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Lincoln voters chose two Republicans with aviation experience on Tuesday to join the Lincoln Airport Authority.
Chris Stokes a current commercial airline pilot and former Air Force Reserve pilot, and Chris Hove, a former naval aviator, were the top two vote-getters in a four-person field.
Stokes, a Republican and first-time candidate, came out on top Tuesday, with more than 7,000 more votes than any other candidate.
Hove, also a Republican who previously served on the Airport Authority from 2007-2011, had about 3,800 more votes than Democrat Vanessa Emlich, who worked for German airline Lufthansa.
Nathan Janulewicz, a Democrat who is a legislative aide to Sen. Eliot Bostar, was in fourth place.
Stokes and Hove will replace Zachary Mora James and Richard Nuernberger, who both chose not to run for reelection.
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The Airport Authority has five unpaid members who serve six-year terms. They are tasked with shaping policy for both the commercial and general aviation operations as well as the airport's industrial park and controlling an eight-figure budget.
The two new members will be joining the board during a time of huge change at the airport, which is poised to open the first phase of its $55 million terminal expansion project right around Memorial Day.
In addition to more terminal space, the expansion also will consolidate the airport's two security checkpoints into one and will add two more gates.
Passenger numbers declined sharply in 2020 and have been slow to rebound, but airport officials are hoping the introduction of a new startup airline, Red Way, which will offer twice-weekly flights to seven cities starting in June, will provide a boost. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/2-republicans-win-airport-authority-seats/article_62644dc2-e923-11ed-be21-f34b035db221.html | 2023-05-03T04:48:05 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/2-republicans-win-airport-authority-seats/article_62644dc2-e923-11ed-be21-f34b035db221.html |
VALPARAISO — Former Republican Mayor Jon Costas will compete against newcomer Hannah Trueblood in the November mayoral election.
Unofficial election results showed that Trueblood beat Pamela Schroeder in the Democrat primary with about 65% of the vote. Costas beat Art Elwood in the Republican primary with 83% of the vote.
Both Costas and Trueblood declared victory just before 9 p.m.
"It's honestly kind of surreal," Trueblood said, noting she is the first female mayoral nominee to make it to Valparaiso's general election. "We're super excited for the opportunity."
At 28, Trueblood would also be the city's youngest mayor.
Costas, who previously served as mayor of Valparaiso for 16 years, threw his hat in the ring shortly after current Mayor Matt Murphy announced that he would not be seeking reelection. Murphy, a Republican, was elected in 2019 after Costas announced his retirement. At the end of November, Murphy said he would not be seeking a second term because his family's small business, Jifco Products Inc., was acquired by Urschel Laboratories and he was offered a position that would require his daily presence at the Urschel headquarters in Chesterton.
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Murphy will begin the new position in January 2024; he will be one of the four candidates competing for two at-large Valparaiso Common Council seats at the Nov. 7 general election.
Trueblood, a local real estate broker, decided to run for mayor because she believes Valparaiso is ready for change. Her platforms include creating more affordable housing in the city, ensuring small businesses aren't priced out of the downtown, improving the city's environmental sustainability and making city government more transparent and accessible.
"We want to make sure that the middle and lower class are supported," Trueblood said. "Teachers and first responders deserve to be able to live where they work.
Trueblood served on the Porter County Tax Board of Appeals in 2022.
Costas, who has worked as an elder law attorney and owns multiple restaurants in Valparaiso, campaigned on three main commitments: maintaining public safety by continuing to invest in police, providing "extraordinary" city services and spending tax dollars prudently.
During his 16 years as mayor, Costas received praise for helping revitalize the downtown, leading both the Central Park Plaza and the Urschel Pavilion projects.
If elected, Costas has said he will continue several of the projects started under the Murphy administration including: the Linc apartment complex, the Valpo for all Generations Parks Department initiative, the new skate park coming to Fairgrounds Park and the boutique hotel planned for the former Valparaiso Boys and Girls Club located at 354 Jefferson Street. Once the projects "T-d up" by Murphy have been executed, Costas said he will work with residents to "forge a new vision for Valpo."
Looking ahead to the general election, Costas noted his "experience far exceeds" Truebloods'.
"It's definitely not going to be an easy feat, but I feel great," Trueblood said of the general election. "In some ways it's kind of the perfect pairing, sort of new versus old. A lot of his (Costas') platform involves a lot of the same old and we're very future-focused...the differences could not be starker."
Most of the candidates in the Valparaiso City Council race will continue to the Nov. 7 general election. However, Barbara Domer beat Drew Wenger in the District Three Democratic race for a spot on the Nov. 7 ballot. Domer will compete against incumbent District Three Republican representative Harris Peterson in the fall.
Incumbent Republican Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor ran unopposed. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/primary-election-new-vs-old-democratic-newcomer-will-compete-against-former-mayor-costas-in-valpo/article_d2986f04-e92a-11ed-9e9d-3f3218d9a4f2.html | 2023-05-03T04:48:10 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/primary-election-new-vs-old-democratic-newcomer-will-compete-against-former-mayor-costas-in-valpo/article_d2986f04-e92a-11ed-9e9d-3f3218d9a4f2.html |
Voters elected an environmental consultant to fill the lone open seat on the Lincoln Board of Education on Tuesday, while two incumbents won reelection easily.
Piyush Srivastav was elected to his first four-year term on the school board representing District 2, which covers a portion of south-central and southeast Lincoln. Srivastav, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan race, defeated Republican Emmy Pollen for the seat that opened up when incumbent Connie Duncan declined to run for a third term.
In north Lincoln's District 4, Democrat Annie Mumgaard, a virtual educator at the University of Nebraska State Museum, won a third term handily. She beat Republican challenger Alaina Brouillette, who does billing for CHI Health.
And in District 6, which covers a slice of of central and east Lincoln, local physician Bob Rauner, an independent, easily defeated retired state trooper Richard Aldag, a Republican.
Srivastav said that when he decided to run, he promised he would give "110%" of his time and energy to the race and run a positive campaign.
"And I'm proud to say that's what we have done," said Srivastav, 56. "I know I gave it my all."
Srivastav, who has regularly attended school board meetings in the months leading up to the election, says he plans to do "a lot of listening and learning" in his first year.
"I feel I am ready to be a member of the LPS board and work with my board members to make policy for all students," he said.
Srivastav, a native of India, moved to Lincoln in 1991 for graduate school and later worked as a regulator for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. In 2003, he founded NAQS Environmental Experts, a consulting firm to advise companies on environmental regulations.
He previously chaired the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools board and was heavily involved in the creation of The Career Academy, LPS' career pathway program at Southeast Community College.
With support from the likes of Duncan and former LPS Superintendent Steve Joel and well-funded campaign coffers, Srivastav soon emerged as the favorite for the District 2 seat. In the April primary, he defeated Pollen by nearly 1,000 votes.
On Tuesday, voters tended to the lean the same way, with Srivastav winning about 60% of ballots cast. Mumgaard, 60, and Rauner, 53, took about 60% of the vote in their races as well.
With Srivastav's election, there are now five Democrats and no Republicans on the seven-member school board. Connie Duncan, who was once a registered Republican, previously changed to independent. Current board member Lanny Boswell, a former Republican, is also an independent now.
Photos: Scenes from Lincoln's May 2 General Election
Zach Hammack, a 2018 UNL graduate, has always called Lincoln home. He previously worked as a copy editor at the Journal Star and was a reporting intern in 2017. Now, he covers students, teachers and schools as the newspaper’s K-12 reporter.
Lincoln Board of Education district 4 candidate Annie Mumgaard speaks to supporters during an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom.
Lincoln Board of Education district 2 candidate Piyush Srivastav speaks with voters and supporters during an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/srivastav-will-join-lincoln-school-board-incumbents-win-reelection/article_0537455a-e923-11ed-9537-472a524f4731.html | 2023-05-03T04:48:11 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/srivastav-will-join-lincoln-school-board-incumbents-win-reelection/article_0537455a-e923-11ed-9537-472a524f4731.html |
GARY — State Sen. Eddie Melton has unseated Gary Mayor Jerome Prince.
Unofficial election results showed Melton won with just under 61% of the vote.
"I just received a call from Mayor Jerome Prince. He congratulated me," Melton told a cheering crowd around 9:30, Tuesday evening. "Thank you Gary!"
Melton said he and Prince have agreed to sit down and discuss the city's progress in the coming weeks. Prince was not available for comment Tuesday evening.
"We are city of innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and problem solvers. What we accomplish tonight will change the trajectory of the city," Melton told the some 200 attendees that filled the Diamond Center at U.S. Steel Yard Stadium. "Gary will rise from the ashes to become a beacon of light."
Melton will compete against Republican Andrew Delano, who is unopposed in the GOP primary, at the Nov. 7 general election for a four-year term as Gary mayor. After declaring victory, Melton urged Gary residents to register to vote, noting that even though Gary has historically been a Democratic city, nothing is "guaranteed."
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Prince pulled off an upset victory in 2019, unseating incumbent Democrat Karen Freeman-Wilson, the city's first female mayor. Born and raised in Gary, Prince enlisted in the U.S. marines after high school. His long career includes time as a Gary Common Councilman, a precinct committeeman and the Lake County Council. In 2014, Prince was elected Lake County Assessor.
Prince's 2019 mayoral campaign was built around "reimaging" the Steel City. Throughout the past three years, Prince has been focused on helping the city navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, allocating much of the $80.3 million of American Rescue Plan Act money Gary was awarded, demolishing abandoned buildings throughout the city and launching a youth summer employment program.
According to Prince's campaign website, the incumbent administration has been able to pay down about $7 million of the city's long-term debt, improve public safety through the Operation Safe Zone security camera initiative, demolish over 200 blighted buildings and launch a youth summer employment program.
Melton announced his mayoral campaign in November with the slogan "Gary Deserves Better NOW," with "NOW" standing for "No Opportunities Wasted." The state senator said he was running for mayor because he has grown frustrated with the lack of progress in his hometown.
His platform has been built around creating an updated master plan for the city with a specific vision for each neighborhood.
"We continue to not have a plan with development and we allow developers to come in and tell use where they want to go," Melton said during an April debate.
Melton's economic development plan for the city includes establishing an Office of Economic and Community Development, creating a Gary Small Business Center, commissioning a study looking at disparities in minority business ownership and putting together a tourism task force as well as a renewable energy task force. Melton has also discussed turning the Buffington Harbor area into a transportation and logistics hub.
Melton, who was elected to the state senate in 2016, currently works as the manager of Corporate Citizen and Community Relations for Northern Indiana Public Service Company, or NIPSCO.
In 2019, Melton launched a bid for governor but dropped out of the race after just four months because he was unable to raise enough money. He has served the Indiana State Senate as assistant minority leader and is currently the ranking minority member on the Appropriations and State Budget Committee. He has also sat on a number of boards and commissions including the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the State Board of Education, the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislators and as deputy chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party.
"If we work together, Gary will have the greatest comeback story in this nation," Melton said Tuesday evening.
Common Council
In the Gary Common Council race, a crowd of 31 candidates competed for just nine seats.
Incumbent Democrats Ron Brewer and Darren Washington snagged two of the Gary Common Council's three At-Large seats. Newcomer Mark Spencer secured the final seat beating Democratic challengers Tashaun Brown, Roosevelt Dixon, Sinclair Harley IV and incumbent District One Councilman and Council President William Godwin. The primary winners will face Republican At-Large candidate Ivan Ursery II at the Nov. 7 general election.
Incumbent Democrat At-Large Councilwoman Lori Latham appeared to win the District One Common Council race, beating Democratic challengers David Gearman, Sondra Ford, Myles Tolliver, MacArthur Drake and Jacqueline Lee. Democrat Dwayne Halliburton unseated incumbent District Two Councilman David Fossett. Halliburton also beat challengers Bernice Clark, Portia Newsome, Robert Campbell and Mitchell Armstrong Sr. Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Mary Brown retained her seat, beating Ron Matlock, Anthony Manuel and Jonathan Joel Boose.
Council Vice President Tai Adkins, D-4, retained her seat, beating Ebony Rogers Miller, as did incumbent Linda Barnes-Caldwell, D-5, beating challenger Carl Weatherspoon Jr.
Incumbent Sixth District Councilman Dwight Williams beat challenger Robert Buggs Sr. for a Democratic spot on the fall ballot. Williams will face Republican John Collier at the Nov. 7 general election.
The city's incumbent Clerk-Treasurer Suzette Raggs, D, and incumbent City Judge, Deidre Monroe, D, both ran unopposed. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/gary-will-rise-from-the-ashes-state-sen-melton-unseats-gary-mayor/article_d5d338fc-e92a-11ed-9200-dbc5519fa05b.html | 2023-05-03T04:48:16 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/gary-will-rise-from-the-ashes-state-sen-melton-unseats-gary-mayor/article_d5d338fc-e92a-11ed-9200-dbc5519fa05b.html |
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird speaks with supporters as she makes her rounds around an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird hugs her supporters as she enters an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Adam Morfeld is hugged by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird as she enters an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday DelRay Ballroom.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird is embraced by Sen. George Dungan as she enters an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom.
Leirion Gaylor Baird, who saw Lincoln through a global pandemic during her first term, won re-election Tuesday against former state Sen. Suzanne Geist in a contentious race marked by attack ads and unprecedented campaign spending.
Early returns – 32,158 early ballots – heavily favored Gaylor Baird who garnered 64% (20,582) of the early votes, which wasn’t surprising, since Democrats are more likely to vote early.
By 10 p.m. her lead had narrowed to 54%, to Geist’s 45%, but the unofficial total gave her a 6,668-vote lead, which likely means uncounted ballots won’t change the outcome of the election. The unofficial totals had Gaylor Baird with 42,072 votes to Geist's 35,404.
Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said about 3,000 early ballots turned in Tuesday still need to be counted on Wednesday. There will also be some additional provisional and other ballots that the machines couldn’t read.
Gaylor Baird’s reelection will continue a Democrat-led city that dates back a quarter of a century, and she will continue to work with a City Council with a 6-1 Democrat majority.
Although officially nonpartisan races, parties recruit and support candidates for those offices.
Gaylor Baird said the outcome of the election says “many wonderful things” about the city.
“It looks like love for this city is beating fear,” she said, referring to the negative attack ads paid mainly by a conservative action committee.
“They are excited to be building a bright future together and are responding to our positive message because we are doing great things together,” she said.
Geist thanked her supporters, including the Lincoln Police Union, saying "we gave them a run for their money."
She told those gathered at a Republican party downtown to make sure the mayor supports police officers.
The 44% turnout in the unofficial results is the highest turnout in at least the last five city general elections. Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen mailed about 37,000 early ballots for the general election, more than were sent out in the primary.
More voters turned in early ballots in the general election than in the primary, in which the record 29,592 mail-in ballots slightly outnumbered voters going to the polls.
In a three-way primary race, Gaylor Baird captured close to 50% of the vote, to Geist’s nearly 33%. Stan Parker, a Republican who runs a Christian ministry, captured 17% of the vote, and Geist hoped to capture at least some of his votes.
After the primary, Geist resigned from the Legislature -- she was serving her second term -- so that she could go "all in" on the campaign.
The race was the most expensive in the city’s history with both candidates raising well over $1 million. Two deep-pocketed donors – the Peed family and its company Sandhills Global and U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts - donated hundreds of thousands to Geist’s campaign.
The two families donated more than $835,000 to a conservative political action committee that spent $545,000 opposing Gaylor Baird and paid for many of the attack ads that implied Gaylor Baird was an insider, responsible for increased property values and what ads said was the city’s spike in crime.
Gaylor Baird also proved to be a formidable fundraiser, and got significant donations from labor unions and others. Late in the campaign, a $250,000 donation from Mike Hays, the CEO of the Lincoln-based National Research Corp., matched an early record-setting donation to Geist from Sandhills Global.
Geist was endorsed by Gov. Jim Pillen, former Gov. Dave Heineman and Congressman Mike Flood as well as the Lincoln Police Union.
Gaylor Baird earned the endorsement of the Lincoln firefighters union and Tom Casady, former police chief and public safety director.
Although both candidates said improving streets, affordable housing efforts, and economic growth were priorities, the race came down primarily to two issues: public safety and Geist’s voting record.
The Lincoln Police Union backed Geist, and attack ads implied Gaylor Baird was responsible for a spike in crime, low police morale and increasing property valuations.
Gaylor Baird attacked Geist’s voting record, and said that record made clear she was too extreme and her values didn’t reflect Lincoln’s. She attacked Geist’s voting record on everything from a proposed consumption tax and tax credits for private school donors to a concealed carry bill, banning gender-affirming care for young people and further restricting abortion.
Gaylor Baird, who moved to Lincoln in 2002, served on the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission from 2007 until she was elected to City Council in 2016.
Unofficial final results of Lincoln 2023 General Election
Lincoln Mayor
Lincoln City Council
Lincoln Airport Authority
Lincoln Board of Education
Photos: Scenes from Lincoln's May 2 General Election
Margaret Reist is a recovering education reporter now writing about local and county government and the people who live in the city where she was born and raised.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird speaks with supporters as she makes her rounds around an election night party for Democrats on Tuesday at the DelRay Ballroom. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/mayor-leirion-gaylor-baird-beats-former-state-sen-suzanne-geist-in-contentious-lincoln-race/article_d19a3b10-e8fc-11ed-ad50-ff63a3e0f07f.html | 2023-05-03T04:48:17 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/mayor-leirion-gaylor-baird-beats-former-state-sen-suzanne-geist-in-contentious-lincoln-race/article_d19a3b10-e8fc-11ed-ad50-ff63a3e0f07f.html |
TUCSON, Ariz. — Before you go to the Moon or Mars, people making the voyage need to be prepared.
That's why a four-member crew was sealed inside a vessel called SAM. It stands for Space Analog for the Moon and Mars. They went in last Thursday and came out Tuesday.
For six days the four crew members ate, slept, and worked inside an 11,000-square-foot vessel called SAM.
The crew emerged from the air-tight pressurized habitat and were greeted by former biospherean Linda Leigh.
She spent two years inside Biosphere 2 with seven other crew members over 30 years ago.
Cassandra Klos is the mission commander and photographer she commented, "It's been very heartwarming for all of us to meet the biospherans and that we have their support."
Each member was tasked with a different job.
Sheri Wells-Jensen was the mission communications and accessibility officer. "My job on this crew was to look at accessibility not just from a blindness perspectives but from other perspectives of different people in different bodies."
Dr. Iman Jahangir the mission medical officer is a cardiologist, and a two time NASA astronaut candidate finalist.
"What I was looking for was methods of stress mitigation so we had various that we did to try mitigate stress and record some physiological measurements to see if any of those were affected."
Bailey Burns was the mission engineer who was concerned about many things including.
"The toilet works we had no issues. Thank you Kai for making sure that one worked. That was a good lesson learned everything went as planned."
Kai Staats the director of research for SAM said all the research will be documented for other scientists who will be heading to the Moon or Mars and credited the original biospherians.
"They laid the foundation they had the vision and here we are 30 years later carrying forward some of their ideas into a new way of using this facility."
There's another mission on the horizon. On May 10, another crew will be also be calling SAM home for six days.
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PHOENIX — Angela Jones wears small reminders of her three-year-old daughter Charly.
Gold bow earrings. A pink shirt with small black bows. A tattoo on her left arm of a pink bow with angel wings and "Charly" written below.
"She was a beautiful, sassy, fun-loving little girl," Jones said. "She had so much personality in that little body of hers."
It was back on September 3, 2019, when Jones said a change in routine led to Charly not going to preschool that day.
Jones's husband took their two older daughters to school with Charly in tow.
"It wasn't until I had my lunch break at work that I called to see how she was doing," Jones said. "And I could hear the absolute panic in his voice when I asked what Charlie was doing."
Charly was found unresponsive and died. Jones now works with KidsandCars.org to help spread awareness and create change so this doesn't happen to other families.
"If sharing my story can help another family not lose their baby girl, their baby boy, then how difficult this is to share and to do it's all worth it if it just saves one person," Jones said.
Preventable deaths
Kids and Car Safety reports 26 children died in hot cars in the United States last year.
It's something Amber Rollins, Kids and Car Safety's director, said can happen to the most loving and responsible parents.
"We really all have these memory failures. And we don't recognize them as the same type of memory failure that could lead to a hot car tragedy, but in fact, they really are," Rollins said. "Have you ever left the house and left your curling iron on? Or driven away and left the garage door open?"
This is why Rollins said it's important that people realize that it can happen to them and take steps to set several reminders that their child is in the backseat.
Reminders Rollins said can be putting something you can't start your day without in the backseat like your phone or your laptop. Front seat reminders could be something like a stuffed animal or a diaper bag up front when a child is in the back.
"This is a tragedy that you will never recover from. This is something that you don't want to happen to your family. Take it seriously. Take these simple steps. They don't require buying anything. They don't require any extra time or really attention," Rollins said.
Temperatures can rise quickly in cars, especially during the summer in Arizona.
"104 is heatstroke and 106 is fatal," Capt. Rob McDade with Phoenix Fire Department said. "So it does not take very long."
See a person or pet in a hot car? Here's how to help
In 2017, a Good Samaritan law was passed in Arizona and does protect people from civil liability to break into a car if someone sees a person or a pet in distress. But some requirements have to be met to do so.
"You notice that they're in distress; you take steps to verify that if there's any way to enter this vehicle without breaking it, once at that point, call 911," Sgt. Phil Krynsky with Phoenix Police Department said. "And take those steps to go and save a life."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-mom-shares-daughters-tragedy-in-hopes-of-preventing-hot-car-deaths/75-1256408f-1acc-48ff-b2c1-354395b36353 | 2023-05-03T04:50:20 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-mom-shares-daughters-tragedy-in-hopes-of-preventing-hot-car-deaths/75-1256408f-1acc-48ff-b2c1-354395b36353 |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County’s preliminary audit of Winter Springs claimed the city misspent special tax money, but it also exposed a bigger problem: There aren’t enough safeguards in place to ensure proper spending across the county.
The draft audit recommended “more internal administrative controls are needed to increase transparency and protect the citizens’ tax dollars.”
“More needs to be done to ensure adequate communication and transparency,” the audit shows. “This ordinance and inter-local agreement has no controls to deliver on promises made to the public.”
State Sen. Jason Brodeur and Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower called for state and county audits, respectively, after citizens complained about bridges that failed during last year’s hurricanes that had not been previously replaced.
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The bridge over Howell Creek on Northern Way was repaired and reopened this year. It’s one of several that Winter Springs identified for repair or replacement in 2014 using Seminole County penny sales tax revenue.
Seminole County, its school district, Winter Springs and all seven of the county municipalities—Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Sanford—said in an interlocal agreement they would use their share of the penny sales tax solely for improving infrastructure, a requirement under state law.
But the audit done on Winter Springs’ spending showed in a draft released last week the city bought 20 police cars with some of the tax money.
Zembower said the draft audit raises questions about oversight.
“And I don’t perceive and haven’t heard of any other problems in other municipalities but in light of what we discovered at the city of Winter Springs, I think as a taxpayer there’s going to be a question that’s in everybody’s mind, ‘Hey, is this more widespread than just Winter Springs?’” Zembower said.
Zembower said the interlocal agreement doesn’t do enough to ensure the penny sales tax revenue is spent the way the voters intended—only on infrastructure.
“I don’t think it’s as all-encompassing as it should have been,” Zembower said.
Zembower said he’s asking the Seminole County manager to amend the interlocal agreement to require a discussion during commission meetings if cities want to change how they spend the tax money, instead of placing the change on the consent agenda, as Winter Springs did, which often does not evoke discussion.
“It’s not a big burden to do that, it’s really not,” Zembower said. “The people who approved this deserve to know and understand what’s happening. That’s the taxpayers.”
Also, since cities audit themselves annually, Zembower wants the yearly audits expanded to look at how the tax money is being spent.
“Why not consider putting a provision in the interlocal that says when each of us do our annual audit, have that auditor do a separate audit of the infrastructure sales tax revenue to make sure it’s in compliance?” Zembower said. “Seems pretty simple to me. The auditors are already there, they’ve got the numbers, they got all the numbers from the cities, the counties and school board, and when that’s done, share that with all the cities and the updated projects lists.”
In order to make the changes to the sales tax interlocal agreement, all cities and the school board would have to agree.
Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek said she would agree.
“I’m absolutely OK with this, more transparency and additional layer of safeguards,” Sladek said. “One thing we’ve done in Oviedo is every few years shift whose eyes (which auditors) are looking at it. It’s not required but I think it’s a wise policy.”
Altamonte Springs City Manager Franklin Martz said he and Mayor Pat Bates “have already agreed.”
“Mayor Bates and I have already discussed this with Commissioner Zembower, as well as other government CEOs in Seminole County (the county manager, other city managers and the SCPS superintendent),” Martz said. “We are absolutely on board with this step toward additional transparency. We think this is a great idea and this will be part of our annual independent audit. The cost is minimal, but the importance of transparency makes this invaluable. We do not have a consent agenda. Never have. If it is important enough to be on our agenda, then it is on our agenda.”
Longwood Mayor Tony Boni also agreed.
“I would support, if requested, including a review of penny sales tax revenue expenditures during the city’s annual independent audit,” Boni said. “I would support, if requested, holding public discussions during the regular business part of the agenda about changes to the original planned uses.”
Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann’s support was conditional.
“This leads to so many questions,” McCann said. “Changes like this have a systematic process that would need to be negotiated by all parties involved. I would seek input from the other elected officials prior to making a decision. My personal acceptance would also be under the condition that the county government be under the same audit requirements as the municipalities.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/protecting-your-tax-dollars-seminole-commissioner-makes-changes-to-prevent-inappropriate-spending/ | 2023-05-03T04:54:00 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/protecting-your-tax-dollars-seminole-commissioner-makes-changes-to-prevent-inappropriate-spending/ |
William Sherer clinches Democratic Canton mayor candidacy
- Sherer received 1,669 or 34.26% of the votes, according to the Stark County Board of Election's unofficial results.
- Sherer has been City Council president since December 2018.
- He will face Republican candidate Roy Scott DePew in November.
CANTON − William V. Sherer II emerged victorious from the six-person field of Democratic mayoral candidates.
He celebrated his win Tuesday night at the Conestoga Grill with numerous supporters. Sherer repeatedly said he was tired after campaigning until the end. He thanked the people who contributed to his campaign for their support.
"We wanted to run a full campaign, and that's what we did," he said.
Before knowing the outcome, Sherer said that he wouldn't underestimate his Republican opponent, Roy Scott DePew, if he won the primary. He planned to begin preparing soon for the general election.
"That is going to start tomorrow," Sherer said.
The last time Canton had a Republican mayor was in 2007.
Democratic Mayor Thomas Bernabei is in his second four-year term and did not seek re-election. He endorsed Bill Smuckler, praising his extensive experience on City Council.
Sherer received 1,669, or 34.26%, of the votes, according to the Stark County Board of Elections' unofficial results. Tom West, a former Ward 2 councilman and state representative, brought in 32.90%, while Smuckler, a current at-large councilman, collected 22.93% of the vote.
Willis Gordon came in fourth at 6.69%, and Kimberly D. Bell received 3.22% of the votes.
West served for 13 years as the Ward 2 city councilman before being elected to the 49th Ohio House District in 2016. He lost his state re-election bid last year, and his mayoral campaign came to an end at Starz, where he and several council candidates had an election watch party.
Early in the evening, West said he was thankful for his team of "grassroots" supporters.
"We laid it all out," he said about his campaign. "We didn't focus on dollars. We focused on people."
Smuckler spent the evening awaiting results with supporters at Grapes in a Glass. He has been an at-large councilman since 2014, and his current term ends this year. He has served more than 30 years in total on City Council and previously campaigned for mayor twice before.
At his watch party, Smuckler said he's worked hard at everything he's done and the campaign was all-consuming. He noted the dismal weather and inability to predict the turnout and election results.
Finance reports:William Sherer, Bill Smuckler top Dems mayoral field in money raised, spent
Sherer's appeal
Sherer has been City Council president since December 2018. He is a lifelong Canton resident and currently lives in the northwest Ward 8.
All the candidates promised voters that they would invest in neighborhoods and make Canton safer and more prosperous. Sherer's plans include an annual listening tour in each city quadrant, the expansion of police bicycle and walking patrols, increased street paving, and an aggressive approach to economic development using annexation and tax incentives.
Sherer is the business manager, financial secretary and treasurer for Ironworkers Local 550 but previously said he would resign if elected mayor. He also is vice chairman of the Stark County Democratic Party.
Several of his supporters who joined him at the Conestoga Grill were elected officials, Ironworkers or family friends.
Randy DePasquale, a member of the Ironworkers Union, said he's known Sherer for 34 years as a man who does what he says. Sherer treats union members "like family" and cares about the city's residents.
"We need somebody like him in Canton," DePasquale said.
Nancy Pergins, whose father knew Sherer's father, said he will bring a youthful perspective to the office. She thinks Sherer will create more jobs and fix potholes as mayor.
"He's a great guy," she said.
Cari McDermott, who attended McKinley Senior High School with Sherer and is vice president of the Democratic Woman's Club of Canton, said his trade and union background will help him address poverty. She knows him as a giving man who has gotten a feel for what the city needs as council president.
"I think that he has a lot to offer," McDermott said.
Casting votes
At a polling site at Bell H. Stone Elementary on Rowland Avenue NE, voters were far and few between in the morning hours.
Despite it being May, the unseasonably raw weather likely played a part in depressing turnout for the Democratic primary.
Bruno Settimio and his wife, Regina, said they supported Smuckler.
"I like his record on Council, and I think he's good for business," he said. "Our main concern is, we want Canton to be a great place for everyone."
Helen Hampton said she voted for West. "We need a change," she said.
A voter who would only identify himself as "Paul" said Sherer was his mayoral choice. "I trust him before I trust Smuckler," he said.
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @kbyerREP
Reporter Charita Goshay contributed to this report. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/05/03/william-sherer-clinches-democratic-canton-mayor-candidacy/70162752007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:13 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2023/05/03/william-sherer-clinches-democratic-canton-mayor-candidacy/70162752007/ |
Fire issues pass in Canton, Osnaburg townships, East Canton police levy fails
Canton Township voters on Tuesday approved a five-year, 5.9-mill levy for the Fire Department.
Final, unofficial results from the Stark County Board of Elections show that 734 voters cast their ballots in favor of the issue, while 590 voted against it.
The issue will generate $2.46 million annually. Four mills will replace an existing tax, and the other 1.9 mills is a new tax. Officials previously said that additional money is needed to help the Fire Department address wages, building upgrades and new ambulances.
Voters in Tuscarawas and Osnaburg townships also approved fire levies on Tuesday. In Tuscarawas Township, voters OK'd an additional levy that will generate $85,773 in annual revenue. The issue passed with 304 votes, or roughly 56% of the vote, according to the county board of elections. Osnaburg voters OK'd a 1.3-mill levy for fire protection by a vote of 391-332.
Osnaburg voters rejected two other property taxes − 0.15 mills for cemetery maintenance and 1.05 mills for road maintenance.
East Canton's 8.1-mill property tax for police narrowly failed. According to final, unofficial results from the county Board of Elections, 109 voters were against the issue, while 102 were in favor. The village was seeking the renewal of 6.6 mills and increase of 1.5 mills for the department. If approved, the issue would have generated $200,000 every year for five years.
Village officials have said the funds are necessary because the current levy does not meet the needs of the department.
Jackson Township voters, meanwhile, approved a replacement levy for the parks department. Final, unofficial results from the county Board of Elections show that 2,433 ballots were cast in favor of the levy, and 1,407 were against.
The issue will generate $1.96 million annually, costing $35 per $100,000 in property valuation, according to the county Auditor's Office. A large portion of the funds will go toward the upkeep of existing park features, officials said. The levy added no new millage, as the goal was to bring the existing millage back to where it was when voters initially passed the levy.
In Lawrence Township, voters rejected an additional levy for the township's road district by a vote of 416 to 382, according unofficial results from the county Board of Elections. If approved, the issue would have raised an annual amount of $416,859. Funds would have been used to purchase road materials including asphalt and gravel, and for maintenance improvements such as mowing, ditching and chip sealing.
Sugarcreek Township voters renewed a levy for the Fire District that will generate $283,786 annually. The issue passed with 122 votes in favor, and 38 against, according to unofficial election results.
Reach Paige at 330-580-8577, pmbennett@gannett.com or on Twitter @paigembenn. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/02/canton-township-voters-ok-fire-levy-police-levy-in-east-canton-fails/70163035007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:19 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/02/canton-township-voters-ok-fire-levy-police-levy-in-east-canton-fails/70163035007/ |
Unofficial election results: Canton City Schools' Issue 18 passes
- Unofficial election results show that nearly 51% of the 4,685 Canton City School District voters who cast a ballot by Tuesday supported Issue 18.
- The 36-year bond issue that will generate $60 million for the construction of two new elementary schools.
- The new schools, which could be ready as soon as the 2026-2027 school year, will serve students from kindergarten to sixth grade.
CANTON − Parents in the Canton City School District have been asking for years to go back to neighborhood elementary schools.
They said the current structure, with schools based on grade levels, makes it harder on families with multiple children in different grades, increases the time students ride on buses and forces students to change schools too often.
Unofficial election results show that voters on Tuesday agreed to give the school district the money it said it needed to go back to the neighborhood school structure.
Unofficial results show that nearly 51% of the 4,685 Canton City School District voters who cast a ballot by Tuesday supported the 36-year bond issue that will generate $60 million for the construction of two new elementary schools. Issue 18 will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $151 a year, according to the Stark County Auditor’s Office. Since a bond issue that voters approved in 1999 will expire at the end of the year, the owner of a $100,000 home will see only a $19 increase in taxes.
A precinct-by-precinct look at the unofficial results shows that 22 of the district's 44 precincts supported Issue 18, while one precinct had the same amount of votes for and against the issue.
Superintendent Jeff Talbert on Tuesday thanked the more than 2,300 voters who supported the bond issue.
"Your endorsement is a testament to your unwavering commitment to our community and our children’s future," he said. "We are looking forward to working passionately to deliver on our promise to provide an exceptional education for every student in our district."
The bond issue passed, now what?
The revenue from the 4.3-mill levy will be used to build a nearly 90,000-square-foot elementary school at the Souers school site at 2800 13th St. SW and a nearly 75,000-square-foot elementary school at the Mason school site at 316 30th St. NW. The new schools, which could be ready as soon as the 2026-2027 school year, will serve students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Both of the existing buildings will be demolished.
The two larger elementary schools will create a domino effect of changes in the district of nearly 8,000 students.
The new Souers school will replace Cedar, which would become district administrative offices, and McGregor, which will house information technology operations and the warehouse.
The new Mason school will replace Stone, which no longer will be used, and Worley, which will become the preschool center. The Bulldog Virtual Academy at Mason will move to the Timken Career Campus.
The two larger elementary schools also will allow the district to convert three other elementary buildings – Gibbs, Harter and Youtz – into schools serving students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Youtz would get a nearly 40,000-square-foot addition, which would be paid with other district funds, so it is large enough to accommodate the additional grades.
The changes mean the district will have eight K-6 schools: Souers, Mason, Gibbs, Harter, Youtz, as well as the AIM Academy at Belden, Arts Academy at Summit and Patrick Elementary, which already serve K-6 students.
Five schools no longer will be used, and district officials expect to save money by no longer maintaining the aging buildings.
The cost to build the two elementary schools is estimated to be $61.2 million, which is $1 million more than the bond issue will generate.
District officials previously said its main operating fund will cover the $1 million gap. The district opted to only seek $60 million because it did not want the district's debt to potentially exceed what’s allowed under state law, officials said.
Reach Repository writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @kweirREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/canton-city-schools-voters-approve-issue-18-bond-issue-for-new-schools/70177762007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:31 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/canton-city-schools-voters-approve-issue-18-bond-issue-for-new-schools/70177762007/ |
Lake Local voters soundly defeat Issue 20 schools levy
- Lake Local voters overwhelmingly rejected the district's request for a 13-mill operating levy.
- The levy would have cost the owner of a $211,000 home − the average value for the district − another $906 a year in property taxes.
- Superintendent Kevin Tobin previously said Lake would be forced to make cuts to personnel and services in the fall if the levy failed.
LAKE TWP. – Lake Local school officials will begin evaluating their next steps after voters overwhelmingly defeated the district’s request for new money to support school operations.
Unofficial election results show that nearly 70% of the 5,667 Lake Local School District voters who cast a ballot by Tuesday rejected the 13-mill continuous levy request. Issue 20 would have generated $8.3 million a year for the district of 3,300 students.
The levy would have cost the owner of a $211,000 home − the average value for the district − another $906 a year in property taxes.
Online and in messages to The Canton Repository, voters said they couldn’t afford such a large increase. Many said they wanted to see the district trim its budget first.
Superintendent Kevin Tobin previously said Lake would be forced to make cuts to personnel and services in the fall if the levy failed but has not indicated how much would need to be cut. He also has said the district would also be forced to return to the election ballot to seek new funds.
Lake’s five-year forecast shows the district spent $457,790 more than it collected in 2022 and expects to spend $4.5 million more than it will collect in revenue this school year. The forecast shows the district’s cash reserves will be exhausted in 2025 if things don’t change.
About 81% of the general fund is spent on personnel, which includes roughly 450 staff members and athletic coaches.
Local taxes fund 44% of the general fund; the rest comes from state and other sources.
The last time voters approved new funding for the district was in 2015. The request included multiple issues: A 36-year, $34.6 million bond issue to demolish, construct and expand school facilities; an operating levy for maintenance of the new construction and an operating levy to upgrade technology. None of the money went to the district’s general expenses.
Reach Repository writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @kweirREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/lake-local-voters-reject-13-mill-operating-levy-election-results-show/70177811007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:37 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/lake-local-voters-reject-13-mill-operating-levy-election-results-show/70177811007/ |
Unofficial election results: Louisville school renewal levy defeated
- Unofficial election results show that most Louisville City School District voters opposed the district’s request for a five-year, 3.8-mill renewal levy.
- The renewal levy would have generated $1.83 million for the school district.
- The owner of a home valued at $100,000 would have continued paying $119 a year if Issue 17 had passed.
LOUISVILLE ‒ Voters in the Louisville City School District have rejected the district’s request to renew an existing levy for another five years.
Unofficial election results show that nearly 58% of the 2,719 Louisville City School District voters who cast a ballot by Tuesday opposed the district’s request for a five-year, 3.8-mill emergency levy renewal. Issue 17 would have generated $1.83 million annually for the school system of roughly 2,700 students.
Stark County primary election updates:See which candidates and tax issues won, lost
The owner of a home valued at $100,000 would have continued paying $119 a year if Issue 17 had passed.
In many ways, the renewal levy seemed to be Louisville’s best chance to get a tax issue passed because the renewal levy was smaller than the tax issue voters passed five years ago.
When the issue was on the ballot in 2017 for renewal, it was a 5.9-mill levy. With the upcoming election, only 3.8 mills was needed to generate the same amount of revenue.
But a precinct-by-precinct breakdown of the unofficial results shows that Issue 17 failed in 11 of the district’s 16 precincts with no votes cast in two precincts.
Voters defeated the district’s request for a 3.8-mill continuous substitute levy to support school operations in November 2022.
The existing 5.9-mill levy expires in December 2023.
Reach Repository education writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @kweirREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/louisville-city-schools-voters-defeated-issue-17-renewal-levy-election/70177691007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:43 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/louisville-city-schools-voters-defeated-issue-17-renewal-levy-election/70177691007/ |
Alliance voters easily renew park levy
- In Alliance, 80% of voters unofficially approved renewing a five-year, 3-mill property tax for the Parks and Recreation Department on Tuesday.
- In Beloit, a 6-mill additional tax for the Fire Department ended in a tie. Stay tuned.
- In Salem, most voters rejected a $22.5 million, 37-year bond issue to build new schools.
- Andy Grove is the presumptive next mayor of Alliance unless a write-in candidate emerges for the general election.
ALLIANCE − An overwhelming 80% of voters renewed a property tax for the city's park system Tuesday night.
The five-year, 3-mill levy pays for most of the operational expenses for the Alliance Parks and Recreation Department. It generates about $887,700 annually for park and recreation programs.
Stark County primary election update:Sherer takes lead in Canton mayor race
An unofficial total of 940 voters cast ballots for the tax, and 227 voted against.
All but one vote came from the City of Alliance. A single vote in the race was cast in Smith Township in Mahoning County. It was a no vote.
"We were counting on the passion that our voters have for the park system," said Niki McIlvain, communication specialist for the city's parks. "Since the pandemic, we've seen such an increase in attendance at all the festivals and events community-wide."
The levy will continue to cost homeowners $80 per year per $100,000 in home valuation.
Park Board President Harry Paidas said they were hoping voters noticed how they've keep the city parks in good shape over the last five years. "What makes a renewal interesting is that it holds us accountable," Paidas said. "You can't let your guard down."
The park levy was one of several issues in the Greater Alliance area on the primary ballot. As for candidates vying for posts in the City of Alliance, none of the races was contested.
The unofficial results of the other local ballot issues were:
• Beloit − Election results showed a tie for the 6-mill, additional property tax for the Fire Department. Unofficial, final results show 49 votes for the levy, and 49 against. The Mahoning County Board of Elections still must wait for any provisional ballots or overseas, mail-in ballots to be counted. More information on this issue will come later.
• Salem − A $22.5 million, 37-year bond issue for Salem City Schools to build new schools and two property taxes for the project failed. The unofficial total was 1,140 against; 905 in favor.
Alliance mayor, council seats likely decided
Andy Grove is the presumptive next mayor of Alliance.
The 73-year-old Republican, a former councilman, unofficially won his primary election Tuesday night. He was the only person to run for mayor.
A write-in candidate could emerge by the Aug. 28 deadline, but Grove currently looks to be going into the Nov. 7 general election uncontested.
The same was true for all city offices. None of the races on the ballot featured a challenger.
Grove is seeking to succeed Mayor Alan Andreani, who did not seek re-election for a fourth term. Andreani plans to finish his current term. He has been mayor since 2012. Andreani on Monday said he had no regrets about not being on the ballot.
Grove, a retired executive in the hospitality industry, served on City Council from 2018 through 2021. He left and joined the mayor's office, where he helps with grants.
The following Alliance candidates won their primary race, unofficially:
- Council President - Arthur D. Garnes (Republican)
- Auditor - Kevin Knowles (Republican)
- Law Director - Caitlyn Weyer (Republican)
- Council-at-Large - Kristopher Bugara, Jennifer Kiko and Phillip G. Mastroianni (Republicans)
- Council Ward 1 - Sheila K. Cherry (Democrat)
- Council Ward 2 - Cindy C. King (Democrat)
- Council Ward 3 - Ed Lohnes (Republican)
- Council Ward 4 - James Edwards (Republican)
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/voters-renew-alliance-parks-issue-beloit-voters-post-tie-on-fire-levy/70170622007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:49 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/02/voters-renew-alliance-parks-issue-beloit-voters-post-tie-on-fire-levy/70170622007/ |
Perry Local voters overwhelmingly reject Issue 19
- Nearly 70% of Perry Local voters rejected Issue 19, unofficial election results show.
- Perry Local was seeking a five-year, 7.3-mill levy to support its current operations.
- The last time the district asked for new operating funds was 27 years ago.
PERRY TWP. – Voters in the Perry Local School District have overwhelmingly defeated the district’s first request for new operating funds in 27 years.
Unofficial election results show that nearly 70% of the 5,362 voters who cast a ballot by Tuesday opposed the five-year, 7.3-mill emergency operating levy. Issue 19 would have generated $6.2 million annually that would have been used for daily school operations, such as paying teachers and staff.
The levy would have cost a homeowner of a $100,000 home $256 more a year.
District officials have said they will seek another operating levy on the November ballot while they also continue to look for ways to reduce expenses without drastically altering the programming and services offered.
Officials have said additional money is needed because the cost of doing business continues to rise. They said the operating levy voters approved 27 years ago that generates $8 million annually no longer is sufficient, and state funding and additional revenue sources have been inconsistent.
This is the first time the district had asked for new operating money since 1996. Its previous requests were for completing the new elementary building project and included funds that only could be used for the building project.
Many residents said they opposed the levy because they want the district to operate with the money it currently has, just like they must do.
Reach Repository writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @kweirREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/03/perry-local-voters-reject-issue-19-7-3-mill-operating-levy-election/70177867007/ | 2023-05-03T04:56:55 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2023/05/03/perry-local-voters-reject-issue-19-7-3-mill-operating-levy-election/70177867007/ |
NANTICOKE, Pa. — Fire destroyed a vacant home in Luzerne County Tuesday night.
Flames broke out around 9 p.m. along the 200 block of West Union Street in Nanticoke.
Fire crews worked for more than an hour extinguishing the flames.
Officials say the fire originated in the basement of the home, but the exact cause is under investigation.
No injuries were reported after the fire in Luzerne County.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/home-damaged-by-fire-in-nanticoke-west-union-street-luzerne-county-flames/523-19d4aeee-11fb-44bd-af76-3e559a53bb17 | 2023-05-03T04:57:23 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/home-damaged-by-fire-in-nanticoke-west-union-street-luzerne-county-flames/523-19d4aeee-11fb-44bd-af76-3e559a53bb17 |
LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Newspapers cover the windows of Great 8 Reptiles on Route 11 in Plymouth to hide what Mark and Christine Totten say were the horrible conditions animals inside were living in.
"What I saw when I got these two cats out of there, it was a mess," said Mark Totten, Plymouth.
"It was very deplorable and filthy and disgusting. I don't know how these animals could live like that," said Christine Totten, Plymouth.
Humane Officer Vickie VanGorder at the SPCA of Luzerne County served a warrant over the weekend after receiving images of deceased animals, feces on the floors, and reports of a foul odor that could be smelled outside.
"We pulled a bunch of animals out of the store. The conditions were so deplorable. The urine smell, the fecal matter, the garbage everywhere, the animals they were just suffering in such a horrific, disgusting condition they had to come out," said Vickie VanGorder, Luzerne County SPCA Humane Officer.
The SPCA relocated 104 reptiles, 213 rats, 29 mice, and 8 cats, a rescue that is the first of its kind, according to staff.
"It is an incredibly unique for us because it does have to do with a pet store. The volume of animals that were seized is also a little unique for us in the hundreds of animals, but we are very fortunate to have some partners in the community that have stepped up to help us care for these animals," said Todd Hevner, executive director.
As word of the rescue continues to spread, neighbors tell us they hope the animals get a second chance.
"I know what it's like to have them their responsibility just like children are," said James Brown, Plymouth.
"It just makes me sick to my stomach that they could've had a better home than what they were living in," said Christine.
An investigation is ongoing into the mistreatment of those hundreds of animals.
At this time, the owners of Crazy 8 Reptiles are not facing any charges.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/more-than-300-animals-seized-from-pet-store-in-luzerne-county-route-11-mark-totten-christine-vickie-vangorder-todd-hevner-james-brown/523-64f793fd-b1c8-4a4d-968f-fc2e592e1a18 | 2023-05-03T04:57:29 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/more-than-300-animals-seized-from-pet-store-in-luzerne-county-route-11-mark-totten-christine-vickie-vangorder-todd-hevner-james-brown/523-64f793fd-b1c8-4a4d-968f-fc2e592e1a18 |
TEXAS, USA — Homeowners in Central Texas have started to receive their annual reappraisal notices for their property and some have already started the appeal or protest process.
Appraisal value increases have typically been somewhere around the normal inflation rates, which would be anywhere between two and four percent per year. However, most Central Texans are still seeing more than a 10-percent increase in their property values.
Here is a breakdown of the median percent increase in property values based of the school district you would be paying taxes to. It doesn't include all of them. The data was provided by the Bell County Tax Appraisal District and the McLennan County Appraisal District.
County wide, the median percent increase of property values in McLennan County was 10 percent. Connally ISD saw the biggest jump and that's because the Appraisal district is trying to make up for being too low on values the previous year.
"We have to fix it for 2023, and if we don't then for 2024 the school district will start losing funding and so that's that's what we're trying to avoid at all cost," said Joe Bobbitt, the chief appraiser for McLennan County.
Bell County property owners saw a larger increase in values compared to McLennan County. Chief Appraiser Billy White said the median percent increase for single family residential is about a 14-to-15-percent increase.
"Our job is to be in market, not unnecessarily what they want to sell it for or what they think it should be taxed at," White explained. "Our job is to be as accurate as possible with those."
White says low inventory, being less expensive and relatively attractive is what is driving Bell County property values up.
Both appraisal districts encourage you to visit with their offices if you disagree with your notice, they want to make sure the values are correct and accurately represent the market.
"We're not the bad guys," Bobbitt added. "We're not trying to get the values up just for no reason. We want to be correct. That's ultimately what we want is this value to be correct and so the whole appraisal process is is more to set the fairness."
The first thing you should do when you get your notice is think about if you can sell your home for the value listed by the appraisal district. If not, you should call or visit your appraisal district.
"If you think there's issues with the property value sent out, or it's too high -- more than what you would sell it for, then you should come in and talk to us and if there's actual issues with your property that we could fix then we want you to come talk to us," White explained.
Last year Bell County had around 21,000 protests of property values. White is expecting a similar turnout this year. Residents in Bell County will have different protest deadlines, you should check your notice for that date.
Meanwhile, the protest deadline in McLennan County is May 15. You can find your protest form on the back of your notice.
Even though notices with increased appraisals are out, the tax rate is still not set.
"If you don't agree with the value, you may not agree with the tax rate because a lot of people it's the taxes that they don't like," Bobbit added.
"Just because you received a large, small, huge whatever the increase was on your property value this year does not necessarily mean that the taxes are going to increase at all." White said.
Leaving the burden still unknown, as it will be up to the taxing entities to make the final decision. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/property-values-increase-in-central-texas/500-8193b84e-ba72-40fd-a841-bdae64790632 | 2023-05-03T05:05:34 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/property-values-increase-in-central-texas/500-8193b84e-ba72-40fd-a841-bdae64790632 |
MADISON — Former Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser became one of three people appointed this week to serve on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, according to an announcement from the office of Gov. Tony Evers.
“As the governor would say, I am ‘jazzed’ to be appointed to the UW Board of Regents,” Kreuser said in a statement from the governor's office issued Tuesday.
Kreuser
Kreuser, 61, has more than three decades of experience serving the public, including as Kenosha County Executive for 14 years from 2008 to 2022 and representing Kenosha in the Wisconsin State Assembly for 15 years from 1993 to 2008.
A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Parkside in 1983 and completed his master’s in public administration at Parkside in 1986. During his time at Parkside, Kreuser interned for then-Kenosha County Executive John Collins. He was later hired as a full-time administrative assistant in the county executive’s office, after graduating with his master's degree, where he worked until 1993.
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Kreuser said he was "a proud two-time Ranger" having earned both his degrees at the local university.
He said that during his time serving and representing the Kenosha community he saw "firsthand the impact UW-Parkside and our UW System had on our corner of the state as a strong partner in educational opportunities and economic development."
"There is no limit to what our communities and our state are capable of when the UW System is strong, and this appointment is an opportunity for me to continue to give back to my community and my state in this volunteer position while adding value to the UW System to meet future needs," he said.
Also appointed to the Board of Regents was student Evan Brenkus and reappointed was Regent Joan M. Prince. The appointments fill the vacancies created by the expiration of two former appointees’ terms on May 1, 2023, and the expiration of Regent Prince’s term.
“The Board of Regents plays a significant role in ensuring the UW System continues to be a hub of innovation, a catalyst for our workforce, and the cultivator of the next generation of leaders, so I am glad to be making these critically important appointments today,” Evers said. “I know these folks don’t take lightly the responsibility of their role in supporting the UW System and making sure it continues to be the gem of our state, and I look forward to our work together to do just that.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-kenosha-county-executive-one-of-three-appointed-to-uw-board-of-regents/article_6948d172-e963-11ed-87de-cb35ac509499.html | 2023-05-03T05:27:54 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-kenosha-county-executive-one-of-three-appointed-to-uw-board-of-regents/article_6948d172-e963-11ed-87de-cb35ac509499.html |
EAGLE, Idaho — The bedroom town of Eagle keeps growing, including one of its busiest intersections at Old State Highway and Eagle Road.
Pacific Companies is developing three lots on the intersection, which will turn into a three-story mixed-use building. Renderings show a mix of residential units, retail, commercial and office space.
"This variety of retailers and this size of the project is really going to activate the downtown for years to come," commercial asset manager Mark McAllister said.
But some people have some concerns about the development, including nearby business owner Megan Hoiosen. She said growth has benefits, but current construction is hurting her bottom line.
Hoiosen said they've taken a 15% hit.
"I've had to let a couple of people go," she said. "We're just going to have to really tighten things up and hope for the best."
Before construction, Hoiosen said they got lots of traffic from neighboring restaurants and stores. But some of those were torn down to make room for the new project.
Finances aren't the only issue. She's also concerned about the lack of parking and the safety of community members walking around the area.
Because of those reasons and the rising costs of supplies, Hoiosen said they temporarily closed the ice cream shop behind their main store, "Sweet Tea Living."
"We've had some people quite upset at us, actually," she said. "But we're just trying to do the best we can for our own family. It hasn't been an easy decision."
Growing pains are natural in every development, said Tammie Halcomb, City of Eagle economic development specialist. Right now, there isn't much space in Eagle for commercial growth.
She said this development addresses that issue.
"Having a space like this, where businesses could come in and start their business and have a location right in the downtown, it'll be perfect," she said.
More business ventures usually mean more money. Halcomb said once the mixed-use building is completed, it will bring in thousands of new tax revenue.
Not only will it bring in more money, but it will also change the feel of downtown Eagle. McAllister said the project will completely revitalize the historically "underdeveloped area."
Although the current stage of development poses some major challenges, Hoiosen said she's hopeful the growth benefits business owners in the area in the long run.
"The change is hard because I love the old charm of Eagle," she said. "I think we just kind of have to get through the growing pains of the next 18 to 24 months and then just hope for the best."
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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-downtown-eagle-construction-impacting-nearby-business-owners/277-54835b7b-5436-4d80-b493-6802ffffe611 | 2023-05-03T05:29:37 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-downtown-eagle-construction-impacting-nearby-business-owners/277-54835b7b-5436-4d80-b493-6802ffffe611 |
DAVIS, Calif. — The Davis Little League is canceling all late-night activities after the latest stabbings in the city where two have died and one is critically injured.
The Davis Little League Board (DLL) says their facility often hosts late-night activities and lighting surrounding the fields, parking lot and H street are less than ideal. To keep all children and families safe, some evening activities will be canceled until further notice.
The board says all games and practices scheduled at 5 or 5:30 p.m. will remain and those beginning at 7:30 p.m. are canceled.
The DLL Board encourages all families to come and pick up their players directly from the fields.
"We will work closely with all managers to ensure that all players remain on the fields with an adult prior to leaving DLL," the board said in a statement.
The board says they will work with all managers to find times to reschedule any missed games.
Watch more from ABC10: Slain UC Davis student was free spirit who sought goodness around him | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-little-league-cancels-events-after-latest-stabbings/103-9edd7e8a-fd10-4729-a648-9e33357b016c | 2023-05-03T05:35:23 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-little-league-cancels-events-after-latest-stabbings/103-9edd7e8a-fd10-4729-a648-9e33357b016c |
DAVIS, Calif. — Davis is a city known for its safety and low crime rate, but three stabbings have the community reeling and on high alert.
"Definitely on edge. I know I was opening up this morning alone and I was like, I do not want to be doing this right now," said Sophia LaRose, a Davis resident and student.
LaRose works at a clothing store in Davis and she says there’s been a dip in customers as people are choosing to stay home during this intense time.
"I feel like a lot of people are just scared, and then my coworkers have been texting about not wanting to come in and stuff. But yeah, there's definitely less people I've seen everywhere," said LaRose.
Mayor Will Arnold and police are urging residents to stay vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, avoid staying out past dark and avoid parks at night. And if anyone has to be outside, they should walk with a friend.
“Our entire community will never quite be the same. Our sense of normalcy and security has been fractured," said Arnold.
Until the killer is caught, many people ABC10 spoke with Tuesday aren’t taking any chances.
"It's just really scary, especially cause you have to take the bus a lot and sometimes you're out late," said Isabelle Harrison, a UC Davis student.
"We just had brunch right across the street, and we were thinking of going for a walk. And I look to see if anyone had been captured, and I'm like, 'Nope. OK, I'm going home.' I'm just trying to be cautious and stay home," added Michel Carlyle, a mother visiting Davis from Sacramento.
Davis police are also asking anyone who sees something odd or out of place to report it and look out for their friends, family, and neighbors.
WATCH ALSO:
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-on-alert-after-stabbings/103-a093f475-28e7-4d86-b15d-37a6df892c9a | 2023-05-03T05:35:29 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-on-alert-after-stabbings/103-a093f475-28e7-4d86-b15d-37a6df892c9a |
DAVIS, Calif. — Two people are dead and another was critically injured after separate stabbings over the past few days in Davis.
The attacks have left the city reeling and worried about safety. UC Davis has even increased police presence around campus and moved night classes to virtual learning.
The three attacks happened in a span of five days after years without a homicide reported in the city.
Here's what we know so far about the attacks.
1st Stabbing
On April 27, a man was found dead in Central Park in Davis around 11:20 a.m. He was identified as David Breaux, 50. Breaux was known to frequent the park and is known to people in the area as ‘Compassion Guy.’ Officials also described him as a person experiencing homelessness.
2nd Stabbing
On April 29, a stabbing at Sycamore Park killed Karim Abou Najm, a 20-year-old UC Davis student and graduate of Davis High School.
3rd Stabbing
On May 1, a woman was stabbed at a homeless encampment near 2nd and L Street. As of May 2, Police Chief Darren Pytel said the woman was awake, alert and talking but still in critical condition in the ICU.
Police Response
Chief Pytel said police have been working with other agencies, including on the state and federal levels, to get more aid for the case. It includes homicide teams from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Sacramento Police Department and some personnel from the FBI.
The added resources have helped police boost their presence and step up patrols around town. It also helps them respond to tips in more timely fashion.
Chief Pytel said the department got a call from someone reporting they saw somebody who matched the suspect's description in the second homicide near some camps and possibly hiding behind trees.
"As it turns out, it's likely that the information was accurate and that probably was the suspect, who ended up stabbing the third victim last night. That's one of the things that we had to take into account today as we brought in additional personnel. One, we increase the number of people that are going through the tips coming in," said Pytel.
He added that officers have also reverted to 12-hour shifts.
"So basically, it's all hands on deck, and everybody's working extended hours and extended days. And, you know, we'll continue to do that while we're going through the investigation until such time that we crack the case or something significantly changes," said Pytel.
According to Pytel, the Department of Justice crime lab has their case at the front of the line as their evidence is sent in for analysis. Police are waiting for that evidence to come back, and Pytel hopes that the evidence can help make a break in the case.
Are the Crimes Connected?
Chief Pytel said the two homicides were brutal in nature with both victims being stabbed numerous times and both had men as victims.
He said the third attack was also "substantially similar" to the description a witness provided in the second homicide.
"It certainly seems reasonable that we're dealing with the same person there. So that's really the connection that we're working on, to the extent that there is a connection," said Pytel.
However, he said they also need to explore whether they're not connected as well or risk missing important evidence or leads.
"Like I said, based on similarities, it seems more probable than not, but we have to explore all different options," said Pytel.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-stabbings-need-to-know/103-71f50115-db68-47d2-8c36-b87306160f41 | 2023-05-03T05:35:35 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-stabbings-need-to-know/103-71f50115-db68-47d2-8c36-b87306160f41 |
DAVIS, Calif. — Three stabbings in Davis happened over the span of five days after years without a homicide reported.
Two people died in the first two stabbings and a woman is in critical condition after the third stabbing.
April 27: Man found dead in Central Park in Davis at 11:20 a.m. Officials said they are investigating the death as a homicide.
April 28: Yolo County Coroner's Office identified the man as 50-year-old David Breaux. Officers clarified that Breaux was stabbed. Breaux was known to frequent the park and is known to people in the area as ‘Compassion Guy.’ Davis police say there is no suspect information at this time
April 29: A stabbing at Davis' Sycamore Park left one man dead Saturday night, officials with the Davis Police Department said.
April 30: The man stabbed to death in Davis’ Sycamore Park has been identified as Karim Abou Najm, a 20-year-old UC Davis student and graduate of Davis High School. His death is being investigated as a homicide.
May 1: A woman was stabbed Monday night at a homeless encampment near 2nd Street and L Street. A woman said someone stabbed her more than once through a tent. The woman was taken to UC Davis Medical Center where she is in critical condition.
May 2: Davis police held a press conference and said they are still trying to determine if the homicides are related. The suspect description is "substantially similar" according to Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel.
Davis police detectives are working with FBI agents to search for who is responsible for the stabbings. They are still trying to determine if they are connected.
Authorities described the stabber as a man about 5’-6” to 5’-9," thin build with curly hair. The man was last seen wearing a black or blue sweatshirt, black Adidas pants with white stripes, and black shoes carrying a brown backpack. He was last seen running westbound on Third Street from L Street, according to the police department.
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-stabbings-timeline-park/103-7c213e22-30b6-4206-94c3-74346e4c6a69 | 2023-05-03T05:35:41 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-stabbings-timeline-park/103-7c213e22-30b6-4206-94c3-74346e4c6a69 |
DAVIS, Calif. — A bakery in Davis is partially open Tuesday after a car crashed into the shop on Saturday.
Upper Crust Baking in Davis had to close Saturday around noon after a car crashed through the front of the shop. According to Lorin Kalisky the owner and general manager of the bakery, four people had minor injuries, but it could have been much worse.
Kalisky said when people heard about what happened, they wanted to know how they could support.
"It's heartwarming, to say the least, you know, we've always felt the bakery has an important role ot play in the community," said Kalisky.
People encouraged him to start a GoFundMe, which he said will be used to fund an already-approved project to build a patio in from of the bakery. Four of the parking spots in front of the bakery will be removed to make way for a patio, surrounded by concrete planters.
The project has already been approved by the city but hasn't been able to be completed because of the pandemic and then increasing business costs, according to Kalisky.
Kalisky said the money from the GoFundMe will be used to fast-track this project, which will allow for more seating and in light of the crash, reduce the risk of something similar happening again.
The bakery will continue to ramp up opening, but Kalisky said it will be a slow process as the front of the bakery needs to be replaced.
Upper Crust Baking is the region's only second-generation bakery, according to its website.
People can find the GoFundMe HERE.
Watch more on ABC10 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-upper-crust-baking-partially-reopens-car-crash/103-7fc54ec2-1f3b-4ef9-b580-cf0c109454d0 | 2023-05-03T05:35:47 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/davis-upper-crust-baking-partially-reopens-car-crash/103-7fc54ec2-1f3b-4ef9-b580-cf0c109454d0 |
DAVIS, Calif. — A recent string of stabbings in Davis pushed UC Davis officials to move classes after 6 p.m. online and away from campus.
UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May said in a news conference Tuesday they worked with the Academic Senate to put the policy in place until further notice.
As for students with classes before 6 p.m., university officials said they will be providing all-day transportation to students in and out of campus through their Safe Rides program.
Law enforcement officers from UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley are also in Davis to assist with patrolling in and around the campus.
“We are using all the resources that we have here, combined with the city of Davis and some of the allied agencies around Davis and Yolo counties, to put together the best effort we can to be able to identify, apprehend and ultimately arrest the person responsible for these crimes,” said UC Davis Chief of Police Joseph A. Farrow.
He said the university contracted with security companies to bring on more people to patrol the campus.
According to Farrow, nine law enforcement vehicles are patrolling the campus, along with 12 officers.
University officials described the law enforcement presence as three times the amount UC Davis typically has.
“We are trying really really hard to allow our students to still come onto campus, to do what they’re supposed to do, and to study, but do it in a safe way,” Farrow said. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-classes-taught-remotely-amid-recent-stabbings/103-24018f84-d9f9-4d53-9656-77e54a8e9454 | 2023-05-03T05:35:53 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-classes-taught-remotely-amid-recent-stabbings/103-24018f84-d9f9-4d53-9656-77e54a8e9454 |
DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Chancellor Gary May announced that classes and labs that take place after 6 p.m. will be virtual due to safety concerns voiced by students.
Students who spoke with ABC10 Tuesday said campus is empty in comparison to a normal day because many were not wanting to walk or bike to class.
UC Davis Police Chief Joe Farrow said the campus police department is the secondary department for response after the City of Davis Police Department.
“People are genuinely concerned. They are scared and trying to figure out what’s happening in the city of Davis,” said Farrow.
Students and staff at UC Davis are on edge as police continue to search for a man that stabbed and killed Karim Abou Najm, a university student, Saturday evening. While it didn’t happen on campus, many student must walk or bike through the area if they live off campus.
“We are providing them all day transportation to and from campus. The Safe Rides program, those vans are running 16 hours a day hundreds if not thousands of students transported,” said Farrow.
The program transports the students in nine cars that can each seat eight people.
The Associated Students of UC Davis sent a letter to the administration urging them to provide online classes for all courses until a suspect is caught.
Senior Eric Murray says one of his classes has already been moved online. He says his new personal rule is not to be out after 10 p.m.
“Generally during the day, I still feel safe with a lot of people around, but going out at night is no longer an option,” said Murray.
For fourth year student Brianna Kemble, she would normally be walking to class with her headphones on and music playing but not today. She says she needs to do her part to stay safe and be aware of her surroundings.
“I’m looking over my shoulder a little more, which I’m not sure if that’s necessarily something my male counterparts are doing,” said Kemble.
Students are on alert and concerned families are calling to check on their students.
“My mom called me on my way to class this morning. My sisters have been checking in, even my cousins,” said Kemble
But for international students, news of the killings haven’t made it home yet.
The university said as of Tuesday they sent out a notice to all parents.
UC Davis has around 6,000 international students. Zitong, who is from China, says she hasn’t told her family yet because she doesn’t want them to worry.
“I’m planning to go back to China this summer to see my family, so I think I’m looking forward to it. And since there is that hope, I’m good at this moment,” said Zitong.
The campus and police are asking everyone to download the Warn Me app to get real time updates.
“Do we have walls to prevent them from coming up here on campus? No. And we know we have students traumatized by that, and... we are trying to do everything we can knowing we have young adults coming on campus experiencing a tragedy like this for the first time in their life,” said Farrow.
According to the Associated Students, this is the third event in the spring quarter that has resulted in a death of a student.
“In a survey on the current Pass/No Pass deadline, 55.6% of students reported mental health as an extenuating circumstance they faced beyond school,” Associated Students said in their letter.
Resources are being made available.
Police presence will be tripled on campus. That’s 12 officers. On a typical night, they run 4. All 6 of the specialty trained officers will work and officers from UC Berkeley and San Francisco are at the campus to assist. Private security has also been hired to patrol where students walk home.
UC Davis is just 6 weeks away from the end of school, and they are discussing potential accommodations for finals.
They also announced a vigil on Friday at 4:30 p.m. for Kamir Abou Najm. He was posthumously awarded his degree and a memorial scholarship for undergraduate research has been set up in his honor.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-security-stabbing/103-fd34140b-cb69-4460-a0e0-1a9f4922f738 | 2023-05-03T05:35:59 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/davis/uc-davis-security-stabbing/103-fd34140b-cb69-4460-a0e0-1a9f4922f738 |
YUBA COUNTY, Calif. — National Weather Service Sacramento confirmed a dust devil was spotted in the Plumas Lake area as volatile weather pushed through Northern California Tuesday.
Viewer Alisa Diaz sent in these photos she took at 4:18 p.m. near Plumas Lake Exit on Highway 70.
There have been no reports of damage and ABC10's meteorologist Monica Woods says there was no convective action at the time the photos were taken.
WATCH MORE: California Drought: Melting snowpack, the statewide greenup, and subsidence on the water supply | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dust-devil-spotted/103-c8f9a2b1-c793-4047-a82a-4268089659c7 | 2023-05-03T05:36:05 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dust-devil-spotted/103-c8f9a2b1-c793-4047-a82a-4268089659c7 |
FOLSOM, Calif. — A man was shot and killed by a correctional officer after choking another inmate at California State Prison, Sacramento in Folsom.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), correctional officers saw Mario Rushing, 46, choking another inmate around 6 p.m. Monday.
The CDCR says officers initially gave verbal orders which were ignored. Officers then used 'chemical agents and less-lethal measures' but those also had no effect.
According to officials, an officer fired their gun, shooting Rushing after the other inmate he was choking appeared to lose consciousness.
Rushing was taken to an outside hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The other inmate was treated at an on-site medical facility, officials say.
The CDCR says the officer who shot Rushing is on administrative leave. This is an ongoing investigation.
Rushing had been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 1996 for first-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter with an enhancement of termination of a pregnancy and arson.
Watch more from ABC10: Woman stabbed overnight in Davis, 3rd stabbing in 5 days | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/folsom-orangevale/correctional-officer-shoots-inmate/103-4b97a8d2-14e6-435a-ac5e-1dc7f70f0f75 | 2023-05-03T05:36:11 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/folsom-orangevale/correctional-officer-shoots-inmate/103-4b97a8d2-14e6-435a-ac5e-1dc7f70f0f75 |
GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — One adult and one child were killed in a crash in south Nevada County Tuesday afternoon, according to California Highway Patrol.
CHP says they got calls about an overturned pickup truck on Highway 49 north of Wolf/Combie Road just after noon.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene and found a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado on its roof and on fire about 40 feet from the highway.
Officials say the car was heading northbound on Highway 49 when it drifted off the east side of the highway, down a hillside, overturned into trees and caught fire.
A second child, with an estimated age of one-years-old, was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center in critical condition.
The investigation is early, but officials say it doesn't seem like any other cars were involved in the crash.
It is currently unknown if drugs, alcohol or safety equipment were involved.
Any witnesses are encouraged to contact CHP Grass Valley at (530) 477-4900. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/fatal-grass-valley-crash/103-ffe17370-078b-429e-8828-351f00602c97 | 2023-05-03T05:36:17 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/fatal-grass-valley-crash/103-ffe17370-078b-429e-8828-351f00602c97 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man was shot and taken to a hospital in Sacramento Tuesday morning, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of 30th and O Streets around 11:30 a.m. where they found the man. He has non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated.
No suspects are in custody. Officials are investigating. No additional information is available at this time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/police-investigate-shooting/103-38d86afc-cbfe-450d-aed5-de7f4e476dde | 2023-05-03T05:36:23 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/police-investigate-shooting/103-38d86afc-cbfe-450d-aed5-de7f4e476dde |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Stagg High School senior Mia Delgado wants to one day become a nurse, and she feels learning leadership skills while in school will only help her in the real world.
"I feel like it would definitely bring students closer and help them at least get a better understanding of getting ahead and working together," said Delgado.
Now, Hollywood entertainment gossiper Jason Lee, a 1995 graduate of Stagg, wants the Stockton City Council to invest in his "I AM READY" youth initiative. It's part of his "Hollywood Cares" foundation.
"I pray that the folks are ready because I'm ready. The community is ready. The youth are ready. The need is there," said Lee.
Lee plans to model his youth initiative in Stockton after a community organizing model, including youth-led after-school clubs and conferences.
It would include learning about "Financial Literacy," "Youth Leadership," "Peer-to-Peer" Support and "Entertainment Workshops," like acting, singing and more.
"Our plan is to hire local folks that know the work that's necessary on the ground, to identify the youth leaders from the various schools that we've targeted," said Lee.
However, Stockton community activist Toni McNeil of the nonprofit "Faith in the Valley" says while Lee's intentions are good, there are now plenty of youth programs that can use more money.
"We're not giving enough resources to some of the faith-based organizations and institutes and community-based organizations that we already have here," said McNeil.
It was nearly one year ago that Lee came back to his alma mater to speak to students following the stabbing death of Stagg High student 15-year-old Alycia "LaLa" Reynaga.
If the city council gives him the funding, he hopes to do something more for youth that is sustaining.
"This is very important work, but it's also very challenging circumstances for people to embrace," said Lee.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/jason-lee-stockton-youth/103-1a1815f8-8c55-4e48-9ad0-dd3d6b79614b | 2023-05-03T05:36:29 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/jason-lee-stockton-youth/103-1a1815f8-8c55-4e48-9ad0-dd3d6b79614b |
MARYSVILLE, Calif. — The woman who was found near the side of the road in Marysville has been identified by officials.
The Yuba County Sheriff's Office identified her as 27-year-old Amery Sweany, of Chico. Officials say she was new to the Yuba-Sutter area.
An autopsy found her cause of death was blunt force trauma and officials believe she was hit by a car.
Some social media posts have suggested Sweany was bound and gagged, but officials say this is "absolutely false."
“She had severe trauma to her face that caused swelling and other injuries, but nothing was inside of her mouth. Being struck by a vehicle can often cause clothing to rip and/or tear," said Katy Goodson, spokesperson for the Yuba County Sheriff's Office. "Hopefully viewers will remember that just because something is posted on social media, doesn’t make it a fact in the investigation. We are trying to provide as much information as possible without compromising our investigation. At this point, it’s imperative that the message gets out for people to come forward if they have information about the incident."
An investigation is still underway and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Parker at (530) 749-7777 or call the anonymous tip line at (530) 749-7930.
Sweany was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in 2020 after she ran a red light while speeding and killed 64-year-old Virgil Santos in 2019. She was sentenced to the maximum term of six years and eight months in state prison. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/woman-identified-amery-sweany/103-0f8347d9-767e-4bcc-a662-479b2f1da0bf | 2023-05-03T05:36:35 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/woman-identified-amery-sweany/103-0f8347d9-767e-4bcc-a662-479b2f1da0bf |
Events
Wednesday, May 3
ADULT BOARD GAME NIGHT: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays May 3, 17, June 7, 21, July 5, 19, August 2, 16; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
ATLANTIC COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOOK SALE: daily through Aug. 31; proceeds benefit the Atlantic County Library Foundation support of programming in your library branch; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
BILINGUAL FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays through May 17; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
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BORED? GAMES!: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 31; for ages 10 to adult; games are family-friendly classic board games meant for at least two players; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor; registration required. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.
OFFICE ON AGING AND DISABLED SERVICES: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; during the month of May, the Cumberland County Office on Aging and Disability Services will provide assistance; Public Library, 1058 E. Landis Ave., Vineland. 856-794-4244 or vinelandlibrary.org.
ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTER BASICS: 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through May 31; for adults; Brigantine Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 201 15th St. S., Brigantine. 609-266-0110 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SPRING SACHET CRAFT: 2 to 3 p.m.; adult craft; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SMOOTHIE BOWLS FOR SENIORS: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Amy Paradise will demonstrate simple, nutritious recipes that can be done at home; Long Beach Island Library, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City; free. 732-349-6200 or theoceancountylibrary.org/events.
Thursday, May 4
ADULT CRAFT: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; May 4: Beach-Themed Wall Art; additional dates are June 22, July 20, Aug. 10; Brigantine Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 201 15th St. S., Brigantine. 609-266-0110 or atlanticlibrary.org.
AUTHOR'S HIGH TEA 2023: 2 p.m.; hosted by Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library; guest speaker will be Laura Quinn, local author of "Thicker Than Water"; event will take place at Flanders Hotel, 719 11th St., Ocean City, $40. friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
CONTACT CAPE-ATLANTIC'S SPRING SENSATION AND 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 5 to 9 p.m.; CONTACT Cape-Atlantic's 32nd annual Spring Sensation and 50th anniversary celebration; cocktail reception with live music; live, silent and chance auctions; sit down dinner; benefits CONTACT Cape-Atlantic’s Reassurance Program; The Carriage House, 25 S. Pitney Road, Galloway Township; $75. 609-823-1850 or contactcapeatlantic.org.
'MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU' DICE & DINE FUNDRAISING VOYAGE: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; hosted by The Community Partnership for EHT Schools Inc.; Star Wars-themed event featuring live casino games provided by Full House Casino Entertainment, food stations, and an auction; Linwood Country Club, 500 Shore Road, Linwood; $100. 609-646-8441 or communitypartnershipeht.org.
SENIOR CRAFT AND ACTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays through May 25; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Saturday, May 6
CAPE MAY WINE TRAIL WITH LUNCH AND TROLLEY TOUR: 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6, Sept. 22, Oct 6; visit two Cape May County wineries for tours and tastings; Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; $125. 609-884-5404.
For kids
Wednesday, May 3
KIDS SPRING CRAFT: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; make mini piñatas for ages 5 to 12; Hammonton Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 451 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton. 609-561-2264 or atlanticlibrary.org.
PLAYDATE AT THE LIBRARY: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 9; for ages 6-36 months; enjoy stories, rhymes and songs designed to develop early literacy skills; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
STORIES AND SONGS: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through May 31; join Miss Linda for stories, songs, and rhymes; for ages 3 and younger; Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
Thursday, May 4
123 READ & SING: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through May 25; for ages 1 1/2 to 5 and their caregivers; Galloway Township Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township. 609-652-2352 or atlanticlibrary.org.
LEGO CLUB: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through May 25; for ages 5 to 13; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.
STAR WARS DAY: 'MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU': 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Star Wars Day at the library; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
STORYTIME: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays through May 25; for ages 12 to 36 months; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor; registration required. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Saturday, May 6
DROP-IN LEGO PLAYTIME: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Groups
Wednesday, May 3
HISTORY BOOK CLUB: 6 to 7:30 p.m.; title for May, "The Guns of August" by Barbara Tuchman; Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
'TOO MUCH STUFF?' MEETINGS: 1 to 2 p.m. first and third Wednesdays; hosted by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; online or call-in support for those with clutter challenges, collecting behaviors, or hoarding tendency. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Thursday, May 4
1ST THURSDAY BOOK CLUB WITH KATHY TWEED: 7 to 8 p.m. first Thursdays through Dec. 7; meeting virtually on Zoom; discuss pre-selected readings with like minded individuals. 609-463-6350 or Events.CMCLibrary.org.
AL-ANON MEETING: 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays through December; by Al-Anon Family Groups; Cape May County Library/Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
CROCHET GROUP: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31; learn and practice your craft in a fun and welcoming environment; Egg Harbor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 134 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. 609-804-1063 or atlanticlibrary.org.
TWP. OF HAMILTON GREEN TEAM MEETING: 7 to 8:30 p.m. first Thursdays; join the Township of Hamilton Green Team; Municipal Building, 6101 13th St., Mays Landing. lmccardell@townshipofhamilton.com.
Friday, May 5
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
CONVERSATIONAL LENAPE LANGUAGE - WITH TERI HISLOP: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays; newcomers welcome; Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
'LIGHTBULB' ONLINE GROUP: 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays; virtual group presented by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey; weekly online discussion group and forum to ask questions about mental health and wellness. 609-652-3800 or MHANJ.org.
Saturday, May 6
CHESS CLUB: noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through May 27; for adults and interested teens and children, ages 8 and older; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor; registration required. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.
KNIGHTS OF THE SQUAREF TABLE CHESS CLUB: 1 to 3 p.m. every other Saturday through Aug. 26; open to all ages; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon; registration requested. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Health, fitness
Wednesday, May 3
BARRE STAR: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays through May; combination of ballet, flexibility, yoga/balance and strength training; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY ONLINE WELLNESS GROUP: noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; hosted by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; wellness group exploring themes of faith, hope, sense of purpose, and fulfilment. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
MEDITATION MEET-UP WITH TED COSTA: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through December; Woodbine Community Center, 812 Longfellow St., Woodbine. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
MIND AND BODY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; workshop is provided to individuals who live with a disability; participants discuss topics such as adapting, goal setting, refocusing and more; offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. 609-652-3800, ext. 308 or MHAAC.info.
'SETTING THE STAGE FOR HEALTHY HABITS': 5 to 6 p.m.; presented by the Community FoodBank of NJ; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
STRETCH & BURN - WITH KELLIE WOOD: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays; hosted by Cape May County Library; virtual event; no registration required. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
TAI CHI & QIGONG: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; with Cheryl Crews and Denise Jones; Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ZUMBA - WITH JANET SPADA: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Wildwood Crest Library, and Thursdays at Lower Township Library; no meetings July 12, 26, Nov. 22, 23. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ZUMBA - WITH KELLIE: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; Sea Isle City Branch, 4800 Central Ave., Sea Isle City. 609-463-6350 or Events.CMCLibrary.org.
Thursday, May 4
'CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS' ONLINE WELLNESS GROUP: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. first and third Thursdays; online group to share artwork, discuss the creative process, and work on projects among peers; presented by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
GENTLE YOGA - WITH ELIZABETH KILCOURSE: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays; bring a yoga mat; Upper Township Branch, 2050 Tuckahoe Road, Woodbine. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
'RISING MINDS' ONLINE MEETING: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; peer-led meeting for individuals age 18 to 30; participants discuss mental health, share experiences, develop tools for self-care and connect to others. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Friday, May 5
ANYTHING GOES FITNESS: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. May 5, 19, 26; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
Sunday, May 7
MEDITATION - ONLINE GROUP: 7:15 to 8 p.m. Sundays; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; staff offer a guided calming meditation or breathing exercise; to receive a link by email and join the group online, email btrendler@mhanj.org. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Reunions
Thursday, May 4
OAKCREST HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1968 REUNION: 6 to 10 p.m.; Oakcrest High School Class of 1968 Reunion; Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, 550 Country Club Drive, Egg Harbor City. 609-457-1769 or email glaubert@comcast.net. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_2d57ec6c-e917-11ed-bdb6-ab1611aa14b2.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:13 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_2d57ec6c-e917-11ed-bdb6-ab1611aa14b2.html |
Fool Moon Theatre Company, a local production team, will be putting on performances of Neil Simon’s award-winning "Lost in Yonkers" this month in Margate.
"Lost in Yonkers" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 12 through 21, at the Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Ave.
The comedy tells the story of two young men in the 1940s who move to Yonkers, New York, to live with their eccentric extended family. Tickets are $30 regular admission, $25 seniors and $10 ages 12 and younger.
For more information, visit foolmoontheatre.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/fool-moon-theatre-company-to-hold-performance-of-lost-in-yonkers-in-margate/article_39538318-e850-11ed-8d81-331ec0827f70.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:19 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/fool-moon-theatre-company-to-hold-performance-of-lost-in-yonkers-in-margate/article_39538318-e850-11ed-8d81-331ec0827f70.html |
Mike Trout, 31, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, is a center fielder with the Los Angeles Angels and was the 2014, 2016 and 2019 American League MVP.
Monday: The Angels were off.
Tuesday: Went 0 for 4 but drew a first-inning walk and came around to score the first run in a 5-1 win in a series opener at St. Louis. He batted second as the designated hitter.
Wednesday: Miles Mikolas (1-1, 5.97) will start the 7:45 p.m. game for St. Louis. Trout is hitting .429 (3 for 7) against him.
Stats: Trout is hitting .297 (33 for 111) with seven home runs, 18 RBIs and 21 runs scored in 28 games. He has walked 15 times and struck out 36 times. His on-base percentage is .388, his OPS .956. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-helps-angels-win-series-opener-at-st-louis/article_ebb71072-e933-11ed-b4fb-93bdb4cbdf04.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:25 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-helps-angels-win-series-opener-at-st-louis/article_ebb71072-e933-11ed-b4fb-93bdb4cbdf04.html |
The Stockton University baseball team, playing for a spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament, finished the regular season with a dramatic doubleheader sweep of visiting Rutgers-Newark on Tuesday.
The Ospreys won the opener 4-0 behind the strong pitching of Mike Schiatterella (Southern Regional H.S.). They took the second game 6-5 on Jordan Nitti's walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning. Two single-season Stockton records were broken along the way.
Stockton (22-18, 8-10 NJAC) earned the sixth seed in the NJAC Tournament. The Ospreys will play top-seeded Rowan (28-11) at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in a first-round game in Glassboro.
The sweep cost Rutgers-Newark (21-16-1, 5-12-1) a spot in the tournament.
In the opener, Stockton scored the game's only runs in the seventh. Kevin Novobilsky's bases-loaded single scored the first run, and Nitti followed with a two-run double. Luke Fabrizzi followed with an RBI double. Schiatterella (6-3) gave up two hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out eight. Dylan Sakele and Reece Miller each pitched a scoreless inning of relief to seal the victory.
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In the second game, the Scarlet Raiders built a 4-0 lead through six innings. In the seventh, C.J. Fredericks' double put Frank Bellezza, who had walked, on third base. With one out, Max Kaplan hit a run-scoring fielder's choice. Novobilsky hit a sacrifice fly to score Fredericks, making it 4-2.
Rutgers-Newark added an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Down by three runs, the Ospreys put together a thrilling rally. Michael Antonucci walked, Kaplan singled and Novobilsky was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Nitti. The sophomore infielder hit the first pitch he saw over the left-field fence, giving him six RBIs for the day. It was his first homer of the season.
Bellezza, a senior, had pitched the top of the ninth, the first mound appearance of his career, and got the win. Stockton's Cooper Fiore got on base in both games to extend his streak to 25 straight games.
Freshman Preston Fazekas pitched a scoreless inning in the second game. His 19th appearance of the year broke the Ospreys' single-season record for a pitcher, set twice previously. Novobilsky scored in both games, giving him 44 on the year to set a Stockton single-season record. Chris Discher set the previous record of 43 in 2008.
Softball: Stockton, which was idle Tuesday, is the No. 4 seed in the NJAC Tournament and will play a first-round game at third-seeded Ramapo (29-10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Men's lacrosse: The Ospreys' season ended with a 15-14 loss to visiting Kean University in the opening round of the first Coastal Lacrosse Conference Tournament.
The third-seeded Ospreys finished the season 12-6, their eighth consecutive season with at least 10 victories (excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 and 2021 seasons) under coach Kevin Zulauf.
The sixth-seeded Cougars (11-7) overcame a 10-7 halftime deficit to advance.
Stockton's Dante Polli scored four goals, including the 200th of his career, and had two assists for six points, which led all players, in his final collegiate game. Polli joined teammate Luc Swedlund as the only players in Stockton history with 200 goals. Reegan Capozzoli scored three goals, giving him 97 through his junior season. Swedlund and Brendan McHale each scored twice. Two Ocean City alumni, Hayden Smallwood and Noam Levy-Smith, also scored, as did Sean Haddock.
Also for Stockton, Tyler Horvant won 19 of 33 faces and 11 ground balls, giving him a school-record 190 for the season. Colin Bernstein made 10 saves.
Kean's Nick Thorne to make it 14-14, the ninth tie of the game, with 3 minutes, 37 seconds to play. Forty-one seconds later, he scored the game's final and decisive goal. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/dramatic-doubleheader-sweep-puts-stockton-in-njac-baseball-tourney-roundup/article_30dd3532-e961-11ed-8759-4bd7240c8e8e.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:32 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/dramatic-doubleheader-sweep-puts-stockton-in-njac-baseball-tourney-roundup/article_30dd3532-e961-11ed-8759-4bd7240c8e8e.html |
Mia McColl scored five goals and added four assists to lead the Cedar Creek High School girls lacrosse team to an 11-10 victory over Gateway Regional in a nonconference game Tuesday.
Cedar Creek led 7-3 at halftime, but Gateway made it close in the second half.
Isabella Cote scored twice and had two assists for the Pirates (6-5). Cierra Sansone scored two and had an assist. Gianna Thoms and Emily Winterbottom each scored once. Winterbottom added five ground balls. Delfina Vanelli made six saves.
Lindsey Baxter scored five for Gateway (8-2).
Lower Cape May Reg. 12, Millville 7: Maddie Gilbert, Olivia Lewis, Sianna King, Tessa Hueber and Nora Shoffler each scored twice for the Caper Tigers (4-4).
Lewis and Ainsley Reed each had two assist. Ryan Salinsky scored once. Hueber had 14 draw controls. Allyson Walsh made 10 saves.
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Julia Thompson scored three for Millville (3-7). Brooke Powers scored two, and Melania Tomlin and Ayla Gomez each had one. Maren Woodman added six draw controls and an assist. Macey Williams made seven saves.
Central Reg. 14, Pinelands Reg. 0: Hannah Lewis scored seven for Central (9-1), which is No. 9 in The Press Elite 11. Riley Coltenback added three assists and two goals. Evelyn Rauscher and Morgan Schinder each made a save. For Pinelands (0-9), Emma Murry made 10 saves.
Boys lacrosse
Mainland Reg. 18, Cedar Creek 7: The Mustangs (8-1) scored six in the first quarter.
Joe DeGaetano led with eight goals and added an assist. Jack Walcoff scored four and had an assist. Jack Venneman scored three and had oneassist. Harrison LaMonica had three assists and a goal. Jude Maurer added two assists, and Jack Kwapinski and Joe Eyde each scored once. Carter Mostecki made six saves.
Jason Bishop scored twice and had two assists for the Pirates (5-3). Evan Scholder and Mike Jarvis each scored twice. Luke Simon had a goal and an assist. Justin Assink, Robby Cote and Sean Ralston each had an assist. Bryan Dougherty made 15 saves. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cedar-creek-holds-off-gateway-tuesdays-girls-boys-lacrosse-roundup/article_f1846dc4-e933-11ed-a7cd-030615caeb38.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:38 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cedar-creek-holds-off-gateway-tuesdays-girls-boys-lacrosse-roundup/article_f1846dc4-e933-11ed-a7cd-030615caeb38.html |
The Cumberland Regional High School earned its fourth straight victory Monday, 11-8 over Deptford in a Tri-County Conference Liberty Division game.
The Colts, who improved to 4-7, lost to the Spartans 13-3 on April 5.
On Monday, Alicea Seitzinger went 3 for 5 with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs for Cumberland. Amity Willitts went 3 for 4 with a triple, three runs and an RBI. Kennedy Grim added three RBIs, singled twice and scored once. Addison Weist added two runs and two RBIs, and Katelyn Edminster had two runs. Jenna Burgmann earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings and allowing five runs on six hits.
Annalise Underwood tripled, had an RBI and scored once for Deptford (7-3), which led 6-5 after four innings. The Colts added had a four-run fifth, and scored twice in the the sixth.
Girls golf
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Williamstown 220, Or Lady of Mercy 243
W: Giulianna Camiscioli 52, Daphne Young 54, Katie Leonarski 56, Aubrey Weikel 58
O: Avery Dortu 59, Sophia Stultz 60, Angelina Brockway 60, Elisabeth Grant 64
Records: Williamstown 8-3; OLMA 4-5
Boys golf
Hammonton 164, Atlantic City 209
H: Nick Iuliucci 40, Connor Eberly 41, Matthew Smith 41, Shane McSorley 42
AC: Paul Swift 48, John Sahl 53, (other two top scorers were unavailable)
Records: Hammonton 13-8, Atlantic City 1-5
Boys volleyball
Timber Creek 2, ACIT 1: Timber Creek (7-2) won by set scores of 25-17, 19-25, 25-14.
Mike Chau led with 32 assists for the winners, and Alstin Tran added 19 kills and nine digs.
For the Red Hawks (6-6), Antwan Canazares had 18 assists and 13 digs. Erick Perez added nine digs, seven service points, five aces and four assists. Danny Ta added nine kills, and Timothy Creelman had six digs and five kills. Adam Lopez had five kills, three digs and two blocks. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cumberland-softball-wins-4th-straight-game-late-monday-roundup/article_ba953df6-e8f8-11ed-b364-ff006ecbd0c5.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:44 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cumberland-softball-wins-4th-straight-game-late-monday-roundup/article_ba953df6-e8f8-11ed-b364-ff006ecbd0c5.html |
Connor Lacy struck out four and allowed seven hits in six innings to lead the Millville High School baseball team to a 3-2 victory over Vineland in a Cape-Atlantic League interdivision game Tuesday.
The Fighting Clan is No. 7 in The Press Elite 11.
David Rodriguez went 3 for 3 with an RBI for the Thunderbolts (7-7). Wayne Hill and Henry Colon each scored once. Vineland outhit Millville 7-4.
Xavier Anglero struck out five and allowed four hits in five innings for Vineland (11-4). Xavier Cortez went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs. Donny Gomez singled and drove in one run.
No. 10 Egg Harbor Twp. 4, Hammonton 3: Jay Salsbery struck out five and allowed three hits in four innings to earn the win.
Cameron Flukey, Jackson Conroy and Jason Salsbery each drove in one run. Joey Velardi, Michael Piskun, Carter Nixon and Peyton Smith all scored. EHT scored three runs in the fifth inning to take 4-1 lead.
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Drew Haines went 3 for 3 with two RBIs for Hammonton (6-8). Matt McAleer scored twice, and Kole Bagnell scored once. Jaiden Franchetti and Ryan Beebe each struck out two.
Cedar Creek 9, Mainland Reg. 4: The Pirates scored five in the bottom of the sixth inning in a Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic first-round game Tuesday.
The Mustangs (5-8) led 4-0 after four innings.
Ryan Manning went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a run for the Pirates (13-3). Richie Gonzales and Scott McConnell each scored two. Jason Fetrow singled, had a run and RBI. Tyler McCorriston went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Justin Eifert stuck out three and allowed just two hits in 3 1/3 innings.
St. Joseph 9, Holy Spirit 8: Ty Powell singled, scored three and had an RBI for the Wildcats (5-7).
Powell also pitched three innings and struck out one. Scott Digerolamo went 2 for 2 and scored three. Jimmy Mantuano singled and had an RBI. Lucas Middleman singled and scored once.
Connor Lamanteer, Vince Spina and Breckin Weiss each had two RBIs for Holy Spirit (6-8). Bernie Hargadon and Ryan Mallen each scored twice. Gavin Cohen singled, scored once and hd an RBI. Luca Bruno and Lamanteer each struck out three.
Cape May Tech 11, Pleasantville 1: The Hawks (6-6) scored 10 in the bottom of the fifth to win on the 10-run rule.
Nick Boehm struck out eight and allowed just one hit to earn the win. Tanner Oliva went 2 for 2 with a double, five RBIs and a run for the winners. Adam Dille went 2 for 3 with a run. Nick Boehm drove in one run and scored three. Connor Mulligan, Brandon Turkaly, Connor Weatherby and Ronald Neenhold each scored one and drove in one.
Joshue Matos singled for Pleasantville (4-9).
No. 2 St. Augustine 10, Ocean City 4: Marco Levari struck out seven and allowed five innings to earn the win.
Jack Cappuccio went 3 for 3 with four RBIs for the Hermits (12-3). Alex Bersani went 2 for 3 with three runs. CJ Furey scored four runs. Gabe Gillespie singled, scored once and had an RBI.
Ocean City (8-8) scored two in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead, but the Hermits scored two in the second and three in the third to take a 5-2 lead.
Atlantic Christian 14 , Cumberland Christian 1: Charlie Costello and Malachi Vasquez throw a combined no-hitter for the Cougars. Logan Benson, Adam Schlundt and Malachi Vasquez each had extra-base hits. No further information was available. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/millville-baseball-beats-no-7-vineland-tuesdays-roundup/article_5449f564-e92f-11ed-8995-5fb390b26049.html | 2023-05-03T05:42:50 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/millville-baseball-beats-no-7-vineland-tuesdays-roundup/article_5449f564-e92f-11ed-8995-5fb390b26049.html |
Dan Herzchel shot a one-over-par 37 to lead the Mainland Regional High School golf team to victories over Egg Harbor Township and Millville in a Cape-Atlantic League tri-match Tuesday at Eastlyn Golf Course.
He made two birdies.
The Mustangs (12-2), ranked third in The Press Elite 11, shot a combined 159. EHT (11-3) carded a 182, and Millville (1-14) had a 207.
Phil Stefanowicz (38), Mateo Medina (42) and Anika Deshpande (42) also scored for Mainland. Stefanowicz, Medina, Deshpande each made one birdie.
Chase Adomaitis (42), Julie Duggan (46), Mikey Oberman and Olivia Nehmad (47 each) scored for EHT. Adomaitis had an eagle.
Owen Gilson (46), Olivia Headley (53) , Konner Plummer and Ron Sutton (54 each) scored for the Thunderbolts.
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Cedar Creek 164, Hammonton 173, Vineland 205
C: Dylan Guercioni 38, Hunter Stubley 39, Andrew Squire 40, Drew Brosh 47
H: Connor Eberly 42, Nick Iuliucci 42, Shane McSorley 43, Matthew Smith 46
V: Marlin Toney 48, Joey Schmidt 51, Leo Klaas 53, Gino Descalzi 53
Records: Hammonton 14-8; Vineland 2-7; Cedar Creek 3-8
Brick Memorial 173, Southern Reg. 177
S: Alex Henbest 38, Jackson Bodony 43, Graeme Schnarre 48, Robert Cassidy 48
B: Josh Michigan 39, Peter Tadrick 40, DeclanBeelitz 46, Declan Beelitz 48
Records: Brick 9-3; Southern 7-6
Girls golf
Southern Reg. 198, Barnegat 221
At Southern (par 36)
S: Madelyn Beirne 46, Sami Reilly 48, Laina Foster 52, Sophia Bates 52
B: Yasmeen Muhammad 47, Julia Morch 52, Jessica Block 55, Ava Linton 67
Records: Barnegat 5-4; Southern 13-0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/no-3-mainland-wins-cal-tri-match-tuesdays-roundup/article_48bbcd6a-e931-11ed-b7e1-f71fcca4ef4c.html | 2023-05-03T05:43:03 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/no-3-mainland-wins-cal-tri-match-tuesdays-roundup/article_48bbcd6a-e931-11ed-b7e1-f71fcca4ef4c.html |
Millville High School's Nov Bybel hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Thunderbolts softball team a 9-6 win over visiting Atlantic City on Tuesday.
Savannah Hadley went 2 for 3 with a run and three RBIs for Millville (8-7), Jaslene Negron doubled, and Isabella Musey scored two runs. Winning pitcher Alyssa Magazu went seven innings, gave up six hits, walked four and struck out four.
Rosie Miltenberger was 2 for 3 with a solo homer and two runs for Atlantic City (2-8). Kendra Levine went 2 for 4 with a double and three RBIs, and Mia Marota was 2 for 4.
No. 2 Egg Harbor Township 12, Mainland Regional 1: EHT's Madison Dollard pitched a five-inning no-hitter with 13 strikeouts and one walk.
The Eagles (11-0) are ranked second in The Press Elite 11.
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Sienna Walterson went 3 for 4 and scored three runs, and Payton Colbert was 2 for 3 with two doubles, two runs and two RBIs. Natalia Stewart had a hit, two runs and and RBI.
Mainland's Farliey O'Brien scored a run in the top of the seventh inning. The Mustangs fell to 3-6.
No. 4 Clayton 11, Our Lady of Mercy 0: Clayton pitcher Allyson Koerner gave up three hits in the five-inning game, stuck out 11 and walked none.
Alana Gannon went 2 for 3 with a double and a triple, a run and an RBI for the host Clippers (12-1), the No. 4 team in the Elite 11. Koerner and Gianna Muhaw each went 2 for 3.
For OLMA (5-6), Riley Storms was 2 for 2, and Emma Douglas struck out six and got one hit.
Atlantic Christian 22, Cumberland Christian 10: Paige Noble went 3 for 3 with a homer and two RBIs for visiting Atlantic Christian (6-0), and Taylor Sutton, Kaia Barbour and Alli Lushina each doubled.
Both teams scored five runs in the first inning. The Cougars built an 11-9 lead after three innings and scored 10 runs in the top of the fourth.
Barnegat 17, Jackson Liberty 11: Danielle Huetteman pitched a complete game and struck out seven for Barnegat (3-10).
Riley Schmidt went 3 for 5 with three RBIs and two runs. Gabriella Giaconia went 4 for 6 with four RBIs and a run. Jadeyn Bodziak went 3 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs. Danielle Huetteman, Mikayla Klein and Emily Sisom each scored two.
Addison Ciccariello went 3 for 4 with three runs and two RBIs for Jackson Liberty (0-12). | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/nov-bybels-homer-wins-it-for-millville-softball-tuesdays-roundup/article_01685fb0-e930-11ed-9009-af5e721a0fea.html | 2023-05-03T05:43:09 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/nov-bybels-homer-wins-it-for-millville-softball-tuesdays-roundup/article_01685fb0-e930-11ed-9009-af5e721a0fea.html |
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson says he is exploring a run for the 2024 governor’s race.
Incumbent Gov. Jay Inslee, (D) Washington, announced Monday he will not seek a record fourth term.
Ferguson, a Democrat elected to statewide office in 2012, released a YouTube video announcing his exploratory campaign.
”I’ve never been afraid to take on big challenges, and I’ve never forgotten who I’m fighting for,” Ferguson said in the video.
Shortly after the early Tuesday morning announcement, Washington State Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, another Democrat, posted on Twitter: “Stay tuned. Big announcement coming soon…”
Franz has hinted she would run for governor but has not made any formal announcements.
As far as Republicans, state party chair Caleb Heimlich said his party has a chance to reclaim the governor’s office.
No Republican has been Governor in Washington since John Spellman left office in 1985.
”We're casting a wide net talking to people from all walks of life in Washington state, and looking for kind of the perfect combination of that person that can bring people together can present a compelling vision for the future of Washington state, said Heimlich.
He said the party has been talking to several potential Republican candidates, including former members of Congress Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dave Reichert, state Senator John Braun, state Representative Jim Walsh, Dr. Raul Garcia from Yakima, and Richland School Board member Semi Bird.
“We're kind of taking all calls right now,” said Heimlich.
Reichert, who retired from Congress in 2019, said “Never say never," when it comes to the governor’s race.
Walsh said it’s a “possibility” he would run.
Garcia said he was a “probable” gubernatorial candidate.
Bird, who announced he was running in 2022, said the state needs to reform its tax structure and do more to make up for learning loss during the pandemic.
He said the state’s handling of the pandemic is what got him into local politics.
“When they shut down the schools, I said, I will serve our children and those families," said Bird. "But I think people are ready for change. I think they don't they don't want the name brand. They don't want the political aristocracy, the elite few." | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/ag-bob-ferguson-exploring-governors-job-washington-inslee/281-487a4772-e507-4355-86fd-d8ad985baa60 | 2023-05-03T05:43:15 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/ag-bob-ferguson-exploring-governors-job-washington-inslee/281-487a4772-e507-4355-86fd-d8ad985baa60 |
The Southern Regional High School boys volleyball team won both matches Tuesday in a doubleheader against Tom River East in a Shore Conference A South Division meeting.
Both matches were 2-0 victories. The host Rams (13-1) won the first match by set scores of 25-14, 25-7 and the second by scores of 25-14, 25-12.
In the first match, Landon Davis led with 15 service points to go with six digs, four assists and four aces. Lucas Kean had eight kills and four digs for Southern. Ethan Brummer added13 assists and five digs. Jack McKenna contributed six digs and four kills. Nick Gatto added five assists and seven service points.
In the second match, Kean had five kills for Southern, and McKenna contributed four kills and six digs. Nick Gatto added five assists and seven service points. Brummer had seven assists, and Max DiRocco had four digs.
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Toms River East dropped to 0-9.
Pinelands Reg. 2, Lacey Twp. 0: The Wildcats won 25-16 and 25-10.
Matt Davis had six kills and three digs for host Pinelands (12-1), and Brogan Duelly had six kills. Dan Brunke led with 20 assists, 22 service points and two aces. Ethan Woods added four kills, five blocks, three digs and three service points, and Ryan McCorry contributed two kills, 13 digs and four service points. Ian Leeds finished with three kills and Andrew Albright had five digs.
For Lacey (6-7), Mason Mozal led with 14 digs, and Gavin Heimbold, Brayden Jiminez and William Heayn each had three kills. Paul Introna and David Alvarez both added six assists.
ACIT 2, Cedar Creek 0: The Red Hawks (7-6) won by set scores of 25-13, 25-17.
Timothy Creelman had 14 assists and eight service points for the winners. Byron Manuel added six digs, and Erick Perez had five kills, five service points and five digs. Hansen Tran added four kills, four digs and three service points. Adam Lopez had four kills and four service points.
Cedar Creek fell to 0-8.
Timber Creek 2, Hammonton 1: Timber Creek (8-2) lost the first set 25-16 but rallied to win with scores of 25-15 and 25-21.
For host Hammonton (5-8), Sebastian Pangia led with 10 kills and had two blocks. Isaac Fishman had three digs, 21 assists and five service points, and David Brito contributed three kills, two blocks, nine digs and six service points. Brandon Chainey added seven kills and eight digs. Joe Tierno had nine digs and seven service points. Hector Feliciano added three kills, two digs and three service points. Will Domenico had four digs.
Gloucester Tech 2, Absegami 0: The Cheetahs (5-7) won by set scores if 27-25, 25-14.
David Frew had 13 assists, and Conner DeJesus added nine digs.
For the Braves (5-4), Xavier Vazquez had 10 assists and three digs. Jake Khuc added nine digs and three service points. Nasir Hernandez-Haines added five service points, four kills and three aces. Chikaodi Wokocha had five digs, three kills and three service points. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/southern-boys-volleyball-wins-doubleheader-tuesdays-roundup/article_711bd466-e932-11ed-93db-f33c9c43b4e5.html | 2023-05-03T05:43:15 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/southern-boys-volleyball-wins-doubleheader-tuesdays-roundup/article_711bd466-e932-11ed-93db-f33c9c43b4e5.html |
ARLINGTON, Wash. — Pride Month, celebrated in June with events honoring the LGBTQ+ community, is facing pushback from city leaders in Arlington according to Arlington Pride.
They detailed that pushback in a Facebook post on Sunday. This is the second year for Arlington to have a Pride.
According to Arlington Pride, the pushback is coming from city leaders, including long-time Mayor Barb Tolbert and the police department. The organization claims it has been asked not to have drag queens at its Pride event. Drag Queens are ubiquitous at Pride and credited for starting the Stonewall Riots which birthed modern-day pride.
Recently, they've become the political foil for Republicans who claim they're protecting children by trying to ban events like Drag Queen Story Hours. Republican lawmakers in at least 16 states have introduced bills that seek to restrict or criminalize drag performances.
Leah Daniels, who lives in Arlington, believes Pride events are crucial for showcasing the city's inclusivity and welcoming nature. She says it is vital to give visibility to everyone in the city.
"Pride is important for the kids who are coming up, who are too afraid to tell their parents and tell their families, to know that even if they know their parents will kick them out, they still have a town that’s supportive and will love them at the end of the day," Daniels said.
City Administrator Paul Ellis did not address the claims made by Arlington Pride in an email response, but he mentioned the organization has resubmitted its event application with a new date to allow for more time to plan. The application is currently being reviewed.
Arlington Pride says it's also having trouble getting permits for the event along with being able to afford off-duty police officers. Volunteers are still needed. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/arlington-pride-changed-due-to-pushback/281-825d9455-d33e-45ad-9c05-3c46f4940fa5 | 2023-05-03T05:43:21 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/arlington-pride-changed-due-to-pushback/281-825d9455-d33e-45ad-9c05-3c46f4940fa5 |
KIRKLAND, Wash. — A major investment was made in Kirkland on Tuesday, where a new shelter is working to open its doors.
The new Willows Youth Services Center will provide emergency shelter as well as mental and behavioral health services to teens and young adults. On Tuesday, Congressmember Suzan DelBene delivered a $1 million check to help expand the center's capacity and services.
"We always aspired to have a space where we can maintain the dignity of our clients," said Paul Lwali, president and CEO of Friends of Youth. The 7,000-square-foot space in Kirkland will be able to offer beds to 35 young adults between 18 and 24-years-old.
Lwali's organization sees 192 youth looking for shelter each year.
"The quick math says there's a lot of young people that are finding or looking for alternatives," Lwali said.
"It fills an incredible need of the community," said DelBene, adding that it's just "one piece of a puzzle" as leaders work toward meeting the needs of the region.
"The area with the most desperation is not the teens, it's the littles because it starts down here with the chronic kids," said Lori Helmy, whose daughter has been in and out of psychiatric and behavioral care.
Helmy said parents are struggling and having to compete over bed space.
"It's all a competition and this isn't volleyball, these are our kids' lives," Helmy said.
Rep. DelBene said it's a multi-pronged approach but the government needs to fund counselors and special education.
"The Federal Government said it was going to meet 40% of that need when legislation was originally put in place and we've never met that 40% level," DelBene said.
Lwali said the nonprofit operates a separate shelter for kids ages 7 to 17 but it has far fewer beds.
"There is a huge need for under 18 services for minors," Lwali said.
He believes this shelter is just as necessary.
"There's young people lining up at intake time looking for a bed."
Willows Youth Services Center is expected to be up and running by the fall, though there is still a $500,000 need. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/eastside-center-shelter-teens-young-adults/281-9febe7d9-de2a-41fe-b75f-264b86040f94 | 2023-05-03T05:43:27 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/eastside-center-shelter-teens-young-adults/281-9febe7d9-de2a-41fe-b75f-264b86040f94 |
KING COUNTY, Wash. — King County is facing $100 million revenue shortfall. Executive Dow Constantine said the state’s limit on property tax collections is the reason why, and it means budget cuts are on the way.
On Tuesday, advocates for homeless veterans, seniors, and survivors of sexual and domestic violence gathered in the King County Council chambers to voice their concerns about core county services that they don’t want to see go away.
The pressure is on for Alison Eisinger, the director of Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness.
"There is a $100 million general fund deficit,” said Eisinger.
Budget cuts are unavoidable, according to county leadership. Last week, a survey was released, asking residents to prioritize the services they value most. Options include the sheriff's office helicopters that are used for pursuits and search and rescue, prevention programs for gun violence and drugs, and more.
"Public health disease tracking and prevention, programs to support domestic violence, sexual assault victims,” said Eisinger.
"Asking people to choose between these really essential things, it should not be used to guide public policy,” said Merrill Cousin with the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence.
Cousin joined with other advocates in an effort to push county council members do more, specifically with a property tax levy that supports veterans, seniors and human services. Back in 2017, voters agreed to pay 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for that levy which is about to expire. Voters will decide on a new levy. Advocates want the rate to go from 10 cents to 12 cents. They say if that doesn't happen services will be reduced.
"We have increased costs, there is inflation, there's increased need,” said Eisinger. "The flat rate renewal would cut by 50% the number of people who could come home."
Ultimately, council voted to not adopt the increase. The 10-cent proposal passed unanimously. The King County Council is sending voters a proposal to renew the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy for another six years. It will be on the August ballot.
The proposal would start out at the same levy rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2024, and would be projected to generate approximately $564.7 million during the six-year period. At that rate, the levy would cost an estimated $83.75 in property tax in 2024 to the owner of a median-valued home in King County, according to the county council.
"I want to thank the King County Council for endorsing this critical renewal today and look forward to voters having their say in August. Through this levy, we can continue to meet veterans’ basic needs, build connections among seniors, and support housing affordability, healthy living, and financial stability across communities,” Executive Constantine said in a statement. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/king-county-council-veterans-seniors-human-services-levy/281-f2479e8f-3063-42be-81e9-885350d2ac58 | 2023-05-03T05:43:29 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/king-county-council-veterans-seniors-human-services-levy/281-f2479e8f-3063-42be-81e9-885350d2ac58 |
Casper Mayor Bruce Knell apologized Tuesday for sharing an image of a fire on Facebook in response to news that Wellspring Health Access, a new abortion clinic someone tried to burn down, was finally opening in Casper.
“I did not mean in any way for that to hurt anyone in any way,” Knell said in a lengthy, and at times tearful, statement that wrapped up the evening's two-hour Casper City Council meeting.
Knell said the image, which he shared beneath a Facebook post by Oil City News about the clinic’s opening, was only intended to express his personal objection to abortion and had nothing to do with last year's arson attack. In the week-and-a-half since, he's staunchly defended the comment.
But on Tuesday, Knell said he had softened his stance — and that as mayor, he wants Wellspring to feel welcome in Casper.
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“I am strong in my convictions, I’m OK with what I said,” he said. “I just wish I would have said it a different way so that it wasn’t offensive to anybody.”
In the days following the comment, Wellspring had urged local abortion rights supporters to attend the meeting to take Knell to task over the post.
They weren’t the only ones who showed up with something to say.
During public comment, which lasted nearly an hour, Casper residents judged his actions very differently. Some characterized the post as unbecoming of an elected official, or even violent. Others said Knell was well within his rights to express his opinion. And some just wished Knell had chosen his words a little more tactfully.
Holly Thompson, a board member for Wellspring Health Access, called Knell’s comments “careless and cruel.”
“I'm not here tonight to advocate for abortion rights or trying to convince anybody of anything tonight," she said. "I'm here to defend Wellspring’s right to operate safely and free from fear.”
Mike Huber, a retired Natrona County Circuit Court judge and a former Casper City councilor, said he “defends to the end the right for anyone to have differing opinions on anything,” but he feared Knell’s comment could incite violence.
“The inflammatory — literally inflammatory — things that you put out there on social media was wrong,” he said.
While Tuesday night’s meeting stayed civil, Knell and other members of the council indicated they were all subject to harassment and threats in the week-and-a-half following Knell’s comment.
“It’s important that we recognize the power of our words, and the impact they can have on others,” Councilor Kyle Gamroth, who represents Ward 2, said during the meeting.
Wellspring Health Access, which began seeing patients last month, is the only clinic in the state offering both surgical and medical abortions. Its opening was pushed back 11 months after an arsonist broke in and set it on fire, costing the clinic around $290,000 in damage.
In an earlier interview with the Star-Tribune, Wellspring founder Julie Burkhart said that, fearing additional violence against the clinic, the organization has added additional “layers of protection” to keep staff and patients from harm.
Burkhart on April 20 made a statement condemning Knell’s post as “incendiary and violent.”
“I’ve lived and experienced the real-world costs of this kind of anti-abortion rhetoric,” she said in the statement. “Fourteen years ago, after years of harassment, my former boss, Dr. George Tiller, was assassinated in church. Less than a year ago, an anti-abortion terrorist set fire to our Casper clinic, rendering it inoperable and costing $290,000 in damage.”
Wyoming residents hold a wide range of opinions on abortion, according to an October University of Wyoming poll.
In the survey, 36% of respondents said they viewed abortion as a matter of personal choice, and another 36% said they felt abortion should be allowed in cases of rape, incest or when the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother. About 19% of those surveyed said they support abortion provided there’s a clearly established reason for the procedure. Only 7% said abortion should be banned in all cases.
In Casper, the role of mayor is somewhat ceremonial. Casper follows the “council-city manager” system of local government, where the mayor is part of city council and wields no more voting power than other members. Because of that, the mayor isn’t directly elected by residents, but chosen by their fellow councilors.
In this system, the main job of the council — including the mayor — is to set the budget and pass laws. The day-to-day operations of the city are handled by city staff. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-mayor-apologizes-for-posting-fire-image-in-response-to-abortion-clinic-opening/article_ef1451c8-e945-11ed-bb50-9f0e1be965c4.html | 2023-05-03T05:43:34 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-mayor-apologizes-for-posting-fire-image-in-response-to-abortion-clinic-opening/article_ef1451c8-e945-11ed-bb50-9f0e1be965c4.html |
SEATTLE — The Metropolitan Improvement District, also known as the MID, will be operating in Seattle for at least another 10 years, after starting back in 1999.
On Tuesday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to renew the Metropolitan Improvement District for an additional 10-year term starting in July. The MID is managed by the Downtown Seattle Association and funded through taxes paid by downtown businesses and property owners in the district.
MID’s 130 ambassadors provide cleaning, concierge and park services across 285 blocks of Seattle’s urban core. The ambassadors wear yellow vests and can be seen doing work throughout the area.
“You can't go a block or two without seeing one of our ambassadors making a positive impact in downtown,” said Jennifer Casillas, vice president of ambassador operations with the Downtown Seattle Association.
The Downtown Seattle Association sent a release stating that during a one-year period, ambassadors have:
- Collected more than 1.2 million gallons of trash from downtown sidewalks, curb lines and alleys
- Removed more than 37,000 graffiti tags and stickers from public and private property
- Helped nearly 29,000 people with directions
- Conducted more than 6,800 welfare checks on unsheltered individuals
“Without them out there taking care of the graffiti, picking up the trash, picking up the debris and helping the people in our city, our city would look very different than it does today,” said Casillas.
Casillas is pleased the Seattle City Council renewed their contract for another ten years, and so are the city council members who voted in favor.
“Downtown would be in a really difficult position if we didn't have the Metropolitan Improvement District,” said Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis. “So, I'm really excited to renew it.”
He said the MID is imperative to the revitalization of Seattle following the pandemic.
“It's not just about keeping downtown safe, it's about keeping downtown clean, having it activated, making sure there are activities in our parks,” said Lewis.
With the new contract, the MID will be expanded further south to include areas of Pioneer Square near the stadiums. Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson said the new contract will increase the budget from around $15 million per year to $18 million per year.
“Most of that new money is paying for increased cleaning and also security services to support and protect downtown small businesses,” said Councilmember Nelson. “And that's crucial since we've got a staffing shortage of at SPD.”
Nelson said not only do ambassadors make the city a more welcoming place, but they save lives.
“They are now carrying Narcan since June and since then they have administered Narcan about 130 times,” said Nelson. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/metropolitan-improvement-district-renewed/281-4f3cb75c-d2c8-4a40-bc2a-2489bb1b020a | 2023-05-03T05:43:35 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/metropolitan-improvement-district-renewed/281-4f3cb75c-d2c8-4a40-bc2a-2489bb1b020a |
SEATTLE — A Seattle doctor died while climbing Mount Everest, the U.S. Embassy confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday.
Jonathan Sugarman died at Camp 2, which is just under 21,000 feet in elevation.
The company he was reportedly hiking with - International Mountain Guides - released a statement saying Sugarman's death was "not the result of a climbing accident or route condition that would be of potential impact or safety concern to any other teams on the mountain."
Sugarman's exact cause of death has not been released.
"The rest of the IMG climbing team is all doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances," the statement continues.
Mount Everest, in the Himalayan mountains, draws hundreds of climbers each spring during a window of more favorable conditions. A 2020 study led by University of Washington and University of California, Davis researchers found the success rate of summiting has doubled in the past three decades. Though there are more than 500 climbers attempting to summit in the spring, the death rate, according to the study, has remained around 1% since 1990.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-doctor-dies-climbing-mount-everest/281-fbf30c77-1059-4151-938a-eb96022266cb | 2023-05-03T05:43:41 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-doctor-dies-climbing-mount-everest/281-fbf30c77-1059-4151-938a-eb96022266cb |
Dearborn Heights doctor pleads guilty in Medicare fraud scheme
A Dearborn Heights doctor pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding Medicare of more than $925,000 in health care payments, federal officials announced.
Fares Yasin, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III.
Authorities reported Yasin, who operated Michigan Home Visiting Physicians in Dearborn, was suspended starting in early 2015 from submitting claims to Medicare for services.
"However, during his suspension, Yasin continued to treat Medicare beneficiaries, and then he fraudulently submitted claims to Medicare utilizing the names and identification numbers of other doctors, including co-defendant Nura Yasin, in order to receive reimbursement for the services he rendered," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement Tuesday.
As part of the guilty plea, Yasin agreed to forfeit about $367,000 in cash that federal agents seized during the investigation.
“After being banned from submitting claims to Medicare, this doctor defrauded the government to continue receiving Medicare reimbursements," U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said.
A sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 14. Yasin faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
"Not only did this provider continue to submit claims to Medicare after being suspended from federal health care programs; he also used his patients' information to try and steal from those programs," said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. "HHS-OIG will continue in our efforts to identify and investigate those who violate the privacy and trust of their patients and steal from taxpayers for selfish financial gain." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/03/dearborn-heights-doctor-pleads-guilty-in-medicare-fraud-scheme/70177797007/ | 2023-05-03T05:49:49 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/05/03/dearborn-heights-doctor-pleads-guilty-in-medicare-fraud-scheme/70177797007/ |
Marshall City Council approves industrial rezoning tied to Ford site
MARSHALL — Ford Motor Company's plans to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Marshall took a key step forward in the early morning hours Tuesday with the rezoning of 741-acre parcel tied to the development.
After multiple presentations and nearly five hours of public comment from residents for and against the project, Marshall City Council members voted unanimously to rezone the parcel of the Marshall Megasite to Industrial and Manufacturing (I-3) Zoning to accommodate BlueOval Battery Park Michigan.
The vote served as the culmination of a nearly 8-hour meeting that began at 7 p.m. Monday and adjourned at 2:58 a.m. Tuesday. Ward 5 council member Ryan Underhill was absent from Monday's proceedings.
"Marshall must adapt to meet the needs of the city and the region into the future or it will suffer in the long run," Ward 1 Council Member Scott Wolfersberger said moments before voting to approve the rezoning request. "We must embrace what is next in order to continue to be a prosperous city.
"The future of the city of Marshall weighs heavily upon me and while I cannot foresee the future, I do believe that it is brighter in partnership with Ford than without."
Tuesday's vote came just days after the city of Marshall and Marshall Township Joint Planning Commission voted April 25 against rezoning the parcel via a 4-2 decision. The city council has the final authority on the rezoning request, however.
Multiple council members and city staff argued Monday that not enough information was shared by Joint Planning Commission members to dispute the rezoning.
"I wish that we had received more direction from the Joint Planning Commission," said Jacob Gates, Ward 3 council member. "It is confusing why they did not supply us with a recommendation that is consistent with the future land use plan that exists, but I will say zooming back to look at this issue, it is normal for cities to experience some growth, it’s normal for that growth to take place on the outside of the city and this is an area that it would be logical and has been in fact discussed for a generation to see development, industrial type development. … To me, it makes sense to approve the I-3 zoning."
The Megasite runs approximately 3.3 miles west to east and 1.5 miles north to south, extending from 12 Mile Road to the east to slightly past 15 Mile Road, and from Michigan Avenue to the north down to the Kalamazoo River.
Ford in February announced plans to build the electric-vehicle battery plant on 950 acres of the Megasite — a $3.5 billion investment that's expected to create 2,500 jobs when production of lithium iron phosphate batteries begins at the plant in 2026.
The automaker still needs site plan approval to construct the 2.5-million-square foot facility.
"We are in a position to look at change," Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz explained early Tuesday. "Change is very scary, I don't have that crystal ball, but I’m going to make decisions based on what I think is correct, what I think I’m hearing from my constituents here in the city of Marshall, and I did listen to everybody."
As project details have come more into focus in recent months, several area residents have taken to public meetings to discuss the project. Nearly 70 speakers took to the podium Monday night and early Tuesday, 40 of whom asked the council not to rezone the property, or to at least take additional time before making a decision.
Some residents feel the investment and jobs are needed to move the city forward, while others are concerned about the potential for pollution at the site, the loss of several historic farmsteads and the loss of quality agricultural land as a result of the project.
The involvement of Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., which will provide LFP battery cell technology to Ford, is also particularly worrisome for some residents.
"I wasn’t born here. I chose Marshall, in part because of its history, but just as much for its future," city resident Derek Allen said, speaking in support of the development. "We can honor and protect our history while leaning into the future. We can do two things at once."
Marshall Township resident Mick Woods, meanwhile, worries about what the project could mean for the environment.
"The actions tonight are really going to seriously affect the quality of life of the Squaw Creek residents, the Ceresco residents and all residents bordering this site," Woods said. "It’s really dejecting."
Marshall has lost more than 2,000 jobs over the past two decades. The area's population, meanwhile, has been relatively idle, dropping slightly from 7,459 residents in 2000 to 6,822 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
“It’s important our elected leaders — those of you on this City Council — continue to take steps needed to keep this project moving forward,” said Caryn Drenth, a Marshall resident and the owner of Living MI and Handle & Hinge downtown. “BlueOval Battery Park will spark investment and infuse millions of dollars into the local economy, helping small businesses like mine and many others.”
City resident Emily Emersen-Rich urged council members to follow the Joint Planning Commission's decision.
"We are telling you 'no' and you are not listening," Emersen-Rich said. "It is against our will and we will be the ones left with the fallout and damage forever.
"We are not going anywhere," Emersen-Rich continued. "You can look for us at each city council meeting, at each Marshall Township, meeting, at each city planning commission and joint planning commission to Calhoun County commissioner meetings and every other special meeting that pops up."
City attorney reveals NDA investigation findings
As details of Ford's plans have become more widely known, some local residents have criticized elected officials for what they perceive as a lack of transparency surrounding the project.
The city received two Freedom of Information Act requests in April seeking documents related to any city council members or employees signing a non-disclosure agreement related to the Marshall Megasite and/or BlueOval Battery Park.
Council members voted unanimously Monday to waive attorney-client privilege, allowing City Attorney David Revore to disclose the findings of his investigation publicly in open session.
Revore indicated he interviewed Jim Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, city council members, City Manager Derek Perry and others during the course of his three-week investigation at which time he learned council members Joe Caron (Ward 2) and Ryan Traver (At-Large) had in fact signed NDAs tied to the Ford project as members of MAEDA's Board of Directors.
"If we as a community are going to be in the running for nationally competitive projects of this type, we need to use this tool," MAEDA legal counsel Richard Lindsey said. "They’re not illegal, they’re not unethical. People are free to choose not to sign them if they wish to do so. If they don’t, they won’t receive development information. The non disclosure agreements are part of doing business in this arena."
Both Caron and Traver represent local businesses, not the city council, on the MAEDA board, Revore said, and neither have received any financial compensation or economic benefit from MAEDA, Ford or any other entity related to the 425 property transfers or the BlueOval project
"No information was presented or found that supports or concludes that city officials committed a violation of the city’s code of ethics and conflicts of interest related to 425 transfers (to the city) or the BlueOval project," Revore said.
Ford Motor Co. will host a virtual information session about the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan project from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com | https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/marshall-city-council-approves-industrial-rezoning-tied-to-ford-site/70169407007/ | 2023-05-03T05:53:53 | 1 | https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/marshall-city-council-approves-industrial-rezoning-tied-to-ford-site/70169407007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A 39-year-old man wielding an AR-15 was shot and killed by a Bexar County deputy after a domestic disturbance call devolved into late-night gunfire on the far north side Tuesday, officials say.
Neither of the deputies who responded to the 3000 block of Forsythia shortly before 10 p.m. were injured in the incident.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said a 41-year-old woman answered the deputies when they arrived and knocked on the door. Shortly after, Salazar said, they heard "the sound of a gun, a rifle being racked inside." It was later determined to be an AR-15.
At that point, according to the sheriff, the woman and one of the deputies went outside around the side of the house while the other retreated to take cover behind a vehicle. The unidentified suspect eventually emerged brandishing the rifle.
"At that point, you can hear several rounds in rapid succession," Salazar said, though he added it was unclear who or what he may have been targeting.
At some point the deputy at the side of the house, trapped by a fence along the property line, tried ordering the suspect to drop the gun.
"That suspect, it appears, reappeared between the houses and possibly re-engaged the deputies," Salazar said.
One of the deputies responded by firing "several rounds," hitting him. Salazar said the suspect, who investigators believe is a former member of law enforcement, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other young children inside the home were injured, and neither did the woman suffer injuries, Salazar said, adding there appeared to be a history of domestic disturbance calls at the residence.
Per Bexar County Sheriff's Office procedure, the two deputies are to be placed on temporary administrative leave while an investigation is conducted. This is the ninth shooting involving law enforcement to take place in San Antonio this year, and the first involving BCSO deputies.
This is a developing story. Check back with KENS5.com for updates.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/law-enforcement/deputy-shooting-kill-fatal-bexar-county-bcso-san-antonio-texas/273-97877f41-2fb6-4731-82c0-e0d22f262098 | 2023-05-03T06:17:28 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/law-enforcement/deputy-shooting-kill-fatal-bexar-county-bcso-san-antonio-texas/273-97877f41-2fb6-4731-82c0-e0d22f262098 |
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio mother called the police last Wednesday after a man in a ski mask started circling a local park in the Steubing Ranch area.
Even though it was 80 degrees outside, the mother said she didn't think much of it at first. Then the man starting making odd signs.
"He started doing 'devil horn' hand gestures and other hand gestures. I contacted police," the mother said.
She said the individual left before police got there, but he later returned after they left—and started watching her children.
"My daughter waved at him and he waved back, but then he put his hand out and put his thumb down. It just freaked us all out," she said.
She called the police again, and officers arrived to take a report. The mother said parents have been concerned about the individual as well, adding he had used his hands to act like he was firing a gun at people, including children.
Another parent initially reached out to KENS 5 about the situation after NEISD emailed parents about the individual.
"We have learned that a young man has been seen walking around the neighborhood near the Steubing Ranch Recreation Center," that email stated. "The individual wears a ski mask and there have been reports of him approaching students and talking to them in the neighborhood. While he has not committed any type of crime that we are aware of, a report has been filed with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Since the young man wears a ski mask, it is understandable that some people may find this upsetting or scary. I want you to have this information so you can speak with your child(ren)."
The email went on to provide multiple safety tips for parents.
An SAPD report documented the police response and stated the department's mental heath and fusion units would be involved in the investigation.
Police officials told KENS 5 on Tuesday that "SAPD’s mental health unit is already aware of this individual."
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>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sapd-ski-mask-man-san-antonio-police/273-467b1b4e-295d-4493-8fd7-eb460d7c8748 | 2023-05-03T06:17:34 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sapd-ski-mask-man-san-antonio-police/273-467b1b4e-295d-4493-8fd7-eb460d7c8748 |
Will Visalia City Council prioritize dead over the living after public outcry?
The Visalia City Council chambers were packed as community members waited for an opportunity for their voices to be heard regarding the proposed expansion of Visalia’s Public Cemetery.
The majority of those who spoke Monday night, including Supervisor Eddie Valero and Visalia Unified School District Trustee Randy Villegas, were against the expansion, citing a range of concerns.
The cemetery proposed expansion into a nearby neighborhood, buying homes that were empty and occupied.
“Some of these homeowners... they have been at their home and owned their home for approximately 30 years or more,” said David Dye, who owns property near the cemetery. “To take these homes and to run these people out of these homes makes no sense.”
The amendment would have increased the cemetery’s boundaries as well as allowed 16 cemetery-owned properties — eight of which are currently vacant — to be reclassified. Currently, they're zoned for low- and medium-density residential land uses. The new zoning would have made them public institutional or quasi-public zoning. Burial sites are prohibited in residential zones.
Overall, 11 single-family residences as well as a vacant duplex along the east side of Turner Street between Roosevelt and Allen Avenues would have been demolished.
Those who spoke in opposition to the proposal feared the impact on Houston Elementary School, which brushes up against the cemetery's boundaries. Others who spoke suggested the city look at using the Lone Oak or Elbow Creek cemeteries for future expansion projects; some proposed using one of the city's golf courses instead.
“Why not consider expanding the cemetery there, right?” Villegas asked. “If that seems like a trivial or unserious suggestion to you all because you wouldn't want to disrupt the rounds of golf... I would ask why you would even consider disrupting the lives of working-class families and individuals here in the heart of Visalia and in our Houston neighborhoods.”
Many questioned why the city council would prioritize the dead over the living.
“Would you want someone to lose their house and home,” Gwen Schrank, executive director of Schrank's Clubhouse asked council members, “so that you could be buried?”
Ultimately, council members voted 3-2 to send the proposal back to the planning commission staff, giving the public an opportunity to attend a cemetery district board meeting at the end of May.
Mayor Brian Poochigian and Vice Mayor Brett Taylor were the two "no" votes. However, it's unclear if they would have voted to allow the cemetery to overtake the neighborhood. Taylor is the CEO for the Tulare County Realtor's Association.
“Let us work toward solutions to honor the dead, absolutely,” Villegas said. “But let us not destroy the lives of their descendants and the living.”
Operating since 1860
This isn’t the first time the cemetery has undergone zoning adjustments. Over the years, the cemetery has purchased surrounding parcels from owners at market value to help with its expansion.
Prior amendments, accepted by city council members in 2005, included changes to land use designations across two acres, shifting the land from low-, medium- and high-density residential, and shopping office commercial, to public institutional; another two acres also switched to quasi-public.
Another amendment included the relocation of an existing maintenance facility to expand the existing cemetery.
The Visalia Public Cemetery has been operating since 1860. | https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/plan-to-expand-visalia-public-cemetery-draws-criticism-from-neighbors/70174936007/ | 2023-05-03T06:19:23 | 1 | https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/plan-to-expand-visalia-public-cemetery-draws-criticism-from-neighbors/70174936007/ |
May 27, 1937—April 22, 2023
MALTA — Billy Floyd Fox, an 85-year-old resident of Malta, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his home.
Billy was born May 27, 1937, in Anaheim, California, to Mr. Lester Dennis Fox and Edna Mae (Jones) Fox. In 1955, he graduated from Valencia High School in Placentia, California. Bill had two brothers, one which was a twin, and two sisters.
All of Bill’s siblings have passed, including his parents, aunts, and uncles, along with most of his friends.
Bill missed his family and would often say “I’m the last of the Foxes, why am I still alive?” We would tell him he shouldn’t have worked out and ran so much. He would snarl and growl. He also shared stories about his friends, like the Flemmings, who made knives, and the Pepcorns, whom they went backpacking and camping with on the weekends. He often talked about the orange groves in California where he grew up.
After high school, Bill spent a couple years enjoying his youth, and “living it up!” He then went to college majoring in Business Administration. After college he began working at Magna Products in Santa Fe Springs, California, from 1957 to 1960.
He was a chemical worker, shop worker, truck driver, and a shop foreman. He joined the U.S. Army Reserve Forces in 1960. In 1961, he moved to Yorba Linda, California, where he worked in Autonoetic Aerospace, a Division of North American Rockwell. From 1961 to 1971, he did various jobs within the company, the last being a Lesion Man Engineer.
In 1962, while working for Rockwell, he was on six months of active duty with the Army Reserves, he lost his eye to a grenade that blew up on him during a training session. Bill was honorably discharged where he continued to work at Rockwell. Bill said he worried the eye would stop his dating experience, but the eye patch seemed to still attract the ladies. In June of 1964, Bill married Carla. Due to unhappy differences, they divorced in March of 1969. They had no children.
Bill made several trips to Idaho because someone said hunting was good. It was in Rockland that he shot his trophy buck. Soon Bill met Melody Lynne Shoemaker, the love of his life, who had a son, Sean Fox.
Bill then retired from Rockwell and moved to Idaho. The two were married on April 14, 1972. Bill raised Sean Fox as his own. Later they had two more kids, Kristen Fox, and Bo James Fox.
Bill was employed for Cassia Hospital as a Material Manager. He retired early and Bill and Melody spent their time with the grandchildren and family. His wife passed away on April 28, 2006. Bill was forever lost without her.
In 2010, he moved in with his son-in-law, Jason Phillips, and daughter, Kristen, and family. Bill lived under their home for the next eight years until their home sold in 2019. They shared many great times with them living in Albion, Idaho.
After the Phillips’ sold their home, he lived on his own in Albion until 2021. Due to being lonely and needing more help, he moved in with his son, Bo, and daughter-in-law, Shannon Fox. Bill became our shadow for the next couple of years. His health continued to go down, but he continued to push forward. No one would have ever known he was 85 years old as he looked young.
Bill was a very clean, well dressed, orderly man. He would wake up at 7:00 a.m., eat breakfast at 8:30 a.m, lunch at noon and dinner at 5:30 p.m. It took a little for us to get on his schedule, but soon he had us trained. He would also come out each day looking spiff, like he was ready for work. Bill loved the Sunday meals we had as family when Melody was alive. He loved looking at the family photos, which were lined up perfectly in his room. Bill was part of our everyday life, and we shall be forever grateful for the time we had with him.
Melody always said she was going to get a tiny new home and he would be the first to go, but with Bill’s stubborn personality she was wrong. He lived another 17 years and was stronger than an ox. He once got thrown down by our horse and he jumped right back up. Because his poor depth perception was no good, Bo had to take his keys away. He was not happy. He had many colors of paint on his bumper. It was not easy taking care of him, but we now miss his routines and the permanent impression he left us. We adapted to his way, and he adapted to us!
Bill also had a few passions. He loved to hunt, fish, collect guns, clothes and shoes. He filled our 20-foot storage container with clothes and shoes. He donated to many wildlife and outdoor campaigns, along with gun rights and children’s charities. Bill can now fly high in the sky, and shine like a rainbow! He is looking down on us, laughing because we can’t stop him! He’s with his forever-missed wife, Melody Fox! We will all miss his presence. His legacy will live on!
Billy is survived by his children, Sean Fox, Jason (Kristen) Phillips, Bo (Shannon) Fox; grandchildren, Josh and Jessica Phillips, Blaine and Bethanie Phillips, Dylan and Robyn Hughes, Cassie Phillips, Sam and Courtney Phillips, Braden Fox, Brody Fox, Melody Fox, Mckinnon Fox, Mckade Fox, and Landon Fox; great-grandchildren, Caroline Hughes, Jemma Hughes, and Arian Fox. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; granddaughter, Mattelisse Fox; and many cousins, uncles, and aunts.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Rupert Cemetery, located at 450 N. Meridian, in Rupert, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/billy-floyd-fox/article_e159ff31-ce6e-5bcf-aefd-51152729168a.html | 2023-05-03T06:21:10 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/billy-floyd-fox/article_e159ff31-ce6e-5bcf-aefd-51152729168a.html |
Nov. 21, 1960—April 22, 2023
BURLEY — Our family experienced a huge loss on Saturday, April 22, 2023, with the sudden and unexpected passing of James Murray “Jimmy” Gallegos, at the age of 62.
Jimmy was born to Jim and Arlene Gallegos, on November 21, 1960. Jimmy grew up in Heyburn, graduating from Minico High School and attended the University of Idaho. He worked for Watkins Distributing for over 35 years and was a familiar face to so many people across the Magic Valley.
Jimmy met and married his love, Patty Blincoe on July 21, 2001. He was a loving and devoted husband to her. He treated her with the greatest love and care that was straight from his heart. In the summer months, you could find Jimmy and Patty spending weekend’s at Wilson Lake, camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Bourbon, Jimmy’s dog, was a faithful companion to him. He loved to take him for rides in the pickup and spent time with Bourbon in the outdoors letting him run and romp. Jimmy was out in nature doing what he loved with Bourbon by his side when he was called home.
Pappy Jimmy, as his grandchildren call him, loved spending time with them. There were many trips to the pumpkin patch and activities they were involved in, and he could even be found in the swimming pool with them on a hot summer day.
Jimmy was a wonderful son and incredible brother to his siblings: Don, Peggy, and Tina. He spent much of his time with his family, always enjoying barbeques and camping or just sitting together with his father and brother talking over cold beers. Jimmy was very caring with his little sister Tina. Tina would call and check on him at least twice a day, every day, and he always answered her calls to let her know that he was okay. One of Jimmy’s joys with Tina was spending time with her at the annual Helping Hands Freedom Trails camp trips.
Jimmy was very close with his brother, Don and his nephew, Richard. They would plan for months at a time to go on a weeklong “boys only” fishing trip. They would “rough it” and eat like kings the entire time, and he treated his nephew, Richard like a brother.
Jimmy will be greatly missed by his wife, Patty; children, Leslie (Jeremy) Orthman and Brett Durfee, Jr.; grandchildren, Madison, Jarrett, Briley and Baylie; his father, Jim Gallegos; brother, Don (Gail) Gallegos; his sisters, Peggy Forbes and Tina Gallegos; nephews, Richard (Katie) Gallegos, Michael (Shillisa) Forbes; nieces, Jennifer (Andrew) Myles, Amber Fox and Alisha Forbes; his mother-in-law, Carla Blincoe; sister-in-law, Brenda (Terry) Sanford; and brother-in-law, Rodney (Amber) Blincoe; as well as many great-nieces and nephews; as well as aunts, uncles; cousins; and friends.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene; and his father-in-law, Richard Larry Blincoe.
Jimmy was a wonderful friend to everyone he met. He knew no strangers and cared deeply for the people around him. He had very strong values and was well loved by everyone. It is near impossible to capture the life of someone so wonderful in such a few short paragraphs. We hope he knew how amazing we thought he was and how much he was loved and admired. Jimmy will be forever missed and leaves behind memories of his infectious laugh, and his huge heart. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes and to love those around us and make a difference in their lives.
Life without him will never be the same. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Burley United Methodist Church, located at 450 E. 27th Street, in Burley, with Pastor Kenneth Haftorson officiating.
In remembrance of Jimmy and his heart for the handicapped, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be directed toward Helping Hands Freedom Trails, 150 S. 150 E., Burley, ID 83318.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/jimmy-gallegos/article_a5759775-ad5b-5954-95e7-ef3df6b70254.html | 2023-05-03T06:21:16 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/jimmy-gallegos/article_a5759775-ad5b-5954-95e7-ef3df6b70254.html |
TWIN FALLS — Members of the elite U.S. Army parachuting team Golden Knights tried out the Perrine Bridge last week.
They gave a thumbs-up for BASE jumping.
But they weren’t on their own. On their first official training for the newly formed Golden Knights Extreme, they reached out to accomplished BASE jumper Sean Chuma for help in learning the finer aspects of the sport.
Golden Knights Extreme — GKX for short — is a small part of the Golden Knights, created last year to give added appeal to crowds, especially younger audiences.
Its members are the creative experts responsible for keeping the Golden Knights on the cutting edge of skydiving.
The skydiving teams help with recruiting efforts, and serve as a way to “connect Americans with America’s Army,” said Megan Hackett, Golden Knights media information specialist.
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And although GKX members are relatively new to BASE jumping, they have thousands of skydiving jumps between them.
“BASE jumping is a part of the parachuting world that we feel we can be a part of,” GPX team leader Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Lopez said.
And Chuma, a BASE-jumping fixture in Twin Falls who has logged more than 7,000 jumps, was thrilled to help.
“It’s been a huge honor to work with these guys,” Chuma said. “I’ve been a big fan ever since I was 14 or 15 years old.”
The Golden Knights are based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, home of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Training options are being examined as opportunities to BASE jump are more limited in the East, Hackett said.
The team had its first show in October during “Bridge Day,” the one day every year BASE jumping is allowed from the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
One thing for sure, Hackett said, is that this won’t be the only time GPX will visit Twin Falls.
“We’ll be back,” she said.
Idahoans will have a chance too see the Golden Knights in action Aug. 26-27 in Boise, although it hasn’t been decided at this time whether GPX will perform.
Team members like to have fun, Hackett said, but when it’s time to get down to business, they do just that.
Safety is a priority and the Perrine Bridge is known as a safe BASE jumping site, Hackett said, although Idaho’s winds can make jumping more difficult.
Garner pulled himself off a jump Friday afternoon due to him using a large parachute canopy that wouldn’t be conducive to the day’s windy weather. One thing Chuma taught the team was how to read weather patterns to help determine whether it’s safe to jump.
Each jump is a learning experience. After each one, members examined video taken from helmet cams to find ways for improvement.
Being on the Golden Knights has provided excitement in the lives of its members, and team members are on the road a majority of the year as they perform.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Garner, who grew up in Indiana and joined the military 14 years ago, was unacquainted with the Army’s skydiving program at the time, but eventually took the training to become a part of it. He’s been a member of the Golden Knights for more than two years.
Garner gives credit to other members of the military for doing their part to keep the country safe.
Jumping off the Perrine Bridge is “an adrenaline rush, for sure,” he said, but there is a very good chance that there’s an Apache helicopter pilot out there at this moment, having a equal adrenaline rush as well. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/us-army-parachute-team-trains-at-perrine-bridge/article_49ef807e-e6c4-11ed-aeee-bfb40296ce3d.html | 2023-05-03T06:21:22 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/us-army-parachute-team-trains-at-perrine-bridge/article_49ef807e-e6c4-11ed-aeee-bfb40296ce3d.html |
'Humbled and committed': Peoria City Council swears in new members as others leave office
Bernice Gordon-Young and Mike Vespa, the two most newly elected Peoria City Council members, took their oaths of office at City Hall on Tuesday night. The ceremony also bid farewell to longtime council members Beth Jensen and Sid Ruckriegel.
Incumbent council members John Kelly, Kiran Velpula and Zach Oyler, who won their reelection bids this year, re-took their oaths of office as well Tuesday night.
New members join Peoria City Council
Gordon-Young was the first of the two new council members to be sworn in. She ran for an at-large City Council seat just two weeks after completing her PhD, she told a crowded City Hall.
"It is not lost on me that sitting in this seat in an honor and a privilege," Gordon-Young said in her first remarks on the council.
More:Peoria lays out new rules for cannabis dispensaries and where they can operate in the city
Gordon-Young, who won her at-large seat by securing 8,918 votes under the city's cumulative voting system, also said she wanted to "thank the citizens of Peoria for believing in me" and that she was "humbled and committed to moving Peoria forward.
"My sister, my older sister, always taught me never to just sit with people who are only your friends or people you came with — reach out, get to know other people, create a diverse environment."
Gordon-Young is the founder of the Peoria non-profit organization It Takes a Village.
Vespa, a lawyer by trade, joins the council as yet another member of the Vespa family to find themselves in a place of influence in Peoria. He is the son of prominent Peoria Judge Joe Vespa, the first person he thanked in his speech to the council.
"I certainly would lead off with my Dad, Joe — he was the son of a Caterpillar welder with an eighth-grade education, went to law school, became a judge, was a judge for 18 years, and his brother John ... that's two judges who came from a family supported by a Caterpillar welder income. That's something that doesn't happen everywhere," Vespa said. "So I really stand on the shoulders of giants."
Vespa finished the at-large voting in fifth place — the last place to be elected — garnering 6,100 votes.
He said Peoria is a "good community, with a lot of potential" and he sees it as the council's job to help the city reach its full potential.
Old council members bid farewell
Beth Jensen approached the lectern on Tuesday night with tears in her eyes and a slight break in her voice as she spoke to the council for the last time as a council member, putting a stamp on a 10-year run around the horseshoe.
Jensen joined the council as an at-large member in 2013, but has a history at City Hall that dates back to 1994, when she was hired to be an assistant corporation counsel for the city. She did not file paperwork to run for reelection.
"It's been the honor of my life to serve on the Peoria City Council the last 10 years," Jensen said. "I am humbled and honored to have been appointed by (former) Mayor Jim Ardis and the City Council in 2013 and to have been elected by the citizens of Peoria in 2015 and 2019."
More:Boundary battle: Family fights to allow kids to stay in their current Dunlap schools
Jensen said during her time on the council she tried to be a strong advocate for Peoria's old neighborhoods, the arts community and police officers and firefighters.
"(My mother) taught me to listen to people, to stick to your guns, follow your gut and speak up, so I thank you, Mom," Jensen said as part of her final remarks.
Ruckriegel is leaving the council after just over seven years of service. He, too, did not seek reelection.
He viewed growth in Peoria's business community and investments in roads and neighborhoods as being among the biggest accomplishments the council got done during his time in office.
"I truly appreciate the council that I served on. Thank you to each and every one of you," Ruckriegel said. "Many like to say, 'Well, you don't always agree,' but that's the great thing about the council — that you're not all supposed to have the same opinion, same ideas, same pathways. Each and every one of us brings a skillset to this horseshoe, and each one of us has value in that way." | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/new-peoria-city-council-members-take-office-as-two-others-say-goodbye/70177499007/ | 2023-05-03T06:43:11 | 1 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/new-peoria-city-council-members-take-office-as-two-others-say-goodbye/70177499007/ |
KUNA — With all the growth the Treasure Valley has experienced in the last 50 years, fewer people have a direct connection with Idaho farms and agriculture. Jim and Hillary Lowe have taken it upon themselves to provide that connection to locals.
“It’s hard to think of Idaho without agriculture because it is just such a part of the place,” Jim Lowe said. “People have come here to Idaho because they want an Idaho life and they can come out and and we can be their destination.”
Spring on the Farm is a new experiment for Lowe Family Farms, featuring baby animals and their mothers, blooming flowers and spring bites. The spring celebration is about more than selling tickets — it’s about the foundation of Idaho.
“It connects Idahoans to their roots of agriculture,” Hillary Lowe said. “That’s what is really is important to our state.”
According to Hillary Lowe, this is the farm’s second time holding the spring celebration. Lowe Family Farm has celebrated harvest season during fall since 1997.
“This is new for us,” Hillary Lowe said. “We thought it would be nice for guests to see and get a feel for what the farm is like in the spring ... the new growth, the planting, the new babies that are born on the farm.”
Before beginning Lowe Family Farms, Jim discovered his passion for agritourism through corn mazes. Spring on the Farm felt like a natural extension of their usual harvest season celebration.
“The fall has a signature draw to it and it’s something that we celebrate in our culture and rightfully so,” Jim said. “But the spring has its own excitement. It’s fresh growth. It’s optimism. It’s hope for the future. It’s looking forward.”
Spring on the Farm gives locals the opportunity to see more of the farm’s process: watching farmers work the fields and planting for harvest.
“It is a grounding connection to where we live, to our sense of place, to who we are here, both for Idahoans that have been here for generations, but also for people who are new to the valley or coming here,” Jim Lowe said.
Every year, the farm gets a new start.
“I love the seasonality of what we do, because we get a fresh crack at it every year,” Jim said. “It’s a fresh start and I think that is something that maybe is lost a little bit in today’s world. People start sometimes feeling like they’re just in this never-ending churn of life.”
The farm can provide the opportunity for people to get a new perspective, and more importantly, get outside.
“I’m no mental health expert, but based on my own experience, when the sun’s shining and you get out in some fresh air, that’s always rejuvenating,” Jim Lowe said. “It’s getting out and being active and especially when we’re coming off cold winters, when a lot of people spend a lot of time and indoors.”
Since it is a newer event for the farm, it’s had a slower pace than harvest season.
“Right now the farm is really green, there’s new things growing. You’ll see the track the farmers and the tractor out in the field disking and plowing and possibly planting at this time,” Lowe said.
Guests can create their own bouquet of tulips to take home in mason jars, Lowe said.
“There’s really something for everyone,” Lowe said. “Life is super busy ... I think that our guests really enjoy unwinding and settling down. There’s open space for kids to run. It’s a safe place, it’s family friendly. There’s good food, so you can eat while you’re here and enjoy some time and a meal with your friends or your family in a little bit slower paced environment.”
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She covers Boise and Ada County with an emphasis on education. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyWhite177 and email her at ewhite@idahopress.com
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She covers Boise and Ada County with an emphasis on education. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyWhite177 and email her at ewhite@idahopress.com
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She is a graduate from Utah State University and holds degrees in journalism and English. Previously, White worked as a reporter and content manager at the Utah Statesman. In her free time, she can be found baking or watching a good movie. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/family-farm-strives-to-connect-idahoans-to-their-roots/article_fd0c3f2c-e470-11ed-a1f2-b305b5f3283e.html | 2023-05-03T06:47:31 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/family-farm-strives-to-connect-idahoans-to-their-roots/article_fd0c3f2c-e470-11ed-a1f2-b305b5f3283e.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — Three Democratic incumbents on the City-County Council were defeated in Tuesday's primary.
Monroe Gray, who has served on the council since 1992, lost to Brienne Delaney by a 2-to-1 margin in the newly redrawn District 2. Gray was moved from District 8 when the maps were redrawn for the upcoming year. Delaney is the former director of elections for the Marion County Election Board and also served as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County.
Council Vice President Zach Adamson also lost his race in Tuesday's primary, losing to Jesse Brown by a 56% to 44% margin in District 13, a difference of about 380 votes. Adamson has served on the council since 2011, serving in District 17 before the maps were redrawn.
In District 14, incumbent David Ray lost to Andy Nielsen by a 57% to 43% margin. Ray had served on the council since 2015 in District 19.
All 25 district seats on the council were on the primary ballot. A total of 10 councilors, eight Democrats and two Republicans, ran unopposed. Four current councilors - all Democrats - did not run again.
The council currently has a Democratic supermajority of 25-5. The five current Republican councilors all ran for re-election. One new Republican, Derek Cahill in District 23, ran unopposed. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/three-incumbent-city-county-councilors-lose-in-primary-indianapolis-marion-county/531-40dc6253-9bef-44ce-93af-26bb8510dc44 | 2023-05-03T06:55:54 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/three-incumbent-city-county-councilors-lose-in-primary-indianapolis-marion-county/531-40dc6253-9bef-44ce-93af-26bb8510dc44 |
SAN CARLOS PARK, Fla. — It’s enough to bug anybody! A man’s front lawn in San Carlos Park is crawling with hundreds of giant, orange grasshoppers.
“They’re bright orange. They got big eyes. They got long legs,” said the homeowner, David Coleman. “They’re a little creepy.”
Coleman said the strange grasshoppers showed up at his house a couple of weeks ago and now are multiplying by the day.
“I mean you take a step and they’re jumping around everywhere,” said Coleman. He said he’s seen up to 500 of these grasshoppers in one day.
“How are these things not dying when they spray my house?” Coleman asked. Especially after his dog, whom he believes could have eaten one of the grasshoppers, got sick a couple of days ago, Coleman wants to know how to get rid of the grasshoppers.
NBC2 spoke with Joyce Fassbender, an expert in insect and spider biodiversity at FGCU.
She told us the grasshoppers at Coleman’s house are Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers. She said it’s their breeding season and they can lay up to 50 eggs underground.
She said the bugs are native to Florida and don’t do too much harm to pets. “They will usually spit them out because they do not taste good,” said Fassbender. “They release this fluid that stinks that has a terrible taste to it.”
She says because the species breaks down toxins, insect spray isn’t the best way to kill Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers.
She said if you don’t want to kill them one by one and you have a big infestation, there are some baits geared toward these types of grasshoppers you can sprinkle around your plants or areas of concern to help lower the population. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/03/orange-grasshoppers-take-over-mans-yard-in-san-carlos-park/ | 2023-05-03T06:56:02 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/03/orange-grasshoppers-take-over-mans-yard-in-san-carlos-park/ |
In the early 2000s, a wide-eyed high school junior entered the Loews Miami Beach hotel with her twin sister, eager to start an internship in the hospitality and tourism industry as a pool attendant.
Twenty-two years later, that same young woman leads the hotel’s sales department as its senior sales manager.
“There’s a misconception that the hospitality industry is just housekeepers or owning your own restaurant, but there’s much more to it,” said Roseline Bien-Aime. “I really wanted to be a doctor growing up, but ever since I joined the Academy of Travel and Tourism my sophomore year in high school, I fell in love with the industry and the traveling, sales and marketing side of it.”
The Academy of Travel and Tourism is an educational program that launched in 1987 allowing high school students to gain invaluable knowledge and skills in the tourism industry. It also paved the way for Crystal Harvey to start her own food service consulting and catering business – Your Savory Fare, serving local, national and celebrity customers.
“I went through the academy for one year and told my dad that I wanted to get out and do something else,” explained Harvey, who was urged to join the program by Ms. Fyler, a teacher at Miami Norland Senior High School at the time.
“He said ‘You can get out if you want to, but if you stay in the hospitality industry you will be successful,” said Harvey, who worked at Carnival Cruise Line for nearly a decade before starting the family-owned food company. “I always go back to that word he spoke to me. It is the very core of why I do what I do.”
While the program sparked Harvey and Bien-Aime’s interest in the industry and gave them a foot in the door, it was an initiative supported by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) that turned a high school dream into a lifelong career.
Since 1990, GMCVB’s Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI) has removed barriers and created educational and economic opportunities to increase the number of Black professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The success stories of BHI recipients like Bien-Aime, Harvey and Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” 2020 winner Jouvens Jean are why dozens of people gathered in Miami Beach over the weekend to play golf and raise $200,000 to sustain BHI and help fund the Minority Scholarship Endowment at Florida International University.
For three decades, GMCVB has organized an annual Hospitality Open Tournament (H.O.T.) to support BHI, which provides scholarships, mentorship and internship opportunities for Black students studying hospitality at local universities. More than $3 million has been raised to support nearly 400 students over the years.
“The whole objective of this golf tournament that we do is to build sustainability for the scholarships that we give out,” said Graylyn Swilley-Woods, director of BHI. “It’s a major fundraiser for us, not only is it a fundraiser but it gives us an opportunity to help bring the industry partners together and support our work in a different kind of way.”
The tournament and fundraiser brunch, hosted at the Miami Beach Golf Club, featured various auction items including a signed photo of retired NBA star Udonis Haslem, and game scoreboards signed by Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.
In attendance were BHI students and alumni, GMCVB partners, donors and community leaders.
“A lot of times when people think about hospitality, they don’t think about or imagine minorities being in those higher positions,” said Alem Richardson, a hospitality and travel administration student at Miami Dade College who attended the event. “Even sometimes that person’s own family may not see them in such a position and tell them to go for engineering or something in the medical field.”
Richardson, a beneficiary of BHI and prospective FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management student, hopes to one day manage a hotel or own a spa. For now, she works as a line cook at a restaurant in the Design District while earning her degree.
“We just did a study to observe leadership at the general manager level and found that there were few, very minimum number of Blacks in this industry at the executive level,” revealed Swilley-Woods. “So, part of what we do is attempt to not only give degrees but to mentor. We will launch our apprenticeship program with the hotel and entertainment sectors in the fall so when students are about to graduate, they have a mentor and are guaranteed a workforce and career opportunity.”
“It’s important to showcase minorities who are leaders, owners of establishments and managers, because it inspires people like me to know that we can be spa owners or be the heads of programs,” said Richardson.
The Castell Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to seeing more women in high positions within the hospitality industry, released a report last year on where Black hospitality workers fall in leadership positions within the industry.
According to the report, the number of Black directors in the hospitality industry fell from 2.7% to 2.0% in 2021 and from 1.6% to 0.7% for leadership at the chief level.
Closing the gap
“Our scholarships are for two to four years for books, and in some cases, uniform,” said Swilley-Woods. “Whether you’re a chef and may need knives or may need to go to a conference, our scholarship pays for that. So I would think the economic impact on the students and on their families is tremendous. It’s an $18,000 bill that someone is paying for.”
Bien-Aime, whose family emigrated from Haiti, says the scholarship played an instrumental role in allowing her to attend Miami Dade College and then transfer to FIU to pursue her career.
“I was blessed, and also my twin sister, because she was awarded the scholarship as well,” she said. “The financial burden was really taken off our family with my parents having 11 kids. It allowed us to just focus on school. My parents sacrificed a lot. The first time they tried to restart their life here, it was rocky for them, so they ended up going back to Haiti before trying to come back here again because they knew that the life in Haiti was not something they wanted for their kids.”
“Not only did Ms. Fyler see something in me, but my father also saw something in me,” said Harvey. “He worked at FIU as the director of multicultural programs and services at the time and told me about the scholarship. I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship in my junior and senior year, which covered books, uniforms and knives. I came out of school not having to pay anything.”
BHI not only removes financial barriers that would have otherwise made the industry inaccessible to students from low-income backgrounds, but also has a built-in mentorship program and teaches recipients to dress, look and speak the part.
Harvey and Bien-Aime, credit mentors such as Alicia Ritchey, Elizabeth Williams and Debbie Castillo, respectively, for their success in the field. Both expressed how mentorship plays a crucial role in unlocking one's potential.
“Mentorship is built into the scholarship program,” explained Swilley-Woods. “We try to pair [students] through profile assessment in terms of what they want to do, and pair them with other professionals in our database who align with their career.
“The opportunity to work from front to upper management to work at the port, the airlines, all of those, in logistics and management, are areas that are budding here in Miami. We think that when students are given experience and mentorship, it affords them an opportunity to have greater access to the market.” | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/ensuring-black-professionals-in-local-tourism/article_39218fee-e95d-11ed-9832-a359a35a6817.html | 2023-05-03T07:45:12 | 0 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/ensuring-black-professionals-in-local-tourism/article_39218fee-e95d-11ed-9832-a359a35a6817.html |
Miami-Dade Police director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez announced this week his candidacy for the 2024 sheriff’s election.
Ramirez began training as a police officer in 1995, worked his way up through narcotics and homicide bureaus, handled criminal investigations and was finally appointed director by former Mayor Carlos Giménez in 2020. In 2022, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava gave him yet another title, that of interim chief of public safety, allowing him to also oversee the fire rescue department and the medical examiner’s office.
“This community and this police department is my life,” Ramirez told The Miami Times. “It’s my family.”
Rickey Mitchell, an attorney and funeral home owner, and Ruamen de la Rua, a city of Miami police officer, are so far the only other two people who have filed paperwork to run for sheriff. Ramirez and Mitchell, both Democrats, and de la Rua, a Republican, plus any future candidates, will face off in an August 2024 primary before the general election in November 2024.
Managing the fear of change
Ramirez’s announcement comes at a time when questions are being continually raised about how the sheriff will possibly alter the fabric of public safety in Miami-Dade County. The independent position will be reinstated for the first time since the 1960s after Florida voters approved a 2018 constitutional amendment that mandates the elections of a sheriff, elections supervisor and tax collector in each county. As of right now, Miami-Dade is the only county in the state where the mayor holds those powers.
The Board of County Commissioners has discussed and taken steps to combat the possibility of a new sheriff, demanding its own police force for countywide jurisdiction. If Ramirez wins, that worry could be put to rest.
“As we approach this transition to a constitutional office, it has to be led by people who have been in this department, that have been in this community, and ensure that during this transition there’s no change in service, there’s no loss of trust, that this community still knows that it’s the Miami-Dade Police Department that’s showing up to their house providing them service,” said Ramirez. “You can’t just come in here and flip the switch and change everything.”
Prior to Ramirez’s candidacy in June 2022, commissioners cautiously voted to retain the county police department as its own municipal force. HB 1595, however, a bill that passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the past week, would prohibit that exact move, granting each sheriff exclusive jurisdiction in unincorporated county areas. The bill is now on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.
Of particular interest is how the new legislation would affect the existence of the Independent Civilian Panel (ICP), which has just recently gotten off its feet since being reinstated in 2020. Many have noted that it could be up to the sheriff’s discretion to retain the ICP as a form of oversight, or else the panel’s work becomes void.
When asked whether he’d voluntarily work with the ICP, though, Ramirez’s response was a simple, “Why not?”
“I believe in transparency and trust in the community,” he said, “and that’s part of it.”
His only requirement is that the ICP’s processes are conducted in good faith and fairness, and Ramirez says he surely believes they will be.
Permitless carry
Although Ramirez’s candidacy represents an effort to keep services on their current trajectory, the police department will inevitably be forced to adapt to new challenges moving forward. The police director will have to balance his campaign with his everyday responsibilities, including how to function with DeSantis’ new permitless carry law.
At an NAACP town hall event April 28, Ramirez, a panel member, addressed his concerns about citizens being able to carry a gun without any permit or training.
“The law is the law right now,” Ramirez said. “Our hands are tied, but where there’s opportunity, we have to educate the community, we have to educate our officers, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”
He says the police department is already working on a video to release on its social media pages that will inform the public on how to stay safe amid the new law’s passage.
At the same time, he sent a message to the public that accountability is present in Miami-Dade County. The homicide department and the State Attorney’s Office will hold people responsible for their crimes, he says, including police officers themselves and community members acting recklessly or discriminatorily.
“Now, we don’t know who’s the good guy or the bad guy, but last time I checked, being a person of color is not a reason to be shot,” Ramirez said to the audience at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in south Miami-Dade.
A record of public safety
Also present at the town hall last week was Levine Cava, a close associate of Ramirez’s from whom he says he draws inspiration.
Ramirez was a former Republican turned independent when he first became police director. He says he made the change to remind his community that policing is “apolitical” and that he serves everyone equally.
In January, however, he switched his affiliation again, this time to Democrat, in preparation for his run for sheriff. He attributes that decision to the three years through which he’s seen and helped Levine Cava’s administration invest in public safety, including through the Peace & Prosperity plan.
Christian Ulvert, president of Edge Communications, is running both Ramirez’s campaign and Levine Cava’s 2024 reelection bid.
“At the end of the day, despite political affiliation, it’s Freddy who’s going to be here, the same Freddy that’s been here for almost 30 years and the same Freddy that you all know very well,” Ramirez assured as he spoke of himself in the third person. “I won’t leave anyone behind and I won’t let anyone down, and I’ll make sure that we keep setting the tone and moving forward and being the beacon of what trust and public safety should be in this country.”
That the county is set apart from other communities across the country is a sentiment frequently expressed by the police director. He describes Miami-Dade as “progressive” and “forward-moving,” always learning from its past mistakes.
Ramirez created the Homicide Street Violence Task Force while holding the rank of major between 2012-2013 in response to violent crimes in the northern end of the county, which was later extended to the south following the program’s success.
“I’m there in the good, the bad and the ugly,” Ramirez said. “My men and women are out there each and every day. You see us on TV. When people call the police and they call the fire department, they’re trusted, and that to me is priceless.” | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/mdpd-director-announces-run-for-sheriff/article_515290d8-e965-11ed-b2a9-1716f2085507.html | 2023-05-03T07:45:18 | 0 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/mdpd-director-announces-run-for-sheriff/article_515290d8-e965-11ed-b2a9-1716f2085507.html |
“We encourage all victims of domestic violence to come forward without fear, knowing that we take these matters seriously,” said the new police chief of Miramar, Delrish Moss, in a statement following the arrest of one of his officers Monday.
Joshua Bogwandas, 26, was arrested by detectives on domestic battery and kidnapping charges. He’s since been relieved of duty without pay.
According to an arrest affidavit, his girlfriend told police the two had been at a club in Miami having drinks and smoking marijuana, and were leaving when she noticed a text message on his phone from his ex-girlfriend.
She said she became upset and continued to confront Bogwandas about what she saw on his phone when they arrived home, but he refused to talk about it.
After she went to bed, the affidavit stated, Bogwandas got on top of her, pinned her down on the bed and began choking her.
She was able to break free and walked to her child’s room, but Bogwandas grabbed her by the hair and pulled her out of the room, the report said.
She ran out of the house, but Bogwandas reportedly chased and grabbed her, forcibly dragging her back to the house.
Once there, Bogwandas continued to batter his girlfriend until she was able to grab her phone and call 911, the affidavit said.
Bogwandas, who had only been with the Miramar Police Department since December 2022, drove away from the scene but was later taken into custody and booked into jail. He appeared in bond court Tuesday.
“This arrest illustrates the department’s commitment to enforcing the law without favor,” Moss said in his statement. | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/miramar-police-officer-arrested-for-beating-girlfriend/article_8a9ebde2-e967-11ed-8d3d-c3310150059b.html | 2023-05-03T07:45:24 | 1 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/miramar-police-officer-arrested-for-beating-girlfriend/article_8a9ebde2-e967-11ed-8d3d-c3310150059b.html |
Lengthy terms by local school board members like Steve Gallon III and Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall will be a thing of the past, thanks to the passage of a bill headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature that imposes eight-year term limits on school board members.
Those terms were capped at 12 years by the Florida Legislature last year, but new bills that just passed reduce the cap to eight.
Bendross-Mindingall has represented District 2 since 2010. Reelected last year unopposed, her current term ends Nov. 17, 2026. Gallon has represented District 1 since 2016. Last reelected in 2020, his term would be up in November 2024.
The bill will take effect in just two months on July 1, immediately impacting school board members serving after November 2022. According to the bill, those elected in 2022, for example, could serve another eight years before reaching the term limit.
Neither Gallon nor Bendross-Mindingall have responded to The Miami Times for comment. A requested legal opinion from M-DCPS regarding how the new law governs Gallon's and Bendross-Mindingall's remaining time in office did not arrive by press time.
During discussion Monday, Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, questioned why lawmakers were coming back with eight-year term limits this year.
“Why are we back here so fast on this?” Pizzo asked.
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, the bill’s sponsor, suggested that eight years was always the target of lawmakers.
“I think that eight years was the preferred landing spot. We didn’t get that last year. We’re doing it this year,” he said.
The Senate voted 30-7 to pass the bill (HB 477), with five Democrats joining Republicans in backing the measure. The House voted 79-29 in March to pass it.
The five Democrats who supported the bill Monday were Pizzo; Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie; Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens; Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-Fort Lauderdale; and Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando.
Almost 77% of voters approved eight-year term limits on the Legislature in 1992. Term limits imposed on Miami-Dade County commissioners in 2012 have resulted in a massive turnover of forced-out veteran commissioners.
Monday’s approval came during a legislative session that has included lawmakers pursuing various other changes dealing with school boards.
Last month, the Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to shift to holding partisan school board elections. Lawmakers’ approval put the measure on the 2024 ballot. If approved by voters, the amendment would do away with a requirement that school board candidates run without party labels. Partisan elections could begin in 2026.
Supporters of moving to partisan school board races argue that partisan politics already are inherent in campaigns. During last year’s elections, DeSantis took the rare step of endorsing dozens of conservative candidates – many of whom went on to win their races. One such candidate deposed longtime Republican school board member Marta Perez, who had served since 1998.
Another measure (HB 411) seeks to change a requirement that school board candidates reside in the districts they are seeking to represent at the time they qualify to run. The proposal, which would require candidates to live in the districts at the time they assume office, needs House approval before it can go to DeSantis.
Banning DEI spending
In other news, a measure that seeks to prevent colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is ready to go before the full Senate amid strong objections from Democrats, with Jones calling it “racist at its core.”
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, has argued that DEI initiatives are discriminatory.
“We want diverse viewpoints. We want fair treatment and full participation of all people, and an environment that examines ideas freely ... The ideas of, maybe, why there have been inequalities in the past. But modern DEI initiatives, under the guise of social justice or critical theory, seek to increase representation of some groups through discrimination against members of other groups,” Grall said.
Eliminating DEI programs in higher education has been a DeSantis priority during this legislative session. Earlier this year, his administration also directed colleges and universities to provide lists of their DEI initiatives and how much money was budgeted for them. | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/school-board-service-capped-at-8-years/article_c4846d44-e963-11ed-8cf4-43088d3c8864.html | 2023-05-03T07:45:30 | 1 | https://www.miamitimesonline.com/news/local/school-board-service-capped-at-8-years/article_c4846d44-e963-11ed-8cf4-43088d3c8864.html |
ROCHESTER, Minn.-- There are a number of birthing services available to future mothers, and having a 'doula' by your side is one of them.
Psalms Frye is a trained labor support person, or 'doula' in Rochester who offered insight on other ways mother's can advocate for themselves when it comes to the best care in the delivery room.
A doula, although vastly different from a mid-wife, nurse, and child-birth educator--falls among the three when it comes to labor and delivery-- providing physical, emotional, educational, and mental support for pregnant women and their families.
The term ‘doula' itself comes from ancient Greek, meaning " a woman who serves."
"It's empowering to me. It makes me feel like I'm living out my purpose," Frye says.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, women who used a doula during labor reported a more positive childbirth. While other studies have shown having a doula as a part of their labor team “decreases the overall cesarean section rate by 50 percent, the length of labor by 25 percent and requests for an epidural by nearly 60 percent.”
Frye, who is a mother of 5 says it wasn't until she was pregnant with her last child , that she began doing research into how the pregnancy statistics hit closer to home than she thought.
She says, "digging in, that's when I became aware of the Black Maternal Health Crisis in America right now."
Based on statistics from the CDC, black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy or the following year. The CDC goes on to state that 80 percent of pregnancy related deaths are preventable if more concerns were addressed.
Frye says fear for her own pregnancy caused her to stay home until she was 10 centimeters, which she also says she does not recommend for other mothers. however this fear pushed Frye into wanting to make a change. she started her business, Peace and Compassion Birth Services.
"Peace and compassion because it can get chaotic. "Frye adds.
On the Peace and Compassion website, Frye assures future moms of 'a birth you'll want to remember'. She says she wants the pregnancy and birth experience to be fearless for other moms, and says during sacred moments everyone deserves to be comforted. she says this is why a birthing team should also stand together.
" A medical professional may feel like a doula is there to take over,” Frye said. “That is not me. What's important to me is that we work as a team. because bumping heads won't serve me, it wont serve the mother and it won't serve the medical staff. "
She says, "I always tell my clients to use their brain. ‘B’, What are the benefits? ‘R’, What are the risks? ‘A’, What are the alternatives to this method? ‘I’, Use your intuition and ‘N’, What if we do nothing?"
Frye says she is also happy to know that awareness on the work of a doula is becoming more widespread
According to the National Health Law, as of 2022 at least 17 states are in the stages of planning, considering or implementing Medicaid doula reimbursements. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/doulas-joining-labor-team/article_aab006e2-e96a-11ed-8aab-ff1cfac5cc0b.html | 2023-05-03T07:50:51 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/doulas-joining-labor-team/article_aab006e2-e96a-11ed-8aab-ff1cfac5cc0b.html |
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.fox43.com/article/news/local/no-mow-may-to-help-early-pollination-lehman-sanctuary-christopher-miller-township-grass/523-923ddbe6-1b98-4e9f-869c-b6d78db29567 | 2023-05-03T08:11:15 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/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.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-police-observance-honors-fallen-troopers-n-captain-norman-cramer-joe-zuber/523-3577956e-d66d-4db8-be0d-b4a932739866 | 2023-05-03T08:11:19 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-police-observance-honors-fallen-troopers-n-captain-norman-cramer-joe-zuber/523-3577956e-d66d-4db8-be0d-b4a932739866 |
Berlin woman dies after being hit by vehicle in Ocean Pines
A Berlin woman died Monday after being struck by a vehicle as she was walking across Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office reported.
Pamela Shellenberger, 64, was walking across Ocean Parkway on May 1 at around 9:23 a.m. at the intersection of King Richard Road when she was hit by a vehicle traveling on Ocean Parkway, the sheriff's office said.
She was airlifted from the scene by Maryland State Police helicopter to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, Bethany Jones, 30, of Berlin, remained at the scene. No signs of impairment were detected on Jones, and she was released from the scene without injuries, the release said.
The Ocean Pines Police Department requested the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit to assume the investigation.
HIT-AND-RUN:Charges filed in case of Worcester County hit and run that killed 14-year-old Gavin Knupp
CRIME:Murder trial in slaying of Deputy First Class Hilliard has begun: What to know
Shellenberger's body was taken to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for autopsy. After the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Worcester County States Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with information about the crash can contact Sgt. Chris Larmore of the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 410-632-1111.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/02/berlin-woman-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-ocean-pines/70176810007/ | 2023-05-03T08:21:36 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/02/berlin-woman-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-ocean-pines/70176810007/ |
Family and friends of Claire Wenzel, the Montpelier woman who died in the chain-reaction crash on Interstate 95 last fall , protested in front of the Henrico Courts Building Tuesday, asking the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for justice.
Wenzel’s mother, Donna Wenzel, said the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office told them that they plan to charge a individual with misdemeanor DUI. “It’s essentially a slap on the wrist,” Wenzel said. “That’s not really appropriate in this case.”
On Oct. 30, just before 3 a.m., a crash involving seven vehicles occurred on northbound I-95 near the I-295 exchange . Claire Wenzel, 28, who was driving one of the vehicles, died from her injuries. Seven drivers suffered injuries to varying degrees.
Virginia State Police responded to the crash and investigated the incident. Police said the first crash occurred when a 2013 Jeep Wrangler ran off the road while traveling north and hit the guardrail, spinning back into the lane.
Four more crashes occurred as drivers attempted to avoid the collisions. Wenzel was killed when her Hyundai Elantra was struck by another vehicle and sent into the back of the Jeep.
The investigation concluded April 21, with Henrico prosecutors meeting with Wenzel’s family on Monday to update them on the case.
State police said a series of chain-reaction crashes involving seven vehicles on Interstate 95 in Henrico County on Sunday killed a Montpelier woman.
Virginia State Police photos
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with those killed or injured during this crash,” Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said in a statement. “This investigation is on-going, and the rules of ethics that are applicable to criminal prosecutions prohibit me from making comments on the evidence, trial strategy or likely outcomes of the case, so I am not permitted to speak as to the specifics of this matter.”
State police said a series of chain-reaction crashes involving seven vehicles on Interstate 95 in Henrico County on Sunday killed a Montpelier woman.
Virginia State Police
Barring a decision by the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office to bring the case before a grand jury, Wenzel’s family can make an appeal to the governor, a step that Wenzel’s mother says they will take.
“We’ve continually been ignored,” Donna Wenzel said. “They’ve had this case for six months and nothing has moved forward. The only time they decided to move forward was when they got wind of the protest that we were holding.”
From the archives: Remembering Ukrop's through the years
1958 Ukrop's
2/21/1958: Sam D. Ukrop, 33-year-old owner of Ukrop's Supermarket on Mechanicsville Pike, has opened a 3,000-square-foot department store adjacent to the market.
staff photo
1963 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store on Hull Street circa 1963.
HANDOUT PHOTO
1963 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store on Buford Road circa 1963. James E. Ukrop, son of the founders, convinces his father to allow him to open a second store, on Midlothian Turnpike near Buford Road in Chesterfield County.
HANDOUT PHOTO
1965 Ukrop's
May 11, 1965: New Shopping Center This new shopping center at Walmsley boulevard and State Rt. 10 is scheduled to open tomorrow. The 25,000-sauare-foot center was developed by Joe Ukrop, who will operate a supermarket in the center. Other tenants include Jewel Laundry and Dry Cleaners and a barber shop, operated by Smith & Nelson. Robert M. Dunville & Brothers, Inc., was the general contractor. The supermarket will be Ukrop's third in the Richmond area.
staff photo
1972 Ukrop's
James E. Ukrop, 34. published caption Feb. 6, 1972: James Ukrop Serves as General Manager of Local Concern Company Will Open Another Richmond Area Store in the Summer (new store is in the Dumbarton Square Shopping Center at Hilliard and Staples Mill roads -- the company's first location on the north side of the James River.)
staff photo
1981 Ukrop's
11/21/1981: Final touches are being made at Ukrop's Supermarkets 12th Richmond area store in the Gayton Crossing Shopping Center expansion in western Henrico County. The $1.2 million, 32,000-square-foot store will open Dec. 8, company officials say. The architect was David Dunville and the contractor was Robert M. Dunville & Bros. Inc. the store will include a delicatessen and a Dot's Pastry Shoppe. About 120 people will be employed.
Amir M. Pishdad
1983 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Super Market
Don Long
1984 Ukrop's
1984: A display of stock is set up in the new Ukrop's store on West Cary Street by (from left): Store Manager Jim Blackwell, Assistant Store Manager Bill Calson and Grocery manager Billy Piece.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1985 Ukrop's
5/22/1985: Another Ukrop's opens The 16th Ukrop's Supermarket in the Richmond metropolitan area opened yesterday at the Stony Point Shopping Center in South Richmond. The $3.3 million store is the first retailer to open in the shopping center, while other spaces still are under construction. The Ukrop's store , which will employ about 120 people on a fulltime and part-time basis, is managed by Russell Wood, who transferred from the company's Chippenham North Shopping Center store.
Clement Britt
1985 Ukrop's
1985: Carol Beth Spivey (left), cameraman Stephen Berry and Patty Papazian.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1986 Ukrop's
1986: Drawing was to show the Ukrop's Super market store which was to be the anchor of the Laburnum Park shopping center.
FREEMAN & MORGAN ARCHITECTS/FILE/TIMES-DISPATCH
1987 Ukrop's
Vickie Griffith discusses "Valued Customer Card" program with a Ukrop's customer.
file photo
1987 Ukrop's
11/6/1987: Ukrop's lands in East End The 19th and largest store in the Ukrop's Super Markets Inc. chain, and the company's first store in the eastern Richmond area, is getting ready to open Tuesday at Laburnum Park Shopping Center on Laburnum near Interstate 64 in Henrico County. The 43,500-square-foot grocery is the anchor tenant in the 130,000-square-foot center being developed and managed by S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Other tenants are a Rite Aid drugstore, Radio Shack, Merribee crafts and needlework, a video store, Contempo fashions, Sit 'N' Sleep retail store, an Italian restaurant and a Curles Neck ice cream store.
P. Kevin Morley
1987 Ukrop's
James E. "Jim" Ukrop, left, and brother Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop at Ukrop's 50th anniversary charity program. 6/29/1987
Carl Lynn
1987 Ukrop's
1987: James Ukrop watches brother Robert make point.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1987 Ukrop's
12-18-1987: Dick Hollander (l), Bobby Ukrop announce The Diamond's name at December meeting.
Bob Brown
1987 Ukrop's
From left, Joseph (Joe) Ukrop, Jacquelin B. Ukrop (Joe's wife) and son Robert S. Ukrop published 6/18/1987, no origin date available
file photo
1988 Ukrop's
Feb. 23, 1988: Shopping mobility David Baber, a shopper at the Patterson Avenue store of Ukrop's Super Markets Inc., uses a motorized cart designed for handicapped customers. Ukrop's, with 19 sotres, purchased 25 of the carts from an Arkansas company last year and is the first grocery chain in Virginia to use the electric-powered vehicles.
Carl Lynn
1988 Ukrop's
1988: IN THE BAG — Coy Bryson, representing Ukrop's, bags groceries in the state grocery bagger's competition. Five finalists, Bryson among them, competed yesterday at the Marriott.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1988 Ukrop's
James E. Ukrop with founders of Ben & Jerry ice cream company. From left: Jerry Greenfield, James E. "Jim" Ukrop, Ben Cohen
Carl Lynn
1989 Ukrop's
Rich Hedrick, Jim Ukrop and Bob Ukrop of H.U. Development Associates look over the plans for CentreCourt at the site of their office park on Route 10, Chesterfield County. Published caption July 16, 1989
handout
1990 Ukrop's
March 20, 1990: PRECAUTION -- Ukrop's posted an apology to customers where its soup kettles usually sit. Throughout the area, soup bars like this one were closed yesterday because tainted syringes were found in soup in three Chesterfield stores last week.
Bob Brown
1990 Ukrop's
1990: Jerome Thomas loads groceries at a service conscious Ukrop's supermarket. Ukrop's Super Markets Inc., with more than 4,100 employees, moved onto the "Top 50" list for the fist time.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1990 Ukrop's
1990: Roy Harris greets a customer at Ukrops, where he works as a courtesy clerk.
TIMES-DISPATCH
1990 Ukrop's
July 22, 1990: MUSIC MAKERS -- Since they began two years ago under the direction of Harry Jones, the Ukrop's Singers has grown from 10 to 48 members. The group is made up of Ukrop employees and others who perform a variety of musical selections at nursing homes, Richmond Braves baseball games, the State Fair of Virginia and other local events throughout the year.
Bruce Parker
1991 Ukrop's
3/7/1991: NEWEST STORE -- Ukrop's, which commands the area's largest market share at 30.2 percent, opened its 22nd store last week in the Hanover Square Shopping Center in Mechanicsville. The company has plans for opening other new stores soon.
Alexa Welch
1991 Ukrop's
3/7/1991: "MAKING A STATEMENT" -- With some larger displays and warehouse-type shelving, the new Ukrop's 58,000-square-foot store in Mechanicsville's Hanover Square Shopping Center tries a new tactic inthe company's battle against competitors who push low prices.
Alexa Welch
1991 Ukrop's
8/25, 1991: LEADING THE PACK -- After customers told Ukrop's Super Markets Inc. that they wanted more ready-to-eat, prepared food, company officials added cafe menus and selections.
Bruce Parker
1992 Ukrop's
Ukrop's "Valued Customer" card
handout
1992 Ukrop's
1992: Westpark Ukrop's Cafe
TIMES-DISPATCH
1996 Ukrop's
Gregory Mehfoud pushes a cart in the Tot Spot in the new Ukrop's in Short Pump. At right, Ukrop's employee Karen Huddleston reads to other children. At left, Marissa Halpert enters the Tot Spot after her mother dropped her off.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1996 Ukrop's
Claus Larsen takes chicken out of the fryer at the Stony Point Ukrop's store.
STUART T. WAGNER
1996 Ukrop's
View from the Ukrop's Cafe' eating area at the new Ukrop's in Short Pump.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1996 Ukrop's
The Italian Pasta and Panini bar in the new Ukrop's at Short Pump. A girl in a grocery cart (right) smells a carnation. Greeters at the new store handed out carnations to shoppers entering the new store on its opening day.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1996 Ukrop's
The natural foods section in the new Ukrop's at Short Pump.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1996 Ukrop's
Shoppers in checkout line at the Westpark Ukrop's.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1997 Ukrop's
New Ukrop's grand opening drew a crowd in Fredericksburg.
BRUCE PARKER
1997 Ukrop's
Farmers Market Bank opened November 4 at the Ukrop's in Chesterfield. 11/3/97
Rachel Naber
1997 Ukrop's
Ukrop's supermarket under construction at 11361 Midlothian Turnpike.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
1997 Ukrop's
New Ukrop's opens in Fredericksburg.
BRUCE PARKER
1998 Ukrop's
Ukrop's employee Dennis Forbes hands pizza of to a customer at the Village Shopping Center location
Joe Mahoney
1998 Ukrop's
Ukrop's employee John Maderia loads goods into a customer's vehicle at the Village Shopping Center location.
Joe Mahoney
1998 Ukrop's
Ukrop's employee Lowell Stansberry takes groceries out for a customer at the Village Shopping Center location.
Joe Mahoney
1998 Ukrop's
Joe Bugas, 3, gets a close look at a fresh Virginia oyster held by Shirley Estes, an employee of the Virginia Marine Products Board at Ukrop's on Pump Road. The board is sponsoring 'Meet a Waterman' demonstrations in Ukrop's stores. At left rear is Joe's mom, Tracy Bugas, of Rockville.
Joe Mahoney
1998 Ukrop's
ShaBrenda Bennett shops the reduced-price meat cooler at the Ashland Ukrop's store just after they opened at 8am Wednesday, May 6, 1998 in order to make ends meet for the family budget.
BOB BROWN
1999 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Carytown store that will be expanding into the area to the right of the sign. Photo taken Wednesday, July 21, 1999.
BOB BROWN
1999 Ukrop's
Shoppers at the Ukrop's store on W. Cary St. flooded the checkout counter Tuesday, Mar. 9, 1999, after snow began falling in the Richmond area.
BOB BROWN
1999 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Fresh Express store at 10th and Main Streets will be closing. Photo taken Monday, February 22, 1999.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
1999 Ukrop's
Shoppers at the Ukrop's store across from Short Pump Elementary School queue up at the checkout lines Wednesday morning, Sept. 15, 1999 in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Floyd.
BOB BROWN
2000 Ukrop's
Ukrop's cashier Jennifer Hadley (lower right) assists a customer at the store's Carytown location Saturday, as the weatherman sent shoppers scurrying after calling for snow.
Joe Mahoney
2000 Ukrop's
Ukrop's cashier Anna Cloninger places a milk jug into a bag for a customer at the store's Carytown location, Saturday. The store was doing a brisk business, partly because of weather forecasts calling for snow.
Joe Mahoney
2000 Ukrop's
While the rest of the store was doing brisk business, ice scrapers hang largely ignored by shoppers Saturday at Carytown Ukrop's.
Joe Mahoney
2000 Ukrop's
Ukrop's at 3522 W. Cary St. was temporarily closed Saturday afternoon 09/30/2000.
MASAAKI OKADA
2000 Ukrop's
James E. Ukrop is the chairman of Ukrop's/First Market Bank in Richmond.
CINDY BLANCHARD
2001 Ukrop's
Customer card for Ukrop's.
2002 Ukrop's
Gareth Jones, 16, left, and Mary Norris, 17, bag groceries at Ukrop's in Chesterfield County.
Joe Mahoney
2002 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store at Harbour Point Shopping Center on Hull St. Rd. is testing a new ordering system for its deli departments. Customers can avoid line by placing their order at these new kiosks.
MARK GORMUS
2004 Ukrop's
Exterior of the Ukrop's store on Midlothian Tpke. near Chesterfield Towne Center.
LINDY KEAST RODMAN
2004 Ukrop's
Birchard Holden is 81-years old and working at Ukrop's 20 hours a week.
Joe Mahoney
2005 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store on Midlothian is soon to be remodeled. Chesterfield Crossing Shopping Center
DEAN HOFFMEYER
2006 Ukrop's
Ukrop's employee Jim Jones walks Barbara Anderson to her car before loading her groceries into it Wednesday morning at the Ukrop's Super Market on Patterson Ave and Gaskins Rd., which is set to close its doors January 28 after 30 years of operation. Jones has been working at the Patterson Ukrop's for five and a half years, treating customers and colleagues to his smiles and good humor.
EVA RUSSO
2007 Ukrop's
Franklin Pond, 90, wheels Ann Marie Reutti's groceries at the Ukrop's at Virginia Center Commons. Pond is among the million-plus workers in America who are over 75 years old.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2007 Ukrop's
Courtesy clerks and cashiers, representing all 29 Ukrop's stores, compete in the Ukrop's Best Bagger Finals at the John Rolfe Ridgefield store. The winner, Nathan Hutzell, received a cash prize and the chance to represent Ukrop's in the state contest in Bristol, VA . The state winner will advance to the national competition taking place Feburary 2008 in Las Vegas.
CLEMENT BRITT
2007 Ukrop's
Ukrop's CEO and former UR basketball player Bobby Ukrop has been selected as one of the most influential Richmonders in sports. Here, Ukrop makes a basket at the Robbins Center at University of Richmond.
EVA RUSSO
2008 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store at Grace and Harrison streets Tues. April 15,2008.
MARK GORMUS
2008 Ukrop's
Richmond building inspector John Whealton checks the structure of the Ukrop's store in Carytown after a car drove into the natural foods section.
LINDY KEAST RODMAN
2008 Ukrop's
Wade Charmichael, senior category manager of produce for Ukrop's, smells a cantaloupe at the Carytown Ukrop's. He relies more on looking at the melon as a way to judge its goodness, but says that smellers should smell fruit, if they think it helps determine the fruit's goodness.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2008 Ukrop's
The Ukrops is now open at White Oak Village, in Eastern Henrico County
LINDY KEAST RODMAN
2008 Ukrop's
Ukrops deli lead Valerie Williamson makes a 3' sub at the Ukrops store in the Short Pump Crossing.
LINDY KEAST RODMAN
2008 Ukrop's
Ukrops food service manager Pat Collawn assembles a shrimp tray at the Ukrops store in the Short Pump Crossing.
LINDY KEAST RODMAN
2008 Ukrop's
Ukrop's store at Grace and Harrison streets Tues. April 15,2008.
MARK GORMUS
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop (left) takes Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, the two visit the Stratford Hills location.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
James King (left), of Ukrop's, helps Deedee Redford, of Varina, load her groceries at the Ukrop's at the Shops at White Oak Village, in Richmond, on Thursday, December 17, 2009. "I don't shop anywhere else," said Redford, who said she's been shopping at Ukrop's for about 20 years.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Austin Wilson of Richmond picked up some Christmas cookies at the Carytown Ukrop's.
JAM
2009 Ukrop's
Ukrop's in Mechanicsville
DEAN HOFFMEYER
2009 Ukrop's
Welcome sign at the new Ukrop Park in Chesterfield County.
JOE MAHONEY
2009 Ukrop's
Denise Konrad chats on a cell phone while waiting for her deli order at the Carytown Ukrop's.
JAM
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop (left) takes Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, Herring meets employee Henry Brissette at the Stratford Hills store.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop took Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. During the tour, many greeted, thanked, congratulated and hugged Ukrop. Here, Jane Lawrence hugs him at the Stony Point store.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop (left) takes Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, the two leave the Stratford Hills location after they toured the store and Ukrop picked up his shirts.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop (left) takes Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, Ukrop (right) introduces Herring (left) to customer Ann Carlton at the Stony Point store.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop takes Rick Herring (not seen) on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, Ukrop takes a phone call at the Stony Point location while retrieving an out-of-place loaf of bread.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
Robert S. "Bobby" Ukrop (center) took Rick Herring on a tour of his stores on Friday, December 18, 2009. Herring is the president of Ahold's Giant-Carlisle division, which is buying the Ukrop's chain. Here, Ukrop takes a moment to help a customer at the Stony Point store by getting him a basket.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
"Grandma really likes that they bring stuff out to your car," said Katy Palmer (center), of Highland Springs, about how she likes the customer service of Ukrop's. Here, Bryan Smith, of Ukrop's, helps Palmer unload her groceries as her grandmother Macie Palmer stands nearby outside the Ukrop's at the Shops at White Oak Village, in Richmond, on Thursday, December 17, 2009.
EVA RUSSO
2009 Ukrop's
James King (left), of Ukrop's, helps Deedee Redford, of Varina, load her groceries at the Ukrop's at the Shops at White Oak Village, in Richmond, on Thursday, December 17, 2009. "I don't shop anywhere else," said Redford, who said she's been shopping at Ukrop's for about 20 years.
EVA RUSSO
2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
JAM
2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. That's 4-year-old Ania Hill of Richmond behind the cart.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Meat department's Don Crider replaces shelves after cleaning.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Monica North.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Mary B. Rhodes of Glen Allen.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Don Crider took time out from replacing meat department shelves to get a hug from former employee Paula Nuckols
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Bill Raynor checks out customers.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Signature service
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. That's 4-year-old Ania Hill of Richmond behind the cart.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day.
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2010 Ukrop's
Michelle Plourde shopped for a few dinner and weekend food items at the Ukrop's on Brook Rd. across from Virginia Center Commons Fri. April 2, 2010.
MARK GORMUS
2010 Ukrop's
Employees of Superior Sign Productions, of Richmond, prepare the facade of the Ukrop's store at 10150 Brook Road for installation of the Martin's logo.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2010 Ukrop's
Martin's grocery store at Virginia Center Commons.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2010 Ukrop's
A worker uses a small snowplow to clear a sidewalk at the Stony Point Ukrop's on Huguenot Road Saturday morning.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2010 Ukrop's
In the Stony Point Ukrop's parking lot, workers were busy maneuvering snowplows to clear snow for shoppers' cars.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2010 Ukrop's
Ukrop's Staples Mill last day. Signature service by Fred Tucker.
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2010 Ukrop's
Franklin Pond, 90, loads a customer's groceries at the Ukrop's at Virginia Center Commons. Pond is among the million-plus workers in America who are over 75 years old.
P. KEVIN MORLEY
2011 Ukrop's
Bobby Ukrop heads for the podium to adress the crowd at the Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership Aquatics Center at Ukrop Park in Chesterfield County, VA Monday, June 13, 2011.
BOB BROWN
2011 Ukrop's
Richmond Christmas Mother Jayne Ukrop is carried down the staircase by her sons Jeff Ukrop (left) and Rob Ukrop (right) at the Jefferson Hotel Tree Lighting on November 28, 2011. Jayne Ukrop's husband, Bobby Ukrop, follows with their family.
EVA RUSSO
2012 Ukrop's
Bobby Ukrop was spotted during the Ukrop's Monument Ave. 10K presented by Martins, Saturday March 31, 2012.
JOE MAHONEY
2012 Ukrop's
Richmond businessman James Ukrop, R, is offering his guidance to Ricky Dennis for his Arena Racing USA operation.
JOE MAHONEY
2014 Ukrop's
Elite runners start the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K race on Broad Street, near Harrison St., March 29, 2014.
P. Kevin Morley
2014 Ukrop's
Runners in the first wave of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K prepare for the start of the race. 3/29/14
Chris Conway
2015 Ukrop's
Denise Johnson packs a case of White House Rolls at Ukrop's Homestyle Foods on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
2015 Ukrop's
White House Rolls make their way on the conveyor belt toward packaging at Ukrop's Homestyle Foods Wednesday, April 29, 2015.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
2015 Ukrop's
Ted and Katie Ukrop atop the building that will become Quirk Hotel, at 201 W. Broad Street. The boutique hotel is just blocks from the Jefferson Hotel (right, background). The 75-room hotel will include five penthouse rooms on this level (under construction on the right) along with a rooftop bar. Katie Ukrop's Quirk Gallery will be relocated to the first level of the hotel. May 18, 2015.
P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH
2015 Ukrop's
Bobby Ukrop, president and CEO of Ukrop's Homestyle Foods, LLC, holds a package of rolls while speaking to employees of the Richmond Times-Dispatch during a Town Hall presentation, October 28, 2015.
P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH
2015 Ukrop's
Jim Ukrop, founding member of New Richmond Ventures, meets with his executive assistant, Ellen Fleming. Nov. 10, 2015.
P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH
2016 Ukrop's
Robert "Bobby" Ukrop holds a package of Ukrop's White House rolls in their main office on Wednesday June 22, 2016. The rolls have been in production for 30 years.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2016 Ukrop's
Micah Carney arranges Ukrop's White House rolls onto sheets after they had been baked on Wednesday June 22, 2016.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2016 Ukrop's
Martins Food Market employee Stanley Ball returns shopping carts to the store at 5700 Brook Road Wednesday, July 13, 2016. He started working for Ukrops in 1989 and has been with Martins since they bought Ukrops.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
2016 Ukrop's
Mayor-elect Levar Stoney (left) talks with Bobby Ukrop before the RTD Person of the Year lunch at the John Marshall Ballrooms on Thursday Dec. 8, 2016.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
(From left) Chris Kantner, Robert "Bobby" Ukrop and Scott Aronson in the Ukrop's Homestyle Foods main office on Tuesday Jan. 24, 2017. Ukrop's prepared food products will become available at other local grocery stores with Martin's leaving the market.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
Some of Ukrop's prepared food products in the main office on Tuesday Jan. 24, 2017. Ukrop's Homestyle Foods prepared food products will become available at other local grocery stores with Martin's leaving the market.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
Some of Ukrop's prepared food products in the main office on Tuesday Jan. 24, 2017. Ukrop's Homestyle Foods prepared food products will become available at other local grocery stores with Martin's leaving the market.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
Some of Ukrop's prepared food products in the main office on Tuesday Jan. 24, 2017. Ukrop's Homestyle Foods prepared food products will become available at other local grocery stores with Martin's leaving the market.
SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
A cake symbolizing the availability of Ukrop's Homestyle Foods in all 18 Kroger stores in the Richmond areb. 15, 2017. More than 180 Ukrop's items will be sold in Kroger stores. The announcement/kickoff was at the Kroger at 14101 Midlothian Tnpk. Feb. 15, 2017.
P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH
2017 Ukrop's
Jim Ukrop, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NRV, formerly called New Richmond Ventures, a local venture capital firm that recently raised $33 million in capital to invest in promising early-stage businesses in the Richmond region and throughout Virginia.
SHABAN ATHUMAN/TIMES-DISPATCH
2018 Ukrop's
Weeds grow in the parking lot in front of the empty Ukrop's / Martin's grocery store in the Richmond Shopping Center in the Carytown district of Richmond, VA Friday, July 27. 2018.
BOB BROWN/TIMES-DISPATCH
Ukrop's
First Ukrop's Market
handout | https://richmond.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/claire-wenzel-interstate-95-crash/article_07898062-e92c-11ed-a86f-fffb63dee563.html | 2023-05-03T08:23:58 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/claire-wenzel-interstate-95-crash/article_07898062-e92c-11ed-a86f-fffb63dee563.html |
The city of Richmond has failed to collect millions of dollars in meals tax revenue with hundreds of businesses behind on fees, a recent audit reports.
According to the 21-page report released by the city auditor’s office, Richmond’s finance department did not send out assessment bills to several hundred businesses that did not pay meals taxes for one or more months during the last fiscal year or during the pandemic.
As a result, the city is out millions of potentially uncharged revenue.
The Finance Department could not be reached for further comment. Mayor Levar Stoney’s office also declined to comment.
The city charges a 7.5% tax on prepared food and beverages that customers pay to the businesses that are then collected by the city. These funds go to fund various services, with 1.5% of the total going directly to school improvements.
The audit found that of the 454 businesses with unfiled admissions, lodging and meals taxes for at least one month of the fiscal year 2022, nearly 60% of them had not paid for six months or more. Of those, only a quarter were contacted by tax enforcement.
Additionally, the office found that at least a few dozen businesses are actively selling prepared foods and not paying meals taxes as the finance department has them listed as closed.
The meals tax is considered a trust tax in which businesses self-report and, as a result, it can be difficult to determine total revenue loss. However, from the few dozen businesses that have not paid up, the audit estimates at least $1.5 million annually.
Last year, the city collected roughly $45.8 million in prepared food taxes.
In order to conduct the audit, the office obtained a list of businesses that did not file, randomly selected a sample size and determined how the finance department conducts tax collection.
In its findings, the office found that the city’s meals tax collection failures are primarily the result of understaffing, outdated business directories and limited software.
In 2018, the office released an audit that noted that the aging software program the city uses needs to be replaced, and requires staff to manually calculate bills that could result in errors.
While the city began sending out delinquent meals tax notices in July totaling 1,500 letters to 491 businesses, those notices arrived with out-of-date information as a result of the software system.
This resulted in an increase in calls to the understaffed finance department, employees of which then had to manually recalculate the correct bills, the audit reports.
The audit office issued several recommendations, recommending the director of finance:
Develop and implement a plan to review and remove closed businesses from the list;
Evaluate the completeness of the database of establishments that should be paying meals taxes;
Conduct follow-up visits to ensure businesses have not started to sell prepared foods and/or reopened;
Fill open Revenue Administration positions;
Follow up the businesses identified and collect taxes due;
Develop a plan to reconcile meals tax accounts in a timely manner;
Replace the current revenue management system.
According to the audit report, the finance department agreed to comply with the recommendations and has begun to make improvements.
With his sights set for victory in the June 9 Belmont Stakes to capture the Triple Crown, Secretariat works out with an exercise rider in the shed row at Belmont Park, New York, May 23, 1973. The horse loosened up indoors to avoid rainy weather. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
"The track is very much of a man's world," says Penny Chenery, at her Laurel Hollow, New York, May 23, 1973. But Ms. Chenery, owner of Secretariat, adds: "I feel very comfortable there." She stresses however: "I don't want to be one of the boys, I want to be treated like a lady." The trophy is Secretariat's 1972 Horse of the Year award. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Jockey Ron Turcotte pilots Secretariat (leading, #4) over the finish line at Aqueduct in New York, March 17, 1973 to win the $27,750 Bay Shore stakes in his debut as a three-year-old. The 1972 Horse of the Year, got under the wire 4½ lengths ahead of Champagne Charlie, with Michael Venezia up, second from left, with a time of 1:23 1/5. Venezia's mount was two and a half lengths ahead of Impecunious, right, ridden by James Moseley. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Race horses Secretariat and Riva Ridge in their barn at Belmont racetrack, New York, Sept. 17, 1973, after a workout. Guard, maintained on a 24-hour basis to protect the fabulous pair, is seen in foreground feeding Secretariat. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff)
Groom Clay Arnold stands with the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, May 7, 1975 after giving him hiss daily bath. Old super horse has sired 27 foals since retiring to Claiborne farm in eastern Kentucky and his first offspring will be ready for the track in 1977. (AP Photo)
Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown of racing in 1973, relaxes at the Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, May 2, 1974 with his groom, Edward Fields. Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness in 1973. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
FILE - This June 9, 1973, file photo shows Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, reacting after her horse won the Belmont Stakes, and the Triple Crown, at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Chenery, who bred and raced 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat as well as realizing her disabled father’s dream to win the Kentucky Derby in 1972 with Riva Ridge.
FILE - In this April 29, 2010, file photo, Secretariat owner Penny Chenery appears at a news conference about the movie based on the story of the legendary horse, in Louisville, Ky. Chenery, who bred and raced 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat as well as realizing her disabled father’s dream to win the Kentucky Derby in 1972 with Riva Ridge, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at her Boulder, Colo. home following complications from a stroke.
FILE- This June 9, 1973, file photo, shows Penny Chenery, right, as she receives the August Belmont Memorial Cup from New York Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller in the Belmont Park Winner's Circle, after her horse, Secretariat, won the Belmont Stakes by an astounding 31 lengths. Watching are jockey Ron Turcotte, second from left and Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton.
Two of Secretariat's great granddaughters, Twinkie and Clever (right) walk in a pen in front of Secretariat's yearling stall where the 1973 triple crown winner stayed in his time at Meadow Farm, now home to the State Fair of Virginia in Doswell on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.
Nabil Elhilali from Malage, Spain, stopped by to see a Secretariat display at Main Street Station, which features the second largest horseshoe in the world along with other items from Meadow Farm, the land now occupied by Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.
In this publicity image released by Disney, from second left, Diane Lane, Nelsan Ellis, Otto Thorwarth, and John Malkovich are shown in a scene from, "Secretariat." (AP Photo/Disney, John Bramley)
FILE - In this May 9, 1973 file photo, Secretariat, Ron Turcotte up, wins the 98th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Secretariat's owner has asked the Maryland Racing Commission to conduct a hearing about changing the time of the horse's winning run in the 1973 Preakness Stakes. Penny Chenery, along with Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas, say advances in modern video technology will prove Secretariat ran the 1 3/16 mile race in 1 minute, 53 and 2/5 seconds. That would have been a record at the time and would match the standing record for the Preakness.
Penny Chenery, L, signed autographs for admirers during the 40th Anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown win in 1973. The event was held at Meadow Farm.
Richmond Police Department's Mounted Division officers Amanda Bass, L, and Dawn Lehmann escorted the Percheron team driven by Goochland's Dr. Tom Newton and pulling a carriage bringing Penny Chenery and her daughter Kate Chenery Tweedy to celebrations for Secretariat's 40th anniversary of Triple Crown victories in 1973.
Secretariat, the record-breaking winner of the Kentucky Derby is greeted in his stall at Pimlico Race Course by Mrs. John Tweedy, manager of Meadow Stables which controls the big chestnut. Looking on is George Davis, the exercise boy for Secretariat. May 16, 1973.
Triple Crown winner Secretariat gallops during a workout with exercise jockey George Davis in saddle at Arlington Park race track in Arlington Heights, Ill., Friday morning, June 29, 1973. (AP Photo)
Ron Turcotte rides Secretariat to win the Belmont Stakes and capture the Triple Crown in this June 9, 1973 photo. Secretariat set a world record for a one and a half mile course in 2:24, and a record for largest margin of victory in the Belmont, 31 lengths.(AP Photo)
Jockey Ron Turcotte, aboard Secretariat, turns for a look at the field many lengths behind in this June 9, 1973 photo as they make the final turn on his way to winning the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.
FILE - In this June 9, 2012 file photo, retired jockey Ron Turcotte, left, who rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973, poses for photos with Kenny Foudy, 5, next to a statue of the race horse prior to the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
Secretariat, the 1972 Horse of the Year, cools off in New York on March 17, 1973, after winning the seven furlong Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct by four and a half lengths in his debut as a 3-year-old. “He’s just like he was, good,” said jockey Ron Turcotte (checked shirt) after Secretariat’s explosive stretch run that took him to victory over Champagne Charlie. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
PHOTOS: Celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown
PHOTOS: Celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown
With his sights set for victory in the June 9 Belmont Stakes to capture the Triple Crown, Secretariat works out with an exercise rider in the shed row at Belmont Park, New York, May 23, 1973. The horse loosened up indoors to avoid rainy weather. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Ron Frehm
Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte leave other racers in the dust at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
Secretariat.com
FILE -- Jockey Ron Turcotte poses aboard Secretariat in the winners circle at Churchill Downs after winning the Kentucky Derby in 1973. (AP Photo/HO)
AP
"The track is very much of a man's world," says Penny Chenery, at her Laurel Hollow, New York, May 23, 1973. But Ms. Chenery, owner of Secretariat, adds: "I feel very comfortable there." She stresses however: "I don't want to be one of the boys, I want to be treated like a lady." The trophy is Secretariat's 1972 Horse of the Year award. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Ron Frehm
Jockey Ron Turcotte pilots Secretariat (leading, #4) over the finish line at Aqueduct in New York, March 17, 1973 to win the $27,750 Bay Shore stakes in his debut as a three-year-old. The 1972 Horse of the Year, got under the wire 4½ lengths ahead of Champagne Charlie, with Michael Venezia up, second from left, with a time of 1:23 1/5. Venezia's mount was two and a half lengths ahead of Impecunious, right, ridden by James Moseley. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Ron Frehm
Race horses Secretariat and Riva Ridge in their barn at Belmont racetrack, New York, Sept. 17, 1973, after a workout. Guard, maintained on a 24-hour basis to protect the fabulous pair, is seen in foreground feeding Secretariat. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff)
Dave Pickoff
Groom Clay Arnold stands with the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, May 7, 1975 after giving him hiss daily bath. Old super horse has sired 27 foals since retiring to Claiborne farm in eastern Kentucky and his first offspring will be ready for the track in 1977. (AP Photo)
The Associated Press
Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown of racing in 1973, relaxes at the Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, May 2, 1974 with his groom, Edward Fields. Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness in 1973. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
Bob Daugherty
FILE - This June 9, 1973, file photo shows Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat, reacting after her horse won the Belmont Stakes, and the Triple Crown, at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Chenery, who bred and raced 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat as well as realizing her disabled father’s dream to win the Kentucky Derby in 1972 with Riva Ridge.
FILE - In this April 29, 2010, file photo, Secretariat owner Penny Chenery appears at a news conference about the movie based on the story of the legendary horse, in Louisville, Ky. Chenery, who bred and raced 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat as well as realizing her disabled father’s dream to win the Kentucky Derby in 1972 with Riva Ridge, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at her Boulder, Colo. home following complications from a stroke.
FILE- This June 9, 1973, file photo, shows Penny Chenery, right, as she receives the August Belmont Memorial Cup from New York Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller in the Belmont Park Winner's Circle, after her horse, Secretariat, won the Belmont Stakes by an astounding 31 lengths. Watching are jockey Ron Turcotte, second from left and Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton.
Harry Harris
Two of Secretariat's great granddaughters, Twinkie and Clever (right) walk in a pen in front of Secretariat's yearling stall where the 1973 triple crown winner stayed in his time at Meadow Farm, now home to the State Fair of Virginia in Doswell on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.
DEAN HOFFMEYER
Groundshaker, a great-great granddaughter of Secretariat, at Meadow Event Park in Doswell VA Wed. March 23, 2016.
Mark Gormus
Ron Turcotte rides Secretariat at the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 1973. Secretariat won the race by 31 lengths and captured the Triple Crown. (AP Photo)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Owner Penny Chenery shown with Secretariat in a family photo.
JOE MAHONEY
Nabil Elhilali from Malage, Spain, stopped by to see a Secretariat display at Main Street Station, which features the second largest horseshoe in the world along with other items from Meadow Farm, the land now occupied by Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.
JOE MAHONEY
Kate Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery who operated The Meadow horse farm in Caroline County when Secretariat was born.
BILL LOHMANN
Curry Roberts, president of State Fair of Va. stands outside the stables that once housed the great Secretariat.
JAM
In this publicity image released by Disney, from second left, Diane Lane, Nelsan Ellis, Otto Thorwarth, and John Malkovich are shown in a scene from, "Secretariat." (AP Photo/Disney, John Bramley)
John Bramley
FILE - In this May 9, 1973 file photo, Secretariat, Ron Turcotte up, wins the 98th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Secretariat's owner has asked the Maryland Racing Commission to conduct a hearing about changing the time of the horse's winning run in the 1973 Preakness Stakes. Penny Chenery, along with Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas, say advances in modern video technology will prove Secretariat ran the 1 3/16 mile race in 1 minute, 53 and 2/5 seconds. That would have been a record at the time and would match the standing record for the Preakness.
The Associated Press
1973 AP
Penny Chenery, L, signed autographs for admirers during the 40th Anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown win in 1973. The event was held at Meadow Farm.
JOE MAHONEY
Ann Carter of Sandston shakes hands with racing hall of fame jockey Ron Turcotte during Secretariat celebrations at Meadow Farm.
JOE MAHONEY
Richmond Police Department's Mounted Division officers Amanda Bass, L, and Dawn Lehmann escorted the Percheron team driven by Goochland's Dr. Tom Newton and pulling a carriage bringing Penny Chenery and her daughter Kate Chenery Tweedy to celebrations for Secretariat's 40th anniversary of Triple Crown victories in 1973.
JOE MAHONEY
FILE -- Jockey Ron Turcotte poses aboard Secretariat in the winners circle at Churchill Downs after winning the Kentucky Derby in 1973. (AP Photo/HO)
AP
Secretariat, the record-breaking winner of the Kentucky Derby is greeted in his stall at Pimlico Race Course by Mrs. John Tweedy, manager of Meadow Stables which controls the big chestnut. Looking on is George Davis, the exercise boy for Secretariat. May 16, 1973.
AP
Secretariat shown winning the final leg of racing's 1973 Triple Crown at Belmont Park in New York.
AP
Meadow Farm, where Secretariat was born, photographed Tuesday, June 2, 1998.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Horses on Meadow Farm, where Secretariat was born, photographed Tuesday, June 2, 1998.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Ross Sternheimer, owner of Meadow Farm, stands at the door to Secretariat's stall. Photo taken Tuesday, June 2, 1998.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Triple Crown winner Secretariat gallops during a workout with exercise jockey George Davis in saddle at Arlington Park race track in Arlington Heights, Ill., Friday morning, June 29, 1973. (AP Photo)
STF
Ron Turcotte rides Secretariat to win the Belmont Stakes and capture the Triple Crown in this June 9, 1973 photo. Secretariat set a world record for a one and a half mile course in 2:24, and a record for largest margin of victory in the Belmont, 31 lengths.(AP Photo)
AP
Jockey Ron Turcotte, aboard Secretariat, turns for a look at the field many lengths behind in this June 9, 1973 photo as they make the final turn on his way to winning the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.
DAVE PICKOFF
FILE - In this June 9, 2012 file photo, retired jockey Ron Turcotte, left, who rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973, poses for photos with Kenny Foudy, 5, next to a statue of the race horse prior to the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
Mark Lennihan
Secretariat, the 1972 Horse of the Year, cools off in New York on March 17, 1973, after winning the seven furlong Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct by four and a half lengths in his debut as a 3-year-old. “He’s just like he was, good,” said jockey Ron Turcotte (checked shirt) after Secretariat’s explosive stretch run that took him to victory over Champagne Charlie. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm) | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/richmond-missing-out-in-millions-from-meals-tax-revenue-audit-reports/article_9788e224-e83d-11ed-afdb-cf3a37ec6209.html | 2023-05-03T08:24:04 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/richmond-missing-out-in-millions-from-meals-tax-revenue-audit-reports/article_9788e224-e83d-11ed-afdb-cf3a37ec6209.html |
The city of Richmond will pay Virginia Commonwealth University $25 million to replace Sports Backers Stadium, which is scheduled to be demolished to make way for the $2.4 billion Diamond District redevelopment.
Several years ago, VCU agreed to transfer the 3,200-seat stadium to the city to make way for a ballpark. But the dollar figure VCU will get in return was not made public until last week.
The $25 million payment represents another cost the city must account for in the massive redevelopment plan and a significant chunk of funding for VCU’s athletics village, where the new Sports Backers Stadium will go.
VCU owns the stadium, which houses the VCU soccer and track and field teams, the Virginia Union University track and field teams and office space for Sports Backers employees.
The university will transfer the 7-acre parcel, located between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Hermitage Road, to the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) by the end of May 2025, according to the development deal. The deal was approved Monday by the city’s planning commission but still needs a signoff from the full City Council.
Then the EDA will sell it to the developer for roughly $12 million. The parcel was assessed this year for $5.8 million.
Richmond will use bonds from the project to pay VCU, and revenue from the development will be used to pay back the bond holders, said Leonard Sledge, director of economic development for the city. Revenue will comes from the Flying Squirrels and VCU, who will pay to play at the new ballpark as tenants.
VCU currently pays $134,000 annually to practice and play at The Diamond. A cost for playing at the new park has not been determined.
The new ballpark is expected to cost $110 million and be paid for with bonds issued from a community development authority, which the city plans to establish.
City officials said Richmond will not increase taxes on its residents to pay for the redevelopment.
The city is willing to cover the cost of a new Sports Backers Stadium because it needs the plot of land in order to move forward.
Without Sports Backers under EDA control, Phase 1 of the project is not possible, Sledge said.
Because the city and the developer stand to make money off the land, VCU asked for help building a replacement stadium.
“The city and the developer want that property in the middle of the Diamond District to be turned into revenue-producing land for the benefit of the larger project,” said a person familiar with the development, who spoke on the condition of anonymity and is not authorized to speak publicly.
“This isn’t a money grab. No gamesmanship is going on right now. This is, ‘You need a new facility because your facility is falling apart.’"
The city will cover the replacement cost, and if VCU wants to add amenities, it will pay for those by itself, said Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative officer.
The new Sports Backers Stadium will be built on the east side of Hermitage Road on property VCU recently purchased.
VCU spent about $40 million acquiring 42 acres, including the vacant Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control warehouse. The athletics village is “one of the largest undertakings in the university’s history,” VCU athletics director Ed McLaughlin said last year. It will include a separate soccer stadium, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an indoor track, multiuse courts and a track and field stadium.
A total cost of the village has not been determined. But $25 million is pivotal to VCU’s fundraising efforts to build the athletics center, McLaughlin said.
“The replacement of Sports Backers Stadium within the new athletic village will not happen without the funding that we will receive from moving,” McLaughlin said. “We want to make sure we have a solid plan to replace it without adversely impacting our student-athletes for any period of time.”
The university has not set a schedule for construction, though it plans to open the track and tennis facilities first.
Casey Quinlan hugs sixty-year-old Will Turner after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Fans spray champagne on sixty-year-old Will Turner after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner rests after finishing his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner talks to his supporters after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner does a push up after finishing his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner gives a thumbs up as he runs laps to complete his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Friends run with sixty-year-old Will Turner, right, as he finishes his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner completed his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers Stadium on Friday night. BELOW: Turner rested after finishing his 60-at-60 journey. “Anything is possible with the right focus and courage to move forward,” he said.
Sixty-year-old Will Turner finishes his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, Dec. 28, 2018.
Casey Quinlan hugs sixty-year-old Will Turner after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Fans spray champagne on sixty-year-old Will Turner after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner rests after finishing his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner talks to his supporters after he finished his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner does a push up after finishing his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner finishes his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner gives a thumbs up as he runs laps to complete his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner talked with fans after finishing his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers Stadium on Dec. 28, 2018.
2018, ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH
Friends run with sixty-year-old Will Turner, right, as he finishes his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers stadium Friday night, December 28, 2018.
ALEXA WELCH EDLUND
Sixty-year-old Will Turner completed his 60th triathlon of the year on the track at Sports Backers Stadium on Friday night. BELOW: Turner rested after finishing his 60-at-60 journey. “Anything is possible with the right focus and courage to move forward,” he said.
Eric Kolenich writes about higher education, health systems and more for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He joined the newspaper in 2009 and spent 11 years in the Sports section. (804) 649-6109
Sports Backers Stadium is shown next to The Diamond in this drone photo on Tuesday. Sports Backers Stadium is scheduled to be demolished to make way for the $2.4 billion Diamond District redevelopment. | https://richmond.com/sports/local/richmond-will-pay-vcu-25-million-to-replace-sports-backers-stadium/article_0c84b0d2-e8ff-11ed-9684-53319098865c.html | 2023-05-03T08:24:34 | 0 | https://richmond.com/sports/local/richmond-will-pay-vcu-25-million-to-replace-sports-backers-stadium/article_0c84b0d2-e8ff-11ed-9684-53319098865c.html |
Striking union members crowd Shasta County supervisors meeting
Members of Shasta County’s largest bargaining unit showed up in force to Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. They packed the chamber wearing orange shirts while lobbying for the county to get back to the bargaining table.
The Laborer International Union of Northern California, UPEC 792, started a two-week strike Monday after months of talks and negotiations failed to reach an agreement.
The county has offered a 7% raise spread over three years — 2.5% the first two years and 2% the third year of the contract.
The union wants a one-year 15% increase.
UPEC members picketed in front of the county administration building on Court Street in downtown Redding before and during Tuesday’s meeting.
There are more than 800 members in the union who work for every department in the county.
“A big part of it for me is it’s a level of respect,” Scott Asnault, an eligibility worker, said before the meeting. “It’s a two-way street for me. I am more than happy to go over and above what is required but in return" I want a living wage, he said.
More:California, federal agencies and Native tribe sign 'historic' agreement to aid salmon
Asnault, who has worked eight years for the county, said he and others are taking a financial hit by striking.
“But it’s worth the sacrifice to get a fair contract,” he said.
During the meeting, member after member told supervisors that a 7% raise over three years would not pay their bills and factoring in inflation and the increase in medical insurance costs, they would be losing money.
“Two- and-a-half percent is not enough. Please renegotiate,” a UPEC member said to supervisors. “You’re either helping us survive or you’re going to break up households.”
Some told supervisors that the county can’t retain employees because they refuse to pay them enough.
In an effort to break the negotiation stalemate, Jamie Butcher, a UPEC steward, requested that two supervisors meet with the union.
Supervisor Kevin Crye asked County Counsel James Ross about that proposal as the board was ready to vote on a resolution that would impose the terms and conditions of the county’s final offer presented to UPEC.
“I would ask what does it hurt for me to go into a meeting with another supervisor … to be able to go into this discussion,” Crye said.
Crye then made a motion to go into closed session to talk more about it. The motion passed unanimously and supervisors went into closed for about 45 minutes.
But they reported no action after returning and then voted 4-1 to pass the resolution imposing the terms of the county’s final offer.
After passing the resolution, Crye made a motion to discuss at a future meeting forming a committee of two supervisors to work with the union on a new contract. Supervisors voted 4-1 to do that.
In both votes, Supervisor Mary Rickert was the lone dissenter, reversing her position to give the UPEC 792 members a 7% raise. Rickert’s comments echoed other UPEC members who wondered why the county has so far spent more than $1.5 million to develop a system to hand count ballots, but can’t give them a more generous raise.
“I oppose this resolution. I find it impossible to not support our county employees when the county, the majority of this board, is squandering millions of dollars. This is a double standard and it’s time to figure it out and we need to provide stability to our most valued assets,” she said.
UPEC business manager Steve Allen said Tuesday’s meeting doesn’t change anything — they still don't have a contract and they are still on strike.
“I consider what they imposed today to be a down payment on an agreement we will still need, which could come tomorrow or next week,” Allen said after the meeting. “So, we are going to continue to pursue a negotiated settlement. We are not taking time off.”
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/shasta-countys-largest-union-packs-supervisors-meeting/70174781007/ | 2023-05-03T08:31:48 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/02/shasta-countys-largest-union-packs-supervisors-meeting/70174781007/ |
TUPELO — A Lee County Chancery Court chancellor has ruled in favor of the residents of a Tupelo subdivision fighting to prevent the opening of a sober living center within the neighborhood.
In his final judgment, released Monday, Lee County Chancery Court Chancellor Bradley Tennison found that the city of Tupelo did not violate the Fair Housing Act when it supported an argument from residents of the Meadow Lake subdivision suing to stop the opening of 1st Step Sober Living, LLC., a communal sober living home, within the neighborhood.
In August 2020, the Development Services Department learned of a venture between a property owner in Meadow Lake named William Brand and CEO Scott Smith and Operations Manager Patrick Elkins of 1st Step Sober Living to locate a sober living home in the neighborhood.
A group of residents sued 1st Step, claiming it violated the subdivision’s covenants. The individuals countersued the residents and the city, arguing that people recovering from a substance abuse addiction are a federally protected class and that the city violated the Fair Housing Act when it denied the company the necessary permits to open the facility.
The court, however, did not find the center’s argument compelling.
“The court concludes … that the restrictive covenants of Meadow Lake Park Subdivision and the ordinances and codes of the City of Tupelo are applicable to the subject residence and are not preempted by the Fair Housing Act,” Tennison wrote in his judgment.
Meadow Lake, like many other neighborhoods across the city, state and country, has its own restrictions and covenants, which are specific sets of agreements homeowners make with their homeowner’s association. Part of the subdivision’s restrictions is that all properties within Meadow Lake must be used for private residential purposes. Residents argue that this bars businesses from establishing within the area.
Center representatives argued that their operations were for residential purposes, as recovering individuals would live in the home.
The court found that the center was for-profit, placing nine individuals — eight and one property manager — in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at $650 a month. The fair market value for the property's rent is estimated at $1,100, well under the estimated $5,200 the center would make monthly before provisions.
“While there may be a residential aspect to 1st Step's business model and familial camaraderie among its occupants, it is clear that 1st Step's business model involves more than providing a place to eat, sleep and bathe and that its primary purpose is to provide alcohol and drug recovery services for its residents,” Tennison wrote.
In their arguments against the city, attorneys for 1st Step Sober Living argued that those recovering from substance abuse disorder were a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, and that the city refused to make reasonable accommodations to the center.
But the city of Tupelo contended that the center made no specific requests. Tennison also wrote that 1st Step had insufficient proof that they were entitled to Fair Housing Act protections and that allegations of intentional discrimination or disparate treatment toward Elkins or Smith were unfounded.
The center also argued that the city placed extra restrictions upon it, although the court found the city only sought to enforce rental codes for congregate living centers upon the home, which it failed in its first inspection.
Meadow Lake residents also argued that the center’s resident application, which waives resident’s rights, violates the Mississippi Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Tennison agreed, noting the waiver would relieve the homeowner of any obligation to maintain the property.
Residents also sued the city of Tupelo, asking for relief because they believed the city violated its zoning codes. The court found that the residents had insufficient proof that the city failed to adhere to its ordinances and denied relief.
With Tennison’s decision rendered, 1st Step has 30 days from the ruling to appeal to higher courts and 10 days to file post-trial requests.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-chancery-court-rules-in-favor-of-meadow-lake-subdivision-tupelo/article_45aae088-0513-571c-ae28-9fcca223b407.html | 2023-05-03T09:17:30 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/lee-chancery-court-rules-in-favor-of-meadow-lake-subdivision-tupelo/article_45aae088-0513-571c-ae28-9fcca223b407.html |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For various reasons, the Pandemic saw violent crime rates accelerate, which led to a widespread impact.
The record number of homicides in Little Rock last year alone factored in the mayoral election and the search for a new police chief.
The rise in crime also put a strain on Arkansas's court system with data that revealed troubling backlogs and the problems that they're causing.
"When you do the math and the numbers, and with the numbers that keep coming in daily, you're always playing catch up," said Gregg Parrish, Director of the state's Public Defenders Commission. "I don't know how we catch up at this point."
When we sat down with Parrish, he was coming off daily trips to the state capitol. In his role, he is the one overseeing the deployment of the men and women willing to defend people when they enter the criminal justice system and can't afford their own lawyer.
It can be an exhausting time, and to use a sports analogy— he's coaching with a very short bench.
"The problem is in certain sectors of the state, even here in Little Rock, is finding people interested in doing this type of work," he explained.
Parrish said the pandemic made a large number of those willing attorneys leave this type of work. Years of experience have been drained, and it's causing an acute problem.
"Our problem is a lot of the more violent cases, the "Y" felony cases," Parrish said, referring to the most serious classification of crimes in Arkansas code.
"To get to handle the "Y" felony cases, you have to acquire the trial experience to do so. That takes years. And when I lose one person with 15 years experience, you don't replace that overnight. That's impossible," he added.
That loss of legal expertise comes at a bad time.
With record murder rates in Little Rock in 2022 and similar trends across the state, the pattern is straightforward: Crime goes up, and police arrest more people, which then leads to more court cases.
All this means is that a swelling number of times a prosecutor, defense attorney, and a judge need our justice system to crank up, the surge threatens to make an already imbalanced process even worse.
"I think this is a problem nationwide, in fact," said Robert Steinbuch, professor at the Bowen Law School at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
"Government tends to underfund public defenders more than it underfunds, prosecutors offices. The consequences, perhaps, obviously are that the criminal defendants themselves have attorneys who are overworked. and can't apply a level of attention to each individual case," he explained.
That's because the number of individual cases has been on the rise.
The court system in Arkansas is run by the Administrative Office of the Courts, under the state Supreme Court. They have a research arm that tracks how efficiently it's working.
No one from the judiciary branch would talk to us on camera, but the reports that they generate are publicly available.
Two years ago, a national database started including Arkansas's numbers and found relative to its size, the Natural State has the busiest criminal court system in America.
On top of that, the newly passed Protect Arkansas Act figures to put more pressure on the system. Act 659 of 2023 reforms parole laws and will lock some convicted criminals into serving 85 or 100 percent of their sentence.
That's a change from a structure that can allow convicts to get out of prison much sooner, in some cases, as little as a quarter of the sentence in extreme cases that critics pointed to in legislative testimony.
Parrish said that because of these changes, fewer cases are likely to avoid trial with plea deals.
"We're going to have a lot more trials. We're talking a lot more trials early because having dealt with defendants over the years, it's going to be extremely hard for any defendant to sign up to take 100% on any time he or she receives," he explained.
"One of the things that we were very mindful of is we put effective dates so that it would phase in," said state Sen. Ben Gilmore (R - Crossett), who co-sponsored the new law and said prosecutors are aware of its potential ramifications.
"The other thing that we've also done is made sure that there's money available to educate prosecutors so that they understand all the facets of the bill," Gilmore said.
According to Parrish, one facet of the bill that could help is the growing reliance on specialty courts, featuring judges and personnel dedicated to hearing drug or mental health cases.
Parrish has also been working with the prosecutors in the busiest circuits to improve efficiency.
Beyond that, he's also trying to get the new, young attorneys. He's been able to attract the experience they need while helping the prosecutors work through the volume of cases.
He needs help in a hurry.
"I'm telling my people right now, we have to act immediately," he said. "With the backlog, we've got now, I envision the first six to 12 months when the crime bill kicks in, it's going to have some impact, serious impact." | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/backlogs-arkansas-courts/91-48b1ec3a-a25a-4251-903c-be0f33443062 | 2023-05-03T09:31:30 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/backlogs-arkansas-courts/91-48b1ec3a-a25a-4251-903c-be0f33443062 |
CABOT, Ark. — The Cabot Police Department arrested a Cabot man on Friday for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to reports, after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Cabot Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division served a search warrant for a home on Murray Drive.
Evidence found while at the home developed probable cause for the arrest of Peter "Ryan" Jones.
He has been charged with two counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing child sexual abuse material.
Jones has since been taken to the Lonoke County jail where he is being held without bond.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and we will update with more information as soon as it becomes available. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cabot-man-arrest-child-sexual-abuse-material/91-996997ef-d509-4a53-ab8a-8264871d8922 | 2023-05-03T09:31:36 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cabot-man-arrest-child-sexual-abuse-material/91-996997ef-d509-4a53-ab8a-8264871d8922 |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — North Little Rock leaders believe the $4 million Rose City Family Medicine Center could improve access to healthcare for thousands of people in Central Arkansas.
It's a personal decision for North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, who grew up in Rose City.
"I got hit with a rock when I was about nine years old," Hartwick said.
He was fortunate to live near a clinic at the time. However, nearly 20,000 people in the community haven't had access to a clinic in 10 years.
According to Hartwick, the nearest healthcare facility from Rose City is 20 minutes away.
"The more it takes to get to some places," Hartwick said. "The more lives you're going to lose."
The new facility will include at least 20 beds and a trauma room. Robert Birch is the city's Director of Economic Development; for the last six months, he and others have worked to transform the area.
"We wanted to identify an area that would stand out to the community and was easy to find and get to," Birch said.
Birch said the new healthcare facility could comfort people who don't have an enormous hospital but won't necessarily replace an emergency room.
"What this will do if it is something that is drastically needed right now, they're going to have the ability to take care of it," Birch said.
The new clinic will also serve as a training facility for nursing students.
Hartwick expects to cut the ribbon in early 2024 as North Little Rock partners with Baptist Health. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/clinic-in-north-little-rock-could-bring-access-to-thousands/91-a37b6ead-d92a-4988-8a59-b013e8f86e3c | 2023-05-03T09:31:44 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/clinic-in-north-little-rock-could-bring-access-to-thousands/91-a37b6ead-d92a-4988-8a59-b013e8f86e3c |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A first-of-its-kind shelter is one step closer to serving young adults in Little Rock who have found themselves without a permanent place to live.
On Tuesday morning, various city leaders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to recognize this milestone for the state.
The future shelter, called The Station, will house 15 people aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. Immerse Arkansas as well as city and state leaders all said that it's a step in the right direction.
Soon, young adults will have a place where they can overcome hardships from their past and plan their futures. Immerse Arkansas Executive Director Eric Gilmore explained that it's going to be more than just a shelter.
"They're going to be surrounded by people who love them are going to have a therapist, they're gonna have a coach, they're gonna have their own bedroom, they're gonna have their own bathroom," Gilmore said.
Their goal is to set them up for success after they leave.
"We have taken young people to adult homeless shelters that do great work, but they're just not designed for young people. They've got swept up into chronic homelessness. And we've seen it happen year after year after year. We're not going to let that happen anymore," Gilmore described.
Stefan Specht joined the Immerse program when he was 19 and needed a safe place to call home. They moved him into an apartment because there were fewer shelters back then.
"It was a perfectly acceptable living arrangement. I just was terrified because I was alone for the first time in my life," Specht said.
He explained that this shelter will help give the young adults a sense of community, so they won't feel alone and he looks forward to working with the youth.
"If you can build trust with youth, you find one that you have an affinity for and has an affinity for you. It is a life-changing experience for both parties," he added.
Young adults that have aged out of foster care can also turn to The Station.
Mischa Martin at DHS is someone who works closely with foster children, and she said that in Arkansas nearly 200 young adults age out of foster each year.
"If they don't have a support system if they're in crisis. They can come here," Martin added.
According to Mayor Frank Scott Jr, every night the state has about 100 young adults living on the streets. He also said that they're working every day to try and reduce that number to zero.
According to Immerse, people can stay at The Station between 60 to 90 days but they can adjust the move-out date as needed.
They expect the shelter to be completed in spring 2024. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/immerse-arkansas-homeless-shelter-young-adults/91-8e0f8f73-8be0-4f1b-82ec-e5735a5b5e53 | 2023-05-03T09:31:50 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/immerse-arkansas-homeless-shelter-young-adults/91-8e0f8f73-8be0-4f1b-82ec-e5735a5b5e53 |
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — Since the tornado on March 31, the Jacksonville Animal Shelter has been working to reunite lost pets with their loved ones.
Normally when a stray or lost pet comes to the shelter, they wait five days for someone to come forward, and on the sixth day, they'll put the animal up for adoption. However, because of the tornado, they're determined to make sure pets make it back to their correct homes.
The shelter is located on Redmond Road, less than a few miles from Dupree Park which was destroyed by the EF-3 tornado.
“When I saw the damage down the interstate and how close it came to the shelter and what wind damage, we did have our back," Kennel Tech Linda Daugherty said. "It was scary."
Like many people at the shelter, Daugherty is thankful the building is still standing, and the animals are ok, but talking about the storm brings back difficult memories.
“My family and I were in the 1997 tornado that went through Sardis," Daugherty said. "We lost everything."
According to Daugherty, they even lost their four-legged family members.
“We had put down a dog on site," Daugherty said. "The rest of our animals we didn't know what happened to them... a few days later, my now ex-husband and a friend of his found their remains and buried him. We did have one cat that survived, and he did show up.”
Since Daugherty has dealt with the losses, working to reunite families with pets is at the top of her mind.
“A lot of misplaced animals here,” Daugherty said. “We know they're misplaced because they are healthy. They look well taken care of and they miss their owners.”
Shelter Supervisor Jamie Parker said since the tornado they've taken in dozens of dogs, and so far, 10 have been reunited with their families.
“We have some that they actually are having to board their dogs at vet clinics or somewhere else because they don't have a home to take them to,” Parker said.
Despite that, they're hopeful 11 more families will get back a piece of home after so many lost theirs.
“If you've lost your dog, and you think we might have it, just call the shelter,” Parker said.
Since the tornado, they have seen a decrease in adoptions. Right now, the shelter is full and can't take any more animals.
They're encouraging anyone who may have lost their pet or knows someone to call several shelters and double check
“There's always that chance," Daugherty said. "Always that hope you just have to have faith and you have to search." | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/jacksonville-animal-shelter-reunite-pets/91-639425bb-d35d-42a8-bd01-95481df81df2 | 2023-05-03T09:31:56 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/jacksonville-animal-shelter-reunite-pets/91-639425bb-d35d-42a8-bd01-95481df81df2 |
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Several Jefferson County officials met on Tuesday to discuss the drama in the quorum court.
There's been no action taken since the beginning of the year.
"We can't operate in a dictatorship-type fashion," Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods said. "This is a democracy."
Officials tell us the problems stem from a new procedure ordinance brought in front of the court last December by County Judge Gerald Robinson.
The ordinance governs laws that control how meetings will go for the next two years and how things are placed on the agenda.
The court didn't vote on the ordinance, but they say the judge is still using it to dictate how the court is run.
They tell us this has prevented the items going on the agenda and meetings being adjourned prematurely.
The judge was not at the meeting. However, we reached out to him for a response. He said he was not invited and that the court has not adopted any procedural rules since the beginning of this year's term.
"It's unfortunate to have this turmoil after the county has made so much progress under this administration," Robinson said. "There are some who want to try to stop progress."
Elected officials and the quorum court discussed solutions for future meetings.
"We plan to do what we need to do in order to get legislation passed," Justice of the Peace Melanie Dumas said. "That's what we got hired to do."
There is currently a lawsuit against Robinson. Woods is suing him for reducing funds to the sheriff's office and detention centers. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/jefferson-county-meet-to-discuss-quorum-court/91-538171fb-5dde-4389-946b-234930d7b64c | 2023-05-03T09:32:02 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/jefferson-county-meet-to-discuss-quorum-court/91-538171fb-5dde-4389-946b-234930d7b64c |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Conway Police Department needs help locating a Searcy County woman with reported mental and physical health concerns.
The woman was allegedly last seen in Conway.
Authorities said the woman refused to get into a vehicle with her father and hasn't been seen since.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Conway Police Department at (501) 450-6120. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/conway-police-search-for-missing-woman/91-de65e672-f331-4ce4-a623-620a6d21dc9f | 2023-05-03T09:32:08 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/conway-police-search-for-missing-woman/91-de65e672-f331-4ce4-a623-620a6d21dc9f |
A look at the new residence hall still under construction at Stockton University's Atlantic City campus.
ATLANTIC CITY — Stockton University on Wednesday will hold a ribbon cutting for its newest student residential building, school officials said.
A ceremony is planned for 12:30 p.m. at Atlantic and South Providence avenues to celebrate the 135,000-square-foot, six-story, 416-bed building, which will take in students beginning in the fall 2023 semester.
Before unveiling the new residential building, a separate ceremony will be held in honor of outgoing university President Harvey Kesselman, whose name will adorn the Atlantic City campus' first residence hall at Atlantic and Pacific avenues, officials said.
GALLERY: New Stockton residence hall in Atlantic City
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks out of the park lounge at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, right, and near the Atlantic City campus, left, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Capille, of Ventnor, works on drywall near the lobby of the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Hallways are near completion and workers were busy at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Hallways are near completion and workers were busy at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Construction crew has a view of the ocean on the outside of the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lou Pantaloon, project manager for Jingoli, works in the park lounge at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The park lounge at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks out from one of the four-person apartments at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, right, and near the Atlantic City campus, left, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks over the kitchen of one of the four-person apartments at the new student residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence avenues.
VERNON OGRODNEK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The new student residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, as shown in February. The courtyard, in foreground, will be landscaped and have access for students.
VERNON OGRODNEK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks over the lobby at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, right, and near the Atlantic City campus, left, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks over the lobby at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, right, and near the Atlantic City campus, left, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Ciccotelli, project manager and architect for Stockton University, looks over the kitchen area at one of the four-person apartments at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park, right, and near the Atlantic City campus, left, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Construction works at the lobby area of the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Don Judge, a carpenter from Point Pleasant, hangs a ceiling at one of the apartments with a view of Atlantic City, at thenew student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Many apartments will have a view of the ocean and what will be a landscaped courtyard at Stockton University’s new student residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park in Atlantic City.
VERNON OGRODNEK photos, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Greg Snow, a carpenter from Sweetwater, works on the kitchen cabinets in one of the four-person apartments at the new student residence hall.
VERNON OGRODNEK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Bill Scott, a glasier from Upper Deerfield, works outside one of the apartments at the new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
The new student Residence Hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
VERNON OGRODNEK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Stockton University plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Atlantic City residence hall in May.
Stockton University, provided
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
A look at the new student Stockton University residence hall under construction at Atlantic and South Providence Avenues, across from O’Donnell Memorial Park and near the Atlantic City campus, in Atlantic City, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Provided by Stockton University
Contact Eric Conklin:
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econklin@pressofac.com
Twitter @ACPressConklin
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More sand coming to Delaware beaches faster. Schedule moved up as another dredger arrives.
Beach replenishment in southern Delaware will be finished much sooner than anticipated thanks to the arrival of a third dredging ship.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ contractor Weeks Marine began operations in Rehoboth Beach in April, with plans to move south down the coast and complete work midsummer. Southern beaches, such as Fenwick Island and South Bethany, had no choice but to accept that their beaches may be closed for replenishment in July, during peak beach season.
Now, the third dredge will start at Fenwick Island in mid-May and move north to meet the operations already underway. The project is now expected to be fully completed in Bethany Beach in late June, pending weather.
Background:Work begins soon to get Delaware beaches ready for the summer. Sand replenishment details.
Here’s the updated information.
Rehoboth Beach
Amount of sand: About 196,000 cubic yards.
Placement of sand: Between the city tennis courts on North Surf Avenue and the Rehoboth Avenue area.
Pipe landing: Between Olive and Virginia avenues.
Timeline: Operations are underway, with work proceeding north from the pipe landing and then south of it. As of Tuesday, work was taking place in the area of the Henlopen Hotel. Work is expected to be completed mid-May.
More:New boardwalk hotel projects designed to reflect Rehoboth Beach's past move forward
Dewey Beach
Amount of sand: About 194,000 cubic yards.
Placement of sand: Between Salisbury Street and the Beach Avenue area.
Pipe landing: Between Read and Rodney streets.
Timeline: Work will begin upon completion in Rehoboth (around mid-May), first proceeding north from the pipe and then south of it. Work is expected to be completed mid-June.
Bethany Beach
Amount of sand: About 245,000 cubic yards.
Placement of sand: Between Third Street and the Wellington Park area.
Pipe landing: Near Campbell Place.
Timeline: Work will begin upon completion in Dewey Beach or South Bethany Beach, whichever finishes first. Work is expected to begin in early June and finish by the end of the month, first proceeding north from the pipe and then south of it.
More:Beach season is near. Here's your guide to parking at the Delaware beaches for 2023.
South Bethany Beach
Amount of sand: About 287,000 cubic yards.
Placement of sand: Between North 5th Street and the northern end of Fenwick Island State Park.
Pipe landing: Between South Second and South Third streets.
Timeline: Work will begin upon completion in Fenwick Island, which is expected to be in late May or June. Work will first proceed north from the pipe and then south of it.
Fenwick Island
Amount of sand: About 207,000 cubic yards.
Placement of sand: Between the area of James Street and Lighthouse Road.
Pipe landing: Between Dagsboro and Cannon streets.
Timeline: Work will begin upon arrival of the third dredge in mid-May and is expected to be completed in late May or June. Work will first proceed north from the pipe and then south of it.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/delaware-beaches-more-sand-faster-addition-3rd-dredger/70173932007/ | 2023-05-03T10:14:58 | 1 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/delaware-beaches-more-sand-faster-addition-3rd-dredger/70173932007/ |
Chaos to strategy: Residents launch climate resilience hub in one Wilmington neighborhood
- Northeast residents were pummeled by Hurricane Ida's remnants in 2021, and the memories of flooding, displacement and panic remain fresh on the minds of many.
- Resident organizers are launching "Northeast Rising," a team and climate resilience hub aimed at community engagement and climate-change-fueled disaster preparedness.
- It aims to offer training, resources and safe shelter in the wake disaster — or during extreme summer heat.
Mud was caked up to their knees.
A mom, a dad, their little boy, an image of them walking up the street stays soaked in her mind. It joins displaced families packing local hotels, babies with diaper rashes, damp clothes and hungry faces. Months of new images, more people in need.
Stacey Henry remembers coming home exhausted each night after Hurricane Ida, after its remnants brought extreme flooding to her neighborhood in September 2021. She organized relief efforts; she disseminated supplies, she helped families find housing; she was recognized as a woman of the year. But the self-appointed people’s advocate also remembers more private moments, venting through a clutched phone.
“At night, I would literally go home and there was one friend of mine, she would just listen to me,” the Wilmington native remembered. “I just kept saying, I didn't know the name of it, I didn't know what to call it, but I have to build something.”
She would start keeping a list of those unhoused. She would spend hours cooking, bringing trays of pasta to hotels. She would start fielding calls from all over the city, frantically organizing food distribution, asking state officials if they'd buy diapers or dry socks. Days following the flooding were chaotic, and residents in the Northeast were terrified.
“I have to organize something,” Henry continued, recalling her evening musings. “So that when there's a disaster there's a place or a group that can come in immediately, until the plans that they have in the file cabinets with dust on them are pulled out."
Memories of flooding, displacement and panic are still fresh on the minds of many residents in Wilmington's Northeast. Organizers who stepped up after this storm never want to see the same devastation again. Or, face it unprepared.
Today they hope to have the beginnings of an answer: Northeast Rising.
Henry and other residents banded to launch a climate resilience hub, focused on community engagement and climate-change-fueled disaster readiness. The team has found a funding partner in Philadelphia-based Green Building United, alongside other partners across Delaware.
Packed into Wilmington’s PAL Center, a community center and the base for the new outfit, organizers marked an official launch Saturday, April 29, with information sessions, workshops and free emergency preparedness kits. It's a first for the neighborhood, Henry said, and a first for Delaware.
‘I wouldn’t take no for an answer’:Lifelong Wilmington resident recognized for advocacy
Intensifying future storms, accelerating sea-level rise, extreme heat — she knows the brunt of disasters are borne by under-resourced, vulnerable neighborhoods like her own. Riverside, 11th Street Bridge and Eastside neighborhoods were some of the most affected by Ida.
Now, a vision of preparedness is taking shape. And step one might be getting people's attention.
Have a story to tell? The News Journal/Delaware Online is placing special emphasis on reporting about heat impact this summer, as part of an ongoing Perilous Course project across USA TODAY Network Northeast examining the human-centered damage and risks driven by the climate crisis. Reach out: kepowers@gannett.com.
Understanding a vision for resiliency in Wilmington
Residents peered into their buckets.
Flashlights, first aid kits, bottled water, blankets, rope, more packed against smooth blue plastic. Many residents who had to replace personal documents just two years ago looked down at plastic sleeves made to store copies of birth certificates and other identification. Over 30 attendees filed into the center, perched on North Market Street’s higher ground, and were handed these stuffed kits.
“Grab the bucket while they're grabbing you,” Henry put it simply. Her team believes many neighbors would be much better off if they had supplies like these during Ida.
The kits are an early step for Northeast Rising. It meets aims for training on first aid, evacuation routes and more for members and interested residents. Unlike working alone in a makeshift hotel office in 2021, Henry and her team want residents to know there’s a place to go in the wake of disaster.
The hub boasts communication, resources, dry clothes and cool air. And it would support more than post-disaster recovery.
Even on the soggy April morning, Henry knows summer is fast approaching. Core to the hub’s plan, she described, will also be offering a place to escape a different threat.
Still flooding their neighborhood, still sweeping between homes and across pavement, already claiming more lives than any other weather-related cause in the U.S. — it’s heat.
“It’s a place for them to be for the hours that the heat index is dangerously high,” Henry said. Heat index, or how hot a day "feels," combines both temperature and humidity. When it's more humid, it's much harder for the body to cool off by sweating.
Northeast Rising plans to open the air-conditioned gym when conditions call for it, providing water and food. Research shows the brunt of increasing heat will not be felt equally. It will fall on households with lower incomes, renters without access to efficient air conditioning, those facing homelessness and others most vulnerable.
Urban heat island?Not all Wilmington neighborhoods experience the same summer heat. Here’s why.
Back in the PAL, hardly able to keep still as she watched residents listen to Saturday’s speakers, Henry knows she has yet to see anything quite like her vision in the First State. She called it a catalyst.
But, Northeast is just one pocket of Delaware’s largest city.
“This is small,” she said.
“It's large for me, but it may be small for the city. I don't have money to do what I need to do — but I've started to bring awareness to the support that we're going to need from the community, from the government, from everyone, to make this hub one of many.”
Storms like these...
Hurricane Ida’s remains brought floods to a 20-block radius of the city.
A maximum crest of 23.1 feet — measured near Rockford Park in the morning of Sept. 2 — had the Brandywine set a new record, as previously reported.
Floodwaters lifted cars, swallowed bridges. Emergency responders rescued over 200 people from homes, wading through the streets in boats. Displaced residents struggled for months to find housing, as city and state response came under fire.
A changing climate will play a role in the prevalence of these strong storms. A warming planet draws more water into the atmosphere, contributing to heavier storms, and a rising sea.
It’s everywhere:Sea-level rise is damaging much more than beach homes and East Coast shoreline
Looking back:Displaced by September floods, Wilmington residents still living in shelters, cars in January
From the Chesapeake to Massachusetts bays, Ida brought surges several feet above typical high tide levels. Rising seas can spell problems for more inland communities, too, as high tides and strengthened storm surges push water higher in nearby rivers during extreme storms, and into floodplains.
Rivers across the region broke records. Higher tides push back on these rivers, preventing flow back into the sea — while fresh water from extreme rainfall starts stacking up.
If it can’t drain into watersheds, it will find new routes. Without regard for neighborhoods.
Dangerous moisture can be more insidious, too.
For every 1-degree Celsius temperatures rise, according to First Street, the air holds about 7% more water vapor. This contributes to more humid days, with a higher likelihood of hazardous heat.
Heat claims more lives than flooding and hurricanes combined.
Dense urban areas feel heat exacerbated, as concentrations of dark materials like asphalt, steel and brick trap heat between buildings and streets. A difference of a few degrees of extreme heat can affect the body’s ability to regulate, and extended exposure compounds stress on organs. Those with respiratory illnesses, diabetes and obesity maintain the highest risk.
Wilmington already sees an average of seven more days a year over 90 degrees than it did 50 years ago.
The state is tied with Arizona as the fourth-fastest warming state based on temperature trends since 1970. Average temperatures in Delaware are projected to increase 2.5 to 4.5 degrees by 2050, from 2012 averages. That could rise up to 8 degrees by 2100, in the worst emissions scenario, according to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Historically just one day above 100 degrees would be rare in Delaware, coming about once a year, if that. But by 2050, the state’s Climate Action Plan warns of two to eight each year, alongside projections of up to five nights with temperatures above 80.
The perilous list continues.
This more extreme future will likely demand physical adaptation, according to a national report on hazardous heat, as well as planning for emergency heat events, such as checking on residents, creating more cooling centers and ensuring people can reach them.
That means communities and governments unfamiliar with extreme heat will have to adapt and prepare for it.
“The conversation needs to be about people,” Henry said, back in Wilmington. “It’s about our climate and what we're going to do to prepare ourselves for what's coming.”
Have a story to tell? The News Journal/Delaware Online is placing a special emphasis on reporting about heat impact this summer, as part of an ongoing Perilous Course project across USA TODAY Network Northeast examining the human-centered damage and risks driven by the climate crisis.
Contact this reporter at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/wilmington-residents-are-creating-their-own-climate-resilience-hub/70156431007/ | 2023-05-03T10:15:10 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/wilmington-residents-are-creating-their-own-climate-resilience-hub/70156431007/ |
The mayor of a New Jersey town was invited to the White House only to be turned away at the last minute, and he believes that it was due to his name mistakenly being mentioned on a secret government watch list.
About an hour before Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah was set to arrive at the White House for the Eid-al-Fitr celebration marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, he got a call from the White House stating that he had not been cleared for entry by the Secret Service and could not attend the event where President Joe Biden delivered remarks to hundreds of guests, according to the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
"I received a call from a gentleman by the name of Evans from the White House social office. We started with small talk, then he informed me that the Secret Service did not clear me to attend the White House Eid celebration," said Mayor Khairullah at a Tuesday press conference.
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It was a shock to the Syrian-born mayor of the Passaic County town, who Gov. Phil Murphy described as a dear friend. The pair was seen in a picture from over the weekend at the governor's mansion for a state Eid celebration.
"I hope this was a misunderstanding. I hope this says nothing about our Muslim community," Murphy said, adding that he has reached out to the White House to try and get to the bottom of what happened.
When asked if the state police vets visitors to the governor's mansion, Murphy confirmed they do if they think it necessary — but the governor said he never felt as if he needed to do so with Khairullah.
News
The New Jersey chapter of CAIR pointed to a heavily redacted document from the federal government that was leaked several years ago, which has Khairullah's name on it. It may stem from an incident four years ago, in which Khairullah and his young son were detained for three hours at JFK Airport — and his phone confiscated for nearly two weeks — after returning from a family visit to Turkey.
While it was not clear how he got on the supposed watch list, Khairullah went several times to Syria to help family members and others who were made refugees by the Arab Spring revolt in that country. Since that time, the mayor has helped other groups in the U.S. involved in humanitarian aid as well.
Khairullah was elected to a fifth term as the borough's mayor in January.
"Our crimes are our names, our ethnicities and religion. I call on President Biden to correct the injustices from the previous administrations by disbanding this illegal list and correcting ill-advised and racist policies," said Khairullah. "I have no reason to believe I am an unsafe person...Incidents like this make me question our progress."
CAIR is asking for the White House and the Secret Service to apologize for what occurred.
Secret Service said in a statement to NBC New York that it regretted the inconvenience, and added it cannot comment on specific protective methods used to conduct White House security. A source familiar with the federal watch list told NBC New York that the Secret Service does have discretion on whether to allow visitors there, even if they have a red flag. However, there may be classified information on file that gives the agency no other choice under its rules but to block them.
Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ executive director, called the move “wholly unacceptable and insulting.”
"If these such incidents are happening to high-profile and well-respected American-Muslim figures like Mayor Khairullah, this then begs the question: what is happening to Muslims who do not have the access and visibility that the mayor has?” Maksut said.
The group said Khairullah helped the New Jersey Democratic Party compile names of local Muslim leadership to invite to the White House Eid celebration and over the weekend was a guest at event at the New Jersey governor's mansion.
The White House declined to comment. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/muslim-mayor-from-nj-says-fbi-watch-list-got-him-blocked-from-white-house-eid-event/4298539/ | 2023-05-03T10:22:22 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/muslim-mayor-from-nj-says-fbi-watch-list-got-him-blocked-from-white-house-eid-event/4298539/ |
'We're on Netflix!' NSB's Breakers restaurant, Flagler Ave. featured in 'Florida Man'
"Hey, I saw you in that Netflix show," isn't a sentence most people will hear in their lifetime.
But it's exactly what employees at The Breakers Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach have been hearing from customers since the streaming giant debuted “Florida Man” on April 13.
Both the restaurant and portions of Flagler Avenue are featured at the beginning of the show’s second episode in what look like establishing drone shots.
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Disney’s “Tomorrowland,” released in 2015, was shot in part on Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach, but its story is not set in the Volusia County city. Conversely, “Florida Man” is set in Florida but was filmed almost entirely in North Carolina.
Debbie Meihls, New Smyrna Beach's film commissioner, said the show's location scout did contact her office and looked around the city, but no filming permit applications were issued.
The show also mentions the city of Port Orange by name, but the context in which it's used might ruin some of the surprises. The city did not receive any permit requests for filming.
What is Netflix’s ‘Florida Man’ about?
The show stars Edgar Ramirez (“The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Hands of Stone,” “Jungle Cruise”) as Mike Valentine, a struggling ex-cop who is forced to return to his home state to chase after a Philadelphia mobster’s girlfriend on the run.
“The show offers a spin on the ‘Florida Man’ meme and recreates a lot of the craziest stories that happened in Florida,” Ramirez said in an interview with the Associated Press. “It does not make fun of that. It has fun with it, which is completely different.”
The seven-episode series is a mix of comedy, family drama and a “treasure hunt,” he added.
The show also stars:
- Abbey Lee as Delly West.
- Clark Gregg as Sheriff Ketcher.
- Paul Schneider as Andy Boone.
- Anthony LaPaglia as Sonny Valentine.
- Emory Cohen as Moss Yankov.
- Lauren Buglioli as Kaitlin Fox.
During the first episode, Ramirez’s character finds a parking ticket issued due to an expired meter at 4620 Flagler Ave. – the parking lot located across the street from the restaurant.
The second episode features an aerial shot of the restaurant, along with Flagler Avenue and the beach.
How are Breakers restaurant patrons reacting?
When he first heard the restaurant was featured on the show, Breakers manager Elliot Schaafsma immediately texted his co-workers: “We’re on Netflix!”
“We all watched it,” Schaafsma said. “Some of us loved the show, some of us hated it. But I thought it was pretty good.”
Then, he said, customers started to come in enthusiastically saying, “You guys are on Netflix!”
“We feel pretty famous,” Schaafsma said.
Terry Bartley, Breakers’ general manager, said he hasn’t watched “Florida Man” yet but liked the fact the restaurant appeared on the show.
“I think it’s great,” Bartley said. “People really have been talking about it around town. It’s always something different when it’s local.”
Bartley said he can’t remember the restaurant ever being featured in a TV show or movie before, despite its near centenarian history – Breakers has been in New Smyrna since 1933, he said.
“You hear customers talking about it, you hear just word of mouth in the street,” Bartley said. “So I think it’s neat.”
Part of the show’s story is set in Coronado Beach, which is a neighborhood of New Smyrna Beach.
Schaafsma said he likes the idea of movies and TV shows being filmed in town, as they could provide an opportunity for more work.
“We’re growing,” Schaafsma said. “Everybody from Orlando and everybody out west, they aren’t going to Daytona anymore, they’re coming here.” | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/03/netflix-florida-man-features-breakers-restaurant-new-smyrna-beach-flagler-avenue/70170193007/ | 2023-05-03T10:33:45 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/03/netflix-florida-man-features-breakers-restaurant-new-smyrna-beach-flagler-avenue/70170193007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Flames ripped through an Orlando house early Wednesday, but it’s not known if there were any victims.
The fire broke out around 2:45 a.m. in the 6000 block of Sextant Court.
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Orlando Fire Department Assistant Chief Creed McClelland said a neighbor reported the fire, which was “heavily involved” when firefighters arrived.
“In under three minutes our units were able to get water on the fire. There was extensive damage upon our arrival, so at this time we have our investigators here trying to determine the cause,” McClelland said.
Fire investigators were searching the home for possible victims.
“At this time, because of the extensive damage, we’re still trying to get a primary search completely through the entire structure to see if there are any victims located inside,” McClelland said. “It will be a slow process. The fire was through the roof upon our arrival, so that means all the ceiling debris came down.”
No surrounding homes were damaged.
Check back for updates. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/fire-collapses-ceiling-of-orlando-home-investigation-underway/ | 2023-05-03T11:00:01 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/fire-collapses-ceiling-of-orlando-home-investigation-underway/ |
A woman and her three children -- two children and an adult -- were found shot to death Tuesday inside a Florida apartment, police said.
Lake Wales police said officers were called around 8:50 p.m. to the Sunrise Apartments and found four victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
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Police said Al Stenson, 38, of Lake Wales, who was wanted on four counts of first-degree murder in connection to the shooting deaths, has been located and officers were working to take him into custody Wednesday morning.
Detectives said their investigation determined Stenson shot the victims inside the apartment around 5 a.m. Tuesday and fled. Authorities were not contacted until about 16 hours later when family members found the victims.
The motive for the slayings is unknown, but police said Stenson and the victims knew each other.
No other details, including where Stenson was found or the names of the victims, have been released.
Police initially identified the slain woman’s children as two adults and a child.
Check back for updates. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/mother-3-children-found-slain-in-florida-apartment-manhunt-underway/ | 2023-05-03T11:00:07 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/03/mother-3-children-found-slain-in-florida-apartment-manhunt-underway/ |
City manager provides update on J.C. Penney, other building projects
PETOSKEY — Interior demolition work is set to begin this month at the former J.C. Penney building in downtown Petoskey.
The J.C. Penney project was one of many that city manager Shane Horn provided an update on during Monday’s Petoskey City Council meeting.
More:Petoskey community foundation eyes funding for Lofts at Lumber Square project
Lofts at Lumber Square
Planning for the Lofts at Lumber Square project continues to move forward, with the city receiving an updated site plan on Monday.
“As you may recall, we had a special meeting with the developer and ownership group of this project,” Horn said. “The planning commission wanted a little bit of a softer look to make sure that it blends well with the surrounding neighborhood.”
The project is a proposed 60-unit apartment complex in place of the former Hankey lumber yard, at the southwest corner of Emmet and Fulton streets.
Horn said the updated site plan will be on the May 17 planning commission agenda.
More:High-density apartment complex coming to former Maple Block Co. site
Michigan Maple Block
Another proposed housing project is also in the works for Petoskey.
Horn said the city is still working with the developer and EGLE Brownfield on the project, which would bring an apartment complex with approximately 200 units to the former Michigan Maple Block Company at 1420 Standish Ave.
“We did receive word that the (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) Brownfield grant and loan proposal that we explored a few meetings back is still being evaluated and vetted,” Horn said. “Likely we’ll hear something yet this month to come back to this body to discuss further, direction-wise, how we would like to proceed. So that is ongoing. Multiple layers involved with that.”
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More:City approves NLEA contract for City Park Grill rental rehab project
City Park Grill rental rehab
If all continues as planned, Horn said construction could start on a rental rehabilitation project at City Park Grill sometime in early June.
“We did receive the development agreement through (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) last week. So we’re finalizing our kind of due diligence, environmental and historical reviews.”
Horn said that whenever Community Development Block Grant funding is involved in a project, notices must be sent to specific groups regarding the work that will be done to a historic structure, such as the City Park building at 432 E. Lake St. Any responses to those notices are due back by May 3.
“So once that process has reached its culmination, we expect that construction will start sometime in early June for that project,” Horn said.
This project would add five rental units above City Park Grill.
J.C. Penney
Since it closed in October 2020, the historic J.C. Penney building at the corner of Mitchell and Howard streets has been shuttered and empty.
First opened in 1926, it was Petoskey’s last remaining traditional department store.
More:J.C. Penney's Petoskey store to close Sunday after 94 years downtown
Now, Horn said plans to renovate the building with condos on the second floor, retail on the first floor and parking below are finally underway.
“We did have a pre-construction meeting last week with the owners and contractors for that project,” Horn said. “That will start on May 8 with demo work, interior work. That’s exciting to finally see some progress there with that project.”
Horn added that a temporary covered platform will be installed during the work so pedestrians walking by are kept safe.
The same contractor and ownership group will also be working on the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act properties at 316-318 Lake St. at the same time.
“They’ll be working on both projects really at the same time concurrently,” Horn said.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/petoskey-city-manager-provides-update-on-j-c-penney-other-building-projects/70171439007/ | 2023-05-03T11:07:12 | 0 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/petoskey-city-manager-provides-update-on-j-c-penney-other-building-projects/70171439007/ |
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — On the course at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort not far from Delaware Water Gap, the sound of golfers teeing off is heard all day.
But before golfers can tee off, greenskeepers are hard at work getting the course ready. Their day starts well before the sun comes up.
On this morning, the frost on the grass delayed the crew from getting out on time.
Tommy Young is one of the assistant superintendents of the 27-hole, three-course golf resort overseeing just about everything that gets done. He started working here 11 years ago when he was in high school.
"A lot of people say, 'Ah, so you mow the grass all day.' It's really not the case for me, at least for a lot of us. It's a morning job for most of us is the mowing, but yeah, there's a lot more involved," Young said.
Young showed Newswatch 16 how much work greenskeepers do to prepare the course for play.
Cutting new holes was first on the agenda, starting with the putting greens. A golf hole cutter with a small blade helps cut the hole when twisted.
It's used twice on a hole—once to pull out a plug of grass which will be reused to close up another golf hole, and second, to pull out additional dirt so the cup can sit in the ground.
New holes are cut every day.
Then it's time to cut the grass. But this isn't like the mowing you do on the grass in your backyard.
There are different types of blade settings for mowing greens, fairways, and rough on the course, and it must be done on all 27 holes.
The greens are trimmed every day to keep them in perfect condition.
Lastly, it was time to rake all the bunkers. They're better known as the sand traps on the course.
It takes about 10 minutes to rake an entire bunker. Multiply that by 5 or 10 across the course, and you'd be here for a while.
Luckily, the maintenance team has a machine they use to do this.
Greenskeepers move tee markers, clean up debris, look for damage on the course, and, most importantly, check the soil's moisture.
All of this happens every day on the course. That's why the resort is looking to hire more greenskeepers and maintenance staff for the course.
"People care about their work here. A lot of the guys grew up here. Even in the '70s, they were caddies, some of them."
So the next time you play a round of golf, remember how much setup and maintenance goes into the playing conditions you enjoy. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/what-it-takes-to-be-a-golf-course-greenskeeper-greens-grass-holes-sand-traps-shawnee-inn-and-golf/523-9978f80a-6f84-419a-b3a1-3e59b1d358e4 | 2023-05-03T11:08:58 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/what-it-takes-to-be-a-golf-course-greenskeeper-greens-grass-holes-sand-traps-shawnee-inn-and-golf/523-9978f80a-6f84-419a-b3a1-3e59b1d358e4 |
Life looks a lot different now that Zachary Robinson is beyond four prison walls within Tennessee’s infamous Corecivic Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility. He spent the last year of a nine-year prison sentence in a cage, envisioning what he would do with his life once he became a free man.
Today, he's a student in the prestigious Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and the founder of a nonprofit based in Oak Ridge that works to reduce disparities in education, health and economic equality.
Just over a decade ago, and just a few months shy of his high school graduation, though, it was practically unthinkable that Robinson would be where he is today.
In 2012, Robinson and a couple of his high school buddies made a decision that changed the trajectory of his young adult life. They broke into a house near the campus of the University of Tennessee and robbed the people who lived there.
They were caught and prosecuted, and Robinson, just 18 years old, had to make a life-changing gamble: Plead guilty to the robbery and go free in nine years, or go to trial and risk spending the next three decades in prison.
"When you are told you are facing a 33-year prison sentence for taking it to trial versus the nine-year deal I was offered, the nine looks pretty good. I’ll take that bid," Robinson said in a long-ranging conversation with Knox News about how he dealt with incarceration and has refocused his life since gaining his freedom in 2020.
Robinson is reflective, and he's accountable. And he's clear about how far he's come despite the pain of incarceration. He vividly remembers the drug-infested, inhumane and violent conditions he experienced as he was bounced between Tennessee correctional facilities, fighting off the pressure to join prison gangs, falling victim to a global pandemic, and witnessing other inmates lose their lives to COVID-19.
“I watched men die in there from the virus. I caught COVID-19 and I remember feeling like I couldn’t even breathe," Robinson said. "They weren’t there to treat us or care for us while we were on the inside fighting the pandemic. I’m just glad I’m still alive to talk about it.”
Related: Publication of jail mugshots imposes stiff price, especially in digital age
Robinson got caught in poverty and school-to-prison pipeline
The road was never smooth for Robinson.
Born to a teenage mother with an addiction and a father who was in and out of prison, he never really knew what a stable upbringing felt like.
He spent time with his grandmother for a few years, and then his mother became pregnant again when he was in middle school, and he was mostly raising himself. He did whatever he could to get by, held down a job as a grocery bagger at a local grocery store at 14, and helped take care of his baby sister, recalling the days he would miss school when his mom wasn’t well enough to look after her. There were many days that he felt his fate was sealed.
“Looking back as a kid I became labeled as this known troublemaker even in elementary school, even though my grades were good, I was smart, I was sociable," Robinson said. "But I couldn’t get away with the things the other kids did, if I got in a fight for defending myself or any little thing, it was like all right, just suspend him.”
“When you are in second and third grade you don’t think like an adult so you don’t really think too deep about it, but it had a dramatic effect on me. I felt labeled and eventually, you get so used to it that you just don’t care. Sometimes teachers are part of a system, a broken one.”
Robinson’s school experience mirrors that of many Black children who face harsher discipline than their counterparts. It’s a snowball effect that puts Black boys on a trajectory that lands them either in the streets or behind bars.
When he got to Oak Ridge High School, he made the basketball team, and his grades were soaring, but he had been expelled twice, sent to an alternative school for a fight and for taking a laptop from a classroom.
He said his expulsion from school set him back even further. In fact, according to data, more time out of school doesn’t lead to greater outcomes for students.
In a National Association of School Psychologists report, school-to-prison pipelines are strengthened when out-of-school suspensions or harsh discipline tactics are used. Instead of stopping a particular behavior, suspensions often encourage kids to repeat it.
An analysis of discipline records for 9,039 students for one academic year found that participation of students in restorative interventions substantially reduced the odds that individual students would receive out-of-school suspensions.
“Alternative school doesn’t help, it doesn’t push you academically," Robinson said. "At one point I was making straight A’s but when you have a computer in front of you and you can pretty much just google the answers, the teachers aren’t monitoring you. It does not prepare you. Eventually, I was just filling in the blanks.
“I was greedy for money. I needed money – that’s why I took that laptop. I needed new shoes, there was no food in the refrigerator. It paid for marijuana. Eventually, I started selling it. When you see your mom slumped over your whole life, it’s not uncommon. I wasn’t out here buying jewelry and cars, I had to take care of myself.”
Home became just a place to sleep.
School to prison pipeline data
According to the American Civil Liberties Association:
- In 2020, Black Tennessee students received out-of-school suspensions at more than four times the rate of white students, and received in-school suspensions at nearly double the rate of white students, according to state school report cards that track discipline. Expulsions and placement in alternative schools for Black students were nearly double the rate.
- School disciplinary policies disproportionately affect Black students.
- Black students represent only 15% of students in the United States but make up 31% of school-related arrests.
- Black students are suspended or expelled three times more than white students.
- Students suspended or expelled for a discretionary violation are more than three times as likely to be in contact with the juvenile justice system the following year.
The night that changed his life
On the night of Dec. 8, 2012, Robinson and two of his friends broke into an apartment at the 1700 block of Lake Avenue, near the campus of the University of Tennessee. He had just turned 18, only a few months shy of finishing high school.
All three fled the scene and Robinson was found shortly after by police, who discovered a handgun nearby where Robinson was arrested.
Robinson maintains his innocence about having the gun. But he felt intense pressure to plead to it anyway.
“I was 18 and my friends were 17. So I’m an easier target right? I felt like they were really trying to put this on me," he said.
Plea bargaining reform and youthful offender changes
Robinson was scared like a lot of teens are when facing what could be the rest of their life behind bars.
Had Robinson been sentenced today, his experience likely would have been different. Justice reform for young offenders was far behind in 2012.
Tennessee has made progress on reducing sentences for juveniles. In a win for justice reform advocates, for example, the Tennessee Supreme Court struck down mandatory life sentences for juveniles convicted of homicide. The landmark decision was attributed to the case of Tyshon Booker who was 16 when he fatally shot G’Metrick Caldwell in Knoxville in 2015 and received a 51-year sentence.
Criminal defense attorney Chris Martin told Knox News that Robinson’s case, while not a homicide conviction, is a clear-cut example of why reform is needed in the first place.
“I think the natural trend there is to say that extremely long prison sentences for youthful offenders aged 18 to 24 should also be abolished," Martin said. "Under the same theory that abolished juvenile life without parole, that children's brains aren't fully developed, and they're more amenable to rehabilitation than others.
“The science supports more rehabilitative sentencing, especially at ages 18 to 24. And the idea that anybody in that age range would go to prison should shock the conscience of everybody. I don't think it's a particularly radical position. To say that people aged 18 to 24 deserve at least the first chance and probation and parole and the idea that they would spend almost half their lives incarcerated is outrageous. Prison should really if at all, be a last resort for someone who has offended multiple times."
The vast number of cases brought under the system of mass incarceration means that plea bargaining is the only way for courts to get through their dockets, according to the ACLU. And the impact lands on African Americans more than any demographic in the nation.
“I guarantee you if you look into the data, nobody who gets any kind of home invasion at 18, even if there is a weapon, possession with no injuries, is not going to be serving 33 years, not after a guilty verdict and not after a plea," Martin said.
"I would like to think that if a case like Zach’s came through a city like Knoxville or Nashville or Memphis today, there would be enough intelligent informed practitioners that somebody in that situation will get a chance of probation."
According to sentencing data from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, the average sentence given for aggravated robbery in fiscal year 2022 is 4 to 7 years. For aggravated burglary, the average sentence given was 2 to 4 years – much shorter than the sentence Robinson was handed, and the one prosecutors threatened him with if he went to trial and lost.
Plea bargaining data
According to the Vera Institute of Justice, a national organization that works to end mass incarceration, powered by hundreds of researchers and advocates working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems:
- Most criminal cases that result in conviction are adjudicated through guilty pleas. Of these, researchers estimate that more than 90% are the result of plea bargaining.
- There is a strong association between pretrial detention and guilty pleas, as people who can’t afford bail agree to plea deals to secure their release from jail.
- On average, Black men receive the least lenient plea deals, and white women the most lenient.
- Pretrial detention increases a person's likelihood to plead guilty by 46%.
- The odds of receiving a plea deal that includes incarceration are almost 70% greater for Black people than for white people.
- Custodial sentences imposed at trial are 64% longer than those imposed through pleas.
Criminal defense attorney and former Knox County public defender Chris Irwin told Knox News that these kinds of outcomes permanently damage the lives of youthful offenders who have a chance at rehabilitation.
“With a felony on one’s record, they become part of the permanent undercast of society. The Scarlet F wrecks both employment and education opportunities. If prison really worked we would be the most drug-free nonviolent society in the history of this planet," Martin said.
Life in a cage became the catalyst for change
What was it about life in prison that could transform a young man and unleash the motivation and intellect to finish his GED and earn a college degree?
Robinson said it was nothing but a whole lot of time on his hands. That, and knowing that he would be free much sooner than a lot of the other men he was locked up with. He used it to his advantage.
But not before he spent half of his sentence cutting up and being a defiant inmate. He isn’t sure if it was the hostility he held about his new living arrangements or the fact he was there in the first place, but following prison rules wasn’t on his agenda.
“Being around guys who were doing life. Knowing they were never coming home made me realize that I had something to look forward to," Robinson said. "I had to get down to business and do something with myself."
He decided to become a leader and more of an inspiration to those around him who were there for a long time, taping Nelson Mandela quotes to the prison walls to give a little hope.
He was first housed at Bledsoe Correctional Facility, where he eventually entered a youth offender program and enrolled in college through the Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative, a nonprofit that prepares those incarcerated for release and reentry into society by providing holistic support as they pursue college programs in Tennessee prisons.
Robinson completed his associate's degree at Nashville State Community College in 2018.
“Completing my degree was the greatest moment of my life. Before I went into prison I had goals for myself. I made some mistakes but I wanted to go to college," he said. "I had my sights set on ETSU. I never got to walk across my high school stage, never got my diploma, never went to my prom. So it was really something.”
Since his release, Robinson has been making up for lost time. He became a father and has spent a lot of time just trying to get acclimated back into society, navigating a different Knoxville than the one he remembers a decade ago. Despite a college degree, the stigma of having a felony conviction on his record stood in the way of gainful employment and he is still fighting to get his voting rights restored. One in five Black Tennesseans like Robinson are barred from voting due to a felony conviction.
Despite all of the barriers, Robinson still keeps going.
In 2022, he was accepted to the University of Tennessee’s Haslam School of Business as a supply chain management major as a junior. He plans to complete his bachelor's and master's degrees within the next three years.
But as an advocate for lifelong learning, the degrees are only his personal goal. Entrepreneurship and making a difference in the lives of youth who were once like him are his passion. It was a social responsibility class he took while in prison that inspired him.
“I have always been a visionary. At one point I even dreamed of having my own amusement park,” he laughed.
DOORS, a nonprofit whose mission is to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and provide opportunities for youth, was just a forethought while incarcerated, and when Robinson was released from prison in 2020, he returned back to his hometown of Oak Ridge and started to make it a reality.
Today, thanks to the help of members and volunteers in the Oak Ridge community, the organization provides scholarships and summer jobs to youth through its lawn care program. Robinson’s vision is to duplicate the model throughout East Tennessee and eventually nationwide.
“I hope I can do what I can to take the labels off our young people where the school systems have labeled these students as troublemakers," he said. "What we're doing is taking those students and making them productive community leaders.”
For those on the side of restorative justice, guys like Robinson aren’t merely offenders given a second chance.
“A lot of them really never really had a first chance," Martin said. "And Zach is proof that our youth are able to be rehabilitated.”
Angela Dennis is the Knox News social justice, race and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com. Twitter @AngeladWrites. Instagram @angeladenniswrites. Facebook at Facebook.com/AngelaDWrites | https://www.knoxnews.com/in-depth/news/local/2023/05/03/university-of-tennessee-zachary-robinson-transforms-life-after-prison/70123946007/ | 2023-05-03T11:15:50 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/in-depth/news/local/2023/05/03/university-of-tennessee-zachary-robinson-transforms-life-after-prison/70123946007/ |
Knoxville children's book illustrator gets a shoutout on 'The Tonight Show'
As a former drummer in a local band, Daniel Wiseman could be described as someone who moves to his own beat.
But after finding his niche as a children’s book illustrator and now author, he evidently has his hand on the pulse of publishers and readers, too.
After several years of working a variety of jobs – including the not-so-inspiring ones of bartending, restaurant serving and telemarketing – he is now enjoying the very satisfying career of getting to be creative in the book world. In fact, his own story might make for a good book, too.
Besides books – including getting to illustrate the recently popular and best-selling book “The World Needs More Purple People” – the Sequoyah Hills author is also drawing some storyboard panels for the new Powell park, Angora Frog Farm.
Based on some tall tales a former property owner used to spin for family about furry frogs, Wiseman said he was approached by the Legacy Parks Foundation after a staff member was talking to the Wisemans' nanny.
“They reached out to me about a storyboard trail,” said Wiseman, who jumped at the idea in part because he loves the outdoors and it is slightly different from book illustrating. “It has been fun. I have written the story and done the panels in sketch form.”
For Wiseman, getting to this spot on his own trail has been quite a journey. After attending Karns High, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee for a semester but felt restless. He was with his band and trying to make a career of it while doing jobs when he started drawing covers for his and other bands’ albums/CDs.
“I realized I could get paid for it,” he said, adding that he was also designing web pages. “I was about 24 or 25 then.”
That led to him and a friend moving to St. Louis in 2009 for an art director’s position. While better than some of his other jobs, he soon found himself bored creating faces for credit cards and websites for clients. “It was not what I expected it to be,” he said with a laugh.
The two quit and started their own marketing agency, but soon an opportunity came to join with some other friends to start a video game company. He was making art and technology for children about the time that he and his wife, Elizabeth, a Farragut High graduate, had their first child, a son.
That naturally led into reading children’s books for his growing family, and he started taking note of the illustrations. After thinking he might like to do that, he researched and realized he needed to build a portfolio and get connected to a literary agency.
In 2016, he started sending out query emails, and within the first few messages, he heard back from a woman at Bookmark Literary.
“She signed me as a client,” he excitedly said of how everything fell into place. “And almost immediately I got a pitch from Simon and Schuster’s Little Simon.”
More pitches and work came, and with bigger advances he was able to eventually leave his video game company job after initially working 80 hours a week trying to do both.
He and his family decided to move back to Knoxville, but right before they did, he received the opportunity to illustrate “The World Needs More Purple People.” Written by Benjamin Hart and Kristen Bell, an accomplished actress who voiced Princess Anna in the Disney hit movie “Frozen,” it reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list.
A highlight for Wiseman came when Bell was promoting the book on “The Tonight Show.” Host Jimmy Fallon complimented the artwork, and Wiseman heard his name mentioned.
“I don’t get to be on these shows but sometimes my name is,” he joked, adding that he draws his illustrations by tracing a stylus on a computer tablet.
His book career has also branched recently into getting to write, including working on a young reader’s graphic novel called “Lunch Buddies,” which deals with a person becoming best friends with a sandwich that comes alive.
Wiseman, who now has a family of five, admitted he is not nearly as confident in his writing as his illustrating, but is enjoying it all. He is amazed at getting to do what he enjoys after years of hard work. And he gets paid for it and gets additional perks like visiting schools to show his books.
“I feel like I’ve spent a long time crafting a career that offers me a quality of life where I don’t have anybody I have to answer to,” he said. “It’s a cool job. And I get to make things that live on after I’m gone.” | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/knoxville-childrens-book-illustrator-gets-tonight-show-rave/70158818007/ | 2023-05-03T11:16:28 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/03/knoxville-childrens-book-illustrator-gets-tonight-show-rave/70158818007/ |
WATERLOO — Two Minnesota men arrested for break-ins in Johnson County are suspects in a burglary to a Waterloo store and dozens of other businesses in the region.
Waterloo police said they have obtained warrants for Najee Balil Abdullah, 32, and Richard Lee Holston, 43, both of St. Paul, in connection with a recent burglary to a Mexican store in Waterloo.
The two are currently housed at the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City for charges in break-ins to businesses in Iowa City and North Liberty.
Court records allege Abdullah and Holston burglarized the Acapulco Mexican Bakery on Keokuk Street in Iowa City in the early morning hours of April 4.
A security camera recorded them breaking out the front door, ransacking the business and driving off in a white Audi Q5.
That same morning, they allegedly hit the El Azul grocery store on Community Drive in North Liberty and used a screw driver and pry bar to break open the door, according to court records. Once inside they stole a safe.
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Investigators discovered the two were pulled over for a traffic stop in Eagle Grove on April 2 — days before the burglaries, and were wearing the same clothing and carrying tools that would later be used in the burglary.
Investigators also linked the two to the Waterloo break-in and crimes in Ankeny, and they are suspected in more than 30 burglaries to businesses across the Midwest, authorities said in court records.
Abdullah was also arrested in November 2022 for a burglary to Medford Tobacco in Owatonna, Minnesota, where a safe was stolen, according to media reports. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/minnesota-men-suspected-in-waterloo-store-burglary/article_6fceb472-84fc-5ec7-8f90-f69da8d49d4f.html | 2023-05-03T11:20:02 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/minnesota-men-suspected-in-waterloo-store-burglary/article_6fceb472-84fc-5ec7-8f90-f69da8d49d4f.html |
CEDAR FALLS — The City Council on Monday unanimously ordered the abatement of nuisances causing a single family home at 1312 Clay St. to be unsanitary, unsafe and somewhat in disrepair.
The property owner, listed in records as Kimbie Flick, must either fulfill the city’s request by 4 p.m. May 15 or submit a viable plan to address the issues discovered during a February inspection after a water pipe had burst in the basement.
Building Official Jamie Castle said officials entered through the basement and found a significant amount of mold, a strong mildew scent, and damp areas – including some with standing water.
Significant hording was discovered, as every room was packed full with items and trash, and the outside was used as storage.
Neither Flick nor anyone else associated with the property spoke up during a condemnation hearing for the property in question. The owner “did not appear today, so I’m not 100% sure what investment they have in the home,” Castle told the council after notice had been sent and left at the home.
Past nuisance history included, in 2009, a back porch in disrepair being removed but never replaced to address the requirement for rear egress; in 2014, concern about exterior maintenance; and, in 2020/2021, violations of illegal storage and debris on the property.
If the owner fails to complete either option by May 15, the city is allowed to correct the issues on its own via demolition with the cost being charged to the property owner.
However, officials always emphasize how razing structures is a last resort and their desire is first to work with owners of property with code violations.
In other business, the council voted in favor of:
Approving two agreements, one with Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments and the other with Riverwise Engineering, LLC, associated with the highly anticipated project that will bring about recreational improvements to the Cedar River between the First and Main street bridges. The construction contract was awarded to Peterson Contractors, Inc. and the new start date is fall 2023.
Passing an ordinance, on its second of three readings, rezoning 14.43 acres of farmland owned by Jim Sands Construction for future homes. The land is north of Tomahawk Lane and west of Cypress Avenue.
Approving the third and final reading of a change in zoning code to allow for defunct institutional buildings in residential areas to be reused for salons. Any salon project will be considered a conditional use and require approval from the board of adjustment. The proposed revision comes as a builder looks to remodel the former Faith Wesleyan and Jordan Crossing church at 209 Walnut St. for Dolled Up Studios’ new location.
Accepting the the mayor’s recommendation to reappoint Jeff Engel to the Cedar Falls Utilities board of trustees until Aug. 31, 2029.
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I've covered city government for The Courier since August 2021. I'm a Chatham, NJ native who graduated from Gettysburg College in 2018 and previously worked for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-council-orders-nuisances-be-abated-at-1312-clay-st/article_9fbadde1-3e19-5d1a-bea0-02f06aa8add7.html | 2023-05-03T11:20:09 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-council-orders-nuisances-be-abated-at-1312-clay-st/article_9fbadde1-3e19-5d1a-bea0-02f06aa8add7.html |
CEDAR FALLS — The City Council gave final approval Monday to extend Ashworth Drive from Hudson Road to Kara Drive.
No discussion was needed as the council unanimously accepted the low bid of $1.25 million submitted by Dave Schmitt Construction of Cedar Rapids, significantly under the budgeted estimate of $1.74 million.
Engineer Dave Wicke previously said construction on the road may get underway in late summer. A planned traffic light for the Hudson Road and Ashworth Drive intersection wouldn’t likely be installed until next year as that’s when it’s expected the signal would be delivered.
Peterson Contractors of Reinbeck came in with the second lowest bid at $1.41 million. Two Cedar Falls companies, Owen Contracting Inc. and Vieth Construction Corporation, submitted bids at $1.54 million and $1.57 million, respectively.
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Additionally, the council unanimously voted, on the second of three readings, to approve an ordinance rezoning three acres along that future roadway for new residential development.
No update was provided on additional road connections to the nearby Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School, the primary motivation for the Ashworth Drive extension, as residents have clamored for and expected.
Funds are budgeted, but agreements must first be reached on the purchase of land from private property owners.
As recently as the council’s previous meeting, City Administrator Ron Gaines said his understanding had been an agreement with a developer had been in place to allow Ironwood Drive to be extended north to Greenhill Road.
North Cedar Heights
In 2023, no planned construction is a guarantee until the contract is awarded.
As has been the case with some projects over the last year, few contractors will place bids and construction costs will come in higher than budgeted, forcing officials to consider and sometimes move forward with denying the contract.
That was the case with the first phase of the North Cedar Heights area reconstruction project. City officials had to remove a portion of Timber Drive from the plans as a result. The council unanimously approved those revised plans Monday with construction costs now estimated at $3.39 million.
Bidding will dictate once again whether it can move forward.
The work will happen on West Ridgewood Drive from Greenwood Avenue to Cherry Lane as well as on a part of Greenwood Avenue. The project also includes other improvements and infrastructure work.
The council threw out the original plans after only one bid had been received from Peterson Contractors, Inc. for $5.35 million, way over the previous estimate of $3.59 million.
“I have had some people contact me from this area, and I’ve been working with them. I know that they’re ready for the project, and I know the streets are in disrepair,” said Councilmember Simon Harding. “Costs are high. I just wanted to reassure that we’re going to continue to look at any and all possible ways to keep this on track.”
Wicke replied that the city will forge ahead with phases over several years in that area and, when possible, include more than one street per phase. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/council-approves-contract-to-extend-ashworth-drive-in-cedar-falls/article_763124b4-c9ab-5e8c-a8d2-6980b6bd8b13.html | 2023-05-03T11:20:15 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/council-approves-contract-to-extend-ashworth-drive-in-cedar-falls/article_763124b4-c9ab-5e8c-a8d2-6980b6bd8b13.html |
A Richmond public school teacher is on leave after a video surfaced of her telling a Latino student that she could only speak English in class.
The video, which The Richmond Times-Dispatch is not publishing, was shared to social media April 26 by several accounts, including that of Ultra Radio Richmond, a local Spanish-language station. The incident in question occurred at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School last week.
On the video, the teacher tells a student that “English is spoken in this class. Period” and that “the School Board will back me up.”
The student replies that she “didn’t know speaking my own language was wrong,” at which point the teacher says that other students who speak French or Russian are also required to speak English in the classroom.
After further discussion, including other students coming to their classmate’s defense and the teacher telling the initial student to “shut up talking” multiple times, she sends the student out of class to see the principal.
‘Will not be tolerated at Richmond Public Schools’
Richmond Public Schools declined to answer questions from The Times-Dispatch about details of the incident — including whether the division has any policies prohibiting the use of languages other than English in the classroom — citing an ongoing personnel matter.
Spokeswoman Lorena Arias shared a statement from Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks indicating that the teacher will remain on administrative leave pending an investigation by RPS’ Employee Relations team.
“Racism, bigotry, and intolerance of any kind will not be tolerated at Richmond Public Schools,” Parks said. “RPS happily serves a diverse group of students across many races and nationalities. We will continue to support and advocate for them all.”
Parents, including the mother of the student who was being reprimanded by the teacher, and former students in Richmond — along with several people associated with the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, the country’s largest Latino advocacy group — voiced their concerns at a Monday night meeting of the Richmond School Board.
The school’s demographic makeup is about 44% Hispanic and 51% Black, according to School Quality Profiles from the Virginia Department of Education.
‘She wouldn’t stop crying’
The student’s mother addressed the school board at its meeting Monday night, saying that the incident had a negative impact on her child. The mother has not been identified by name to protect the identity of the student.
“Even though many people might not believe it or might not see it this way, with a little girl it affects them emotionally,” the woman said, speaking through a translator. “The day this happened my daughter arrived home and she locked herself in her bedroom and she wouldn’t stop crying. The next day they called her to the office to speak with her. And she said that she went and hid in the restrooms because she was afraid to speak out.”
Several people with the Richmond Region League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) also spoke to the school board in response to the incident. The group’s local president, Rachel Gomez, said the incident at Boushall has been one of several incidents that have been reported to LULAC.
“It makes me curious as to how the student knew what was going to happen and why to record it,” Gomez said. “Apparently, this is an ongoing situation in this class. Also [I want] to recognize that district wide, this is a systemic issues that is not being handled properly.”
Most of the reports to the group have been anonymous, Gomez said, from parents, teachers and students. An accompanying letter said that the LULAC group speakers called for the teacher’s removal and asked that RPS consider a mandatory “civics training” for teachers and students. They also asked for the formation of a task force focused on the health of Latino students in the district.
The group previously pushed for the creation of a similar commission in August 2022, but were unsuccessful.
“I know you members of the school board and I know that none of you, not one of you would condone this type of treatment of a child, of a student,” said Vilma Seymour, immediate past president of Richmond Region LULAC, “… The sad part for me is this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. It’s one of the few times it’s been caught on audio. So we need action from the school board to denounce this practice by teachers. It’s not okay.”
The most common undergraduate degrees awarded in every state
The most common undergraduate degrees awarded in every state
A paper published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce in 2011, titled "The College Payoff," analyzed the ever-present debate about the financial worthiness of a college degree, many times obtained through ballooning debt.
The study found that over a lifetime, "bachelor's degree holders earn 31% more than those with an associate's degree and 74% more than those with just a high school diploma," and while there are instances where six-figure jobs are obtained by those whose secondary education ended at the baccalaureate level, it is the exception rather than the rule.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, those with the lowest earning potential are workers who did not complete high school, who on average will go on to earn $973,000 over a lifetime. Meanwhile the highest earners are professional degree holders, who can potentially make upwards of $3.6 million during their working years.
For those who chose to attend college, deciding on where to study—and which field of study to pursue—can be impactful. Each year, about 3 million undergraduate degrees are granted and 2 million of them are bachelor's degrees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the top three degree programs for the period 2009-2010 through 2019-2020 were business, health programs, and social sciences/history, with psychology, biological/biomedical sciences, and engineering not far behind.
Wage variation among fields can vary to an astounding degree. As reported by Stacker in March 2023, "On a national level, those who study nuclear engineering technologies or become technicians in that field have the highest median earnings three years after graduation at $107,804, followed by the fields of biomathematics, bioinformatics, and computational biology ($98,074)." This same report showed that in some states graduates in various liberal arts fields—such as English literature, music, and even education—see earnings as little as one-third of those of engineering grads.
Nonetheless, the disparity in potential future earnings does not necessarily detract from the popularity of such degrees. Best Universities compiled data from the Department of Education on the average number of students enrolled in a particular undergraduate program in the 2017 and 2018 school years, the most recent data available. Slides are sorted alphabetically by state and show the most common degrees awarded to students who attended college in those states.
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Alabama
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 7,077 (9.8%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 5,655 (7.8%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 5,213 (7.2%)
#4. Business/Commerce, General: 3,978 (5.5%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 3,565 (4.9%)
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Alaska
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 409 (9.5%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 260 (6.0%)
#3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 207 (4.8%)
#4. Accounting and Related Services: 162 (3.7%)
#5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 136 (3.1%)
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Arizona
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 20,259 (11.4%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 19,261 (10.8%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 13,465 (7.6%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 10,142 (5.7%)
#5. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies: 7,270 (4.1%)
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Arkansas
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,748 (14.3%)
#2. Business/Commerce, General: 4,099 (8.7%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 2,578 (5.5%)
#4. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 2,331 (4.9%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 1,925 (4.1%)
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California
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 99,222 (16.1%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 61,299 (9.9%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 25,685 (4.2%)
#4. Psychology, General: 22,734 (3.7%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 19,506 (3.2%)
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Colorado
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 10,178 (10.4%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 8,325 (8.5%)
#3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 5,923 (6.0%)
#4. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies: 4,568 (4.7%)
#5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 3,496 (3.6%)
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Connecticut
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 2,920 (6.9%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 2,484 (5.9%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 1,884 (4.5%)
#4. Psychology, General: 1,716 (4.1%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 1,620 (3.8%)
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Delaware
#1. Business/Commerce, General: 3,318 (21.6%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,125 (7.3%)
#3. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 663 (4.3%)
#4. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 608 (3.9%)
#5. Accounting and Related Services: 572 (3.7%)
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Florida
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 64,438 (17.9%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 34,479 (9.6%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 33,889 (9.4%)
#4. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 16,756 (4.7%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 13,018 (3.6%)
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Georgia
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 22,576 (11.3%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 17,337 (8.7%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,192 (5.1%)
#4. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 8,172 (4.1%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 7,849 (3.9%)
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Hawaii
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 11,634 (25.3%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 3,632 (7.9%)
#3. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 3,333 (7.3%)
#4. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 2,756 (6.0%)
#5. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 1,952 (4.2%)
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Idaho
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 3,989 (15.8%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 1,731 (6.9%)
#3. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 1,576 (6.2%)
#4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,401 (5.6%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 1,072 (4.2%)
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Illinois
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 20,153 (9.6%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 19,875 (9.5%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 18,020 (8.6%)
#4. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 8,149 (3.9%)
#5. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 7,524 (3.6%)
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Indiana
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 16,519 (14.1%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 9,335 (8.0%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 8,999 (7.7%)
#4. Business/Commerce, General: 4,867 (4.2%)
#5. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 4,614 (3.9%)
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Iowa
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,297 (13.3%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 2,496 (5.3%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 2,159 (4.6%)
#4. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 1,650 (3.5%)
#5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness: 1,465 (3.1%)
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Kansas
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,540 (12.4%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 4,744 (9.0%)
#3. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 4,608 (8.7%)
#4. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 2,825 (5.3%)
#5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 2,010 (3.8%)
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Kentucky
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,238 (8.6%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 4,800 (6.6%)
#3. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 4,063 (5.6%)
#4. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 4,038 (5.6%)
#5. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 3,803 (5.2%)
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Louisiana
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 13,197 (16.7%)
#2. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 6,013 (7.6%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 5,772 (7.3%)
#4. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 3,920 (5.0%)
#5. Precision Metal Working: 3,418 (4.3%)
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Maine
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 870 (6.9%)
#2. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 842 (6.7%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 711 (5.6%)
#4. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 708 (5.6%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 355 (2.8%)
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Maryland
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 9,808 (14.0%)
#2. Business/Commerce, General: 4,866 (7.0%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 3,710 (5.3%)
#4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 3,082 (4.4%)
#5. Information Science/Studies: 2,354 (3.4%)
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Massachusetts
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 6,210 (6.4%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 4,924 (5.1%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 4,451 (4.6%)
#4. Psychology, General: 3,804 (3.9%)
#5. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 3,237 (3.4%)
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Michigan
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 16,114 (13.1%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 13,207 (10.7%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 6,809 (5.5%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 3,899 (3.2%)
#5. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 3,864 (3.1%)
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Minnesota
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 8,931 (11.3%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,570 (8.3%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 4,525 (5.7%)
#4. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 3,176 (4.0%)
#5. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 2,794 (3.5%)
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Mississippi
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 6,601 (14.3%)
#2. Business/Commerce, General: 3,671 (7.9%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 2,506 (5.4%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 2,054 (4.4%)
#5. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 1,512 (3.3%)
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Missouri
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 14,450 (16.5%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,900 (12.4%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 5,305 (6.1%)
#4. Business/Commerce, General: 3,075 (3.5%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 2,116 (2.4%)
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Montana
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 1,024 (10.6%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 726 (7.5%)
#3. Business/Commerce, General: 447 (4.6%)
#4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 430 (4.5%)
#5. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 404 (4.2%)
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Nebraska
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 2,545 (10.7%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 1,592 (6.7%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,456 (6.1%)
#4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 763 (3.2%)
#5. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies: 753 (3.2%)
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Nevada
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 13,751 (16.0%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 13,152 (15.3%)
#3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 6,708 (7.8%)
#4. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 5,771 (6.7%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 3,146 (3.7%)
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New Hampshire
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 4,047 (16.9%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 2,185 (9.1%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,670 (7.0%)
#4. Psychology, General: 1,562 (6.5%)
#5. Accounting and Related Services: 963 (4.0%)
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New Jersey
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 19,238 (13.9%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 15,640 (11.3%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,412 (7.5%)
#4. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 6,260 (4.5%)
#5. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 5,264 (3.8%)
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New Mexico
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 7,255 (21.4%)
#2. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 2,513 (7.4%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 1,669 (4.9%)
#4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,493 (4.4%)
#5. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 1,071 (3.2%)
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New York
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 23,555 (9.3%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 17,753 (7.0%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 12,924 (5.1%)
#4. Psychology, General: 10,390 (4.1%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 9,480 (3.7%)
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North Carolina
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 17,260 (10.2%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 17,244 (10.2%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 14,075 (8.3%)
#4. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies: 6,256 (3.7%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 6,030 (3.6%)
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North Dakota
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 3,091 (14.0%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 2,454 (11.2%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 1,378 (6.3%)
#4. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 1,276 (5.8%)
#5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 1,167 (5.3%)
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Ohio
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 23,988 (14.3%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,854 (6.5%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 10,561 (6.3%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 7,361 (4.4%)
#5. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 5,907 (3.5%)
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Oklahoma
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 4,375 (7.4%)
#2. Precision Metal Working: 3,655 (6.2%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 3,093 (5.2%)
#4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 2,761 (4.6%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 2,542 (4.3%)
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Oregon
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 9,134 (19.5%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 2,298 (4.9%)
#3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,526 (3.3%)
#4. Psychology, General: 1,470 (3.1%)
#5. Accounting and Related Services: 1,123 (2.4%)
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Pennsylvania
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 9,740 (5.8%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 9,719 (5.8%)
#3. Finance and Financial Management Services: 6,085 (3.7%)
#4. Business/Commerce, General: 5,514 (3.3%)
#5. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 5,276 (3.2%)
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Rhode Island
#1. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 1,913 (8.3%)
#2. Culinary Arts and Related Services: 1,381 (6.0%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 1,114 (4.8%)
#4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 990 (4.3%)
#5. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 973 (4.2%)
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South Carolina
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 5,335 (8.1%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 4,133 (6.3%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 4,081 (6.2%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 3,699 (5.6%)
#5. Business/Commerce, General: 3,687 (5.6%)
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South Dakota
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 1,026 (9.3%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 736 (6.7%)
#3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 378 (3.4%)
#4. Biology, General: 330 (3.0%)
#5. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 325 (2.9%)
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Tennessee
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,090 (10.6%)
#2. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 7,100 (7.4%)
#3. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 5,351 (5.6%)
#4. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services: 4,415 (4.6%)
#5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 4,409 (4.6%)
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Texas
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 48,320 (12.5%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 33,255 (8.6%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 29,131 (7.5%)
#4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 18,450 (4.8%)
#5. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 12,462 (3.2%)
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Utah
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 15,087 (14.9%)
#2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 12,633 (12.4%)
#3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 10,240 (10.1%)
#4. Health and Medical Administrative Services: 4,033 (4.0%)
#5. Computer and Information Sciences, General: 3,222 (3.2%)
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Vermont
#1. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 626 (7.3%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 458 (5.4%)
#3. Psychology, General: 345 (4.0%)
#4. Natural Resources Conservation and Research: 338 (4.0%)
#5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 336 (3.9%)
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Virginia
#1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 16,442 (12.5%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 14,822 (11.2%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 9,977 (7.6%)
#4. Business/Commerce, General: 4,608 (3.5%)
#5. Psychology, General: 4,583 (3.5%)
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Washington
#1. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 19,585 (18.7%)
#2. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 7,090 (6.8%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 3,669 (3.5%)
#4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods: 3,290 (3.1%)
#5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing: 3,274 (3.1%)
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West Virginia
#1. Business/Commerce, General: 3,741 (10.8%)
#2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities: 3,689 (10.7%)
#3. Business Administration, Management, and Operations: 3,065 (8.9%)
#4. Criminal Justice and Corrections: 1,704 (4.9%)
#5. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services: 1,620 (4.7%)
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Wisconsin
#1. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants: 7,353 (8.1%)
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This story originally appeared on Best Universities and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Canva | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/thomas-c-boushall-middle-video-teacher-speak-english/article_79a0fdee-e911-11ed-958d-5bc2d2500be1.html | 2023-05-03T11:33:44 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/thomas-c-boushall-middle-video-teacher-speak-english/article_79a0fdee-e911-11ed-958d-5bc2d2500be1.html |
The pedestrian bridge to Texas Beach, a vital cornerstone of the infrastructure connecting the James River Park System, remains a high-traffic access point for local river-goers despite multiple attempts by the city to close it to the public because it has been deemed severely structurally unsafe and in danger of collapse.
On Sept. 1, 2022, the 75-yard-long bridge, constructed between 1970 and 1971, was inspected by the engineering firm Timmons Group, and "found to be structurally unsafe for public use," per Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF).
It lies at the end of a short, steep path just off a parking lot in the back of the Randolph neighborhood.
The bridge is the only access point over the Kanawha Canal and parallel, privately owned CSX railroad tracks to more than a mile of popular trail, beaches and rocks along the river's north bank, a section of the JRPS enjoyed by thousands every summer.
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But the city now says there is no chance of safe and legal access to Texas Beach this summer, and the process for evaluating repairs on the bridge will take at least another year.
The crown jewel
Conducted as part of a routine inspection of bridges maintained by PRCF, the report revealed "severe structural damage" that "could potentially result in a bridge collapse." The city announced the closure on the morning of Friday, Sept. 2.
But roughly eight months later, river-goers continue to use the bridge in droves, or illegally cross the tracks as an alternative. Per PRCF, Texas Beach is not closed. But it's officially only accessible by watercraft because the pedestrian bridge is closed.
Dennis Bussey, 77 and the organizer of the James River Hikers for the past 12 years, has led more than 2,000 meetups for hikes and community projects in the James River Park System.
For Bussey, closing the bridge meant cutting off public access to the very best part of Richmond.
"The crown jewel of Richmond, Virginia is the James River, and the crown jewel of the James River is the James River Park System," said Bussey, who's led various improvement efforts to the Texas Beach area over the years, such as constructing walkways, erecting a historic sign at the remnants of Foushee's Mill and initiating the Texas Beach murals project in conjunction with VCUarts.
"And the crown jewel of the James River Park is Texas Beach. So they have taken the super plum on the top of the cake in Richmond, Virginia, and they've taken it away from the public.
"It is the best part of the best part of Richmond. It's such a special place."
Critical and immediate priority
At least three times since the original closure, a metal door with the words "bridge closed no access to Texas Beach" has been shut over the entrance to the bridge in an effort to deter river-goers from using it.
But each time, the lock is eventually broken open and the door retracted. At times that the door barred entry, hikers simply climbed through a hole in the chain-link fence which surrounds the bridge.
In December, Tyler Layne of CBS 6 through a Freedom of Information Act request obtained the structure inspection report done by Timmons Group.
The report came back with significant redactions, as PRCF cited exemptions that allow critical infrastructure information to be withheld.
But it did list damage to the bottom of the bridge's concrete deck and to the chain link fencing that surrounds the pathway, deterioration of the timber handrails, and deformations to the chords of the trusses.
There are holes in the concrete steps winding up and down the tower on the river-side end, and a couple have fallen out of place.
The report concluded that the city needed to either rehabilitate the bridge or replace it.
Sections on the report redacted in part or entirely include the condition ratings of certain aspects, description of the structure, special requirements, work done, and overall condition and recommendations, including one of critical and immediate priority.
Commentary on the state of individual elements of the structure has been heavily redacted in many areas of the report.
Tamara Jenkins, a public information officer for Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, said on April 14 that the city still has no estimate on the total cost of or a viable timetable for the bridge to be repaired or replaced.
But Jenkins did share a FAQ sheet released by PRCF which notes that $2 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act were in November designated to address the bridge.
After the Times-Dispatch reached out inquiring as to the status of the repairs, a line was added to an updated version of the FAQ sheet which alludes to a rough timetable for at least establishing what the process for repairs will look like.
"A process is underway with structural engineers to find the best solution for repairing and re-opening access to Texas Beach," the updated sheet states.
"This process will likely at least take a year from the summer of 2023. Once we have a timeline established for the repair we will post it publicly so everyone can follow along with this complex and important project."
Jenkins also confirmed that the door reading "bridge closed no access to Texas Beach" has indeed been the city's attempt to close the bridge in the interest of public safety. She emphasized that river-goers should not under any circumstances use the bridge or cross the tracks.
When asked about the viability of a temporary access point while the bridge is in limbo, Jenkins pointed to the FAQ sheet.
"Unfortunately, there are no temporary access points sanctioned by the City or by CSX to access this portion of the riverfront at this time," the sheet reads.
"We know this is frustrating, but we invite you to enjoy all of the other open and accessible areas of the James River Park System while we work to ensure the safety of our citizens and re-establish access to Texas Beach over the coming year."
Alternative spots for river-goers to enjoy include Pony Pasture, Reedy Creek and 42nd Street, Ancarrow's Landing, the Wetlands, Great Shiplock Park or Belle Isle.
Josh Stutz, executive director of Friends of the James River Park, said in an April 28 email that pedestrian bridges in the JRPS akin to the one at Texas Beach are "vital pieces of infrastructure."
Stutz added that "no one wants to see the bridge closed less than we do, and if the engineers said it should be closed for safety and repaired I think we should all take that seriously."
"Crossing the bridge does pose a safety risk and we wish people would stop cutting the locks and vandalizing the signs. They are putting other people who might (not) know the area is closed for safety at risk when they do that," Stutz said.
"It is nearly impossible to effectively close a trail in Richmond, and without enforcement, people are going to break the rules to do whatever they want. It is the same reason we have to pick up dozens of bags of litter in the park every week. There isn't a consistent culture of respectful park use, and until there is we will continue to see people break rules and disrespect our shared spaces."
'A sanctuary for a lot of people'
Meanwhile, as the weather warms and more locals seek a hike along the water or a sunny beach to relax or swim, many Richmonders are continuing to use the bridge to enter Texas Beach.
Aside from the door, which as of May 1 was wide open, there is one sign on a porta-potty in the Texas Beach parking lot informing river-goers that the bridge is closed. No other signage indicating safety risks of any kind existed as of May 1, and some river-goers continue to use the bridge in total ignorance of any safety risks.
Dillon Butler was at Texas Beach in late April, and said he walks down there to enjoy nature almost every day, calling the area a "sanctuary."
He heard that the locks on the door to the bridge had been popped recently, but in the meantime had seen many people crossing the train tracks instead.
He said he often worries about the structural integrity of the bridge, and wishes the area had safe access points.
"I know it's a sanctuary for a lot of people that like to read, come to play music, meditate, I just go down there and think," he said.
"I'd be scared that more access points would mean more people, more traffic, and then it wouldn't be what it is. But they've got to fix this."
On a sunny day in April, hundreds of river-goers flocked to the myriad beaches which dot the extended shore spanning from Texas Beach up toward Pumphouse Park, where the trail ends around the CSX A-Line Bridge, a popular symbol of Richmond employed in many a local mural or design, like in the logo of Belle Isle Moonshine.
On high-traffic summer days like the Fourth of July, that number of river-goers entering the area, either by crossing the bridge or the train tracks, has in years past been in the thousands.
Joshua Carbunck walks down to Texas Beach pretty frequently in warm-weather months. But he visited the area in late-April for just the third time this year, and said he had no idea the bridge was closed and hadn't seen the signs or door.
But when told of the structural evaluation, he shrugged and said: "I feel like people are going to find a way."
Jan Uecker and Kate Bassett took their German shepherd down to Texas Beach on Saturday, Sept. 17 of last year, a couple weeks after the bridge was closed.
They had to access the river up by Pumphouse, an entry point turned to by many when the bridge was first sealed at the end of summer 2022.
There is no access point at Pumphouse that does not involve crossing the CSX railroad tracks, and Jenkins said PRCF has no plans to build one similar to the pedestrian bridge at Texas Beach.
So the pathway which begins with the bridge has no outlet except by a return trip over the bridge or by crossing the tracks illegally.
Stutz said FOJRP would love if there was another way for people to get across the canal and railroad tracks safely, and it's something he could see in the "distant future" of the JRPS.
It's not uncommon to see people, even families with children and or dogs, jump off the tracks which run parallel to the North Bank Trail in an effort to avoid oncoming trains.
Uecker said he had for a couple years been expecting the bridge to be closed because it looks to him like it's falling apart.
"It was kind of scary," he said. "So I’m not surprised that it’s closed but I really hope it doesn’t take too long to fix.”
Added Bassett: “I feel like there’s going to be some pressure (to get the bridge fixed) because it is so very popular and it gives people from the city easy access to nature, so we’re hoping that will be a priority.”
Bussey has done his utmost to abide by city policy and stay off the bridge and tracks since September. Over the years, he's been all over the JRPS, from the Buttermilk Trail to Belle Isle, from Pumphouse Park to Great Shiplock Park.
But to him, nothing compares to Texas Beach. So without safe access to it, Richmond's crown jewel is incomplete.
"You're right down there on the river, it's beautiful, and it was pretty easily accessible," he said. "All of a sudden, one day, they closed the bridge. I thought, 'Ooh my God, this is going to be a big, big loss.'
"And it has been a big, big loss. It was heartbreaking. That's the best part of the James River."
Stutz urged patience with the city "while they work out a solution to this complex engineering issue."
"We have the benefit of having some really great park professionals on our side, who also want to see that area re-opened," he said.
"The fact is there is no magic wand, even with $2 million in ARPA funds dedicated to the project, that will get this done quickly and safely." | https://richmond.com/news/local/structurally-unsafe-texas-beach-bridge-will-be-closed-all-summer/article_74a1517a-e4b3-11ed-9b9e-332090772415.html | 2023-05-03T11:33:50 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/structurally-unsafe-texas-beach-bridge-will-be-closed-all-summer/article_74a1517a-e4b3-11ed-9b9e-332090772415.html |
Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, a national campaign by the comic book industry intended to draw new readers into comic shops with a selection of free books.
Level Up Entertainment in the Hamilton Mall will once again be participating, taking over a good portion of the shopping center with guest creators, cosplayers, vendors and a live band.
"This year we are trying to pack our event with activities and experiences," Level Up manager Scott Fine said. "We have returning guests like Fred Van Lente and Dennis Calero along with new folks like Natasha Allegri and Reilly Brown."
The first Free Comic Book Day was held in May 2002, timed to the release of Sony's first live-action Spider-Man movie. Since then, the superhero movie has become a staple of the first weekend in May, as evidenced by this weekend's release of Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."
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And while a Guardians book isn't among those being offered this year, the comics-curious can pick up free books starring Spider-Man, the X-Men, Dog Man, Star Trek, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and many more beloved characters.
OCEAN CITY — Hundreds of people Saturday morning and afternoon thumbed through comics, eyed …
Copies of those books will be scattered throughout the vendor tables at the mall, Fine said, so shoppers are encouraged to visit the different sellers and check out their art, collectibles and other items.
Apart from comics, shoppers can listen to music from Super Thrash Bros., who perform metal covers of old-school video game scores; participate in pinball and cosplay competitions and board game demos; and enter raffles for prizes, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund in memory of Harry Jackson.
Jackson, 32, of Brigantine, a regular at Level Up, died last year in a crash in Pennsylvania. The pinball section of Level Up is named "Harry's Arcade" in his memory.
Free Comic Book Day runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing. For more information, call 609-569-9200 or visit levelupentertainment.com. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/free-comic-book-day-to-bring-creators-cosplay-and-comics-to-the-hamilton-mall-on/article_d8498fe0-e8fe-11ed-b1b9-0b1ae32cbf12.html | 2023-05-03T11:43:10 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/free-comic-book-day-to-bring-creators-cosplay-and-comics-to-the-hamilton-mall-on/article_d8498fe0-e8fe-11ed-b1b9-0b1ae32cbf12.html |
BASEBALL
3:30 p.m.
Manchester Twp. at Lacey Twp.
Pinelands at Jackson Liberty
4 p.m.
Pleasantville vs. Atlantic City at Chelsea Heights Field
Ocean City at Paul VI
Holy Spirit at Cedar Creek
Mainland at Hammonton
Millville at Williamstown
SOFTBALL
3:30 p.m.
Manchester Twp. at Lacey Twp.
4 p.m.
Oakcrest at Absegami
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Ocean City at ACIT
Buena Regional vs. Wildwood Catholic at Bill Henfey Park
Atlantic City vs. Middle Twp. at Boyd Street Field
Lower Cape May at Bridgeton
Atlantic Christian at Cape May Tech
Vineland at Cedar Creek
Hammonton at Egg Harbor Twp.
Pleasantville at Holy Spirit
St. Joseph at Mainland
Cumberland at Pitman
BOYS TENNIS
3:30 p.m.
Ocean City at Mainland
3:45 p.m.
Barnegat at Donovan Catholic
4 p.m.
Atlantic City at Absegami
Bridgeton at Lower Cape May
Millville at Vineland
Triton at Cumberland
Point Pleasant Borough at Lacey Twp.
Wildwood at Clayton
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
4 p.m.
Pleasantville at Cedar Creek
Donovan Catholic at Pinelands
5 p.m.
Kingsway at Egg Harbor Twp.
BOYS LACROSSE
3:45 p.m.
Jackson Liberty at Barnegat
4 p.m.
Oakcrest at Atlantic City
Cedar Creek vs. Vineland at Gittone Stadium
Lower Cape May vs. Middle Twp. at Shunpike Athletic Fields
Holy Spirit at Mainland
5:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Twp. at Ocean City
Lacey Twp. at Manasquan
GIRLS LACROSSE
4 p.m.
Millville at Cedar Creek
Lacey Twp. at Manchester Twp.
Middle Twp. at Lower Cape May
Atlantic City at Oakcrest
Egg Harbor Twp. vs. Ocean City at Tennessee Ave. Fields
Absegami vs. Our Lady of Mercy Academy at Rowan West Turf Field
4:15 p.m.
Southern at Brick Twp.
4:30 p.m.
Mainland at Holy Spirit
BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF
3:30 p.m.
Southern vs. Toms River North vs. Toms Rivers South at Ocean Acres Country Club
Barnegat vs. Donovan Catholic at Atlantis Golf Course
4 p.m.
Hammonton vs. Middle Twp. at Avalon Country Club
Atlantic City vs. Cape May Tech vs. Bridgeton at Centerton Country Club
Ocean City vs. Vineland vs. Millville at Eastlyn Golf Course
Cumberland vs. Washington Twp. at Running Deer Golf Club
Pinelands vs. Manchester Twp. at Renaissance
GIRLS GOLF
3:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Mercy vs. Kingsway at Riverwinds Golf Club
BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD
4 p.m.
Absegami vs. Egg Harbor Twp. at Hammonton
Holy Spirit vs. St. Joseph at Lower Cape May
Millville vs. Oakcrest at Mainland | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/high-school-schedule-for-wednesday-may-3-2023/article_c942a056-e8fc-11ed-bc05-e7887353b78c.html | 2023-05-03T11:43:16 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/high-school-schedule-for-wednesday-may-3-2023/article_c942a056-e8fc-11ed-bc05-e7887353b78c.html |
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