organizer-was-sent-home-for-wearing-pro-union-shirt/ |
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