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SAN ANTONIO — The President of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association said he knows first-hand how quickly an ordinary walk can devolve into danger.
Eduardo Martinez said "Someone chased me, two people, and unfortunately I had to run. I had to run and I had to call the San Antonio Police Department and inform them two people chased me as I was going towards downtown." Martinez said he's grateful he was able to run to safety, but unfortunately police were unable to find his assailants.
Martinez said he knows he is not alone "There are a lot of things that people encounter. It's a dangerous situation. It can be," Martinez said, adding that he hears all kinds of complaints from his neighbors.
"It can be anything from public urination. Public defecation. Public masturbation. Open fires in and around buildings," Martinez said, adding he feels the danger has increased because the area has gone dark.
Martinez said "For the past two weeks, the lights have been off on the bridge. Completely off. Completely dark, so that compounds the safety concerns that people rightfully have and it becomes a very physical impediment."
Martinez said problems with homeless encampments near the bridge are a long-standing challenge, one that neighbors have tried to address many different ways. "We are engaging with city departments to address the issues: the Department of Human Services, the police department, and public works in order to get a comprehensive solution to what the neighborhood is dealing with on a day in and day out basis."
Michael owns property near the bridge footing. He preferred not to provide his full name, but he had no problem detailing his daily challenges.
"The police officers come and somebody is trespassing our property or they damage our property and the officers don't do anything. 'Can I see your ID? I don't have one, I'm homeless. Oh okay. You're free to go.'" Michael said.
He believes there should be a registration system that requires anyone who wants to receive city services to provide verified identification.
"I think it would help. Would it solve all our problems? No. Absolutely not but at least if we know who they are, we don't want sex offenders and traffickers and people that are wanted for crimes sitting here where people walk to go see the beautiful view on the bridge," Michael said.
Valerie Salas of the Christian Assistance Ministry is often involved in outreach work with people who are homeless near the bridge.
"There's no easy answers for this. We're dealing with a population who is extremely sick with mental health and also substance abuse issues," Salas said.
Salas said a number of agencies are actively looking for solutions. "We are working really closely to find placements but there is no easy placement for these individuals."
Salas said creative solutions are needed. "In the meantime, all we do is we meet them where they're at. That's what we're doing out here now," Salas said.
Just three weeks ago, District 2 City Council Representative Jalen McKee Rodriguez provided an update on a new development for the area.
April 6, City Council voted to approve more than $2.5 million in funding to begin construction on Dawson Park, near the north east foot of the bridge.
A release provided by the city says the park will feature two skate parks, a park pavilion and open space for visitors to enjoy both a view of the bridge and the cityscape.
Martinez said neighbors understand the fear of a new investment coming to an area with a pernicious problem.
"The irony is not lost on me. That's the bigger concern, that we might put money into this park and then what's happening at the footing of the bridge is going to become an extension and we're going to have what's going on at the foot of the bridge in this brand new park that we're supposed to have," Martinez said.
Today McKee Rodriguez provided the following statement about the challenges:
"We have been working with the Street Outreach Team, neighborhood leaders, and city leadership to identify short and long-term solutions. This has been one of the greatest challenges this year, but we're committed to finding a set of innovative, compassionate solutions - such as permanent supportive housing, low barrier shelter, and routine encampment cleanups. The issue is complex and frustrating for all involved."
For anyone interested in following the progress of these projects, the neighborhood association meets on the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Ella Austin Community Center at 1023 N. Pine and they have a Facebook page. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dignowity-neighbors-hays-bridge-homeless/273-28aa422d-e28a-46ed-a5d8-64a0993dd4ca | 2023-05-11T23:56:44 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dignowity-neighbors-hays-bridge-homeless/273-28aa422d-e28a-46ed-a5d8-64a0993dd4ca |
SAN ANTONIO — An east side San Antonio business owner says she's frustrated she hasn't received help, despite dealing with construction impacts literally outside her front door.
The City of San Antonio says it is reviewing applications for the COVID-19/Construction recovery grants. As of this month, 218 applications were received from 15 different construction corridors around the city.
On a busy stretch of North New Braunfels Avenue, Nneka Cleaver is a businesswoman.
“Black Business San Antonio is a platform for business owners to get education, exposure, business opportunities and support,” Cleaver says she’s looking to receive support since the construction forced her to close down another business on the street.
“I have to really be creative on how I’m going to sustain…We provided education and resources to the community. They can’t get this education and resources because they can’t even get in the building,” Cleaver said.
Cleaver applied for the city’s COVID-19 and Construction recovery grants.
“I started the process back in January, February, I got word back that I made too much money,” Cleaver says she submitted appropriate documents and is still fighting to get approval.
But the city says eligible businesses must’ve lost at least $10,000 in net revenue in 2022 compared to 2021.
So far—only 44 businesses have received funds totaling $1.179 million. 218 applications were received for the $2.25 million available.
“It tells me it’s really difficult to prove they’re a business that’s impacted by construction that everyone in the city can see, and that’s a problem,” Cleaver said.
Loan agency LiftFund is reviewing the applications in what it calls a “rigorous and thorough” process.
A statement from LiftFund says: While we cannot disclose specific details about individual applicants, we assure you that each application is evaluated based on the program's eligibility criteria and supporting documentation provided by the applicant to ensure the funds are distributed fairly.
According to documents from City Council, the funds will be disbursed by June 5. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/eastside-business-application-covid-construction/273-804392c7-07cb-4ba5-96d0-78fd6ae35fa6 | 2023-05-11T23:56:50 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/eastside-business-application-covid-construction/273-804392c7-07cb-4ba5-96d0-78fd6ae35fa6 |
SAN ANTONIO — Summer is coming and it brings a lot of celebrations and holidays like Mother’s and Father’s Day, Memorial Day, weddings, and graduations. It can be difficult to afford gifts and parties, but there are savings strategies to conquer inflation.
You want to give the perfect gift, but finding a special present on a budget can be tricky. Let sales drive your decision.
“Use your favorite coupon site to see if there are maybe coupons or a cashback opportunity that you could take advantage of. Look at your memberships again to see if there are ways to save,” said Trae Bodge, a smart saving expert. “For example with AARP you can save 25% or more on select bouquets for Mother’s Day.”
Save by celebrating special occasions at home. Make meals memorable this way:
“I love the idea of celebrating at home; however, you should not bear the entire responsibility if you want to host,” Bodge said. “If you have a lovely outdoor space, that’s great, but I highly encourage a potluck. People love to show off their favorite chili recipes, their famous chocolate chip cookies. Invite everyone to contribute and that will lighten the load on you significantly.”
Credit reporting company Experian found about 60% of people said an extra $50 a month would make a major difference for them financially. Find that cash by using Experian's free program to lower auto insurance costs.
“We can save in many cases help a person save $900 a year,” said Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education at Experian. “So that’s $50 a month and then some just on insurance costs.”
Experian also offers a service that is free for seven days to help you negotiate and lower bills. Experian Boost is a free way to build or rebuild credit by reporting your positive rent, utility, cell phone, and rent payments, which are not normally included in your credit report. Improving your credit score can help you save in the future.
“Improving your credit score gives you negotiating power and can help reduce those interest rates, can help you get better terms, which could reduce your payments each month,” Griffin said. “That’s going to save you money. Improving your credit report, knowing what’s there, can save you a lot of money over the long term.”
Keep summer travel affordable by exploring destinations close to home.
“We have a beautiful country that we live in. There are amazing places that you can drive to, are a very short flight, a train, a bus ride,” Bodge said. “You can do something smaller, more self-contained and it can be just as enjoyable.”
A nearby place can be just as enjoyable and possibly less stressful than a far-away journey.
Eat out for less by going out for lunch instead of dinner, split an entrée if the portions are large, plus skip the drinks and stick with water. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/inflation-survival/273-e32be74b-d2f8-4136-a192-16067d30c642 | 2023-05-11T23:56:56 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/inflation-survival/273-e32be74b-d2f8-4136-a192-16067d30c642 |
SAN ANTONIO — Nonprofits in San Antonio are preparing for an increase of migrants as the pandemic-era policy Title 42 ends Thursday night.
The Interfaith Welcome Coalition (IWC) is among the organizations helping asylum seekers from around the globe, including Latin America, Europe and Africa.
With a team of a little more than 100 volunteers, the organization served more than 6,000 migrants in the first three months of 2023.
Last year, the IWC assisted more than 90,000 individuals and families by providing a host of resources.
The IWC aids migrants at the San Antonio International Airport and Grey Hound bus station downtown, helping the families reach their sponsor destinations across the U.S.
Asylum seekers are also provided survival essentials, including food, water, hygiene products and over-the-county medication, among other items.
The IWC is seeing 30% more families with children in recent months and with Title 42 ending, the organization is hoping to accommodate even more. There’s an urgent need for volunteers who speak Spanish
“We know there’s going to be an increase of asylum seekers going through San Antonio so we’re asking for the community to step up to the plate and help us by volunteering,” said Tori Salas, IWC’s coordinating director. “We’ll provide the background check, we’ll provide the training, the orientation, what they need in order to be a volunteer at the bus station or the airport.”
In addition to the urgent need for more volunteers, the IWC is accepting monetary donations to help asylum seekers arriving in San Antonio.
To learn more, go here. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/interfaith-welcome-coalition-volunteers-title-42/273-8781ed35-009d-4826-893a-b84622c64ad6 | 2023-05-11T23:57:02 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/interfaith-welcome-coalition-volunteers-title-42/273-8781ed35-009d-4826-893a-b84622c64ad6 |
The Midland County Commissioners’ Court will meet Monday to take up matters related to the termination of Horseshoe complex operator Horseshoe Hospitality Services.
An agenda sent out Thursday reported that the following items will be part of a special meeting, set for “on or after 8:30 a.m.” Monday in the Commissioners Courtroom, located at the Midland County Courthouse, 500 North Loraine St.
The agenda includes:
- 1. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult with County Attorney regarding pending and prospective litigation and other matters;
- 2. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters;
- 3. Discuss and take action on management and operation at the Horseshoe;
- 4. Discuss and take action on contract services and/or personnel;
- 5. Discuss and take action hiring outside counsel.
During Monday’s meeting of the Midland County Commissioners’ Court, County Judge Terry Johnson, Precinct 3 Commissioner Luis Sanchez and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Anderson voted to terminate the county’s contract with Horseshoe Hospitality Services.
During the meeting, when Joe Kelley, owner and president of Horseshoe Hospitality, asked Johnson the reason for the termination, Johnson said “I don’t need one.”
On Tuesday, an attorney representing Horseshoe Hospitality sent a letter to Johnson and Midland County that the county not permitted to immediately terminate without cause.
The firm stated in the letter that county representatives have communicated directly with Horseshoe Hospitality Services employees to discuss the contract. The firm added that communication by the county’s representatives to Horseshoe Hospitality’s employees pertaining to the contract constitutes improper interference with the Horseshoe’s business operations. The firm demanded the county cease all such communication.
The contract, according to the letter from Hal Brockett Jr. of the law firm Brockett, McNeel & Pocsik, has less than 17 months left on its 60-month term. The letter states instead of going through stressful and expensive litigation, Kelley is willing to meet with Johnson and the county to try to find an amicable solution and honor the contract for its remaining approximate 17 months. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-county-leaders-meet-monday-horseshoe-18094962.php | 2023-05-11T23:58:01 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-county-leaders-meet-monday-horseshoe-18094962.php |
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – About 200 children were able to interact with and learn about different animals and farming equipment at Hampton High School’s second-annual Agriculture Day.
“It’s just for the kids to get out here and learn about agriculture because these days, I mean, kids, they stay inside and you don’t know the great adventures of the outdoors,” said Jude Hickman, president of Hampton’s Future Farmers of America (FFA). “When you come outside, you get a sunburn and a farmer’s tan and come out here and play around, and you just let them know that there’s more to the outside.”
Animals at the school included horses, cows, a donkey, sheep, goats and chickens.
In addition to animals, the event also featured tractors on display, corn hole, a softball throw and a hayride.
Hickman said the children in attendance had fun, and Agriculture Day is a favorite event of the FFA club. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/animals-abound-at-hampton-high-agriculture-day/ | 2023-05-12T00:00:47 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/animals-abound-at-hampton-high-agriculture-day/ |
ATLANTA — A former University of Georgia football player and his mother are working together to advocate for those fighting the battle against breast cancer.
This subject hits home particularly so for Kelee Ringo, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor. Tralee Hale battled with the disease during her son's playing days in college.
Now, Ringo is making sure other women have the right resources and information when it comes to their health.
“I received the diagnosis actually nine days after his departure for him to satisfy his commitment to the University of Georgia," Hale said. "I started two of the most aggressive forms of chemo back-to-back. It was a lot."
After winning two national championships with the Bulldogs, Ringo was recently drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in Round 4 of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 105th overall pick.
Joining several of his former Georgia defensive teammates, he is ecstatic to join the Eagles.
“I definitely could say it’s a great feeling. A lot of blessings leading up to this point and it was definitely a huge sigh of relief but of course I’m going into another chapter," Ringo said. "We have a lot more ahead of us."
For Ringo, it’s important that even just as an NFL rookie he continues to advocates not only for women’s health, but for women to get the right information when it comes to prioritizing their health.
“It’s definitely important for me to continue to advocate for women’s health because of others that have been in my family’s situation," Ringo said.
He and his mother are also sharing their message with OB/GYN Dr. DaCarla Albright, who said making sure that women make their health a priority is paramount.
“I think it’s just important that women prioritize themselves and their health," Dr. Albright said. "You have to take good care of yourself before you can begin to take care of anyone else."
To check against breast cancer, Dr. Albright said he encourages women to get screened at least once a year.
“Mammogram screening is recommended to begin at age 40, I personally recommend annual screening, but I do encourage every woman to speak with her doctor and decide what’s best for her," Dr. Albright explained. If she has a mass, or her skin changes, bring that to the attention of your physician immediately. Do not wait. It’s very important to be aware of your breast health. Also know that you don’t need family history to have breast cancer."
"In Tralee’s situation she didn’t have a family history and it’s really important to realize that most women with breast cancer don’t have a family history, so it’s really important in paying attention to anything unusual on your exam," Dr. Albright said.
When women learn of their cancer diagnosis, it can be hard on their support system, but it’s important everyone is informed with the right information.
“It was definitely a huge reality check. Before I actually went to college we had seen that something was on her breast at the time and we were in denial, not wanting it to be what it actually was," Ringo said. "The way that we overcame that was continuing to tell ourselves that we were going to be OK, keeping positive energy in the air and continuing to pray on it. I definitely believe that that was a huge factor in us being able to overcome it and being mentally positive."
The support from Bulldog nation was also key in Hale being able to stay positive.
“Bulldog nation got me through some very intense weeks. It was the most humbling and trying time," she said.
She explained the Georgia Bulldogs went so far as to set up an online fundraiser to help cover the costs of her cancer treatment.
"I came to the University of Georgia as a Kelee Ringo fan and I became a University of Georgia fan," Hale said. "I just love the following and the comradery it just comes second to none."
The mother-son duo will continue to educate women on the importance of screenings and prioritizing their health. They recently announced a partnership with Hologic Inc., which is a company dedicated to improving women's health, according to their website.
For more information about their partnership, click the link here. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/kelee-ringo-former-georgia-bulldog-advocating-womens-health-alongside-mom-breast-cancer-survivor/85-ef798b81-4472-4fb5-9b94-1efaafcac385 | 2023-05-12T00:00:59 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/kelee-ringo-former-georgia-bulldog-advocating-womens-health-alongside-mom-breast-cancer-survivor/85-ef798b81-4472-4fb5-9b94-1efaafcac385 |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A man who suffered a heart attack has fully recovered and was given an opportunity to see and thank the nursing student who jumped into action to save his life earlier this year.
Just a few days before Valentine's Day, George Sylvester said he was shopping at the Perimeter Mall for a gift when it happened.
“I decided to make a purchase; made that purchase," Sylvester said, "and the next thing you knew, I was in an ambulance."
The healthy 48-year-old suffered a heart attack on that day, and it was MD student Paige Harmon who was right by his side performing CPR until first responders arrived.
“I’m not just calling her a super hero because it sounds good. If she’s not there that day, then I’m not here today," Sylvester said.
Harmon was shopping with her fiance when she saw Sylvester fall to the ground. She immediately started giving him chest compressions.
“I saw Mr. George laying there," Harmon said, "Obviously losing consciousness, looking kind of dusky."
The paramedic who responded said if it weren't for Paige performing initial CPR, George might not have made it.
“It could have been a different outcome," Zatar Washington, a paramedic, said. "I just think fast-action defibrillation and CPR ultimately saved this man’s life."
In a ceremony Thursday, Harmon, along with the other first responders, were reunited with Sylvester and honored for their actions. Who said he'd forever be grateful to Paige for stepping in on that day.
“If nothing else, we’ll be in communication for the rest of our lives," Sylvester said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/outreach/hero-central/heart-attack-nursing-student-saves-man-life-perimeter-mall/85-67142a30-07cc-48a2-9c55-fd41661541f7 | 2023-05-12T00:01:16 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/outreach/hero-central/heart-attack-nursing-student-saves-man-life-perimeter-mall/85-67142a30-07cc-48a2-9c55-fd41661541f7 |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With a record-breaking heatwave expected to hit the Portland-metro area this weekend, Clackamas Fire District announced Thursday that there will be fire restrictions in the county from Friday to Monday.
The district says the fire restrictions affect backyard and agricultural burning. Fire pits and grills are not included in the burn ban.
The restrictions reduce wildfire potential, Clackasmans Fire said.
People can see if their address is affected by the burn ban here.
Stay with KOIN 6 News for continuing hot weather coverage. | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/fire-restrictions-enacted-in-clackamas-county-prior-to-spring-heatwave/ | 2023-05-12T00:02:21 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/fire-restrictions-enacted-in-clackamas-county-prior-to-spring-heatwave/ |
On May 6th, 2023, at 5:32 p.m., the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of a man on a motorcycle driving recklessly and pointing a gun at the reporting party along with others in his vehicle near N 8th Street and Queens Ave in Lakeside.
Det. B. Davis responded and learned that the suspect in the altercation was Jonathan L. Barron (35). After an investigation Det. B. Davis issued probable cause for Mr. Barron’s arrest on unlawful use of a weapon (3 counts) and menacing (3 counts). | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/man-arrested-with-36-grams-of-methamphetamine-after-incident-in-lakeside-4-days-earlier/article_6580bf10-f04c-11ed-86c4-937e609c16a1.html | 2023-05-12T00:05:18 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/man-arrested-with-36-grams-of-methamphetamine-after-incident-in-lakeside-4-days-earlier/article_6580bf10-f04c-11ed-86c4-937e609c16a1.html |
November 17, 1943 – May 6, 2023
A memorial service for Norman Louis Selthon, 79, of Coos Bay will be held at 2pm, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Coos Bay Chapel, 685 Anderson Avenue in Coos Bay. Private inurnment will be held at Roseburg National Cemetery in August.
Norman was born November 17, 1943 in Marshfield, Oregon to Bernhard and Edna (Franson) Selthon. He passed away May 6, 2023 at Sacred Heart Medical Center-RiverBend in Springfield.
Norm graduated from Marshfield High School, class of 1962. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and received his honorable discharge in 1968.
Norm worked for many years at Coos Head Timber as a heavy-equipment operator, but during his free time, he enjoyed working in his shop, gold panning, playing cards and camping with family. He was very handy at reloading shells, building fishing poles, gardening and caring for his chickens.
Norm loved fishing and hunting and telling stories of his past adventures with his brother, Dan. He also excelled at making Elderberry wine.
Norm was a good friend, quick with a smile and always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend and will be deeply missed.
Norm is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Joy Selthon; children, Bob and wife, Sarah and Lisa and husband, Peter; three grandchildren, McKenzie, Philip and AJ; brother, Dan and wife, Millie; and nieces, Kim and Karren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Norman’s name may be made and will be greatly appreciated to the Springfield Ronald McDonald House at the PeaceHealth Heartfelt House, P.O. Box 4900 Unit 28 Portland, OR 97208-4900.
Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/norman-louis-selthon/article_4ea6d81a-f033-11ed-a924-5708c8e66174.html | 2023-05-12T00:05:24 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/norman-louis-selthon/article_4ea6d81a-f033-11ed-a924-5708c8e66174.html |
CONWAY, Arkansas — Since the beginning of this year, it has felt as if every single week has had some amount of rainfall here in Central Arkansas.
At Gibson's Cat Cafe in Conway, owner Shelby Blacksmith explained that a torrential downpour is always nerve-racking.
"We have closed our doors or had delayed opening and 10 or 12 times now, a couple of those times were ankle-deep water," Blacksmith said.
When one of her employees came into work on Thursday, they noticed water had seeped through the walls.
It ruined a rug, some kitty toys and delayed her opening that morning.
"The cats are losing a lot of their belongings and a lot of their enrichment activities, we've had to throw away tall cat towers," she explained.
It has been a reoccurring issue that, over the past year, has cost her more than $5,000. She said she's told her landlord and they're aware of the issue.
However, she said the issue hasn't been resolved.
"We have not spoken to the owner, he has not shown his face, he has not called, he has a building right next door to us and has not stepped in to check on us," Blacksmith said.
As you can imagine, it has been quite frustrating and has hindered business.
"We also want people to have a safe place that they know is going to have a consistent open time and we can't provide that if we have standing water in our cafe," she added.
Blacksmith also explained how the constant flash floods hurt the heart of the city.
"Downtown Conway has nothing but small businesses, and if you don't take care of small businesses, downtown will sink," Blacksmith said.
She said that though she wants to keep her business where it's located right now, she will move if the problem isn't fixed. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/conway-business-flash-flooding/91-981eadb4-e4b7-4641-b420-0c600bccab73 | 2023-05-12T00:06:24 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/conway-business-flash-flooding/91-981eadb4-e4b7-4641-b420-0c600bccab73 |
Detroit area social service agency readies for arrival of migrant children
As Title 42 comes to an end, one Metro Detroit social service agency says it is preparing for an influx of migrant children that could be sent to the state as pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted.
“We have been managing and providing these services to unaccompanied children and unaccompanied minors for many, many years well before Title 42,” said Kelli Dobner, chief advancement and strategy officer for nonprofit Samaritas. “And so now that this is going to be lifted, we are expecting those numbers and at the very least the need to increase substantially.”
Samaritas works with federal partners to receive children who have been vetted for placement with family or sponsors in the United States, Dobner said. The agency recently focused on helping children from Afghanistan, but is now ramping up its program again to help children expected to arrive to the United States across the Mexican border.
“It's going to be going from zero to 60 all of a sudden for us at Samaritas right now again as kids come into care,” she said. “So it will be a significant difference, but nothing that we're not used to caring for.”
Dobner said she expected at least an initial two dozen children to arrive within the next several weeks as they go through the vetting process. And she expects a steady arrival of children, some who won't necessarily remain in Michigan.
“There are other providers nationwide that deliver these services, but if there are family members or sponsors, let's say that are identified in the Midwest and we are that provider in Detroit, that's an easier placement to get them to their family or sponsor,” she said. “But I will tell you, that's not always the case. We've flown to California and Texas and Florida before to take kids to their family members.”
Children typically stay with Samaritas for 30 to 45 days before they are placed in a permanent home. They receive education, medical care, therapy and a way to communicate with family in the United States or back home.
Dobner said the agency is in the process of hiring 40 staff members, including social workers, to address the needs of the children who arrive in Michigan.
“To build the infrastructure that can support us that have been through the trauma and journey that they have been through before reaching our doors is of utmost importance,” she said. “And that includes staff that have great experience, are bilingual and can really wrap around services for these children.”
The chair of the board of St. Vincent's Catholic Charities Refugee Services in Lansing said the agency stands ready to help migrants who arrive in Michigan.
"STVCC has been providing refugee services since 1949 and the need continues to be great each year," Steve Japinga said via email. "Since then we have resettled more than 15,000 refugees from 49 countries throughout our community. We will continue to help resettle, welcome, and provide services to refugees." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/michigan-social-service-agency-readies-for-arrival-of-migrant-children/70209673007/ | 2023-05-12T00:08:23 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/michigan-social-service-agency-readies-for-arrival-of-migrant-children/70209673007/ |
Detroit to start $95M infrastructure improvement program
The city of Detroit plans to pursue $95 million worth of road and sidewalk improvements during the 2023 construction season, officials announced Thursday.
The Department of Public Works in Michigan's largest city is expected to repave 81 miles of major and residential roads; start a new streetscape project along Dexter; and wrap three new streetscapes along key commercial corridors on East Warren, West Warren and Rosa Parks Boulevard. representatives said in a statement.
Meanwhile, 41 miles of residential streets and 40 miles of major roads are eyed for enhancements this year, according to the release.
"Most residential streets will be paved by city crews, while contractors will pave the major roads," city officials said. "All contracts awarded through the city’s procurement process will require most work to be performed by Detroit residents."
Segments of West Vernor, Harper, McNichols, Meyers, Conant and Seven Mile are among the thoroughfares targeted for boosts as the construction season lasts through December, coordinators said.
"In addition, we are planning for the thousands of people who will visit our city next year for the NFL draft, and infrastructure improvements will be made in the areas where we expect heavy pedestrian traffic," officials said. "The city also plans an expanded sidewalk replacement program this year."
The city typically spends about $4.5 million each year to replace broken sidewalk flags damaged by trees positioned between the curb and sidewalk, officials said.
Through an extra $20.5 million in budget surplus funds the Detroit City Council has approved, there is expected to be a $25 million sidewalk improvement program, according to the release.
And under an expanded sidewalk replacement program, as many as 70,000 damaged of missing sidewalk sections will be replaced. That equals 80 miles, officials said.
Repairs are prioritized in areas near schools, churches and parks; requested by registered neighborhood block clubs or senior citizens and disabled residents. They're also prioritized if adjacent to city road resurfacing projects or along commercial corridors where cleanup and beautification are planned for a backlog of requests from previous years.
A new streetscape project is slated to start along Dexter Avenue between Webb and Davison on the west side to add street lighting, landscaping, street furniture as well as new road pavements.
"Similar projects along Livernois, W. McNichols, Grand River and Kercheval have helped spur the revitalization of those commercial corridors, and we anticipate similar results when the Dexter project is completed," city officials said Thursday.
Beyond those efforts, the city continues to install speed humps to reduce speeding in neighborhoods. The new ones expected to be added this year should bring the total since 2018 to more than 10,000.
Funding for the road projects will come from a combination of federal and state transportation funds, as well as road bond funds, according to the release.
"We are committed to improving the quality of life and creating opportunity for our citizens," DPW Director Ron Brundidge said. "In addition to providing needed road and sidewalk repairs, we are also requiring that 51% of the work be done by Detroiters so our residents can take part in the opportunities created through our infrastructure improvement projects." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/05/11/detroit-to-start-95m-infrastructure-improvement-program/70209436007/ | 2023-05-12T00:08:29 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/05/11/detroit-to-start-95m-infrastructure-improvement-program/70209436007/ |
Former Michigan ICE agent sentenced on criminal sexual conduct charges
A former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Michigan accused of sexually assaulting two girls decades ago has been sentenced to 5-15 years in prison, officials said.
Kevin Taylor, 49, was sentenced on Wednesday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office said in a statement.
The resident of Riley in St. Clair County must also register as a sex offender, according to the release.
In March, he pleaded no contest to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in a deal for the sentence.
The case against Taylor arose from an investigation by the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility after reports of the sex assaults emerged, Nessel's office said.
Taylor pleaded to assaulting two relatives between 1989 and 1994, when he would have been between 16 and 21 years old, according to the release.
His victims spanned the ages of 4-9 during those years, authorities reported.
“My office will continue to pursue justice for survivors even when decades have passed,” Nessel said. “This result would not have been possible without the collaborative work of the Criminal Trials and Appeals Division of my office, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and the courage of Taylor’s victims to come forward after all these years against a predator in a position of power.” | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/former-michigan-ice-agent-sentenced-on-criminal-sexual-conduct-charges/70209694007/ | 2023-05-12T00:08:41 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/former-michigan-ice-agent-sentenced-on-criminal-sexual-conduct-charges/70209694007/ |
A two-alarm fire broke out Thursday at a Carl's Jr. location on Tucson's south side, officials said.
The Thursday afternoon fire got into the attic space of the building on the southeast corner of East Ajo Way and South Park Avenue.
The roof collapsed and smoke could be seen across the south side.
The fire was called under control around 3:30 p.m.
A Tucson Fire spokesman said two Tucson police motorcycle officers were able to get everyone inside of the restaurant out safely.
Details about the blaze were not immediately available Thursday afternoon.
RESTAURANT FIRE 🔥 #TucsonFire is working a fire at the Carls Jr. in the 1000 block of E. Ajo. Avoid the area #TFD
— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) May 11, 2023
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/blaze-erupts-at-tucson-fast-food-restaurant/article_d9dcc2dc-f042-11ed-a802-d74c78e4230e.html | 2023-05-12T00:09:11 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/blaze-erupts-at-tucson-fast-food-restaurant/article_d9dcc2dc-f042-11ed-a802-d74c78e4230e.html |
A motorist in a restaurant drive-through beat a man who asked him to stop revving his pickup trick's engine, then shot at the man's house, Tucson police say.
Sean Soriano, 36, was revving his pickup truck's engine April 23, in the drive thru of a Jack in the Box, at 1202 W. St. Mary’s Road, just before midnight when a man walked over from a nearby home and asked him to stop, Tucson police said in a news release Thursday.
Soriano then exited the truck and beat the man, police said.
The man was able to walk away, but Soriano followed, yelling at him, police said.
Soriano’s pickup truck was seen later near the man’s house. Several shots were fired from the truck toward the house, police said.
No one was injured in the shooting.
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Soriano was arrested Wednesday at a home on North Romero Road, police said.
Soriano was booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of drive-by shooting, being a prohibited possessor, discharging a firearm at an occupied structure and discharging a firearm within city limits, police said.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-tucson-drive-by-shooting/article_a87d7ea8-f04b-11ed-8c9b-6f78a403fd1d.html | 2023-05-12T00:09:12 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-tucson-drive-by-shooting/article_a87d7ea8-f04b-11ed-8c9b-6f78a403fd1d.html |
In 1981, earning a college degree was one of the furthest things from Carol Kay’s mind.
Back then, she was 15 years old and relieved to be alive. She had finally found refuge with family in Anaheim, California, after escaping one of the deadliest ethnic cleansing campaigns in modern history. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge ascended to power in Kay’s native Cambodia and murdered some 2 million Cambodians over the next four years.
Kay survived and, after relocating to California, enrolled in school. But she only spoke Khmer, her native language, and found it difficult to communicate with her peers. “It was very, very scary,” Kay, now 57, recalls. “I hardly talked to anyone. I would just go from school to home and do my homework.”
More than 40 years later, she’s come full circle.
This week, Kay, who now speaks five languages, is graduating from the University of Arizona with an education degree and aspires to teach English abroad. Two of her three children, Harry and Anthony Chhieu, are also graduating from the UA this week. And their whole family knows how much Kay sacrificed to get them all to this point.
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Those sacrifices started almost as soon as Kay arrived in California as a teenager.
Her family stressed the importance of school, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to get through it if she couldn’t read or write English. So she went to school during the day and at night she took English courses designed non-native speakers. She caught on quickly. But as a requirement to graduate high school, she also had to pass foreign language courses, and Khmer was not offered as an option. That’s how she learned French, too.
During and after high school, Kay worked full-time for her family’s donut shop and eventually opened her own. It was there that she learned her fourth language: Spanish.
“I had this donut shop and a lot of our customers were Hispanic and spoke Spanish,” she said. “I thought there was no reason why I shouldn’t be able to speak with these people. I took a few Spanish classes thinking I could pick it up and sure enough I did.”
On top of running a business, she was also married with three children. Despite her talent for learning new languages, college didn’t seem like it would ever fit into her life.
“When I came to the U.S. I knew I didn’t want to be frying french fries for a living,” Kay said. “But there was never any money for school. The opportunity seemed like it would never come.”
It didn’t for a while.
Kay eventually divorced her husband and moved herself and her three young children from California to Tucson. When they first arrived in Tucson, she got a job teaching preschool and focused on providing a supportive home for her kids.
“A lot of my family emphasized academics above everything else. But my mom just pushed us all to be happy,” Harry Chhieu, who is also graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from the UA this week. “Growing up with her — seeing her do everything on her own as a single mom — made me have so much respect for her. She made me who I am.”
Once Kay’s kids got a little older, she started to pursue the college degree she once thought was out of reach. She took classes at Pima Community College, and it was there that she learned her fifth language: Chinese. “I had some friends from China who spoke the language,” she said of her motivation. “After graduation, I want to visit them there and speak their language.”
After graduating with an associate’s degree from PCC, Kay transferred to the UA and started working toward a bachelor’s degree alongside her two sons.
“I’m not sure where I would be without her hard work,” said Kay’s other son, Anthony Chhieu, who is graduating with a criminal justice degree. “With everything that she’s been through — being uprooted from her home and knowing any English — it makes my life seem like a piece of cake.”
The trio doesn’t have any extravagant plans to celebrate graduation, but they’re all looking ahead to bright futures. For Kay, this next chapter after graduation is filled with the possibilities of traveling, teaching English abroad and building a new career.
Whatever she does in the years ahead, she said she’ll never forget the English teachers who helped her adjust to her new life in the United States more than 40 years ago.
“It feels great,” Kay said. “I want to be able to give it back to the community that helped me and say I was there once, too. This is where I came from.”
Kathryn Palmer covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at kpalmer@tucson.com or her new phone number, 520-496-9010. | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-u-of-a-grad-didnt-speak-english-til-teens-now-speaks-5-languages/article_de96ab42-ef5e-11ed-aecd-af735b2578c2.html | 2023-05-12T00:09:15 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/new-u-of-a-grad-didnt-speak-english-til-teens-now-speaks-5-languages/article_de96ab42-ef5e-11ed-aecd-af735b2578c2.html |
Marana Parks & Recreation will celebrate a decade of Mother's Day 5K runs on Saturday.
This will be the first 5K run of the spring season in the #RUNMARANA series.
The race will begin at 8 a.m. at Gladden Farms Community Park, 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road. Participants will head southeast of the park for about a mile and a half before turning around to head back to the finish line at the park.
“It will be a family-fun atmosphere," said Jacob Jaeger, Marana’s recreation supervisor. "It is really about being able to get out and exercise and then be able to hang out afterward and build community."
The turnout should be around 300 participants, which is higher than last year, and all of the proceeds will go back into the community to create more events like this one.
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Check-in starts at 7 a.m. Saturday. Participants are able to register for the race until 7:45. The 5K run costs $30 if you sign up before race day and $40 on the day of.
The race is expected to end about 11 a.m., and the first 200 participants to finish will receive a medal.
“This is one of my favorite events," Jaeger said. "It really gives us the opportunity to celebrate moms in this kind of unique and fun way."
For those 12 years old and under, there will be a free half-mile-long kids' fun run beginning at 8:45, shortly after the 5K run kicks off.
There also will be food trucks, inflatables and lawn games to celebrate moms.
Family members and friends also can keep track of where their runners are at in the race with the app RaceJoy.
The names of all registered runners will be put into a raffle for the chance to win a fitness prize pack. Merchandise will also be available online and at the event.
Dogs on leashes are welcome.
For more information visit RunSignUp.com or maranaaz.gov/recreation.
El Inde Arizona is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism | https://tucson.com/sports/local/marana-to-celebrate-moms-and-build-community-with-5k-race-saturday/article_ef77e2a0-edba-11ed-92bb-ffa78f3bf8be.html | 2023-05-12T00:09:15 | 1 | https://tucson.com/sports/local/marana-to-celebrate-moms-and-build-community-with-5k-race-saturday/article_ef77e2a0-edba-11ed-92bb-ffa78f3bf8be.html |
Fort Wayne/ Allen County
5 businesses win window awards
Five local businesses received awards in the annual Fort Wayne in Bloom Window Decorating Contest, Downtown Improvement District announced Thursday.
Poptique Gourmet Popcorn received first-place recognition for most thematic and most Instagrammable.
Visit Fort Wayne nabbed second place for most thematic, following by Sharon’s Victorian House of Gifts in third place.
Citilink won the People’s Choice Award and second place for most Instagrammable, followed by Blush Bridal & Beauty Boutique in third.
All the decorated windows in the contest can be viewed online at downtownfortwayne.com/bloom/.
County seeks input on drone ordinance
The Allen County commissioners have asked for the public’s opinion on a possible drone ordinance.
The commissioners are considering a drone ordinance that would align the county with the city’s current policy.
A draft can be found online at www.allencounty.us/commissioners by clicking the hyperlink for “Title 8 – Article 37 Drone Ordinance.”
The commissioners will accept input through May 26.
Input can be sent by email to commissionersoffice@allencounty.us.
Next Honor Flight slated for May 24
Honor Flight Northeast Indiana will take 83 veterans to Washington, D.C., on May 24.
The flight will include veterans from several wars, including 10 from the Korean War, 31 from the Cold War, 39 from the Vietnam War, two Lebanon/Grenada veterans, and one from Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
The flight will be dedicated to the memory of Sandie Meyer, who was a member of the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana board. A wreath will be laid in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of Meyer by her family.
The organization has taken more than 3,200 veterans from Fort Wayne to visit memorials in Washington, D.C.
Because of construction at Fort Wayne International Airport, the organization won’t hold its typical welcome-home festivities after this flight.
FWPD warning of fake officer calls
The Fort Wayne Police Department is warning residents of a scam caller masquerading as an officer.
Police said the caller uses a fake badge number and tells victims a judge has ordered a bench warrant because of their failure to appear for jury duty.
If questioned, the con artist hangs up and calls back on what appears to be the police department’s nonemergency phone number, 260-427-1222. Then, the scammer tries to get the victim to pay a phony bench warrant bond.
Fort Wayne police officials said officers would never contact residents by phone and request money.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they suspect a scam call coming from the department’s nonemergency number. Residents can return the call to verify its credibility.
– Journal Gazette | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/briefs-5-businesses-gather-awards-for-window-decorating-contest/article_8764d070-f043-11ed-81ad-6b5faf9a1c3f.html | 2023-05-12T00:22:52 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/briefs-5-businesses-gather-awards-for-window-decorating-contest/article_8764d070-f043-11ed-81ad-6b5faf9a1c3f.html |
The man accused of fatally shooting a 20-year-old woman on Lillie Street was easy to identify for multiple witnesses, court documents show.
Steven Atkins, 38, was arrested Wednesday, less than 24 hours after police responded to a shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old Kiera E. Zepke.
Zepke’s manner of death has been ruled a homicide and the cause was a gunshot wound to the chest, according to a news release from Allen County Deputy Coroner Chris Meihls. She is Allen County’s 11th homicide victim this year.
Atkins is being held in the Allen County Jail without bond. He is charged with murder and felony criminal recklessness.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 16.
Zepke’s boyfriend was with her when she was shot, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Fort Wayne Officer Ben Miller. The boyfriend told police he and Zepke were talking in a car when a man wearing a neck-and-face covering approached the vehicle.
The man pulled down the neck gaiter, showing his face, and told the couple he was going to kill them both, Zepke’s boyfriend told police. Atkins, who the boyfriend identified by name, then allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired multiple gunshots in their direction before fleeing the scene.
Zepke’s boyfriend then carried her into a residence where she was later pronounced dead by medics.
Another witness watched the scene unfold through binoculars from her bedroom after she heard gunshots. She told police she instantly recognized Atkins as he walked away from the car.
A friend of the second witness led to Atkins’ arrest, according to court documents. Detectives spoke to the woman Wednesday, where she explained she had picked up Atkins early in the morning and the two spent the night together following the shooting.
Around noon the next morning, she left the residence the two were at to pick up food and money for Atkins, according to the affidavit. But instead of running the errands, the woman met with detectives.
The woman told police she believed Atkins would still be at the residence, so detectives set up surveillance, according to court documents.
Once enough officers had arrived, police closed in on the residence where Atkins sat on the front porch.
Fort Wayne police were able to take Atkins into custody without incident, according to the documents.
Officers involved with the arrest reported Atkins commented that the cigarette he was smoking when they arrived was going to be the last he would have for a long time. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/court-documents-detail-speedy-arrest-of-fatal-lillie-street-shooting-suspect/article_10230bbe-f01e-11ed-98ba-236005f82113.html | 2023-05-12T00:22:59 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/court-documents-detail-speedy-arrest-of-fatal-lillie-street-shooting-suspect/article_10230bbe-f01e-11ed-98ba-236005f82113.html |
Many residents of downtown and southeast Fort Wayne are in “persistent poverty,” a new Census Bureau study shows.
Geographic areas are considered to be in persistent poverty if their poverty rate has been at least 20% for 30 years. Although no entire Indiana counties fit that criterion, a study of data from 1989 to 2019 shows that 9% of the state’s census tracts do.
About 5% of the state’s population, almost 329,000 people, live in those areas, according to Rachel Blakeman, director of Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Community Research Institute.
Eight of Indiana’s 136 persistent poverty tracts – or almost 6% – are in Allen County, Blakeman said. The area covers most of Fort Wayne’s downtown and some of the city’s southeast side, bounded roughly by the Maumee River on the north side, Meyer Road on the east, Oxford Street on the south and Broadway on the west.
“These are areas that have historically disadvantaged populations,” Blakeman said. “(They) historically have seen underinvestment … from the private sector and from the government.”
There has been growth and revitalization in downtown, she said, including new expensive apartments and condominiums. But there’s still a large part of that population whose income is below the federal poverty level.
That officially designated level is meager – less than $28,000 annually for a family of four – so the number of low-income residents in those tracts is even higher than 20%.
“When we think about the revitalization of Fort Wayne, of Allen County – the good news that is happening – there are locations where the good news hasn’t quite reached them,” Blakeman said.
With high levels of poverty for more than a quarter-century, the affected areas’ problem has affected multiple generations of Fort Wayne residents, Blakeman said.
Aisha Arrington, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Urban League, said poverty is often generational.
“And generational poverty is persistent because you’re passing your poverty down to their family members, and they’re passing it down to their family members,” she said.
Poverty and racism are intertwined, Arrington said. She mentioned some of the work done during the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign organized by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Arrington said many of the most impoverished areas, both in Fort Wayne and across the country, are home to large communities of Black and brown people. She said it’s important to create more opportunities for people to “start anew.”
“We grow up in a society where we feel we can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and make it,” Arrington said. “But we have to open up a door that leads to more opportunity so they can succeed and they can escape the dangers of poverty.”
City Councilwoman Sharon Tucker represents Fort Wayne’s 6th District, which – along with the 5th District – contains the tracts with persistent poverty.
She said many factors have contributed to the problem.
“We have a single parent with two or three children, making $7.25 an hour, … and their rent requires $15 an hour (to cover housing expenses). We’re already setting them up for failure,” Tucker said. “As a community as a whole, we have to look at the opportunities that are afforded to individuals when they’re faced (with deciding) between having to pay rent, child care and going to work.”
There’s also a prevalence of affordable housing that’s been constructed in those areas that Tucker said further concentrated poverty. She also pointed out that poverty leads to many health challenges for residents, including high infant and maternal mortality and elevated rates of heart disease and diabetes.
To begin to break the cycle of poverty, the city needs to create opportunities for families to be self-sufficient, including providing education and skills training for the next generation, Tucker said.
“I wish that I could tell you that there was a quick and easy answer. There is no quick and easy answer,” she said.
“But unless we start looking at the really deep root causes that create poverty, we’re always going to be Band-Aiding the symptoms.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-census-bureau-study-shows-parts-of-fort-wayne-in-persistent-poverty/article_918704bc-f032-11ed-87a7-135f3f4e2b3e.html | 2023-05-12T00:23:08 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/new-census-bureau-study-shows-parts-of-fort-wayne-in-persistent-poverty/article_918704bc-f032-11ed-87a7-135f3f4e2b3e.html |
VIRGINIA – Thousands of teaching licenses are delayed amid a record-high processing backlog.
In an emergency meeting on Thursday, Virginia’s Board of Education met to approve a regulation pushing back the renewal date.
The original deadline was next month, but it’s been extended for another year.
“It is really a crisis our divisions are dealing with,” Virginia Board of Education member Anne Holton said. “I appreciate your recognition of its importance and your stepping in so quickly to treat it like a crisis.”
State leaders said they will soon be reaching out to school staff to address the changes. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/virginia-board-of-education-renews-teaching-licenses-amid-backup/ | 2023-05-12T00:25:54 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/virginia-board-of-education-renews-teaching-licenses-amid-backup/ |
Anam Cara, the Chamber Choir of Idaho, will explore “The Joy of Love and Living” in two free concerts held Saturday at 4 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on 325 Elm St.
“We have a lot of variety in this programming. We’ve got a piece in Gaelic, we have one that has some Swahili, and we have a Spanish piece,” said Anam Cara Artistic Director Atina Coates. “But the overall umbrella idea is some are about intimate or marriage. Others are about a worldview that even though we live in different parts of the world, there are many things that are the same in our shared experience. It expresses that care and concern for all people of the world.”
They will perform a German number by Clara Schumann and pieces by Dan Forest, Jacob Narverud, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palastrina.
“I just started looking at music that I felt drew me in or that I felt connected to,” Coates said. “I wanted to span ages and different choral genres. Most of the music is newly composed, but I did have a Palestinra piece from the Renaissance, and we did pick a Schumann from the Romantic, so it has a spread and variety to it.”
The men will sing “Being with You,” a barbershop style composition of a husband expressing gratitude for his wife. A tenor will also perform “My Luve is like a Red, Red Rose,” a Scottish ballad.
The theme ties in perfectly with Mother’s Day this weekend.
“I also programmed in specifically around Mother’s Day, those romantic pieces that were about marriage and family,” Coates said.
The group’s name Anam Cara means “soul friend” in Gaelic. The choir currently has 27 members. It is non-denominational and represents a wide swath of the community.
“Certainly our hope and our goal within the group is that it can be a space where people come together to share their thoughts and their feelings through song, and that we make friendships that will last generations, that we positively influence the community and that we positively influence each other.”
Anam Cara will raffle off two Gene Sherman original watercolor pieces, entitled “Tuscan Window Boxes,” to raise funds at the concert. Every $20 donation to the choir will provide an entry into the drawing.
Singers interested in performing with the choir can follow the Anam Cara page on Facebook or Instagram or visit anamcarasingers.org for information.
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Tell us your personal accounts and the history behind articles. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/anam-cara-hits-a-romantic-note-with-spring-concerts/article_560d1ce4-f048-11ed-a357-5b0eca5555da.html | 2023-05-12T00:32:50 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/anam-cara-hits-a-romantic-note-with-spring-concerts/article_560d1ce4-f048-11ed-a357-5b0eca5555da.html |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — From the Concho River to the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, San Angelo offers a unique visitor experience mixed with historic landmarks and modern attractions.
May 7-13 is celebrated nationwide as "Travel & Tourism Week," where cities of all sizes attempt to highlight what makes them stand out.
On May 11, the first-ever San Angelo Travel Fair was hosted by Discover San Angelo at the Fort Concho Stables, 210 Henry O. Flipper St.
"I have never lived in a finer city than San Angelo," San Angelo Visitor Center employee and Chamber of Commerce member James King said.
King refers to himself as an "army brat" who was born in Japan and spent much of his childhood in Germany.
In 1999, King and his family moved to the United States, where they eventually made San Angelo their permanent home.
Since then, King has not been shy about his love of the city.
"There's so much here with the gardens, the water lilies, we are the Visual Arts Capital of Texas," he said.
The event itself hosted a walk-thru room of various local businesses including the San Angelo Nature Center, Wild West Fest, Cowboy Way Jubilee, the City of San Angelo Recreation Division and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
San Angelo was also ranked the 2022 No. 1 True Western Town by True West Magazine.
In 2023, the city remains in the top 10 and King proudly noted the family-friendly options such as the children's area at Stephens Central Library, along with all the public art displays across town.
"And of course, we have the largest fort museum on the civilian side of the house in the country," King said, referring to Fort Concho.
Although this was just the first year of the travel fair, the hope is to create an annual tradition showcasing San Angelo.
From nature to history to even downtown dining, this "True Western" city has created a place of notability for itself. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/san-angelo-travel-fair-highlights-west-texas-tourism/504-d24aa743-bf12-45c6-aee2-5a05d575d2ea | 2023-05-12T00:33:46 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/san-angelo-travel-fair-highlights-west-texas-tourism/504-d24aa743-bf12-45c6-aee2-5a05d575d2ea |
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber has introduced a resolution and bill that are both aimed at reversing the mineral withdrawal banning new mining on 225,000 acres of federal land within the same watershed as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for the next 20 years.
But one might not be constitutional.
Late last month, Stauber introduced a resolution that disapproved of the withdrawal and, he said, if passed by the house, it would nullify the mineral withdrawal. He cited the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which says a withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior of 5,000 acres or more could be terminated “if the Congress has adopted a concurrent resolution stating that such House does not approve the withdrawal.”
But a 1983 Supreme Court decision, Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha, determined one-house legislative vetoes were invalid and violated the separation of powers. The U.S District Court of Arizona said that "permitting Congress to terminate a withdrawal by concurrent resolution is unconstitutional."
In a Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing on the resolution and bill Thursday morning, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democrat’s ranking member on the subcommittee, said it is “widely accepted as unconstitutional to try to overturn a withdrawal.”
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Additionally, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., entered into the record a letter from the Department of Interior that said it “strongly opposes any action to reverse the locally driven efforts to protect and preserve this critically important, fragile landscape and acknowledge that the resolution is unconstitutional and therefore will have no effect.”
Asked about the potential unconstitutionality of the resolution, Stauber, who chairs the subcommittee, said he stood by it.
“All options are on the table to overturn the mineral withdrawal,” Stauber said in a statement to the News Tribune on Thursday afternoon. “This authority is written in statute and we therefore intend to use it.”
On Wednesday, Stauber introduced another bill that seeks to overturn the mineral withdrawal. The mineral withdrawal and related actions by the Biden administration effectively killed the Twin Metals copper-nickel mine proposed upstream of the BWCAW.
H.R. 3195, coined the “Superior National Forest Restoration Act,” would reverse the mineral withdrawal, reissue key federal mineral leases to Twin Metals and block judicial review on those actions.
“Let’s pass these bills and study the full environmental impact statement, which is the highest scrutiny allowed under the federal government,” Stauber said. “Let’s mine the minerals we need for our defense applications, modern technology and everyday use with American labor in northern Minnesota.”
Similarly, David Chura, chair of Jobs for Minnesotans, told the subcommittee that project-specific reviews should take place instead of blanket bans.
“The administration should rely on studying site-specific project proposals,” Chura said. “The withdrawal is simply saying ‘no’ to any and all projects instead of using scientific inquiry and a public process to determine the outcome.”
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Becky Rom, national chair of Save the Boundary Waters, has long fought the Twin Metals project and is a supporter of the land withdrawal, which was first put in place in the final days of the Obama administration but then reversed by Trump.
Rom said the issue has been studied, and pointed to the U.S. Forest Service’s environmental assessment on the mineral withdrawal, which concluded hardrock mining posed a threat to the BWCAW.
“Our canoe country would be at grave risk of permanent damage if these bills were adopted,” Rom said. “Science is utterly clear about the pollution and destruction that sulfide-ore copper mining on upstream lands and waters would do. Polluted waters would flow north into the Boundary Waters.”
AOC questions Bakk
Also testifying was retired state Sen. Tom Bakk, who became a registered lobbyist for Twin Metals in Minnesota just a few weeks after his final term in the Senate ended in January.
During the hearing, Ocasio-Cortez questioned why Bakk left that out of his opening statement.
She has since posted the interaction to Twitter where it received more than 862,000 views in the first six hours. Her tweet incorrectly said there would be “mining in the Boundary Waters,” which has long been banned.
Twin Metals is hoping to open an underground copper-nickel mine, processing plant and dry-stacked tailings storage facility near — but not in — the BWCAW. It wants to build the mine and facilities on the edge of Birch Lake, which flows into the Kawishiwi River and then the BWCAW. Opponents of the mine fear any pollution that entered the water would then pollute the BWCAW downstream.
She also brought up that Chura worked for Allete and Minnesota Power, which would benefit if the Twin Metals mine opened and became their customer.
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The written testimony submitted by both Bakk and Chura did, however, show their affiliations with Twin Metals and Allete, respectively.
“We have two witnesses that have present connections, not past, in stakeholders with a financial interest in advocating for large new mines in the state, regardless of whether or not it would result in economic benefits,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “I think this is important and relevant connections that should be clearly communicated.” | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/stauber-introduces-resolution-bill-to-end-mineral-withdrawal | 2023-05-12T00:35:30 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/stauber-introduces-resolution-bill-to-end-mineral-withdrawal |
BALTIMORE — Kids have something new to look forward to!
There's a new playground at Franklin Square Elementary-Middle School.
It was designed by children and the community helped build it.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday.
Baltimore City Public Schools, The Carmax Foundation, and Kaboom teamed up for this project. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/ribbon-cut-for-new-playground-at-franklin-square-elementary-middle-school | 2023-05-12T00:36:19 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/ribbon-cut-for-new-playground-at-franklin-square-elementary-middle-school |
BALITMORE — Helping newly foreign students and their families get acclimated to the states can be challenging. But it's part of the mission for the non-profit 'Soccer Without Borders.'
"Soccer Without Borders is a non-profit that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change providing youth with a toolkit to overcome barriers to growth, inclusion, and personal success," said Kay Sipes, program director at Soccer Without Borders.
SWB is a national organization with a local community here in Maryland.
Between all of their programs combined annually they serve about 500 students. Aya Alsuhaili and Laila Ray are both seniors in Baltimore City Schools, they are also apart of SWB. Both students, like many of their peers, faced language barriers when moving to the states.
"I didn't know how to speak English," said Raly. English is my third language. I speak Swahili and French."
"I speak Arabic. My second language is English," said Alsuhaili.
They also had cultural norms they were used to, which were somewhat re-imagined after joining the program.
"Girls have to stay home and do chores in the house. But the program made me feel like I can still play soccer just like boys. I didn't know how to play soccer. I was not good. But the program made me feel like even girls can play soccer," said Raly.
"It helped me grow as a person. I would say like, become more independent," Alsuhaili said.
In addition to them competing on the field, the program has a strong urgency to encourage academic success.
"So after the soccer portion of the program, they go back inside. They're usually in a classroom space. They get help with homework if they need to practice English if they have school projects. So kind of a big range of things," said Sipes.
They go above and beyond to help students embrace what makes them unique.
"Because of the program I feel confident that I can speak too, even though my language is not that good, I can still do it," Raly said.
"You will be appreciated for the differences that you bring here," Alsuhaili said. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/soccer-without-border-non-profit-helps-students-embrace-their-differences | 2023-05-12T00:36:25 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/soccer-without-border-non-profit-helps-students-embrace-their-differences |
BALTIMORE — The makers of the Christmas Village decided to put on another festival in the warmer part of the year.
"We thought it would be a great idea to bring a little bit of Germany also to the summertime and not only to the wintertime," says Ronja Baumann, project manager.
Just like the Christmas Village there are tons of local vendors who are showing off their products from food to art and even jewelry and books.
"I am super excited because I did Christmas Village with this organization and they are amazing so to have a first ever and have it to be like in the spring verses the winter when its cold I'm thrilled." Loralee Kodzo.
When most people think of Germany they think of beer which they have but the wine selection is sure to be the star of the show.
"I am German myself a lot of my team is German and were so excited that we can share that bit of tradition with all of the us its really cool especially with Baltimore because they love the Christmas Village so much so we thought it would be a great idea to bring it here," says Ronja.
The Wine Village will be in the Inner Harbor from May 11th to May 29th. Its open Monday through Thursday 3pm to 10pm and Friday through Sunday 1pm to 10pm.
Click hereto see a list of events for the Wine Village | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/wine-village-event-takes-over-the-inner-harbor | 2023-05-12T00:36:31 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/wine-village-event-takes-over-the-inner-harbor |
Members of a national health care advocacy organization will visit Casper on Friday evening to protest against Shepherd of the Valley Rehabilitation and Wellness, a local nursing home the group says is putting profit above its residents.
“Friday’s action is a chance to raise awareness about the poor state of care at Shepherd of the Valley, let others who have suffered there know they are not alone, and invite people to join us in demanding better for our elders,” the group, called Nonviolent Medicaid Army of the Poor, said in an announcement Thursday morning. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday.
Volunteers are organizing the protest on behalf of a group member’s mother, a Shepherd of the Valley resident. The announcement said she’s experienced “being dropped, going 5 weeks without receiving a bath, and mismanagement of chronic health conditions” while living there. It also decried alleged staffing shortages at the facility.
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The statement didn’t identify the resident or her son, but said the two have contacted the Wyoming Department of Health’s Healthcare Licensing and Surveys office to file a complaint against the facility.
“It should have been support for both of us while she was living in a skilled nursing facility, but the amount of advocacy work I had to do while she was there meant it was a huge stress and financial strain,” the woman’s son — who’s identified only by his first initial, D — said in the announcement. “Being there took its toll on mom, too – she suffered a stroke from the stress and has lost the use of her dominant hand.”
Reports on the Wyoming Department of Health’s website indicate the agency has investigated at least three complaints against Shepherd of the Valley since the beginning of the year, though it was not uncover any “deficiencies” related to the claims. (The reports don’t speak to the nature of the complaints.)
Jessica Miller, an administrator at Shepherd of the Valley, on Thursday said she wasn’t aware of the protest.
Miller declined to comment on the Nonviolent Medicaid Army of the Poor’s claims, but offered to forward a list of questions from the Star-Tribune to representatives at Shepherd of the Valley’s parent company, EmpRes Healthcare. The Star-Tribune did not receive a response from EmpRes before deadline Thursday evening.
Federal oversight
Since 2020, federal inspections of the facility have reported 31 deficiencies, including six related to infection control practices, according to an online database maintained by the news organization ProPublica. Shepherd of the Valley was fined $141,000 for the violations, the database says.
The data are collected by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates all certified Medicare and Medicaid providers. Shepherd of the Valley has a rating of one out of five stars on its Medicare profile, which the federal agency calculates based on the facility’s “health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.”
The profile says that, as of April, Shepherd of the Valley supported an average of 144 residents at a time. It also noted that its staffing numbers were slightly below the national and state averages.
Shepherd of the Valley’s owner, EmpRes Healthcare, is based in Washington and operates across nine states. According to market data company Pitchbook, EmpRes is backed by private equity financing.
Private equity firms are controversial; opponents often criticize the business model for buying companies only to squeeze them for profit — by slashing staff, selling assets and so on.
In its announcement on Thursday, Nonviolent Medicaid Army of the Poor questioned whether Shepherd of the Valley’s ownership is responsible for the facility’s lackluster reputation.
Same owner
EmpRes also owned Maurice Griffith Manor, a former Casper boardinghouse located next door to Shepherd of the Valley, which closed in 2021. Just before its closure, multiple Maurice Griffith residents told the Star-Tribune they also had concerns related to a lack of staff.
In recent years — and especially in wake of the coronavirus pandemic — healthcare facilities across the nation have struggled to recruit and retain workers. A June 2022 report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living found that roughly 87% of long-term care providers were experiencing moderate to high staff shortages.
The report pointed to economic pressures, burnout, a lack of qualified workers and lagging pay as among the many factors contributing to the shortages.
Though Nonviolent Medicaid Army of the Poor is a national organization, its presence in Wyoming is new, said volunteer Julia Willis.
The group takes its name from the Poor People’s Campaign organized by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, which he called a “nonviolent revolutionary army.” According to its website, the organization counts expanding Medicaid access and establishing a universal healthcare system in the U.S. among its main goals.
Many members of group, which is non-hierarchical, suffer from chronic illnesses or are disabled, Willis said.
“We’re everyday people who all need what we’re fighting for,” she said.
Willis and her partner Erro Lynd are driving down from Sheridan County to attend the protest. It’ll likely draw a dozen group members, Lynd said, including some from Vermont and Pennsylvania.
The group was already planning to be in Casper for an organizing campaign this weekend.
On Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nonviolent Medicaid Army of the Poor volunteers will be hosting a pop-up blood pressure clinic at the North Casper Clubhouse, located at 1032 E. L Street, where they’ll also be educating residents about the looming changes to Medicaid access.
Over the next several months, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Wyoming residents are expected to lose their Medicaid coverage as the Wyoming Department of Health rolls back eligibility expansions to the program made during the coronavirus pandemic, WyoFile reported in February.
On Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the advocacy group will also be hosting a mother’s day event with speakers and activities. That event will also take place at the North Casper Clubhouse. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/group-to-organize-protest-against-casper-nursing-home-friday/article_3a0c2ae8-f03a-11ed-86ea-7f55c0344857.html | 2023-05-12T00:41:10 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/group-to-organize-protest-against-casper-nursing-home-friday/article_3a0c2ae8-f03a-11ed-86ea-7f55c0344857.html |
Two Lincoln men have been sentenced to federal prison time for their part in a gang conspiracy involving guns and the recorded sexual assault of two teenagers, a suspected gang initiation.
At Krysean Reynolds' and Isaiah Dorsey's back-to-back sentencings Thursday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods said these crimes weren't reported to police.
Rather, law enforcement discovered the Snapchat videos of the rapes during an investigation into the No Name Demons Gang, following the killing of Investigator Mario Herrera, who was fatally wounded on Aug. 26, 2020, by Felipe Vazquez, a No Name member holed up and trying to escape arrest for a felony assault.
After, Woods said, gang members celebrated the officer's murder by selling marijuana and saying: "You can smoke him, too."
"It was a joke, and they bragged about it. A husband and father of four," she said, referring to Herrera without saying his name. "And because of that we opened a case on them and went through their cell phones and we found these videos."
In November 2020, the FBI in Omaha announced the arrests of a dozen Lincoln men (Reynolds and Dorsey among them) for their roles in a firearms conspiracy involving drug trafficking, heralding the indictments as the dismantling of a violent gang.
Prosecutors outlined their involvement in multiple robberies, drug sales and gun crimes.
Reynolds, 22, and Dorsey, 21, later faced more charges for the production of child pornography for the videos, which the judge described as unspeakable sexual assaults of defenseless victims.
One was 16. The other 14.
In one of the videos, after the teen victim was too intoxicated to consent, Reynolds could be seen sexually assaulting her with a broken bottle and laughing, according to the plea agreement.
In another, a girl was forcibly raped by three males.
In court, her guardian made an impassioned plea to each of the young men about how her daughter continues to be affected by their actions.
Woods said it's been hard on the victims and they didn't want to go to trial.
"This is devastating lives across the board," she said.
As part of the plea agreements, they agreed to the sentences: 16 years and eight months for Reynolds and 20 years for Dorsey, followed by 10 years of supervised release for each.
In federal prison there is no parole.
Both had pleaded guilty to a firearms conspiracy and the child porn conspiracy.
Reynolds' attorney, Theresa Siglar, said Reynolds was shocked to learn about the videos, where he's clearly identifiable, and "he's horrified by his actions."
She said Reynolds was 18 and in an alcoholic blackout when it happened, self-medicating from his father's death shortly before that.
"This is not him getting off lightly by any means," Siglar said. "He has to live with these actions in his head every day of the rest of his life. The fact that he was in a situation where he allowed this to happen."
Isaiah Dorsey's attorney, Tregg Lunn, said: "There's enough carnage here for everybody."
And, he said, it would have a long-lasting affect on them all.
Lunn said Dorsey wasn't liquored up at the time and doesn't make any excuses. There is no excuse for it.
"I wish he hadn't done it. So does he," he said.
Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard said he didn't know whether they were gang members or wannabees. Regardless, their crimes involved weapons and violence.
"If young men are willing to either join or hang with a gang, tote guns, commit violent crimes and then post them on social media, then those young men have to be prepared to do serious time," he said.
Photos, video: End of watch for Investigator Mario Herrera
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
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Watch Now: Bystander on how she is feeling
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
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Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
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Watch Now: Procession reaches downtown Lincoln
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
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Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Watch Now: Bystander on why he’s there
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Watch Now: Procession at 10th and K beside the County-City Building
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Overpass
Car
Shield
Mayor, council
Watch Now: Vehicles lined up on overpass near Waverly | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-men-sentenced-for-recording-teen-girls-rapes-as-suspected-gang-initiation/article_37bdf0e8-f033-11ed-bce5-47d5bd336db1.html | 2023-05-12T00:44:22 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-men-sentenced-for-recording-teen-girls-rapes-as-suspected-gang-initiation/article_37bdf0e8-f033-11ed-bce5-47d5bd336db1.html |
YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — A Woodland man is facing up to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of ramming a car full of people driving to a graduation party.
According to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old Danny Alan Byrd was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with force on Tuesday.
The road rage crash happened the night of June 26, 2021, as four people were driving from Vacaville to Woodland for a graduation party.
Prosecutors say the four were going north on Highway 113 when Byrd started tailgating them and rear-ended their vehicle twice.
One of the passengers called 911 to report what happened and said they were following Byrd so they could get his license plate number for the operator.
They pulled off the freeway at the East Street exit of Interstate 5 after getting a picture of his plate when Byrd swerved off the freeway and started driving towards them on the exit ramp.
The driver tried to brake but hit the rear side of Byrd’s truck, which stopped at an angle trapping them between the guardrail and his truck.
Prosecutors say Byrd got out and smashed the driver’s window. The shattered glass cut two of the four people inside and injured the driver’s eye causing permanent vision loss.
Byrd drove off and was found by CHP after he ran a red light. A truck driver witnessed it all and followed Byrd so CHP would know he tried to run the four people off the road.
Byrd will be sentenced July 12 and faces up to 10 years in prison. He also has three pending narcotics sales cases that could get him additional prison time. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/woodland-man-convicted-in-road-rage-crash/103-22be6389-1ab6-4830-b719-861ecee7f164 | 2023-05-12T00:46:00 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/woodland-man-convicted-in-road-rage-crash/103-22be6389-1ab6-4830-b719-861ecee7f164 |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Parking Authority is addressing concerns about parking through its strategic parking plan.
CEO Andre Davis says this plan will reshape the BPA and will take six to eight months to complete.
“Align the public and parking assets and make parking safer, more convenient easier to use, and better geared to meet the parking needs to businesses, employees and visitors to Birmingham,” Davis said.
Some of the future needs the BPA will be reevaluating through its plan include creating a new parking deck, more parking lots and signage to direct drivers about parking.
The goals of this plan is to support economic growth through partnerships and projects for parking, create a unified parking experience and utilize technology for parking.
The public can also give ideas through a survey on BPA’s website. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-parking-authority-addressing-public-concerns-through-new-initiative/ | 2023-05-12T00:55:28 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-parking-authority-addressing-public-concerns-through-new-initiative/ |
PLEASANT GROVE, Ala. (WIAT) — A local veteran is getting a special gift just in time for Mother’s Day.
Retired Army Private First Class Teuila Lobendahn and her family got the keys to a brand-new home Thursday.
It is a welcomed relief for the mother of eight. Last year, Lobendahn said her family was struggling to make ends meet. They were behind on rent and living in a rundown home that didn’t accommodate her growing family.
But thanks to Building Homes for Heroes, Lobendahn and her husband are now the owners of a mortgage-free home. This organization gifts mortgage-free homes to veterans and emergency first responders.
Lobendahn said this is the best gift a mother can receive and hopes for a better future for her family.
“I’m overwhelmed. I mean, I’m excited and overwhelmed,” Lobendahn said. “I’m so grateful. I mean, this is not what I expected. Like I expected something great, but this is, I don’t know — this is beyond words.”
She served in Afghanistan and was exposed to burn pits causing several health complications. Through this program she said she can now focus on her health and raising her family. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jefferson-county-veteran-gets-keys-to-a-mortgage-free-forever-home/ | 2023-05-12T00:55:34 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jefferson-county-veteran-gets-keys-to-a-mortgage-free-forever-home/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Joran van der Sloot is expected to arrive in Birmingham in the next few days to face charges of extortion and wire fraud connected to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.
A source close to Beth Holloway, Natalee’s mother, spoke to CBS 42 and expects van der Sloot’s arrival within the next week.
He is being extradited for attempting to extort Holloway’s family with promises of leading them to her body, which has never been found.
The disappearance of Natalee Holloway back in 2005 captured the attention of the nation after she went missing in Aruba while on a high school graduation trip. Van der Sloot was arrested and released in the case but was never charged.
John Byrne is a former assistant U.S. attorney in Florida’s southern district who has tried multiple cases just like this one. He said jury selection in this case is going to be very interesting.
”The defense lawyers here are going to want to ask the jury very direct questions about what they know about the case, what they know about the back story, if they can be fair,” Byrne said. “It’s going to be a central part of this case [and] it’s going to be difficult to find jurors who don’t know something about the case.” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/joran-van-der-sloot-expected-to-be-extradited-to-birmingham-within-the-next-week/ | 2023-05-12T00:55:40 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/joran-van-der-sloot-expected-to-be-extradited-to-birmingham-within-the-next-week/ |
EGG HARBOR CITY - The Buena Regional High School baseball team made life easy for starting pitcher Joey Kurtz on Thursday afternoon.
The Chiefs had nine hits and beat Cedar Creek 6-5 to clinch the Cape-Atlantic League National Division title. Buena (19-2) is ranked No. 8 in The Press Elite 11.
“It means a lot,” Kurtz said of the division title. “It’s what we wanted to do, and we got it done.”
Cole Shover sparked the Buena offense with two hits and three runs scored. Zach Strouse was 2 for 2 with two runs scored and RBI double for the Chiefs. Vinnie Dalponte contributed a two-run single and Austin Wokock had an RBI single for Buena. Buena bridge-year senior Tre Carano singled in the second inning for career hit No. 100.
For the past few weeks, Buena coach Tom Carney has talked about the Buena hitters taking some pressure off Kurtz and the rest of the Buena pitchers.
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“It’s been a rollercoaster ride for us all year offensively,” Carney said. “We've just pitched lights out. The mathematical odds of a high school kid showing up every day and having his best stuff is not reliable. The kids responded.”
On Thursday, Buena produced three hits and three runs in the top of the first inning.
“That was big,” said Shover, who drew a walk and scored in the first. “We like to get up early, play with a lead. It’s huge to get up early. We can’t rely on (Kurtz) to get a shutout every game. Today, he didn’t have his best, but we still backed up with some hits and had his back.”
Kurtz, who had not allowed an earned run in his last two starts, pitched well Thursday. He struck out seven and allowed three hits in five innings. He was dominant except for the third inning when he hit two batters and allowed four runs - one of them unearned.
“I just tried to throw strikes,” Kurtz said. “There was one point where I didn’t have a feel for my stuff. I just had to bear down, throw strikes and let them hit it. Sometimes, they’ll hit a double or get into one, but sooner or later we’ll get out of it. I have a good defense behind me.”
Cedar Creek (16-6) trailed 5-0 after three innings. The PIrates rallied behind the bat of Sean O’Kane. The junior first baseman drove in three runs with a bases-loaded double in the third. He added an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to cut the Buena lead to one run.
But with runners on first and third, Buena reliever Brandon Strouse got the final out of the game on a fly ball to center field.
With the win, Buena not only clinched a division title but also boosted its chances of being the top seed in the South Jersey Group I playoffs, which start May 22.
Buena also clinched an automatic bid in next week’s Cape-Atlantic League tournament. The Chiefs are looking forward to testing themselves against some of the CAL’s bigger schools.
“The best part of the year is in front of us,” Carney said. “You want to find out where you really stand. The bigger schools (enrollment-wise) tend to be the better teams. We have to gauge ourselves against them.”
Buena Regional 302 100 0 - 6 9 2
Cedar Creek 004 000 1 - 5 6 1
2B. BR. Shover, Z. Strous; CK. O’Kane
WP. Kurtz
LP. Eifert | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/buena-regional-swings-the-bats-and-clinches-the-cal-national-division/article_0cd1290e-f056-11ed-bde1-3360ddb0238d.html | 2023-05-12T00:58:55 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/buena-regional-swings-the-bats-and-clinches-the-cal-national-division/article_0cd1290e-f056-11ed-bde1-3360ddb0238d.html |
National First Ladies Library offers monthly private tours of Jacqueline Kennedy exhibit
CANTON – The National First Ladies Library at the First Ladies National Historic Site is launching “Third Thursdays Night Out with the First Ladies.”
The events will be held at the site, 205 Market Ave. S, the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., beginning May 18.
The event includes a private, curator-led tour of the “Beyond Camelot” exhibition focused on the life and legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. For a $30 ticket, guests will get a private tour of the exhibit as well as complimentary light appetizers and drink.
"Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" features never-before-seen artifacts donated by Monte Durham of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta." The exhibition features a reproduction of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown; the original dress is too delicate to display and is preserved at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
"Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis" is open to the public through April 2024. For tickets to Third Thursdays or more information on “Beyond Camelot,” visit www.firstladies.org. In addition to the Third Thursdays private curator tour events, private, curator-led tours can be arranged for organizations and groups to experience the Beyond Camelot exhibit more in-depth. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/first-ladies-library-sets-private-tours-of-jacqueline-kennedy-exhibit/70207835007/ | 2023-05-12T01:06:28 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/first-ladies-library-sets-private-tours-of-jacqueline-kennedy-exhibit/70207835007/ |
ALLEN, Texas — The Allen Premium Outlets mall plans to remain closed until all funeral services have been held for the shooting victims "and the healing process has started," property management said in an email Thursday.
An area general manager for Simon Property Group told tenants that ownership intends to have the outlet mall property closed over the weekend but that retailers could access their stores on Thursday and Friday, and then again on Monday.
Funeral services began Thursday for some of the victims, but it was not confirmed when the final services would be held.
"As part of the Allen community and out of respect for the victim’s families and everyone else affected by this heinous and senseless act, we are not planning on reopening the center until all services and funerals have concluded and the healing process has started," the email said.
Eight people were killed Saturday, May 6, in the shooting on the mall property. The shooting happened near the H&M store and the suspected shooter was killed near the Fatburger restaurant.
Several other people were injured in the shooting, but their conditions had improved over the week.
As the days passed, a memorial grew at the mall and people were allowed back on the property to retrieve their vehicles. The outlet mall stores have remained closed since the shooting happened.
WFAA has reached out to multiple stores in the outlet mall, but none have provided their specific reopening plans.
The New Balance, Under Armour and Adidas stores confirmed they are paying their employees through this week, despite the closure.
The email from property management on Thursday also included several reminders for retailers, including that police have asked employees to call them if they "find anything that could be possible evidence" on the property.
Simon Property Group is also providing counselors on the property through this week to check on employees and provide help.
More coverage of the Allen mall shooting: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/allen-outlet-mall-shooting-reopening-stores/287-c4b48cc2-acf8-40de-bf77-54400884ae59 | 2023-05-12T01:06:36 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/allen-outlet-mall-shooting-reopening-stores/287-c4b48cc2-acf8-40de-bf77-54400884ae59 |
The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte recently helped feed the hungry across LaPorte County.
It provided a $10,000 Meat the Need grant to Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, making it possible for the organization to distribute 4,500 pounds of food to local food pantries and soup kitchens.
The foundation arranges for hunters and farmers to donate game and livestock to hunger-relief agencies. The donation covered the expense of processing, packaging and transporting the food.
Citizens Concerned for the Homeless helped coordinate the deliveries, using a refrigerated truck funded by grants from HFL and Duneland Health Council to pick up thousands of pounds of ground beef in one-pound bags.
It distributed the food to 16 hunger relief agencies, including the Center Township Trustee, Community Food Pantry of Galena, Hudson, Kankakee and Wills Townships, Downtown Emergency Soup Kitchen at Michigan City First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Faith City Assembly of God Church, Interfaith Community PADS, Kingsford Heights Food Pantry, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Soup Kitchen, Sacred Heart Food Pantry at St. Mary, Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry, Sand Castle Shelter for Homeless Families, Stepping Stone Shelter for Women, Supplemental United Food Pantry of Hanna, The PAX Center, The Salvation Army-LaPorte and The Salvation Army-Michigan City.
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It's part of the Healthcare Foundation's Healthy Living initiative that addresses food insecurity in LaPorte County.
“As we all know, the cost of food has increased. Add to that the ongoing supply chain issues, and what we see is that food pantries often struggle to get meat for the people they serve. We are proud to support the work that Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry does, and we’re so grateful to the team at Citizens Concerned for the Homeless for volunteering to make this tremendous delivery happen. Now the hard-working food pantries and soup kitchens in our community can continue to feed our neighbors,” said Maria Fruth, Healthcare Foundation of La Porte president and CEO.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Biggby Coffee, Flora Plants, Funk My Life and McDonald's open; Aster & Gray and Elements Wine Bar close
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219 News Now: Check out the weekend forecast with Matt Holiner 5/5/23
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Buona/Rainbow Cone, Fat Burrito, Pickles Kids and Dear Dani Boutique opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/healthcare-foundation-of-laporte-helps-feed-the-hungry/article_7063baf6-efaf-11ed-826b-9fd76dfd2506.html | 2023-05-12T01:08:33 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/healthcare-foundation-of-laporte-helps-feed-the-hungry/article_7063baf6-efaf-11ed-826b-9fd76dfd2506.html |
GARY — As she walked to the stage for Indiana University Northwest's commencement ceremony, Emily Russell reminisced over the struggles, the accomplishments and the hard work it took to get to this point.
"Out of nowhere I was like 'woah'," she said. "It kind of hit me all at once."
Russell received a bachelor's degree in psychology Thursday morning. At the core of those struggles, she said, were mental health challenges — something she makes a point to be open about in case it might help someone else going through similar challenges.
"I didn't even think I was going to graduate high school, let alone get my bachelor's. My friends and family, they were really supportive. Thanks to them I was able to get my bachelor's."
Russell said she hopes to seek a master's degree in clinical and mental health counseling, eventually making it a career. She's waiting to hear back from a few graduate schools she applied to, but for now, she's looking back at the four years spent at IUN. The things that stand out most to her are her professors and the friends she's made along the way.
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"The professors have just been amazing," she said. "They really care about your education."
Alec Luna graduated alongside Russell with an associate degree in radiology.
"It feels great," he said. "After COVID happened, that was a real big struggle. It was difficult to learn online. But I did what had to be done and I'm here now. I'm excited to see where life takes me."
When he looks back at his time at IUN, the difficulty and stress plus what it took to overcome them is what he's remember the most. But he said he'll also look back fondly on the people he met. He has a job lined up at Porter Hospital and hopes to eventually continue his education.
Russell and Luna were among 749 students earning degrees at Thursday's ceremony on IUN's campus.
One of those degrees was honorary in law for Robert D. Rucker, a retired Indiana Supreme Court justice. Rucker grew up in Gary and eventually attended IUN while he worked in the steel mills to pay his tuition. His studies were interrupted when he went to fight in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army.
When he returned from Vietnam, Rucker completed his bachelor's degree at IUN and earned a law degree from Valparaiso University. After that, he launched a career as a judge that culminated in becoming the only Court of Appeals judge to be elevated to the Indiana Supreme Court, where he was the second African American justice to serve.
In addition to the customary transferring of the degrees and singing of the alma mater, the ceremony included remarks from Chancellor Ken Iwama.
"I don’t have to wait for your 10th-year reunion to know how you turned out," he told the graduates. "I know that you are already great. So here’s my ask: build upon your remarkable accomplishments and this milestone of graduation to dream anew and achieve more, guided by the noble purpose to help all of us do better and be better."
Iwama made a point to highlight a few graduates with inspiring stories and grand accomplishments, including Shariss Hindman, who earned a master's degree in social work.
Hindman, he explained, faced many challenges. She was a young mother who assumed the responsibility of parenting the children of a friend who died. She cared for her sick father until he died three years ago. And she and her 14-year-old son almost became homeless. Still, she helped a teenager she found on IUN's campus who had no money, home or food; she volunteered with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and now, she's earned a degree that she can use to help people who faced the same struggles she did.
He also talked about Kristopher Kritikos, who received a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Kritikos, a fan of graphic design and hockey, has secured internships with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.
Iwama also boasted that this graduating class is one of the most diverse in Indiana, that 88% worked while attending school and that almost half are first-generation collegians.
Additionally, one-third of this class was older than 30, the university reported. Takisha Stanford, a mother of four who was the student speaker at the ceremony, is one of those adult learners.
"My daughter Essence, who is a college student, would tell me that college was tough, and that I had no idea what she was going through," she said. "She was right. I had no idea until I was in that position. Course loads, the stress of writing papers, taking exams, reading chapters, group projects. It is not easy, but anything worth having rarely is." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/iun-graduates-celebrate-the-past-4-years-and-look-to-the-future/article_a0b210a0-f021-11ed-9515-2b107134651d.html | 2023-05-12T01:08:45 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/iun-graduates-celebrate-the-past-4-years-and-look-to-the-future/article_a0b210a0-f021-11ed-9515-2b107134651d.html |
CROWN POINT — Sophie breezed past the first metal can before firmly planting herself in front of the second.
"Good girl," Todd Bennett told the English Labrador retriever before giving the dog a treat.
At just 2 years old, Sophie is already a member of the Crown Point Fire Department. With the official title of "accelerant detection canine," Sophie underwent six months of training to be able to sniff out evidence at fire scenes.
Bennett, a Crown Point firefighter/paramedic and Sophie's handler, led an arson detection demonstration Thursday morning. He had Sophie walk past a line of three metal cans. The second can contained just a few drops of watered down evaporated gasoline. Sophie was able to spot it right away.
"She will not budge, you would have to physically pull her off of it without giving her a reward," Bennett told the crowd.
Sophie is the only active accelerant detection canine in Northwest Indiana. Crown Point Fire and Rescue was able to fund Sophie through a $25,000 grant from State Farm.
At the start of April, Bennett went to Maine for the State Farm Arson Dog training program. After a brief interview process, he was matched with Sophie; the pair trained together for a month, undergoing 12 and 14-hour days.
Bennett and Sophie are one of 87 active and certified teams in North America trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program.
“I became a firefighter to help others in need and working with K-9 Sophie takes that mission to a new level. While our work is fire-related, we will be able to see both sides of the call. In addition to putting out fires, we can also help catch those responsible for intentionally setting fires. It’s a win-win," Bennett said in a Crown Point news release.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, municipal fire departments in the United States responded to an annual average of 52,260 intentionally set structure fires from 2014-2018. The fires caused an estimated 400 civilian deaths, 950 civilian injuries and $815 million in direct property damage each year.
Since 2019, Crown Point Fire Rescue has responded to 204 structure fires, according to a city news release.
The Thursday morning demonstration was held in part to highlight Arson Awareness Week, which is from May 7 to May 13.
Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said Sophie will serve as a "regional tool."
"Arson detection dogs are rare," Land said. "Not only will K-9 Sophie and Fire Investigator Bennett help the citizens of Crown Point, but we can assist the Region."
Bennett said Sophie and his poodle Tucker are already "best friends." Sophie is Crown Point Fire and Rescue's second K-9. Eleven-year-old Jake, who specializes in search and rescue, joined the department in 2013.
"As a department, as a city and as a community we're very passionate about dogs and what their capabilities are and Sophie adds to that," said Crown Point Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner Jr.
Crown Point Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner Jr., left, Mayor Pete Land, center, and Firefighter/Paramedic Todd Bennett, right, stand with Sophie. The English Lab is an arson detection canine. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/the-regions-new-top-dog-cp-fire-welcomes-nwis-only-arson-detection-canine/article_0cc14466-f043-11ed-a2ee-db2af1f1f6ee.html | 2023-05-12T01:08:51 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/the-regions-new-top-dog-cp-fire-welcomes-nwis-only-arson-detection-canine/article_0cc14466-f043-11ed-a2ee-db2af1f1f6ee.html |
ALLEN, Texas — Funerals have begun for the eight victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets. And mall management told WFAA that the stores there will remain closed, at the very least, until all of the funerals are over.
Services are being held Thursday night for Cindy and Kyu Cho and their son, James. The extended family requested the services at New Song Church Grace Chapel remain private, as will be their burial on Friday.
The family of Aishwarya Thatikonda said that her body has already been flown to India for burial ceremonies there in accordance with her family’s customs.
A celebration of life service for mall security guard Christian LaCour, who has been credited with saving several lives that day before he was gunned down, are scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen.
Services for sisters Daniela and Sofia Mendoza have not been shared with WFAA at this time, nor have funeral plans been announced for Elio Cumana-Rivas.
On Thursday, the fifth day after the shooting, the memorial at the south end of the outlet mall continued to grow. A new sign appeared Thursday morning, written by a girl named Sarah.
Written to Sofia Mendoza, it says “Dear Sofia I am so sad for your death. I am also in 2nd grade. And I know that you are in heaven now. I heard heaven is beautiful. I asked god to give you all your favorite toys so you can play all day long. I will be praying for you and your sister.”
A group of Allen High School students, wearing shirts with the words “protect children not guns” and “it ends with us, no guns in schools,” sat in front of the memorial staring at the eight crosses and the flowers, stuffed animals and messages that thousands have left.
“We shouldn’t have to. We should not have to know their names and know that they’re no longer here with us,” said Allen High School junior Kamila Ponce. “Especially the children. They didn’t even get their life started and they’re not even here now.”
“It’s reality checking. It’s the 199th shooting and we’ve only had 127 days in the year. That’s awful. It shouldn’t be like that,” said Allen High School junior Quinn Cobey. “I shouldn’t even know these kids’ names. I shouldn’t have to know their story. They should be living. But this continually is happening over and over and over again.”
Management for Allen Premium Outlets said in a statement: “As part of the Allen community and out of respect for the victim’s families and everyone else affected by this heinous and senseless act, we are not planning on reopening the center until all services and funerals have concluded and the healing process has started. In the meantime, we are facilitating counseling services for our employees and our retailers and making preparations to re-open."
Many of the retailers, including Under Armour and H&M, told WFAA that they are continuing to pay their employees’ wages even though the stores remain closed. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/funerals-begin-allen-texas-mall-shooting-victims/287-a4549306-9e8b-4506-ad3a-fc1f0c779e6f | 2023-05-12T01:09:37 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/funerals-begin-allen-texas-mall-shooting-victims/287-a4549306-9e8b-4506-ad3a-fc1f0c779e6f |
AUGUSTA -- Police and fire crews responded to a report of an explosion outside the Blaine House in Augusta Thursday afternoon.
A Chevy pickup truck could be seen with its windows blown out and the interior heavily damaged by fire.
The truck was parked along Chamberlain Rd, outside the entrance to the Blaine House.
It's currently unclear what ignited the flames. Investigators could be seen inspecting the truck bed.
The fire marshal's office is investigating the incident. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/truck-ignites-outside-blaine-house/article_a4b4e996-f032-11ed-96d7-8bbc458876c3.html | 2023-05-12T01:11:06 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/truck-ignites-outside-blaine-house/article_a4b4e996-f032-11ed-96d7-8bbc458876c3.html |
CROWN POINT — A jury has found a Hammond man not guilty of murder but guilty of voluntary manslaughter in connection with a shooting at a Hammond smoke shop last year.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
Marcus Ross , 29, was charged with murder and criminal recklessness. The latter charge was dropped because the witness would not cooperate with prosecutors, according to a motion to dismiss filed May 1.
Jurors deliberated for about an hour and a half Monday before they returned with the verdict, according to court records.
Charging documents say Ross shot Zackery Smith, 27, of Chicago on April 1, 2022, outside the Oasis Smoke Shop, 5535 State Line Ave.
The probable-cause affidavit says Ross shot Smith after a previous confrontation during which Smith pointed a gun at Ross. Ross’s attorneys said during trial that he acted in self-defense.
Mychael Thomas, 27, was also charged with Smith’s murder, as Ross was seen getting out of her car before the confrontation, according to the probable-cause affidavit.
A witness told police that they saw Thomas driving around the smoke shop parking lot after the shooting and she asked if they’d seen Ross, according to the affidavit.
Thomas’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 31 in Judge Gina Jones’s courtroom.
Ross is set to be sentenced June 22.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Nidia Trinidad-Reyes
Age : 28
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304114
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Timothy Snow
Age : 38
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304100
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
James Reid
Age : 36
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304103
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: DEALING - MARIJUANA
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kayla Ruiz
Age : 23
Residence: Cicero, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304099
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joseph Sheridan
Age : 51
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304120
Arrest Date: April 30, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Anthony Lardydell
Age : 35
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304101
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: INT-THREATEN ANOTHER W/INTENT THEY ENGAGE IN CONDUCT AGAINST WILL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcus Lucio
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304123
Arrest Date: April 30, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Karolina Mallett
Age : 44
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304107
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brent Ladwig
Age : 33
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304121
Arrest Date: April 30, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - (NIBRS FRAUD OFFENSE)
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Heather Grzelak
Age : 35
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304116
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cortney Kelley
Age : 32
Residence: Lake Village, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304119
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tyray Gary
Age : 35
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304097
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Wayne Gralewski Jr.
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304106
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Donnell Brooks Jr.
Age : 21
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304108
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Latasha Buchanan
Age : 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304117
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jason Cohen
Age : 41
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304111
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tina Criswell
Age : 53
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304095
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Johnnie Blair
Age : 40
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304115
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diamond Tillotson Spates
Age : 21
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304070
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dallas Vondersaar
Age : 29
Residence: Cicero, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304079
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Office
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Petrassi
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304061
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christian Reed
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304059
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Curt Schwab
Age : 44
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304077
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Dion Neal
Age : 24
Residence: Waukegan, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304065
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyion Grayson
Age : 41
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304066
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Daryl Jones
Age : 57
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304068
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Latajonae Larry
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304060
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christopher Lobody
Age : 33
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304090
Arrest Date: April 29, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lisa Ellis
Age : 40
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304078
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Raul Barajas
Age : 37
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2302899
Arrest Date: April 25, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Caine
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304083
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joseph Dunkerley
Age : 46
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304081
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Laquan Afolayan
Age : 32
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304058
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Susan Unruh
Age : 53
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304051
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christopher Townsell
Age : 39
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304048
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ARSON - RESULTS IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO A PERSON OTHER THAN DEFENDANT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Tillger
Age : 38
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304033
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elliott Torres
Age : 22
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304038
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jason Sivak
Age : 43
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304039
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: TRESPASS - PROPERTY - UNAUTHORIZED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bruce Evans
Age : 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304041
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christopher Fils
Age : 48
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304053
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Larcel Lockhart
Age : 26
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304055
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Arthur Erb Jr.
Age : 53
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304036
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Campero
Age : 40
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304044
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devon Cross
Age : 33
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304037
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - FORCIBLY RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deja Dowdy
Age : 27
Residence: Richton Park, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304049
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Damon Edwards
Age : 45
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304052
Arrest Date: April 28, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christian Tindell-Hall
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303994
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Donald Williams
Age : 63
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304005
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Bailey Windom
Age : 21
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303996
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Taylor
Age : 47
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304022
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Russell Starnes
Age : 40
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304025
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: OWI; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DEF. USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Casey Ramos Jr.
Age : 28
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304011
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jesse Sanchez
Age : 41
Residence: Schneider, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304008
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Samantha Shaffer
Age : 51
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304006
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Potter
Age : 50
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304014
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Adam McCormick
Age : 28
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304024
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Frankie Munoz
Age : 35
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303986
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terry Perkins
Age : 61
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304019
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ian Pilkins
Age : 29
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304031
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A MOTORBOAT WHILE INTOXICATEDPRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Emanuel Ivy
Age : 28
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303990
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: LSCT
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Karlon Jackson
Age : 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304017
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Leonard Johnson
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303997
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Javier Martinez
Age : 37
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303991
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeffrey Davis
Age : 45
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303995
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Auop Elmatari
Age : 21
Residence: Oak Forest, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303993
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: INT-THREATEN ANOTHER W/INTENT THEY ENGAGE IN CONDUCT AGAINST WILL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Cardenas
Age : 27
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304028
Arrest Date: April 27, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ray Dampier
Age : 44
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303992
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gerardo Avila
Age : 47
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304020
Arrest Date: April 26, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-finds-hammond-man-guilty-of-voluntary-manslaughter-not-guilty-of-murder/article_2e6b6622-f021-11ed-ad67-834ae1c3a24b.html | 2023-05-12T01:12:54 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-finds-hammond-man-guilty-of-voluntary-manslaughter-not-guilty-of-murder/article_2e6b6622-f021-11ed-ad67-834ae1c3a24b.html |
NORMAL — Normal Community High School's prom was held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Parke Regency Hotel in Bloomington.
Dexter Niekamp and Parker Williams were announced as prom royalty.
The prom court included Giana Rawlings, Reese Anderson, Phoebe Sweeney, Trey Fletcher, Dexter Niekamp, Abbey Rademacher, Lexi Allen, Jay Sweeney, Ani abbina and Parker Williams. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/normal-community-high-school-announces-prom-royalty/article_960a6f5a-ee85-11ed-9cdc-2b95964608ba.html | 2023-05-12T01:16:22 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/normal-community-high-school-announces-prom-royalty/article_960a6f5a-ee85-11ed-9cdc-2b95964608ba.html |
PHOENIX — What’s between the sun and the ground in the Valley can make a difference, and offer a shield for the city as a whole and in yards too.
“Because of our heat here trees provide such a different solution to urban challenges,” said Lora Martens, manager of the Urban Tree Program for the City of Phoenix.
Martens notes what many have likely felt: It does feel less hot in the shade than it does in the sun.
It’s the shade that American Forests Tree Equity Tool shows is badly needed in Phoenix. The places that are hotter and have less tree cover are going to be prioritized for new trees to be planted by the City of Phoenix.
“It’s going to be places like South Phoenix, Maryvale, the I-17 corridor,” Martens said.
But it’s around Phoenix in individual yards that can benefit from more coverage.
“I would try to encourage people to shoot for 50 to 75% tree canopy coverage and 50% shrub coverage,” Martens said.
Martens said that idea can make a difference, not only in saving water by replacing a lawn but in heat as well.
“What they replace that lawn with is going to have a big impact on how hot our city is going to be in the future. If you just take out your lawn and you put in all gravel and you don't put any shade in, it's going to make the city hotter,” Martens said.
Ryan Jerrell, who owns Dig It Gardens and Dig It Design, said about 75% of the projects they do for clients are pulling lawns out.
“If it’s 115 in the street and you come inside the garden center in July, it's noticeably cooler. And we have pavers and we have granite and things but just the density of the plants - that's what it's instantaneously cooler, especially in the shade,” Jerrell said.
Jerrell said it’s about shifting a mindset from traditional lush yards of lawn and hedges to a desert lush with native plants and those that can take the heat - even thrive in it.
At Dig It Gardens, Jerrell points to plants like Moss Verbena and Globe Mallow and a tree like a Desert Willow as options to provide shade and ground cover through native species.
These kinds of plants can start small and grow big quickly in the right conditions.
“With a little heat and especially with some rain, things will just put on size,” Jerrell said.
As another option to replace heat-radiating granite, Jerrell recommends wood chips.
“There are appropriate situations where you could, instead of granite, use wood chips. That’s a much cooler product. It actually, as it decomposes and breaks down, it’s benefiting the soil,” Jerrell said. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/heatbeat/shade-coverage-part-plan-help-address-heat-phoenix/75-f6925bf7-b0fa-4a03-b2f7-31653736d328 | 2023-05-12T01:16:51 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/heatbeat/shade-coverage-part-plan-help-address-heat-phoenix/75-f6925bf7-b0fa-4a03-b2f7-31653736d328 |
INDIANAPOLIS — One person is in the hospital after a water rescue on the White River Thursday evening.
Firefighters say a boat capsized on the river south of downtown around 7 p.m. One of the occupants was able to notify 911 of the accident and direct rescuers to the other person who was in the boat. Witnesses on the river bank also called 911 and assisted firefighters.
According to IFD, the first victim was OK, but the other was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition.
This story will be updated as more details are concerned. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/1-hospitalized-after-indianapolis-white-river-water-rescue/531-c137c42b-1ce1-4512-8757-1865f1b73198 | 2023-05-12T01:21:17 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/1-hospitalized-after-indianapolis-white-river-water-rescue/531-c137c42b-1ce1-4512-8757-1865f1b73198 |
Flagstaff Judge Howard Grodman dismissed on Wednesday a restraining order filed by Republican Arizona Sen. Wendy Rogers against an Arizona Capitol Times reporter, stating that investigative reporting is a legitimate purpose and recognizing that the reporter, Camryn Sanchez, was acting in her capacity as a journalist and watchdog.
Sanchez requested the hearing that took place this week in Flagstaff Justice Court to challenge Rogers' injunction against harassment. The proceeding would play out in an uncharacteristically packed courtroom.
Supporters for Rogers filed into the first row of the gallery, Republican state Sen. Anthony Kern among them.
Rogers attended the hearing in person, dressed in a dark-colored skirt suit, her Air Force wings pinned to her blazer’s lapel. When she arrived, she leaned over the bar to chat amicably with her supporters.
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It fell to the senator's counsel to prove that Sanchez’s actions leading up to the order’s filing on April 19 would have harassed, annoyed or intimidated a reasonable person. It also had to prove that Sanchez was harassing Rogers without a legitimate purpose.
Sanchez is the only journalist in Arizona whose sole job is to report on the state senate, and she is a credentialed member of the media working at the Arizona Capitol.
In April, Sanchez was looking into rumors about Rogers' residency. The senator represents District 7, which Flagstaff is within, and claims she lives primarily in the northern Arizona area.
Rogers owns two additional houses, with one in Tempe and another that was recently purchased in Chandler. She claims she retains her Maricopa County houses so that she can live closer to the Arizona Capitol during the legislative session.
Under state law, Rogers is eligible to be reimbursed for mileage and paid per diem related to her travel to and from Flagstaff as a resident of Coconino County.
Sanchez had made a series of public records requests regarding Rogers' mileage reports and the per diem she was earning -- which the reporter testified totaled in the $19,000 range. Meanwhile, Sanchez was working to determine whether Rogers actually used the Flagstaff home as her primary residence.
Rogers' addresses can be found in documents that are available as a matter of public record. During the course of Sanchez’s investigation, she visited both of the senator’s Maricopa County homes to determine whether she lived in them full time.
Sanchez testified that she would have interviewed Rogers if she was home, but she was also looking for evidence of a primary residence. She talked to neighbors about their observations.
Sanchez was wearing her senate-issued press credentials when she visited both houses on April 18. She later returned to one of Rogers' homes at “twilight” on April 19, before she was aware of the injunction, and testified she visited later in the day because it was more likely that people working day jobs would be home and available for interviews.
Rogers testified at the hearing, saying she was alarmed by the reporter showing up at her houses unannounced -- and at night.
When Rogers applied for the injunction, she told Judge Amy Criddle she did not believe that knocking on someone’s door was a normal thing for a journalist to do. The senator also issued a press release claiming that “no one in their right mind” would knock on the front door of a house they were not invited to visit.
The issue of what defines "welcome" surfaced frequently during the hearing. Rogers' attorney, William Fischbach, asked Sanchez if she had seen a “welcome reporters” sign at Rogers' home. The judge responded to that point later, during the plaintiff’s closing argument, to point out that anyone can knock on a door at any point.
Grodman said in order for Sanchez to be served the injunction, a processor had to knock on the door of the reporter’s residence. That likely was not a welcome visit, Grodman added, and Sanchez probably didn’t have a “welcome processors” sign on her door. He underlined that it is not illegal to be an unannounced guest, knocking on a front door, so long as no-trespassing signs are not posted.
Sanchez’s attorney said in his closing statement that the issue of "welcome" implied that somehow reporters need permission to do their jobs.
When Rogers was cross-examined by Sanchez’s attorney, Christopher Hennessy, the senator testified that as a candidate for office, she herself had knocked on “tens of thousands of doors,” talking to voters who ostensibly had not invited her to engage with them.
“You’re suggesting campaigners can’t knock on doors?” Rogers asked Sanchez’s attorney.
“You’re suggesting reporters can’t knock on doors?” Hennessy replied.
Knocking on the door of a potential source is not an unusual practice in journalism.
“I think a lot of reporters knock on doors,” Sanchez told the Arizona Daily Sun. “It’s pretty common. It’s part of our job. It’s part of due diligence. You have to give people the opportunity to speak.”
As Sanchez was working on a story about Rogers, she testified to making several attempts to speak to the senator and find out her side of the story.
On April 17, Sanchez sent a text message to Kim Quintero, the communication director for the Arizona Senate Majority, to ask for an interview with Rogers. According to elements of their conversation that was read into court record Tuesday, Quintero doubted Rogers would offer comment but promised to send a screenshot of the request to the senator.
Fischbach asserted the conversation was evidence that Sanchez knew Rogers wouldn’t talk to her, so she had no reason to seek an interview with the lawmaker at her private home.
While on the stand, Sanchez maintained she was not only visiting the homes for an interview with the senator but to make broader observations and talk with neighbors.
Rogers said she was most alarmed at “having my private residence visited by somebody who was forbidden to approach me at my office.”
Previously, in her capacity as a senate reporter, Sanchez had approached Rogers at her desk on the senate floor. Rogers testified that it is custom, and allowed, for reporters to approach senators on the floor after the gavel drops and proceedings close. Sanchez asked Rogers in January if she would like to talk about Senate Bills 1045 and 1046 — pieces of legislation that Rogers was sponsoring.
“I did not want to be questioned,” Rogers said during the hearing.
When the senator didn’t reply, Sanchez asked Rogers whether she had received bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel, following up on a comment that surfaced during the course of another journalist’s reporting.
Rogers characterized the question as disrespectful and stated her space was invaded. While Rogers vehemently maintained she “is not intimidated easily,” she described Sanchez as having an “athletic build” and leaned in on the fact that the reporter was taller and younger.
Rogers said Sanchez had “invaded her personal space” on the senate floor, stating the two were about 3 feet apart.
“That’s the people’s seat, that’s where they elected me to serve. I hold that space as a sacred space ... [anyone in that space] is infringing on me and on my people,” Rogers said.
Sanchez said she asked more than one senator if they had taken bribes from the cartel that same day, a means of doing journalistic due diligence in following up with a tip. The other senator, Sanchez said, responded amicably.
Rogers called the question disrespectful and told the reporter, “You are dismissed.”
Sanchez was then asked not to approach the senator at her desk. She was warned that if she did, the action would risk her losing her senate credentials. The reporter stated she asked Quintero about the restriction later and was told she was allowed to approach the senator in other settings.
In applying for the restraining order, Rogers wrote, “It is my request that Ms. Sanchez not be permitted access to the Arizona Senate, which is my place of work.”
The judge did not grant the request, which would have effectively prohibited the reporter from doing her job.
Rogers would go on to assert on Twitter that Sanchez was “creepy” and used the word “stalking” on the stand. In his cross-examination of Sanchez and closing argument, Fischbach attempted to equate the reporter’s actions to burglary or trespassing. At one point he asked Sanchez if she would have stolen a decorative item or flower pot from Rogers' home if it was not behind a fence, to which Sanchez responded with a crisp, “No.”
The judge clarified that under the law there was no evidence Sanchez had stalked, burglarized or trespassed at any point.
Before Grodman officially issued his dismissal of the injunction, he noted that Rogers' claim of annoyance was likely legitimate. He added that under the law, however, a reasonable person would have to be intimidated, harassed or annoyed. He stated that as a public figure, Rogers might have been sensitive to the situation in ways that resulted in genuine concern.
Still, the judge said, he didn’t think there was a series of events in the case that would cause a reasonable person to be harassed. Approaching a senator at their desk, he said, did not sound like an ambush.
“The strongest point where [the restraining order] must be dismissed is in the area of legitimate purpose,” said Grodman. “Investigative reporting is a legitimate purpose. It just is.” | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-judge-quashes-wendy-rogers-restraining-order-against-reporter/article_6e742b5c-f029-11ed-b707-afaa4a1dd5cf.html | 2023-05-12T01:33:15 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-judge-quashes-wendy-rogers-restraining-order-against-reporter/article_6e742b5c-f029-11ed-b707-afaa4a1dd5cf.html |
The AIA announced recently the baseball awards for the Grand Canyon Region this season, and players from both Flagstaff and Coconino were all over the list.
Flagstaff junior Luke Hewes was named the offensive player of the year, and Eagles manager Kenny Macias earned coach of the year honors.
Coconino seniors Quinn Mickelson and Jacob Clouse were named to the first team, along with five players from Flagstaff. Hewes was joined by freshman Will Carpenter, senior Heath Lopez, senior Nick Lopez and senior Luke Wilson.
The Eagles, a 4A Conference ballclub along with the Panthers, had three players on the second team in senior Caleb Clifton, sophomore Logan Weidinger and junior Jake Carpenter. Coconino juniors Hayden Mickelson and Ryker Patten were also included.
Coconino seniors Tyler Ragen, Connor Calahan and Caden Talley received honorable mention nods. The Eagles had senior Sammy Faust and junior Silas Richmann on the honorable mentions list.
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The 2A Northland Prep Academy Spartans had several athletes named to the Central all-region teams, headlined by junior Jordan Donahue winning player of the year. Dylan Brown earned co-coach of the year, along with Phoenix Christian's Mark Band.
Donahue was joined on the first team by senior Jeremiah Wilson, junior Sawyer Gesten, junior Leaf Bailen and junior Henry Troutman. Spartans on the second team included senior Dylan Moneypenny, senior Mario Banda, sophomore Michael Cary, freshman Blayden Cosper and junior Luke Applin. The region did not put out an honorable mention list.
Track and field
The qualifiers for the state track and field championship meet were released early this week, with competitors from each of the four area high schools earning spots for the event to take place over the weekend in Mesa.
Basis Flagstaff senior Even Hofstetter, who won three titles in the Division V meet, qualified for both the long jump and triple jump events.
Keeping with the jumping sports, Flagstaff had seniors Owen Firth and Tyler Tucker on the list for the boys pole vault. And sophomores Teagan Margin and Rachel Hagerman qualified for the high jump.
Flagstaff also qualified a boys 4x800-meter relay team, along with senior Dash McQuivey in the 3,200-meter to round out the boys performers. Freshman Taylor Biggambler is on the list for the girls 3200m.
Coconino junior Cole Hagaman earned a spot in the 110m hurdle race, and he also qualified for the pole vault. Junior Nicholas Wolfe will be in the boys 3200m race.
Northland Prep Academy senior Lukas Pico, the only Spartan boy to qualify, earned a spot in the 110m hurdles. He'll be joined by senior Abigail Yanka in the girls high jump. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/local-roundup-area-baseball-players-named-to-all-region-teams/article_1f079028-f019-11ed-85af-8f6b503d88e2.html | 2023-05-12T01:33:19 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/local-roundup-area-baseball-players-named-to-all-region-teams/article_1f079028-f019-11ed-85af-8f6b503d88e2.html |
ALLEN, Texas — A funeral service is being held tonight in the Dallas area for a couple and their 3-year-old son who were among the eight people killed in the Allen mall shooting.
We've learned the young mother, Cindy Cho, had ties to Houston. She graduated from Cypress Falls High School in the Cy-Fair Independent School District. Cindy was working as a dentist in the Dallas area and her husband, Kyu Cho, was an immigration attorney.
Their youngest son James died in the mass shooting. Cindy is being remembered as a hero for shielding their 6-year-old son William and saving his life.
State Sen. John Whitmire said Cindy Cho's father is an elder at a Korean church in Houston.
"It is with great sorrow that I have learned that three of the victims of the mass shooting in Allen had ties to Houston," Whitmire tweeted. "A young Dallas couple Kyu and Cindy Cho and their 3-year-old son James were killed in that senseless mass shooting. Their 6-year-old son, William, survived but will have to spend the rest of his life without his family. A GoFundMe account has been set up for William."
As of Thursday morning, the account raised over $1.8M to help cover medical and funeral expenses and future needs of William. Phoenix Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who went to Allen High School, donated $15,000.
Murray called the mass shooting "sickening" and asked, "When is this s--t gonna stop?"
William Cho 'recovering well'
On Wednesday, extended family members released a statement updating William's condition and thanking everyone for their support.
"Our hearts are broken for our beloved family members who are no longer with us. We are deeply grateful and sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers. William is recovering well.
"All of our attention is now focused on ensuring William leads a happy, healthy life with his extended family who love him dearly. We ask that you respect and honor our family's privacy in the coming days and weeks so that we may mourn and honor our loved ones' legacies and lives."
Family members said Kyu and Cindy took their sons to the outlet to swap out some clothes that William received for his birthday. The boy turned 6 four days before the shooting.
Prestonwood Christian Academy shared that William is a student at the school and in a video said it's providing counseling for students and staff.
“We’re certainly heartbroken over the news of the shooting in Allen, Texas," Dr. Mike Goddard, the school's superintendent, said. “We’re very family oriented and we rely on God during times like this.”
RELATED: Read more about William Cho
James Cho was sweet, cute and 'brilliant'
At a memorial set up outside the mall, Trinity Whitley told our sister station WFAA that she was James’ day care teacher in McKinney.
“[James] was innocent, and he did nothing wrong,” Whitley said. “He usually wore elephant bibs and shirts. He loved elephants, loved elephants.”
The cross at the memorial with James’ name has a stuffed elephant toy pinned on it.
“He was sweet and smart, and he was so cute,” Whitley continued. “And he was a brilliant child. I've never actually met a 3-year-old that was that smart. He was three and he was writing his own name.”
Whitley said James’ mother, Cindy, was her dentist.
"His mom, she was so sweet, and she would always say thank you that [the day care staff] always takes care of her son."
Whitley brought a green balloon to add to the memorial, which was James’ favorite color, she said.
“He was a super sweet kid and every day we’re going to miss him. And there won’t be a day we’re not thinking about him,” she added.
The other five victims who died have been identified and include sisters Daniela Mendoza, 11, and Sofia Mendoza, 8; Christian LaCour, 20; Aishwarya Thatikonda, 27; and Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32.
Six others remain hospitalized with various injuries from the shooting. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/allen-mall-shooting-victims-cho-family/285-b814893f-22af-4d64-b5d1-ef89bc4bfb78 | 2023-05-12T01:33:52 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/allen-mall-shooting-victims-cho-family/285-b814893f-22af-4d64-b5d1-ef89bc4bfb78 |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The future of two Wichita sober living homes was tested Thursday. The IVY Home Foundation opened up the homes, one for men and one for women, earlier in the year. The goal is to give people a fresh start in a nice neighborhood.
“The backlash makes me really sad,” said Ivery Kaufman, founder of IVY Home Foundation.
Since opening, Kaufman says some neighbors have been upset.
“They’re concerned about the greater number of traffic and who the people are that might be living here because they have children or they’ve built a quiet community,” Kaufman said.
The Wichita Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) held a hearing Thursday to consider rezoning the homes to allow up to 12 residents in each home.
“It sounds extreme, but that’s the right number of people for a good community, where people support each other and provide resources to one another,” Kaufman explained.
Several neighbors took the podium and voiced concerns.
“It’s been two months and two weeks, and we’ve seen two police cars, calls already,” one neighbor said.
“With increased traffic with that many people in that house that those children are going to be at risk of not being seen,” another resident said.
The commission heard testimonies and debated for over an hour. Ultimately, the commission passed the rezoning for both homes. The women’s vote passed by a slim margin. The item now moves to the city council.
“Because you were homeless once or because you were addicted to drugs once, that does not mean you were dangerous. It was a circumstance,” Kaufman said.
Resources:
- MAPC Report – May 1, 2023: East 17th Street North and North Woodlawn Boulevard
- MAPC Report – May 8, 2023: East Stonegate Lane and East 13th Street North | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-sober-homes-up-for-rezoning-citizens-voice-concerns/ | 2023-05-12T01:39:02 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-sober-homes-up-for-rezoning-citizens-voice-concerns/ |
NAPLES, Fla. — A nursing home employee stole nearly $12,000 from an 85-year-old man with dementia, according to The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Tracey Anna Massey, 42 was arrested on Tuesday and now faces multiple charges.
Massey’s son, Deshaun Blake told NBC2 that his mom worked as an activity manager at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Naples for two years.
“She was friends with an old man and he died, but he gave her permission to cash some checks,” said Blake.
The report says Massey wrote and deposited three separate checks of $2,200 to Regions Bank and two additional checks for $1,500 and 8,000.
Blake believes the victim cannot defend the accusations since he recently died.
Blake said, “She was a good worker, always playing bingo and having fun. My mom wouldn’t exploit an old man!”
ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Naples told NBC2 they could not comment on the situation but said they no longer employ Massey.
Kathy Baranski was the victim’s court-appointed guardian. She said as soon as she realized her client was being exploited, she reported it to the nursing home.
Baranski went to the bank and was alerted that multiple checks had been processed. “I made copies, took it back to ProMedica nursing home, turned it in to them, and stated I had no clue who this person was and could they help me find this out.”
Baranski said the nursing home discovered it was one of their own employees, so they called CCSO and detectives began investigating.
Baranski said she was unsure if the victim knew what was happening because of his dementia. She said he passed away two weeks ago.
Baranski said, “They were very friendly (the suspect), and I think he (the victim) liked her friendship and I think that played a big part in it.” “The deputy detective did come in and interviewed him (the victim). I’m not sure what answers he gave because I was not in that interview.”
Baranski fears that older people might be scammed more often in the future.
She said, “With the internet and technology and everything, i think it’s going to be more easier for them to get scammed, and if they don’t have family or friends watching over them, if they’re alone, who knows what will happen to them that’s why guardianship is involved so we can help protect these people.”
Massey is facing two felonies, one for exploitation of the elderly and another for grand theft. Deputies said she stole nine checks totaling $11,900 from the victim and deposited them into her personal bank accounts. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/05/10/naples-caregiver-accused-of-stealing-over-11k-from-dementia-patient/ | 2023-05-12T01:39:45 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/collier-county/2023/05/10/naples-caregiver-accused-of-stealing-over-11k-from-dementia-patient/ |
A day after embattled New York Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty to charges in the U.S., he signed an agreement Thursday with public prosecutors in Brazil to avoid prosecution for forging two stolen checks in 2008.
“What would have been the start of a case was ended today,” Santos’ lawyer in Brazil, Jonymar Vasconcelos, told The Associated Press in a text message. “As such, my client is no longer the subject of any case in Brazil.”
Asked about the details of the non-prosecution agreement, Vasconcelos demurred, citing the fact the case proceeded under seal. The public prosecutors' office of Rio de Janeiro state also declined to comment when contacted by the AP.
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Court records in Brazil, first uncovered by The New York Times, show Santos was the subject of a criminal charge for using two stolen checks to buy items at a shop in the city of Niteroi, including a pair of sneakers that he gifted to a friend. At the time, Santos would have been 19. The purchase totaled 2,144 Brazilian reais, then equal to about $1,350, according to the charge prosecutors filed in 2011.
That followed an investigation opened in 2008 and Santos’ signed confession, in which he admitted to having stolen the checkbook of his mother’s former employer from her purse and making purchases, including in the store, and recognizing the fraudulent checks as those he had signed, according to the court documents reviewed by the AP.
A judge accepted the charges against Santos in 2011, but subsequent subpoenas for him to appear personally or present a written defense went unanswered and, with authorities repeatedly unable to determine his whereabouts, the case was suspended in 2013. That changed after he won a U.S. congressional seat and the subsequent flurry of media attention focused on his dubious credentials. Rio state prosecutors then petitioned to reopen the case.
Per terms of the non-prosecution agreement, Santos will pay 24,000 reais (almost $5,000), with the majority going to the shopkeeper who received the bad checks and the remainder to charities, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported, without saying how it obtained the information. Santos attended the meeting virtually, the paper reported.
Resolution of the case removes the possibility Santos might have been obliged to travel to another country to resolve pending charges; that could have been been complicated after he was forced to surrender his passport after recent charges in the U.S.
On Wednesday in New York, Santos pleaded not guilty to charges he stole from his campaign and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, while collecting unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/rep-george-santos-reaches-deal-to-avoid-prosecution-in-brazil-over-stolen-checks/4326562/ | 2023-05-12T01:40:46 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/rep-george-santos-reaches-deal-to-avoid-prosecution-in-brazil-over-stolen-checks/4326562/ |
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Residents of a Cape Coral apartment complex in the 600th block of SE 13th Ave. were awoken by popping sounds and smells of something burning Wednesday morning.
According to the Cape Coral Fire Department (CCFD), residents found a fire in the laundry room. Despite their attempts to put it out with a fire extinguisher, the flames reignited.
The residents then closed the laundry room door to keep the fire from spreading and evacuated the apartment. CCFD came to the scene extinguished the flames and rescued the residents’ cat.
Fire officials said no one was injured; however, the fire was in an upstairs unit and the apartment below suffered water damage.
CCFD said the Red Cross is available for the occupant if necessary and the cause of the fire is under investigation. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/10/cat-rescued-from-fire-in-cape-coral-apartment/amp/ | 2023-05-12T01:45:15 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/10/cat-rescued-from-fire-in-cape-coral-apartment/amp/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — With hot weather in the forecast, experts have a warning about how cold rivers and lakes are right now. The temperatures can really be a shock to the system, especially because we're not used to it so early in the season.
In some places, municipal fountains are up and running.
But the big concern for first responders is out on the rivers and lakes. That water is just too cold to swim safely.
The temptation for some to take a dip may be pretty big, with temperatures headed into the eighties and nineties over an early season weekend.
And with water temperatures down around 50 degrees or colder at all the popular spots, there's a danger. KGW met Clackamas County Lt. Marcus Mendoza at the Sheriff’s Office river patrol boathouse on the Willamette River to hear the warning about getting in the water.
“These are not late summer conditions — these are early season conditions. The water is really cold. It's moving fast. So we're just asking people to really use caution. If you're going to recreate in and around the water, please be aware,” said Mendoza.
Be aware and be smart, the message went; it's just not worth risking it. Like every season, deputies will be out there on the water, but if you decide to jump into a frigid river:
“Your body's gonna have that initial reaction to seize up. You’re going to want to breathe and that causes a problem if you're submerged,” said Mendoza, who oversees the marine patrol unit.
Mendoza recommends nothing more than dipping your feet in where it's safe. And of course, life vests always.
“It may not be what your kid or you want to wear," he said, "but if you're going to be out in the water, it's what's going to save your life.”
As for boaters, marine patrol deputies say to be responsible for yourself and your passengers. Don't operate a boat impaired, and be sure you have all the safety equipment on board, then follow the rules of the river.
And back on dry ground, thankfully some places have turned on the water features just in time for the heat. KGW found some kids enjoying Salmon Street Springs at Portland's downtown waterfront.
One mother of two young children thinks Thursday’s visit may not be their only one over the next few days.
“Being stuck in the house all day, I mean, I don't know ... I don't know if I could do that,” said Shaquita Hawblitzel of Beaverton.
So the advice for now — stay out of the rivers. But if you're going to be at other places outside, be sure to hydrate, use sunscreen, find some shade and don't overdo it. And watch after your kids or others vulnerable to the heat. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-weekend-heat-cold-water-warning/283-8bff8632-e4c0-4a83-93b1-aa980786d875 | 2023-05-12T01:49:52 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-weekend-heat-cold-water-warning/283-8bff8632-e4c0-4a83-93b1-aa980786d875 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Story in downtown Portland airs tonight at 6 p.m. on KGW and on the live stream at kgw.com
Downtown Portland has developed something of a bad reputation. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been a slow rebound for the area, marked by reduced foot traffic, soaring office vacancies, rampant unsheltered homelessness and a perception, at least, that the area isn't safe. But is it really as bad as it's cracked up to be?
The Story's Pat Dooris took a walk through downtown earlier this week. His assessment? It's a mixed bag. Downtown Portland isn't a total bombed-out hellscape like some folks like to say post-pandemic and 2020 protests. But neither is it the place it was even five years ago.
It can vary from block to block. Some streets appeared deserted, with smatterings of boarded-up and padlocked shops — businesses that have either closed, moved or transitioned online. There are office buildings that look much like they did a few years ago, but now they're half-empty, with most employees working from home.
According to industry analyst CoStar, nearly 22% of office space in downtown Portland is vacant. Vacancy rates are lower for retail space, less than 6%, which is actually better than it was in 2015. While office vacancy has been getting progressively worse, retail vacancy has gone through multiple peaks and valleys over the last decade and could actually be on the upswing.
Office vacancy through the Portland metro area has gone up dramatically since the pandemic, but it doesn't hold a candle to downtown on its own.
Even if Portland is a particularly dramatic specimen, the rise in office vacancy is part of a nationwide trend for cities. The pandemic accelerated growth in remote work, and many companies have moved their operations out to the suburbs.
There are also signs of recovery downtown — some blocks look much like they did before the pandemic. The Apple store recently removed the security fences installed after it was looted in 2020, though they did hedge their bets with a lattice-work of clear polycarbonate panels around the store's floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
And there are a few people out and about for roving reporters to question. Some told Dooris that they thought downtown was "scary," mentioned the pervasive smell of urine or remarked on the lack of activity. But still others told Dooris that they think downtown Portland might have bottomed out and is ready to rise again.
Peril of the arts
As musicians at the Oregon Symphony rehearse onstage at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, they're laser-focused — making sure they hit all the right notes.
But backstage, CEO Scott Showalter is worried.
"It's going to be a difficult business moving forward without support from our local community," he said.
Nonetheless, there's something magical about Southwest Main and Broadway in downtown Portland.
"When the arts district is up and vibrant and going, there's nothing like it," said Kirk Mouser, artistic director of nonprofit musical theater company Stumptown Stages.
Right now, Mouser's company is getting ready for a production of "The Full Monty." It opens next month at the Portland5 Center for the Arts.
A few weeks ago, The Story put a question to viewers: "Are you willing to come downtown to see a show or catch a concert?"
The responses were mixed. Some viewers had no problem at all coming downtown to support the local arts. Others said that they were afraid to make the trek — that downtown has changed and it's no longer safe. In both camps were people who said they've been coming downtown for years.
Whether that "unsafe" reputation is warranted or not, it's the perception that the downtown arts organizations are battling.
"The greatest threat to the Oregon Symphony today is, in fact, the perception that downtown is unsafe," Showalter said. "It's the number one reason by far that people are holding back from coming to live performances."
Showalter isn't just saying that, either. He's got data to back it up, gleaned from extensive surveys of the symphony's accustomed patrons.
The Oregon Symphony asked why people weren't renewing subscriptions. Most of the top eight responses had to do with the state of downtown Portland.
"Lack of police presence, homelessness, drug use, you name it — these issues are very familiar to all of us," Showalter said. "But they're impacting the Oregon Symphony whose business is predicated on in-person experiences especially."
There are other issues at play for organizations like the Oregon Symphony as well. No one gets into the arts to get rich, but across the board it's becoming more difficult to get by — and more expensive to put on a show.
"Our materials and supplies and just building a set, a putting a show up — we see the cost of wood, lumber, increasing significantly," said Mouser.
Local grants have dropped and Metro is raising the rent at both venues.
"Our rates, our total bill to use this facility, named for the Oregon Symphony, have doubled since 2016," Showalter said. "Local government, the city and Metro, have created a chasm of $1.5 million dollars more than was the case back in 2016."
"When you're losing money and yet expenses are increasing, you can kind of see the writing on the wall," Mouser said. "At some point you jump ship, or you just no longer exist."
And "jumping ship," Mouser acknowledged — moving elsewhere — is on the table if things don't turn around.
"For us to be able to survive and thrive in the future, we're going to need significant help and soon," Showalter said. "God forbid (without a change), we will become a shadow of our former selves."
If the lights of downtown Portland's arts district go dark, it'll leave a hole in the heart of the city, both men said. But they also have hope — and a request.
"Come back downtown," Showalter said. "I mean, that is the number one thing that we all need to do in droves ... is come to live performances at the Schnitz and around the region."
"If you want that Portland that you dream about, that you love, then be part of it," added Mouser. "Come downtown, see for yourself."
Filling the empty space
Last year, a study from UC Berkeley looked at the ways in which cities' downtown districts have recovered or failed to recover from the pandemic. They listed Portland near the very bottom for recovery — number 60 out of 62 cities studied across North America.
One of the researchers on the study told KGW that Portland was too reliant on office workers. Karen Chapple said that the cities that recovered faster are the ones who populated downtown in other ways.
"What they could do if they wanted to get better, if they wanted to look like San Diego — or New York, even, which is back at 78% of pre-pandemic levels — beef up your arts and entertainment sectors," Chapple said. "Tourism is bringing back a number of different cities."
It's no surprise that people in the arts industry agree. J.S. May, president of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, said that Oregonians may not realize the economic impact of the arts.
"People think about this being a small sector. Across the state of Oregon, we're $9.5 billion worth of business on an annual basis," May said. "The timber industry is $7 billion. So we're larger than than what you would think about as one of Oregon's core industries."
May said that the average person coming out to see a show will spend about $45 each on things outside of the theater or concert hall, things like dinner or drinks before the show.
Even here in downtown Portland, it isn't all doom, gloom and hand-wringing. There are fresh faces looking to bring something new to the space.
"Opening weekend is completely sold out, our field trips are full, we're filling up the following weekends as well," said Nick Fenster, managing director for the Northwest Children's Theater.
The staff at the Northwest Children's Theater are thrilled about moving into their new space downtown.
"We've always wanted to be downtown and specifically this neighborhood, on Broadway in the arts district, across from the Schnitzer and Newmark, Winningstad," Fenster said. "This is pretty much the ideal location for a theater company."
They renovated an old movie theater at Southwest Broadway and Main, signing a 30-year lease for the space.
"We are absolutely in it for the long haul," Fenster said. "We are taking the long view on this and I have absolute 100% confidence that in short order here, downtown is going to be the place to be."
They're ready to give families a reason to come back downtown, with shows, movies, classes and camps that are filling up quickly — and a lot more planned for the future.
"This is where Cinderella is going to open in a couple of weeks," Fenster added, "which is an original big band, tap musical version of the story taking place here in the round in our black box space."
Fenster said that they haven't had any concerns about safety in downtown Portland. They've got confidence in their building's security, and they're sure of the potential here — they want to be part of downtown Portland's future.
"I see it come to life when there's a performance across the street with the symphony, or I'Il see it come to life when there's a play at the Newmark," he said. "Part of the magic of coming to work every day is when I leave for the night and the Schnitzer is just coming to life and it's all lit up and there's a big crowd coming out of our parking lot, it just feels like we're kind of at the epicenter of things here."
Fenster echoed what Chapple and May were saying — that there may be a lot of vacancy at downtown office buildings, but they could always be filled with arts organizations like the Northwest Children's Theater. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/downtown-portland-arts-theater-concert-safety-crime/283-66ea8504-312f-4c86-9255-fd490d7e9a20 | 2023-05-12T01:49:58 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/downtown-portland-arts-theater-concert-safety-crime/283-66ea8504-312f-4c86-9255-fd490d7e9a20 |
Last year, Boise’s Director of Human Resources Sarah Borden asked for help.
The city was growing, and her office couldn’t keep up with the demand. She asked for help with developing the city’s talent acquisition team.
“I’m happy to report, as of yesterday, HR is fully staffed, for the first time since I started in two-some years ago,” Borden said during Tuesday’s Boise City Council work session.
“I just want to commend you on potentially being the only entity in the entire city of Boise who’s fully staffed,” Councilmember Holli Woodings said later in the meeting. “That is no small feat.”
Nationally, entities are struggling to fill vacant positions and employers are vying for the same employees, Borden said. Boise is growing and the city needs more employees.
“This has not resolved itself,” Borden said.
In Idaho, there are 1.5 jobs per each available person. The Gem State’s unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the western United States, Borden said, plus the state is growing.
Currently, there are 1,865 regular staff with the city of Boise, including 558 full-time fire and police contract employees. The city also hires 640 annual temporary workers, including lifeguards and camp staff during the summer.
But there are also 200 vacancies, which amounts to a 10% vacancy rate, according to Borden’s presentation.
“That’s higher than we want, certainly,” Borden said.
One reason for vacant positions is that public safety hiring can be cyclical if potential police hires are waiting for the academy, she said. And other positions might be vacant, but the city isn’t ready to fill them.
An issue for the city is the number of applications the city gets per posting is trending downward, from almost 40 in 2019 to only 15 so far this year, according to the presentation.
“That’s the part that makes me nervous, because we need, we want the best people. We want them here quickly,” Borden said. “I think every director is running into this.”
She said the city’s human resources department is now writing offer letters, outsourcing background checks and collaborating with entities like the College of Western Idaho Workforce Development.
Since the start of 2023, the gap between filled positions and vacant positions is closing. There are currently 58 jobs posted for the city of Boise.
“We know there’s work to do, but we’re at least heading in the right direction,” Borden said. “This time next year, the story should be even better.”
In January 2022, the city of Boise had 228 unfilled positions and more in the police department. Its vacancy rate was around 12%.
Turnover in general employees soared to 16.1% in 2021, with more retirements and non-retirements than normal. Turnover in contract employees has been more stable.
“Forty-five percent of non-retirees said that either compensation or cost of living was driving them to make this decision (to leave),” Borden said last January. “Compensation and cost of living are top of mind for certainly a number of employees who wanted to talk to us about it.”
Vacancies have affected the city of Boise and its bottom line: Although the city saved $5.3 million in Fiscal Year 2022 on personnel expenses because of turnover and vacancies, it spent the same amount in overtime payroll.
Many departments were impacted by staff shortages that fiscal year.
Arts & History was below budget by $12,000 because it couldn’t hire enough part-time temporary labor and saved another $28,000 because it couldn’t find contractors to work on artwork repairs. But the artwork repair costs will be incurred in Fiscal Year 2023.
City council’s personnel expenses were $10,000 below budget, the Office of Community Engagement pocketed $87,000 due to vacancies and the Finance and Administration department spent $102,000 less than budgeted because of “higher vacancy levels.”
“Growth challenges us to do what other cities have struggled to do — protect the heart of our city while welcoming newcomers with open arms,” Mayor Lauren McLean wrote at the beginning of last year’s end-of-year report. “Boiseans respond to these challenges as we always have: addressing them head on and seeking opportunity in them.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/has-not-resolved-itself-city-of-boise-still-facing-job-vacancies/article_c8803cc8-ef50-11ed-b233-1f233a58d274.html | 2023-05-12T01:50:40 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/has-not-resolved-itself-city-of-boise-still-facing-job-vacancies/article_c8803cc8-ef50-11ed-b233-1f233a58d274.html |
An Idaho legislative committee that was created to be a check on federal power met Tuesday, taking testimony against a proposed federal rule on conservation and public land management — amid drought, wildfires and other drastic changes in the West.
The Idaho Legislature’s Committee on Federalism heard from a prepared lineup of witnesses that included Idaho agriculture and business groups. The meeting was open to the public.
The Bureau of Land Management and the Biden administration published the new public land rule last month. The BLM is accepting public comment until June 20. Anyone can provide a public comment online, at regulations.gov. The bureau had received more than 12,000 public comments as of May 9, with 42 days left in the public comment period.
The new proposed rule on conservation and land health is necessary to better manage public lands in response to climate change, historic droughts, large wildfires and severe storms that are being experienced across the West, BLM officials said in a press release before they published the proposed rule April 3.
Speakers who opposed the rule told Idaho’s GOP-controlled federalism committee at Tuesday’s meeting in the Idaho State Capitol that the rule could prioritize conservation over grazing, recreation, motorized vehicle usage and mining.
Those speakers included representatives from:
- U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher’s office
- J.R. Simplot Co.
- Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
- Idaho Water Resources Board
- Idaho Recreation Co.
Idaho’s 2023 legislative session adjourned April 6. The Committee on Federalism is an interim committee, meeting during the legislative off-season. The committee includes eight Republicans and two Democrats and is charged with monitoring federal laws and regulations that may affect Idaho.
In recent years, the committee has served as a sort of launching pad for the Idaho Legislature to push back against federal policies and laws it disagrees with, including COVID-19 restrictions and environmental, social and governance standards.
Everyone who spoke during Tuesday’s meeting was scheduled to speak in advance, according to the meeting’s agenda.
There was no testimony from conservation groups or members of the public. Nobody from the Bureau of Land Management, or who was in favor of the public lands rule, spoke to legislators.
Lori Lusty, senior environmental engineering manager for J.R. Simplot Co., told the federalism committee that the Bureau of Land Management allows multiple uses for public lands, making the land available for mining, oil and gas extraction, hunting, fishing, recreation and grazing. Under the proposed rule, Lusty worries that conservation leases and the ability for the BLM to designate areas of critical environmental concern would place additional limits on mining on Bureau of Land Management land.
“The long history of land management is that, with very few exceptions, once lands are designated for conservation purposes, they are no longer available for multiple uses,” Lusty said.
Across the country, the Bureau of Land Management oversees about 245 million acres of public land. In Idaho, the BLM oversees about 12 million acres, which is about 22% of the state’s land area.
The federalism committee doesn’t introduce or vote on bills, because the Idaho legislature is not in session, but its discussions often lead to new bills when the Idaho Legislature is in session, such as the bills pushing back against ESG standards.
Dirk Mendive, the regional director for U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher’s Meridian office, told the committee that the Bureau of Land Management is going around Congress by trying to reinterpret a federal law — the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 — through executive branch action.
“I just would like the committee to know that Congressman Fulcher is strongly opposed to this rule and he is currently exploring every legislative option that might be helpful to either stop or prevent this rule,” Mendive told the committee.
“It is our desire to see this rule stopped,” he added.
Russ Hendricks, the legislative director for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, also expressed concerns with the new public lands rule. He told the committee that he suspects the new rule would be used to implement cuts for grazing.
WHERE DID THE BLM’S NEW PUBLIC LANDS PROPOSED RULE COME FROM?The Bureau of Land Management published the proposed rule in the Federal Registry on April 3, kicking off a 75-day public comment period.
In a press release, BLM officials said the new rule lays the groundwork for preserving wildlife habitat and restoring public lands that have been affected by drought and wildfires. They said the proposed rule will give the federal government a way to identify areas of public land in need of conservation or restoration.
“As the nation continues to face unprecedented drought, increasing wildfires and the declining health of our landscapes, our public lands are under growing pressure. It is our responsibility to use the best tools available to restore wildlife habitat, plan for smart development, and conserve the most important places for the benefit of the generations to come,” Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland said in a written statement when the proposed public lands rule was announced. “As we welcome millions of visitors to hunt, fish and recreate on our public lands each year, now is the time to improve the health and management of special places.”
Shortly before adjourning Tuesday afternoon, the Idaho Legislature’s Committee on Federalism voted to submit feedback on the pending lands rule during this public comment period.
Committee members did not discuss what comments the committee would offer, or how they would agree to the language. Instead, legislators serving on the committee agreed to prepare statements and public comments after Tuesday’s meeting ended. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-legislative-committee-hears-from-opponents-of-blm-s-land-proposals/article_e1ccb41a-f048-11ed-87d1-5f8a59d646ea.html | 2023-05-12T01:50:46 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-legislative-committee-hears-from-opponents-of-blm-s-land-proposals/article_e1ccb41a-f048-11ed-87d1-5f8a59d646ea.html |
Environmental non-profit Snake River Waterkeeper (SRW) filed a civil lawsuit against J.R. Simplot Company on Tuesday for polluting the middle Snake River in violation of the Clean Water Act. SRW and its lawyers filed the lawsuit in federal court for the district of Idaho.
The lawsuit outlines the size and scope of Simplot’s Grand View Feedlot holding a maximum capacity of 150,000 head of cattle. The stockyard generates 47,450 tons of manure or more each year, according to the lawsuit.
“Manure pollution from intensive animal feeding operations fouls the water with excessive nutrients and dangerous pathogens like E. coli, making the river unsuitable for recreational activities and inhospitable to aquatic life,” the lawsuit said.
Rain and snow runoff carries manure, and its pollutants into nearby streams and canals that eventually flow into the Snake River, SRW Executive Director Buck Ryan told KTVB. Any company allowing this to happen would have to apply for, and carry, a Clean Water Act permit, according to the lawsuit.
“If they have the permit, all of the sudden, they have to actually monitor and report exactly what they’re discharging from their facility,” Ryan said. “And that’s critical. Right now, they can do anything they want and the public is unaware of — and unable to — find out through records requests what has happened to the river.”
Simplot is aware of the lawsuit, according to J.R. Simplot Company Associate Director Josh Jordan. The company cannot comment on the allegations because it is a pending legal matter.
“However, I will say that the Snake River has served as a backdrop for our operations in southern Idaho for more than 90 years,” Jordan wrote KTVB in an email. “It provides important water and nutrients for not only our farms and ranches, but also for many of our farming partners and a number of the communities where we operate, and our employees call home.”
The lawsuit is asking for a $64,618 fine against Simplot — per the Clean Water Act — for every day the company allegedly polluted the Snake River without the proper permit. Simplot has polluted the Snake River without a permit for more than five years, the lawsuit said.
“If we continue these kinds of practices, and we allow manure to work its way down through the bedrock — through the basalt and lava rock down into the drinking water aquifers — we’re just going to be poisoning ourselves for the future because that’s where our drinking water comes from,” Ryan said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/snake-river-waterkeeper-alleges-pollution-against-simplot-in-new-civil-lawsuit/article_ba0edff0-f04a-11ed-b7f2-ab675032cea3.html | 2023-05-12T01:50:52 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/snake-river-waterkeeper-alleges-pollution-against-simplot-in-new-civil-lawsuit/article_ba0edff0-f04a-11ed-b7f2-ab675032cea3.html |
New court documents accuse anti-government activist Ammon Bundy of hiding his assets in a new sequence of shell companies as a civil lawsuit against him continues.
In a message via Twitter, Bundy told Boise State Public Radio: “No assets are being hidden by any llc.”
In a video recording from April 19, Bundy said he sold his home and doesn’t have much for St. Luke’s Health System to recover in the case.
“I have a few cars that I own,” Bundy said, in addition to some tools and about $50,000 in cash.
St. Luke’s sued him, a close friend, Diego Rodriguez, and organizations tied to both men nearly a year ago after Bundy encouraged his followers to protest at the hospital. The grandson of Rodriguez was being evaluated at St. Luke’s over health concerns.
The protests last March sparked a lockdown at the hospital’s downtown Boise campus and forced ambulances to be rerouted.
The five-acre property in Emmett is now owned by White Barn Enterprises, an LLC registered by a company in Post Falls, and is estimated to be worth $1.2 million, according to court documents. The Gem County Assessor’s office said the property was worth $998,452 in its 2022 tax evaluation.
White Barn Enterprises is subsequently owned by a Wyoming corporation, Farmhouse Holdings LLC.
Just a handful of states, including Wyoming, allow owners of LLCs to remain anonymous.
Documents from the IRS filed by lawyers on behalf of St. Luke’s show both companies are owned by Aaron K. Welling, Bundy’s one-time treasurer for his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign.
The filings also include an email exchange between Welling and Donovan LaCour, an advisor with Wyoming-based incorporation company Prime Corporate Services from Dec. 13, 2022.
“I am sure you explained it to me but I can not [sic] recall and my office is ready to move all the existing assets for current business to new LLCs,” said Welling. “Are we moving the assets to White Barn Enterprise or Farm House Holdings?”
“The WY Holding Company is for Anonymity and privatization. People can’t see you as the member on your LLC in WY or your mailing address,” LaCour said.
Welling didn’t respond to a request from Boise State Public Radio for comment on the allegations. Bundy denies them.
“These appear to be fraudulent conveyances of assets into Wyoming trusts to prevent Plaintiffs from collecting on a judgment,” wrote Erik Stidham, an attorney contracted by St. Luke’s in its lawsuit against Bundy, Rodriguez and their entities.
Bundy has a history of using LLCs in his political life.
As previously reported by Boise State Public Radio, he paid $1,500 monthly to Abish-Husbondi Inc from his gubernatorial campaign totaling $27,000 from June 2021 to November 2022.
That Wyoming corporation listed Bundy as the president and sole officer of the company.
The former Idaho Deputy Secretary of State at the time said no complaints had been made and no action was taken.
BUNDY CLAIMS TO BE A VICTIM OF ‘LAWFARE’Bundy has yet to respond to the lawsuit in Ada County court.
Bundy acknowledged the case elsewhere on May 1, though, when he filed a request to move the case to federal court. Bundy accused St. Luke’s of engaging in “Lawfare,” which he described as “a level of warfare fought with lawyers using the courts as battlegrounds.”
Bundy alleged in a court filing Monday, May 8, that the district court has been “unlawful” in its handling of the case. Specifically, he argues that the court should have issued a “default” judgment against Bundy when he didn’t respond to the initial lawsuit.
“Only after (Bundy) was put in extreme jeopardy of losing all his property and his liberty did Judge Norton enter default, giving St. Luke’s open sights to everything (Bundy) owns,” he wrote.
He notes that St. Luke’s has, over the course of a year, updated its legal complaint to reflect a growing sum of monetary damages it says Bundy, Rodriguez and their entities owe the health system as they continue making allegedly defamatory statements about St. Luke’s.
Bundy asks the federal court to not only take up the state case, but to dismiss the lawsuit against him.
St. Luke’s responded swiftly.
“Bundy’s petition for removal … is yet another obstructionist tactic,” St. Luke’s attorneys said in court filings Monday, May 8. They said Bundy’s request has no merit, is baseless and untimely, and leaves out key information.
Bundy’s request “is simply a bid for more time while Bundy attempts to hide his assets and continues to use his family and acolytes as human shields to prevent his arrest,” the attorneys for St. Luke’s wrote.
Rodriguez filed his own motion Tuesday, to enjoin Bundy’s petition for the federal courts to take over the case. However, the language in Rodriguez’s motion indicates he seeks to join, not to enjoin, Bundy’s effort to move the lawsuit into federal courts.
An Idaho District Court judge last month issued a civil arrest warrant for him after finding probable cause he committed contempt. As of Wednesday morning, the warrant is still valid.
A trial in the case is scheduled for July 10. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/st-luke-s-attorneys-allege-ammon-bundy-is-hiding-assets-from-civil-suit-bundy-denies/article_cbc3a1d2-f049-11ed-a676-eb309778736e.html | 2023-05-12T01:50:58 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/st-luke-s-attorneys-allege-ammon-bundy-is-hiding-assets-from-civil-suit-bundy-denies/article_cbc3a1d2-f049-11ed-a676-eb309778736e.html |
What happens when the only doctor in town nears retirement?
It’s a situation that has a happy ending in Shoshone.
Dr. Keith Davis of Shoshone has served his community since 1985. But now, possibly nearing the end of his career, Family Health Services is building a clinic that will expand health care access. The groundbreaking ceremony for the 11,200-square-foot facility was Thursday, with completion expected next year.
It’s not that Davis has retired; he has a few years before he’d consider that. But he admits that before a partnership between his Shoshone Family Medical Center and FHS developed, he wondered what Shoshone residents would do.
He had recruited other physicians to Lincoln County, but they never seemed to stay around for long.
“It’s difficult to find doctors who want to move into rural areas,” he said.
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Davis is a rare breed. Not only did he offer same-day appointments but even house calls and occasional Saturday hours. He has had such a positive impact on Shoshone that a surprise awaited him at the groundbreaking.
The clinic on South Beverly Street will be named after him.
“His entire career he has spent taking care of the lives of those in Shoshone,” Family Health Services CEO Aaron Houston said prior to the announcement. “He lives here. He has dedicated his life here. We just want to recognize that.”
The transition of FHS caring for his patients began last fall, out of Davis’ Shoshone Family Medical Center.
The clinic will also provide a full-time dentist and hygienist and will charge on a sliding scale, based on Health and Human Services poverty guidelines, for patients who don’t have insurance. The addition of dental services is perhaps where Shoshone residents will benefit the most, said Davis, who is now working part-time for FHS.
The clinic will also offer behavioral health services.
“Our expansion into Shoshone was unique because the residents were already benefiting from affordable and accessible care due to Dr. Davis's private practice, Shoshone Family Medical Center,” said Karlie Haskins, FHS spokesman, in an email to the Times-News.
In addition to an $850,000 Health Resources and Services Administration Grant to help finance the clinic, $1.5 million in funding was secured by Rep. Mike Simpson to support the construction of a helipad and four-unit ambulance bay that will be attached to the facility.
The grant obtained for the clinic won’t pay for its entire cost, especially in the wake of higher construction costs since the pandemic, Houston said. It will likely cost close to $4 million, but FHS decided not to downsize in order to give Shoshone residents a proper health care facility.
Lincoln County commissioners and the city of Shoshone have agreed to lease the land for the new clinic.
Marc Essary, deputy director of Lincoln County Emergency Medical Services, said county EMS offices have been in various locations through the years, including the top floor of a Masonic Lodge, and a double-wide trailer donated by the school district.
“It’s working for now,” but he said it will be beneficial to have a more permanent home.
Before, when a medical helicopter had to land, an old school parking lot was used.
The Shoshone clinic will be the 11th addition to FHS’s network of clinics that are built to serve all patients, regardless of their age, background, insurance status, or ability to pay.
FHS is a federally-qualified community health center, receiving federal reimbursement for services that it provides to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/family-health-service-holds-groundbreaking-for-shoshone-clinic/article_77cde1c6-f050-11ed-ac67-0f0b0d72dd56.html | 2023-05-12T01:53:18 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/family-health-service-holds-groundbreaking-for-shoshone-clinic/article_77cde1c6-f050-11ed-ac67-0f0b0d72dd56.html |
David Jerold Wyatt, 58, of Idaho Falls died Friday, May 5, 2023, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Arrangements are under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, Idaho Falls.
Rusbel Saenz, 60, of Burley died Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary, Rupert.
Jan Duff, 63, of Twin Falls died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of White-Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Twin Falls.
Mario Galvan, 59, of Gooding died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service—Gooding Chapel.
Roxanne Page, 70, of Hagerman died Thursday, May 11, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service—Gooding Chapel. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_71d792da-f032-11ed-a40a-873b40cfc221.html | 2023-05-12T01:57:32 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_71d792da-f032-11ed-a40a-873b40cfc221.html |
GRETNA, Va. – Two people were airlifted to the hospital after a crash in Pittsylvania County on Thursday evening, according to Virginia State Police.
The crash happened around 6:06 p.m. on Route 29 near Gretna, police said.
VSP said an 18-year-old male was driving south in a Nissan when he ran off the left side of the road, crossed the median, and hit another vehicle that was traveling north on Route 29.
The 18-year-old and the 53-year-old driver of the NB vehicle were both airlifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment, authorities said.
We’re told that all lanes have reopened since the crash.
Other details are limited at this time. 10 News is working for you to learn more.
Stay with 10 News as this story develops | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/12/pittsylvania-county-crash-leaves-18-year-old-53-year-old-hospitalized/ | 2023-05-12T01:57:54 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/12/pittsylvania-county-crash-leaves-18-year-old-53-year-old-hospitalized/ |
18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of fatally shooting Jeremiah Aviles
Mesa police announced on Thursday that officers had arrested and booked an 18-year-old man in the killing of 18-year-old Jeremiah Aviles.
Brandi George, a department spokesperson said officers booked Peter "PJ" Clabron III into jail and that police notified the involved families.
George did not immediately say what charges Clabron faced or whether he too was a student at Red Mountain High School as Aviles was but said additional information would be available shortly.
The arrest comes a day after more than 100 people — including Aviles' family — gathered at Red Mountain Park in Mesa to mourn his death after Aviles was shot and killed Sunday.
Jeremiah’s father, Omar Aviles, fought through tears as he told the crowd how much he missed his son.
“I wanted to be at his graduation — not at his funeral,” Aviles said. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/05/11/18-year-old-man-arrested-in-shooting-death-of-jeremiah-aviles/70210006007/ | 2023-05-12T01:58:51 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/05/11/18-year-old-man-arrested-in-shooting-death-of-jeremiah-aviles/70210006007/ |
Phoenix Police Foundation fundraising for families of 2 officers who died
Two Phoenix police officers died this week in unrelated medical events, according to a nonprofit organization that raises money to support impacted families.
The Phoenix Police Foundation announced on Thursday that Sgt. Tim Wheeler and Officer Mark Aker died on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Wheeler had been with the department since 2007, while Aker had served since 1994.
“We are mourning the loss of two dedicated officers and community members,” said Timothy Thomas, president of the Phoenix Police Foundation. “Unexpected losses like these are extremely difficult on the families so we want to help ease the financial burden in any way we can. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Sgt. Wheeler and Officer Aker.”
Those who wish to donate money toward the families of Wheeler and Aker can do so on the foundation’s website. The nonprofit states all of the proceeds go to the families. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/11/donation-funds-started-phoenix-officers-die-medical-events/70209963007/ | 2023-05-12T01:58:52 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/11/donation-funds-started-phoenix-officers-die-medical-events/70209963007/ |
BOISE, Idaho — The pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in downtown Boise on Monday, May 1, died 10 days later.
According to the Boise Police Department (BPD), a man was hit by a vehicle on 16th Street in Boise at around 5:45 p.m. on May 1.
The individual suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital - where he died 10 days later, on Thursday, May 11,
BPD said that an adult male was walking east to west across 16th Street, under the overpass, when he was struck by a vehicle traveling south on 16th Street.
Officers and BPD's crash reconstruction team responded to the scene, blocking off surrounding roads while police investigated.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed. The Ada County Coroner has yet to release the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-downtown-boise-dies-days/277-c6819956-865f-47d4-9e86-c1c4c02446e2 | 2023-05-12T02:01:10 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/pedestrian-downtown-boise-dies-days/277-c6819956-865f-47d4-9e86-c1c4c02446e2 |
'Quite a bit of shaking going on:' Plumas County earthquake rocks Northern California
A "moderate" 5.5 magnitude earthquake was reported Thursday afternoon and felt throughout Northern California, according to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center.
There were even reports of rumbling as far south as the Stockton area. The epicenter of the quake hit at 4:19 p.m. and was reported about 9 miles southeast of Chester, near Lake Almanor in Plumas County, the earthquake center said.
Chester residents said they felt the quake and some aftershocks but said they had not heard of any reports of damage around town.
The earthquake center reported eight aftershocks in the area, ranging in magnitude from 2.3 to 3.0.
Kevin Johnson, a realtor with Chase International realty in Chester, said he felt the quake when it hit.
"I was in my house at the time and had quite a bit of shaking going on, but no damage. So that was good. Looks like everything else around the lake's (Lake Almanor) OK, but everybody was a little frayed there," Johnson said.
He said it has been several years since there was a significant earthquake in the Chester area.
"I think we had one kind of like that seven years ago and some chimneys fell. But I haven't heard any reports yet from clients about any issues," Johnson said.
Ken Anthony, who owns Chester Tactical Sports in Chester, said he also was at home when the earthquake hit. As a former Southern California resident, he said he wasn't that impressed by the quake.
"It was a slider. That's what we call it because it just kind of shifted back and forth. It wasn't violent by any chance," Anthony said.
He said he was drinking coffee and the shaking lasted about 5 seconds. He didn't take shelter under a table or door way, but his dogs ran outside and started barking, he said.
The Chester Fire Department did not receive any calls for service after the quake, an official with the agency said. He also said he did not feel the earthquake.
Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/plumas-county-earthquake-rocks-northern-california/70209890007/ | 2023-05-12T02:04:09 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/plumas-county-earthquake-rocks-northern-california/70209890007/ |
Shasta County's next CEO expected to be Wisconsin county financial administrator
Shasta County is expected to finally fill its long-vacant executive officer position.
The county has turned to David Rickert, the chief financial officer in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, to be its top administrator.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is expected to vote on a three-year contract for Rickert. His annual salary would be $258,600.
Rickert has been the CFO of Winnebago County since 2021. Prior to that, he served as treasurer for Kane County in neighboring Illinois.
He resigned as Kane County's treasurer in January 2021, according to news reports that stated when he was hired in Winnebago County he still had two years left on his term as treasurer.
According to the staff report for Tuesday's meeting, Rickert has a master of science degree in accounting with honors from Roosevelt University and has been a licensed certified public accountant for 22 years.
Winnebago County, with a population of approximately 171,000, is about Shasta County's size. The county seat is Oshkosh, which has a population of about 66,000.
Rickert's three-year term as Shasta County CEO would start May 30.
Rickert is no relation to Shasta County Supervisor Mary Rickert, who said she is eager to work with the new CEO.
"I think he will be a good fit for Shasta County. He has a strong financial background, which will be important," she said.
David Rickert is not the supervisors' first choice and his appointment would end a nearly year-long saga that galvanized the community before playing out in dramatic fashion the last couple of months.
More:Recall Shasta Supervisor Kevin Crye supporters eager to start collecting voters' signatures
Tuesday's meeting will take place a little over a month after supervisors on April 6 rescinded the CEO job offer to Chriss Street and then announced they had offered the job to another candidate.
Supervisors did not say why the offer was taken off the table, but it came nine days after they announced they were waiting for Street to respond to a background report that was done on him.
The decision to move on from Street capped a month of emotionally-charged board meetings and public debate on social media on the merits of Street, whose position as vice president of New California State drew criticism. New California is a group that wants to leave California and form its own state.
Street, who lives in Redding, is also the former Orange County treasurer-tax collector who in 2010 was ordered to pay more than $7 million in damages for allegedly mismanaging a bankruptcy trust. That same year, Street decided not to run for reelection for treasurer-tax collector.
Street has twice shown up at Shasta County supervisors meetings since his job offer was rescinded.
At the April 11 meeting, Street got up during the public comment period and alleged serious and illegal budget maneuvering by the county.
Supervisors anticipated Street’s presentation, so they called on county Auditor-Controller Nolda Short to provide a report rebutting Street’s claims.
Shasta County has been without an executive officer since Matt Pontes abruptly resigned last June after a political battle between Pontes and Supervisor Patrick Jones that played out in an April 19, 2022, closed-door job evaluation of Pontes. Supervisors spent two hours in closed session at the time, before giving Pontes a 4-1 vote of confidence. Jones cast the lone dissenting vote.
Since Pontes’ resignation, the county has had two acting CEOs — Patrick Minturn, who did the job from June through January, and Mary Williams, who succeeded Minturn on Feb. 1 and continues to be the acting CEO.
Pontes started as Shasta County CEO in January 2020. His annual salary was $240,096 when he was hired.
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/2023/05/11/wisconsin-county-financial-administrator-tabbed-for-shasta-co-s-next-ceo/70209347007/ | 2023-05-12T02:04:10 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/wisconsin-county-financial-administrator-tabbed-for-shasta-co-s-next-ceo/70209347007/ |
DULUTH — About two dozen people were on hand for the annual Blessing of the Port ceremony Thursday at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center in Duluth.
The event went from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and was presented by the Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers. The ceremony featured comments on the 2023 shipping season thus far from Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Other participants in the ceremony included Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers' board members Rev. Dianna Pohlman Bell, Rev. Kate Kolmodin, Rev. Nathan Sager, and Kathy Douglas. Rev. Doug Paulson delivered the reflection and Cindy Spillers performed "O'Carolan Medley" on the flute.
Just prior to the ceremony, a crowd gathered in Canal Park to welcome the John G. Munson as the vessel arrived to the Duluth entry.
Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he's involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show "Life to the Max" in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/photos-and-video-blessing-of-the-port-arrival-of-the-john-g-munson | 2023-05-12T02:08:42 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/photos-and-video-blessing-of-the-port-arrival-of-the-john-g-munson |
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Former state Rep. Timothy Hill will serve as interim representative of Tennessee House District 3 following the resignation of Scotty Campbell last month.
During a special called meeting Thursday night, the Johnson County Commission voted to select Hill over fellow candidates Neal Kerney, Angie Stanley, Stacy Vaughan, and Lori Love. Fourteen commissioners voted in favor of Hill while one abstained.
He was the only one of the bunch to earn a nomination from a county commissioner.
Hill, a Republican, occupied the District 3 seat from 2012 to 2020 but did not seek re-election during his failed 2020 congressional bid. He was succeeded by Campbell.
Campbell resigned over an ethics violation and allegations of sexual harassment involving legislative interns that were first reported by Nashville’s WTVF.
As interim, Hill will hold the seat until the August special election, when voters will elect a permanent replacement to serve the remainder of Campbell’s term.
Hill, Stanley, Kerney, and Vaughan have filed to run in the special election as Republicans. Love is running as a Democrat.
A primary election will be held on June 22 followed by the general election on Aug. 3.
In the meantime, there won’t be much legislating for Hill to do as interim representative. The General Assembly adjourned in April and won’t reconvene until August for the governor’s special session on gun reform.
Hill can be sworn in once the chief clerk of the House receives certified minutes from the Johnson County Commission.
House District 3 includes all of Johnson County plus parts of Carter, Hawkins, and Sullivan counties. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/former-state-rep-timothy-hill-appointed-to-scotty-campbells-former-tn-house-seat/ | 2023-05-12T02:10:35 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/former-state-rep-timothy-hill-appointed-to-scotty-campbells-former-tn-house-seat/ |
SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford police shut down 1st Street in Sanford on Thursday evening after a shooting took place in the area.
Police told News 6 they were investigating the shooting, though no foul play is suspected at this time.
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News 6 reporter Molly Reed said that the street had been shut down near Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford’s historic district.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/12/1st-street-in-sanford-shut-down-over-shooting-investigation/ | 2023-05-12T02:17:54 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/12/1st-street-in-sanford-shut-down-over-shooting-investigation/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – During the Brevard Public Schools’ school board meeting on Tuesday, members brought up concerns about “furry dress attire” that had been reported in district schools.
In the meeting, school board members discussed the district’s dress code policy, which includes restrictions on things like sexual clothing, beachwear and gang paraphernalia.
However, Vice Chair Megan Wright brought up concerns she had heard regarding students dressing up as “furries” — a niche community of people interested in anthropomorphized animals.
Wright divulged comments the district received that pushed for attire like tank tops and hats to be allowed in schools, but some students reportedly voiced complaints about other students wearing “furry” garments.
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“It was interesting to see some of the same students who said, ‘We should be able to wear whatever we want,’ but then say, ‘But you can’t wear a tail and ears,’” District 5 Representative Katye Campbell said during the meeting. “I’m not a big fan of the furry movement, but at the same time, if ‘ears’ means a headband with pointed ears on them, it’s a hair accessory.”
Campbell added that other concerns regarding “furry” students were noted in the complaints.
“Tails are different, and students meowing and barking at other students: that’s not cool. But that’s not dress code,” Campbell stated.
Meanwhile, Board Chair Matt Susin said his daughter told him that she’s “tired of furries” in schools.
“I’m all about trying to find a way that that is not acceptable in any way because what it does is (students) then do the barking and all the other weird stuff,” Susin said. “This is something that comes up at our dinner table at least every month.”
Susin said he was interested in finding ways to modify the dress code to “curb that behavior.”
After a few minutes of discussion, however, District 3 Representative Jennifer Jenkins chimed in, deriding the board for even having the conversation.
“This is not rocket science, and it’s not an epidemic. If you don’t want tails on kids, just say you don’t want tails,” Jenkins said. “This is ridiculous. This conversation about furries is insane and a culture war conversation. The barking has nothing to do with that.”
Jenkins said that middle school students had developed a trend of barking and meowing at each other, but it wasn’t anything related to furries.
“It’s weird, but they’re doing it. It has nothing to do with a kid wearing a tail,” Jenkins continued. “It’s all the kids, unfortunately. Speak to your middle school teachers. They’ll tell you.”
Student Services Director Christopher Reed told the board that he could look into adding language to the dress code to help with the issue, such as prohibiting “clothing to emulate a non-human.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/12/curb-that-behavior-brevard-school-board-considers-new-rules-involving-furry-dress-attire/ | 2023-05-12T02:18:00 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/12/curb-that-behavior-brevard-school-board-considers-new-rules-involving-furry-dress-attire/ |
Fugitive arrested after attacking official, leading chase through Monroe County
A 55-year-old man is facing multiple charges after leading authorities on a chase through Monroe County and attacking a state corrections worker, sheriff's officials announced Thursday.
The Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police were seeking the Monroe resident Wednesday for absconding from parole, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. He had previously been convicted of armed robbery.
The man allegedly assaulted a corrections department employee then rammed a vehicle, according to the release.
Sheriff's deputies joined the chase around 8:40 p.m. as a state trooper in an unmarked car followed the driver and provided updates. A deputy tried to stop him near N. Dixie Highway and Hurd Road but he fled through neighborhoods in Frenchtown Township and into Monroe, investigators said.
Monroe police deployed stop sticks near Eighth and Harrison to puncture the man's tires. He drove on to the 15000 block of S. Dixie Highway in Monroe Township before jumping out and running off, according to the release.
Deputies eventually caught up with the man and arrested him.
His name has not been released pending an arraignment through 1st District Court in Monroe.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (734) 240-7738. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/fugitive-arrested-after-attacking-official-leading-chase-through-monroe-county/70209892007/ | 2023-05-12T02:19:03 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/fugitive-arrested-after-attacking-official-leading-chase-through-monroe-county/70209892007/ |
Century High School senior Caylee Michela plans to get her degree in either biomedical or aerospace engineering. She's interested in how the field is constantly developing and hopes to help create solutions to questions that have yet to be asked.
She plans to start her pursuit of that degree at Purdue University. Thanks to her new scholarship, the question of how to pay for it became a lot easier to answer.
Michela has been named Teen of the Year by MDU Resources Group Inc. and The Bismarck Tribune. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship Thursday during an event held at MDU Resources honoring all of the weekly winners during the academic year.
Caylee said being chosen as Teen of the Year was "really cool."
"Reading everybody else's articles, I felt like everybody was so qualified," she said of the other teens. "When I was coming in here I was like, 'You know, even if it's not me I'm not going to be mad.'"
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Since September, the Tribune, in partnership with MDU Resources, has recognized 32 exemplary high school seniors from across the region and shared their stories through the Teen of the Week series. This is the fifth year of the program.
Weekly winners were selected based on criteria determined by MDU Resources and Tribune staff, from nominations submitted by school counselors, teachers and administrators.
Phil Seibel, who leads the Tribune's advertising department as North Dakota managing director for Lee Enterprises, said the talented teens exhibit character traits to become future leaders in North Dakota and beyond.
"Though we were only able to feature 32 teens, many more exhibiting similar characteristics were also nominated, and all of our nominations showcased the wonderful future leadership we are nurturing here," Seibel said.
MDU Director of Communications and Public Affairs Corey Fong said that among the group of weekly winners:
- 13 are valedictorians.
- 17 have GPAs of 4.0 or higher.
- 20 are involved in student council.
- 22 are members of the National Honor Society.
The weekly winners completed a total of more than 100 dual credit and advanced placement courses.
Furthermore, "Altogether you have performed thousands of community service hours, giving back to your schools, your community and the state, which is pretty darn impressive," Fong told the group Thursday.
Caylee, the daughter of James and Lauren Michela, is a 4.2 weighted GPA student who has taken eight advanced placement classes and scored a 35 out of 36 on her ACT college entrance exam. She earned an AP Scholar with Honor award for scoring a three out of five or higher on four of her exams and maintaining an overall average score of 3.25.
“I’ve always said, ‘Why not?’ -- Why not push myself and see how well I can do in all of these things? Why not take the highest-level classes? Because even if it doesn't go well, you'll still learn something on the way,” Michela said.
She is a passionate swimmer who has been in the pool since elementary school. She has been with the Aquastorm swim club for 10 years. She personally finished top eight at the state meet each year. She joined the Century swim and dive team as a seventh grader and has been on the varsity team for four years. The team captain is a four-time state qualifier and was named to the All-Conference team.
Michela plays the clarinet in wind ensemble, pep band and marching band, and is in Century’s color guard. She has made All-State band three times and was a member of the Governor’s Band, with which she got to play at the State of the State Address.
The National Honor Society member has been in Student Council since sophomore year and was the junior class vice president. She also is involved in Mathletes, Science Bowl and Spanish club. She said one of her favorite ways to volunteer is timing meets for teams in the community.
“Each year I am impressed by the teens for their academic achievements, the organizations and extracurricular activities in which they are involved and their diverse interests. Mostly, though, I am inspired by the thousands of community service hours collectively performed by the teens,” MDU Resources President and CEO Dave Goodin said. “Our communities are better off because of what the teens give back.”
Previous winners
Naomi Hegwood (2018-19) -- Hegwood, a BHS graduate, will be graduating from Harvard University with an integrative biology degree. She plans to continue doing research work with Harvard Forest.
Callie Stonecipher (2019-20) -- Stonecipher is a BHS graduate who was majoring in animation and minoring in graphic and interactive design and film production at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Laura Muggli (2020-21) -- Muggli, a Grant County graduate, just finished her second year at the University of Mary where she is double-majoring in accounting and financial services/banking.
Chance Bowlinger (2021-22) - Bowlinger, a CHS graduate, is studying math and computer science at North Dakota State University. This summer, he will be coaching soccer and hopes to land a cybersecurity internship at MDU Resources. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/teen-of-the-week/century-high-schools-caylee-michela-named-mdu-s-teen-of-the-year/article_e6b8e97a-eea5-11ed-ba5e-4b7733973dc8.html | 2023-05-12T02:23:40 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/teen-of-the-week/century-high-schools-caylee-michela-named-mdu-s-teen-of-the-year/article_e6b8e97a-eea5-11ed-ba5e-4b7733973dc8.html |
SAN DIEGO — Thousands of migrants are desperately waiting at the border in the final hours before Title 42 expires.
Entire families are waiting for Border Patrol to pick them up, process them and take them to their destinations in the U.S., but the possibility of them getting asylum is uncertain.
The hands of children and their families are reaching through steel beams at the San Ysidro border in San Diego for food, water, or anything they can get. Mothers are in tears as they wait to learn their fate.
"Well, the most difficult part is that. The discomfort, more than anything for the baby, because we're fine. But babies don't understand that we have to sleep on the ground. The cold. They don't understand,” said Stephanie, a migrant from Colombia.
She is at the border with her almost 1-year-old son and her husband. They’ve been without shelter for two days and her son is now sick with a cold.
Lilian Serrano with the Southern Border Communities Coalition calls it a human rights crisis.
"[What] we're seeing is three years of people congregating in Northern Mexico trying to access asylum and now we have folks in the thousands. Now we are at very small capacity to process them and we are going to have to face the reality of three years,” said Serrano.
Serrano says a few people from this camp are being picked up by Border Patrol. The migrants believe they’re being processed and then given asylum; this after paying thousands of dollars to smugglers who bring them to the border.
"An odyssey. A complete travesty to get here. A lot of money. A lot of intermediates. A lot of mafia. If you don't have money, you can't cross,” said Ellena and Jaquelin, two migrants from Colombia.
They’re desperate to make it across the border, all while some people fear the influx of those crossing will create bigger problems.
"We don't expect necessarily the whole world rushing to our borders, but we do have to submit to reality and that's we closed our borders for three years. We could have used that time to process smaller groups but now we have a lot of need. Small capacity,” said Serrano.
Editor’s Note: Quotes from migrants have been translated from Spanish to English for this report.
What is Title 42?
The order authorized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to immediately remove migrants, including people seeking asylum, seeking entry into the U.S. at the land borders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the order under the Trump administration in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. officials turned away migrants more than 2.8 million times under Title 42 since the policy began.
The order is ending because the Biden administration announced an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The lifting of the Title 42 order does not mean the border is open. According to the U.S. Homeland Security, the U.S. will return to using Title 8 immigration authorities "to expeditiously process and remove individuals who arrive at the U.S. border unlawfully." The law outlines processes for deportation and carries strict penalties, including five and 10-year bans on reentry for people deported.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Immigrant-focused nonprofits to see greater need for resources once Title 42 ends | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/migrants-counting-down-until-title-42-expires/103-9f3d7ee7-4e28-4f7f-af66-0d88949e215c | 2023-05-12T02:24:16 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/migrants-counting-down-until-title-42-expires/103-9f3d7ee7-4e28-4f7f-af66-0d88949e215c |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Many bills received attention during the 2023 Arkansas regular session, including ones focused on obscenities in libraries. Executive Director of the Central Arkansas Library System, Nate Coulter, explained that it's been frustrating for him.
"I like the great things a library is able to do," Coulter said. "To be targeted and vilified and have the suggestion that somehow we're a part of a threat to your child is offensive, frankly, it's unwarranted."
Coulter said they curate selections for all— and while there may be some that he or others disagree with, it's a choice that they operate on.
"I don't like the authors, I don't like the content, I don't like the viewpoint particularly, but that's not my job," Coulter said.
However, newly signed legislation will change that idea. Act 372 changes how content is classified and even creates punishments if someone were to be caught "furnishing a harmful item to a minor."
"Frankly, harmful to our system of government, harmful to democracy to let the government wade into an issue and decide some things we won't let you see," Coulter described.
Because of that, Coulter said CALS is in the process of getting a lawsuit ready to file. That lawsuit could be approved to file after the next CALS board meeting on May 25.
We reached out to State Senator Dan Sullivan, the bill's sponsor, for comment.
He told us he didn't want to comment until the lawsuit was filed, but did express that CALS is within their right to file one if they'd like.
Coulter said they don't want to have to file a lawsuit, but currently, they feel as if it's their only choice.
"Oftentimes, it's the only way," he said. "In this case, because the legislative process would end up like it did, and because the statute says you don't get any other option, you let the city board or the county quorum court, there's no, that's final. We believe a court should look at that." | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cals-s-lawsuit-library-bills/91-c1ead687-0f2b-47cb-8769-86ddd88ff8d9 | 2023-05-12T02:25:07 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cals-s-lawsuit-library-bills/91-c1ead687-0f2b-47cb-8769-86ddd88ff8d9 |
Library alleges Merchant incapable of conducting fair and legal election
A week ago, during an emergency meeting called by the Great Falls Library's Board of Trustees, the library board voted unanimously to grant authority to its library director and board chair to submit a request to District Court to appoint an independent expert to observe the upcoming mill levy election if it appeared that the Cascade County Elections Office was not observing state election protocols in advance of that election.
On Wednesday that authorization came to fruition when the library filed a emergency petition asking the court to appoint an independent monitor to observe and assess the June 6 election.
“The Election Administrator in Cascade County has (been) proven incapable of conducting an election that meets the requirements of Montana law,” the emergency petition states. “An unlawful election is an invalid election, and the Great Falls Library Board of Trustees will face immediate, irreparable harm if its upcoming mill levy special election is invalidated.”
The library's court filing states that if the election is delayed for any reason beyond the end of June, any approved mill levy increase would not be applied to the library’s operating budget until 2024, which would incur immediate losses in staff, community services, and the ability of the library to meet state standards.
The library’s petition includes multiple allegations regarding irregularities in the May 2 Great Falls Public Schools School Board election as evidence of Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant’s "demonstrated inability" to conduct an election conforming to the laws of the State of Montana. Among these are that the Elections Office failed to send absentee ballots to all persons who had requested them, that inaccurate instructions were issued telling voters where and how to vote, and that potential voters were turned away from the polling station at the Montana ExpoPark on May 2 when it did not open as scheduled.
At a May 5 emergency meeting of the Library’s Board of Trustees, Merchant spoke in response to the allegations submitted against her.
“I follow the law," she told the library board, and “every vote that came in was counted.”
On Thursday the telephones at the Elections Office went unanswered to repeated calls and Merchant did not respond to email requests from the Tribune for comment.
“Standing alone, any of the above violations of Montana election law could invalidate the recent election,” the library’s petition states. “Taken together, this array of statutory violations and other irregularities almost certainly would allow any affected person with standing to challenge the election.”
However, the meat of the library’s petition focused upon events following the May 5 meeting. At that meeting library board trustees repeatedly expressed concern with the lack of response from Merchant and the Elections Office regarding preparations for the scheduled May 17 mail-out of absentee ballots. The board said they had not been allowed to review or approve the language of those ballots or their instructions, and that the 12 days left until the ballots are scheduled to be mailed out leave little room for error.
"After Merchant took office, several office staff experienced in election administration left the office, leaving the office with extremely limited experience and institutional knowledge regarding the requirements of Montana’s election laws and procedures," the Library's petition states. "To date, Merchant has supervised at least three elections in Cascade County. Each of these elections has featured severe errors and unlawful deviation from statutory requirements."
“It is certainly true that there is not a lot of time left,” said Ben Graybill, senior partner to the Graybill law firm. “At this point I believe all of the local judicial district court judges have recused themselves (from ruling on the Library's petition), and so there will be an out-of-district who will be invited to take over the case. We certainly hope it will be as quick as possible.”
“We have not heard back from the Elections Office other than the message that Sandra Merchant rejected the motion for an auditor," Graybill added. "We had sent her and the (Cascade County) Commissioners a letter to ask for the same thing to be done informally without court action, and that was rejected. That’s why we filed.”
The library’s petition alleges that Merchant refused to send a “corrected proof” of the library mill levy ballot to the Board of Trustees until Monday, May 8, and that it contained “glaring errors” including inapplicable instructions on how to include write-in candidates to the mill levy ballot. No candidates are registered to be elected during the June 6 mill levy election and the Graybill law firm contends that if a voter were to include a write-in candidate's name on the mill levy ballot it would likely lead to the ballot being invalidated.
Instructions for the mail-in ballot were not sent to the library board until the following day, May 9, and allegedly repeated the same misinformation regarding write-in candidates. The library also contends that these instructions included “incomplete and misleading information about how and where voters may return their completed ballots on election day.”
The library’s petition includes multiple affidavits from Cascade County voters attesting to the problems they faced casting their ballots for the May 2 Great Falls Public Schools board election.
“The majority are from voters who just recounted what happened to them,” Ben Graybill said. “One voter east of town who is eligible to vote in the school election went to the polling place and was turned away. There are voters who went in ahead of the election, before the absentee ballots were sent out, and asked for their absentee ballots to be sent to new or temporary address. It’s a common thing, and they didn’t get them, so they were unable to vote. Those are just some of the examples and those are the kinds of the things that we don’t want to happen in the next election.”
Graybill added that the library wants Merchant and the Cascade County Elections Office to succeed in the administration of the upcoming mill levy election.
“We want it to be a properly conducted and fair election,” he said. “She (Merchant) say’s that’s what she wants. We believe someone with a great deal of election experience should be in the office advising and monitoring what’s happening so mistakes aren’t made. We want them to succeed.” | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/gf-library-asks-court-to-appoint-monitor-to-observe-levy-election/70209299007/ | 2023-05-12T02:25:09 | 1 | https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/gf-library-asks-court-to-appoint-monitor-to-observe-levy-election/70209299007/ |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County families and law enforcement flooded the Historic Courthouse Courtyard with tears and salute early Thursday morning.
Law enforcement in DeKalb hosted a memorial to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The event recognized and supported families who lost their loved ones.
One of the officers that was honored at Thursday's event was former-elected DeKalb County Sheriff Derwin Brown. But, his life was taken before he could even sit in his new office seat two decades ago.
His daughter, Brandy Brown, appeared at Thursday's event as she heard her father's name read with dozens of other law enforcement officers. She said she is there because her father left a legacy in the county and his community.
"I think my father was a true community police officer. He was definitely a mover and shaker. They knew that he cared about his community," Brandy said.
According to previous reports, Derwin was gunned down in his driveway on December 15, 2000, just three days before he was supposed to be sworn into his new position.
His opponent, then-Sheriff Sidney Dorsey, is still serving a life sentence at the Georgia State Prison for the role he played in his death. Dorsey put out a hit to assassinate the elected sheriff before he could take on his position. He confessed to ordering a deputy to shoot Derwin in 2007.
Two other men, who were accused as the shooter and backup shooter, were acquitted of the federal charges back in 2002.
Brandy said Thursday that she wanted people to remember her father outside of his senseless death and reflect on the legacy he left on the county.
"He was definitely a mover and shaker. He accomplished a lot to help propel the police department and the African-Americans in the police department through his time," Brandy added.
His daughter said she wishes more young officers knew about her father and the longing history he left on the department.
"The disappointing part is that a lot of these officers don't really know who he is, so they don't even understand the path that was made for them to follow, for them to be where they are," she said.
Derwin was a police officer with DeKalb County Police before he was elected to the sheriff's position. His daughter stated that he sued the county back in the 1980s to fight for more opportunities for Black officers.
She also added that he created the domestic violence protocol for the DeKalb County Police Department.
Brandy believes if her father was here today he would try to mentor young officers to be better people.
"Anything that he can do to pour into them if he were here to make them be better people of integrity," Brandy added.
Brandy said she would love to see more changes in law enforcement as her father envisioned.
"Just because he's gone doesn't mean that changes cannot be made. At the end of the day, he wanted to make not only the police or sheriff's department better, but he wanted the county to be better," she said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/derwin-brown-daughter-brandy-remembers-father/85-6825c440-0022-41af-a504-dd0fb0fa8d7c | 2023-05-12T02:33:53 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/derwin-brown-daughter-brandy-remembers-father/85-6825c440-0022-41af-a504-dd0fb0fa8d7c |
COVINGTON, Ga. — A man died after he was stabbed in what the Newton County Sheriff's Office is calling a home invasion.
It happened around 8:22 p.m. on May 5 at the home on Georgia Highway 162 in Covington.
Randell Whitley, 39, was killed after the sheriff's office said he was involved in the incident where he, Margie Love, 35, Anthony McDonald, 18, and Garrett Blackwell, 21, went to allegedly confront Love's ex-partner at the home without permission.
However, a family member of McDonald is disputing that claim from the sheriff's office. Instead, the family member said they were asked to come over due to a "domestic dispute." She claimed a woman there reached out saying she was being attacked and the four -- Love, McDonald, Blackwell, and Whitley -- went there to help.
The sheriff's office said a fight broke out at the address and Whitley ended up being stabbed. Whitley was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The sheriff's office did not specify who stabbed Whitley.
Love and McDonald were arrested following the incident, the sheriff's office said. Blackwell later turned himself in to the Newton County Jail, deputies added.
Love, McDonald and Blackwell are now facing home invasion (1st degree), murder and aggravated assault charges in connection with the incident.
News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/man-stabbed-killed-home-invasion-covington-newton-sheriff/85-c30ece54-4d1a-4172-a48d-3e28f7e85b04 | 2023-05-12T02:33:59 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/man-stabbed-killed-home-invasion-covington-newton-sheriff/85-c30ece54-4d1a-4172-a48d-3e28f7e85b04 |
The Mainland Regional High School softball team scored two runs in the top of the first inning and went on to beat host Hammonton 5-1 on Thursday.
Mainland pitcher Bella D'Agostino went the distance and scattered eight hits, struck out five and walked three.
Isabella Scittina and Rayna Molina each homered for Mainland (4-8), and Ava Jamison and Kylie Hennelly each had a hit and a run. Bella Virgili and Olivia Hull each had RBIs, and Denver Obermeyer scored.
For Hammonton (7-11), Ava Divello went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Ava Livingston doubled. Ava Tyree had a hit, and Abby Barnes had a stolen base and a run.
Atlantic City 17, Oakcrest 7: Rosie Miltenberger went 3 for 4 with four runs and three RBIs for the Vikings (5-10). Cecelia Marata went 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs and two runs. Mia Marota had two hits, two runs and two RBIs. Maria Conroy went 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs and two runs. Kendra Levine struck out seven in six innings.
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Sophia Priestley went 2 for 4 with two runs for Oakcrest (8-7). Mia Priestley scored twice. Skyler Sukovich went 2 for 4 with a run. Arianna Massey drove in a run. Madison Pell and Trinity Brown each had a run. Dakota Miranda struck out four in five innings.
Absegami 11, Cape May Tech 0: The visiting Braves (10-8) had eight hits, scored two runs in the second inning and then scored nine in the third in the five-inning game. For Cape May Tech (3-1), Amanda Daino, Kayleigh Vallese, Geovanna Kauffman and Jordyn Sharp each had hits.
Pennsville 15, Wildwood 0: Pennsville's Savannah Brewer-Palverento pitched a five-inning no-hitter with six strikeouts and two walks. Isabella Farina went 3 for 4 with two doubles, three runs and three RBIs for the visiting Eagles (8-6), and Kylie Harris was 3 for 5 with three doubles, two runs and two RBIs. Wildwood fell to 3-6. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/bella-dagostino-pitches-mainland-past-hammonton-thursdays-roundup/article_1a658680-f053-11ed-84e9-a79bae2f86b8.html | 2023-05-12T02:34:43 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/bella-dagostino-pitches-mainland-past-hammonton-thursdays-roundup/article_1a658680-f053-11ed-84e9-a79bae2f86b8.html |
The Cumberland Regional High School baseball team rallied with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and beat visiting Hammonton 5-3 on Thursday in a nonleague game. Cumberland trailed 3-1 going into the inning.
Winning pitcher Connor Bonham went the distance and gave up four hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks.
David Bennett went 2 for 3 with a run and two RBIs for the Colts (10-6) and Lukas Weist was 2 for 3 with a run. Jack Bodine went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Justen Pace was 1 for 3 with a run.
Eric Barts went 2 for 3 for Hammonton (9-10), Matt McAleer had a hit, a run and an RBI, and Drew Haines singled and drove in a run.
Holy Spirit 8, Atlantic City 4: Gavin Cohen struck out six and allowed two hits in four innings to earn the win. Joey Kotakis doubled and scored twice for the Spartans (8-10). Mike Innocente singled and had an RBI and a run. Breckin Weiss singled and drove in two. Ryan Mallen, Connor Lamanteer each singled and scored.
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Oldis Zappata doubled and scored twice for Atlantic City (3-15). Matt Master had an RBI and a run. Jacob Downing doubled and had an RBI. Jackson Barrie singled and scored.
No. 6 St. Augustine 12, No. 8 Egg Harbor Twp. 2: JP Podgorski improved to 6-0. He struck out six and allowed three hits in 3 1/3 innings. Gabe Gillespie went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs for the Hermits (15-5), who are No. 6 in The Press Elite 11. Marco Levari went 2 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs. Dom D'Ottavio doubled and added two RBIs and a run.
Jay Salsberry went 2 for 2 with a double for the Eagles (10-8). Braeden Thies and Michael Baxter each singled and had an RBI. Joey Velardi and Jackson Conroy each scored.
Lower Cape May Reg. 14, Bridgeton 3: The Caper Tigers (12-4) scored seven runs in the second inning. Joseph McCorriston struck out four in five innings to earn the win. Drew Kroneneyer went 2 for 3 with five RBIs and a run. Hunter Ray went 2 for 3 with three runs and two RBIs. Kyle Satt doubled and had two runs and an RBI. Evan Shoffler singled and scored three.
Joel Francisco Lopez doubled and had an RBI for Bridgeton (2-18). Marshon Green singled and scored two. Tyler Suppa singled and scored once. Kingston James struck out seven and allowed three hits in 31/3 innings.
Pennsville 14, Wildwood 7: Joey Mormile went went 3 for 4 with two runs and an RBI for the Warriors (11-6). Junior Hans went 4 for 5 with two doubles and two runs. Harley Buscham went 2 for with two RBIs. Jake Craig singled and had an RBI, and Anthony Freeman had a run.
Nick Pszenny tripled and had four RBIs and two runs for Pennsville (12-6). Peyton Obrien went 3 for 5 with three RBIs and a run. Connor Starn scored twice.
Gloucester Tech 4, ACIT 0: Andrew Valay went 2 for 3 with an RBI for GCIT (11-7). Joey Fekete singled and scored twice. For the Red Hawks (6-11), Logan Ruga struck out nine and allowed five hits in five innings. Logan Ruga and Angelo Gonzalez each singled. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cumberland-baseball-scores-four-in-sixth-beats-hammonton-thursdays-roundup/article_8f1f8346-f048-11ed-8fc4-db90d5b5e2dd.html | 2023-05-12T02:34:49 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/cumberland-baseball-scores-four-in-sixth-beats-hammonton-thursdays-roundup/article_8f1f8346-f048-11ed-8fc4-db90d5b5e2dd.html |
Rylie Gemberling scored five goals to lead the Our Lady of Mercy Academy lacrosse team to a 13-4 victory over Cedar Creek in a Cape-Atlantic League National Division game Thursday.
It was the Villagers' 11th straight win.
Gabby Celli and Grace McMahon each scored twice for OLMA (13-2). Gabby Eaise added two assists and scored once. Lucia Visalli had two assists. Alex Sirakides scored once and had an assist. Jenna D'Orio and Jacqueline Carey each scored once. Kaleigh Matlack and Brooke Callan each made two saves.
Cierra Sansone scored twice for Cedar Creek (8-8). Mia McColl had a goal and assist. Gianna Thoms scored once, and Isabella Cote added an assist. Sierra Sketers made nine saves.
No. 6 Ocean City, 17 No. 9 Holy Spirit 11: Madison Wenner scored five for the Red Raiders (11-4), ranked sixth in The Press Elite 11. Gracie Pierce added three goals and three assists. Brynn Culmone and Delainey Sutley each scored twice and had an assist. Breanna Fabi scored twice. Grace McAfee and Ryan Cooke each had one goal and an assist. Amelia Govern scored once, and Katie Pierce added an assist. Aliza Otton made three saves.
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The Spartans, who are ranked ninth, fell to 9-2. Holy Spirit's only two losses have been against Ocean City. The Red Raiders led 13-2 at halftime.
Taylor Lyons, Hanna Watson and Brielle Soltys each scored two for the Spartans. Watson added three assists, and Soltys had one. Kendall Murphy and Lauren Cella each scored once and had an assist. Laura Livingston and Sienna Calhoun each scored once. Marissa Gras made six saves.
Mainland Reg. 18, Lower Cape May Reg. 8: Jane Meade scored four for the Mustangs (8-6). Ava Sheeran, Eva Blanco and Sofia Day each scored three. Lani Ford and Avery Notaro each scored twice. Sienna Gizelbach scored once. Kylie Kurtz made eight saves.
Olivia Lewis, Sianna King and Ryan Salinsky each scored twice for the Caper Tigers (6-6). Ainsley Reed scored once and added an assist. Nora Shoffler scored once, and Brianna Loper added an assist. Sophia Vitelli made eight saves, and Allyson Walsh made two.
Middle Twp. 17, Egg Harbor Twp. 0: Abbie Teefy finished with five assists and four goals for the Panthers (4-8). Maddyn McAnaney scored four and had an assist. Hailie Seitz scored three and added two assists. Holly Mader scored two and added two assists. Eliza Billingham scored three and scored twice. Carmen O'Hara and Casey Nagle each scored once and added an assist. Olivia Rodgers made four saves.
Suhayla Johnson-Ramirez made 12 for the Eagles (1-13). Skyler Wood had four draw controls, and Taylor Lear added three ground balls and three forced turnovers. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/olma-lacrosse-wins-11th-straight-thursdays-roundup/article_4877b460-f046-11ed-a8b8-bb2585967fe7.html | 2023-05-12T02:35:01 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/olma-lacrosse-wins-11th-straight-thursdays-roundup/article_4877b460-f046-11ed-a8b8-bb2585967fe7.html |
Cristofer Evangelista finished with 17 assists and 12 digs to lead the Pleasantville High School boys volleyball team to a 2-1 victory over Egg Harbor Township in a Cape-Atlantic League match Wednesday.
The Greyhounds (12-5) won by set scores of 25-17, 16-25, 25-17.
John Howard added 13 digs and 10 kills for Pleasantville. Jonathan Baez had 10 digs and eight kills. Jake Reynoso had 12 digs and five service points. Giovanni Saavedra and Howard each had six service points. Jeremiah Hernandez added nine digs and eight service points.
The Eagles fell to 12-4.
Baseball
No. 8 Buena Reg. 1, Cedar Creek 0: Tre Carano went 2 for 2 for the Chiefs and is one hit away from 100 on his career. Joey Kurtz went 2 for 3 with a homer for Buena (18-2). For Cedar Creek (16-5), Ryan Manning struck out three in six innings. Tyler McCorriston went 2 for 3.
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No. 5 Vineland 9, Ocean City 0: Nikolas Bancroft struck out 12 and allowed three hits in six innings for the Fighting Clan (13-7), who are No. 5 in The Press Elite 11. Yoan Feliz went 2 for 3 with a double, four RBIs and one run. Anthony Rakotz went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs and an RBI. Yenuelle Rodriguez and David Ortiz each singled, scored once and had an RBI.
Jack Hoag, Colin Thompson and Duke McCarron each singled for the Red Raiders (9-10).
Girls lacrosse
Lacey Twp. 10, Toms River East 9: Zoey Smith scored eight for the Lions (7-7). She also added 11 draw controls, six ground balls and an assist. Delaney Dittenhofer scored two, and Maeve Meehan made 14 saves. Samantha Slota had three caused turnovers.
Meg Donovan scored three for Toms River East (5-9).
Boys golf
Southern Reg. 170, Sayreville 241
SR: Alex Henbest 35, Graeme Schnarre 43, Jackson Bodony 44, Ryan Brown 48
SA: Logan Savoth 49, Odyssey Haris 56, Matt Piszcek 56, Matt Zaunczkowski 62
Records: Southern 11-7; Sayreville 13-8 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/pleasantville-defeats-eht-in-three-sets-late-wednesday-roundup/article_aeae7fce-f00b-11ed-9453-937abad8970c.html | 2023-05-12T02:35:08 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/pleasantville-defeats-eht-in-three-sets-late-wednesday-roundup/article_aeae7fce-f00b-11ed-9453-937abad8970c.html |
The St. Augustine Prep baseball team clinched the Cape-Atlantic League American Division and a berth in next week's CAL Tournament with a 12-2 win over Egg Harbor Township on Thursday.
JP Podgorski struck out six in 3 ⅓ innings to get the win and improve to 6-0 this season.
Gabe Gillespie went 2 for 3 with three RBIs for the Hermits. St. Augustine senior Marco Levari was 2 for 4 with two RBIs and a double. Dom D'Ottavio contributed a double and two RBIs for the Hermits.
Michael Baxter and Braeden Theis knocked in runs for EHT.
St. Augustine (15-5) is ranked No. 6 in The Press Elite 11. EHT (10-8) is ranked No. 9.
Egg Harbor Township 100 10 - 2 4 2
St. Augustine 731 1x - 12 9 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/st-augustine-clinches-cal-american-division/article_61d13602-f05f-11ed-aa73-ab379270412f.html | 2023-05-12T02:35:14 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/st-augustine-clinches-cal-american-division/article_61d13602-f05f-11ed-aa73-ab379270412f.html |
Stockton University freshman Kayla Kass was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in women’s outdoor track and field Thursday.
Kass became the second Osprey to receive honor. The freshman also was named NJAC Rookie of the Year in cross country in the fall.
On Thursday, she was also named to the NJAC first team for the 800-meter run. Kass, along with Emma Conroy, Emma Petrolia and Lauren Maldonado (Egg Harbor Township H.S.), also earned honorable mention honors in the 4x400 relay.
Winners in each event at the NJAC Championships last weekend earned first-team honors, and those who finished second made the second team.
Sixteen other athletes were named to the all-conference team, including Khristina Washington (Hammonton), Michaela Pomatto (EHT) and Megan Campanile (Southern Regional), who were all named to the NJAC first team. Washington earned the honor in the triple jump, Pomatto in the discus and Campanile in the javelin.
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Kierstin Clem was named to the first team in the 10K.
At the NJAC championships, Washington won the triple jump (11.09m). Along with first team honors in that event, she was selected to the second team in the long jump after placing second with a leap of 5.34m.
Pomatto won the discus (29.58m). Campanile won the javelin (38.51m).
Kaitlyn Vervier (Lacey Township) was named to the second team in the high jump. Guinevere Kennedy (10K, Olivia Harris (3,000 steeplechase) and Madison Fey (pole vault) and Jessie Klenk (javelin) also earned second-team honors.
Alicia Klotz (pole vault) and Ashanae Morrison (triple jump) were named honorable mentions. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/stocktons-kayla-kass-named-njac-rookie-of-the-year/article_444cbd2a-f016-11ed-9314-ff636ca71e96.html | 2023-05-12T02:35:20 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/stocktons-kayla-kass-named-njac-rookie-of-the-year/article_444cbd2a-f016-11ed-9314-ff636ca71e96.html |
VAN BUREN, Ark. — Tyson Foods Van Buren plant announced the plant closure in March and today it shut down a day early. The plant closure left nearly a thousand people without jobs. The situation led to several protests over the past couple of months at the Van Buren plant and company headquarters in Springdale. We spoke with plant employee Juan Barron who said he worked there for more than 20 years and says it’s melancholic.
"You feel sad because this was like home, like your second home and this is where at least I thought I was going to retire and not work anymore but unfortunately this happened and that's just life," said Barron.
Tyson employees say they worked on the leftover inventory and had a potluck dinner on the final day.
"We had some food for everyone and took pictures, and said goodbye to all the workers. The co-workers got organized so that each one brought a plate of food and after that, they visited the supervisors and took pictures with them," Barron said.
Another employee Maria Ruvalcaba said, "Today was my last day of work well it was very nice, very emotional because well we shared with our coworkers. Food was brought; everyone pitched in something to share and it was very nice...emotional but at the same time bittersweet because it was our last day. We were supposed to work tomorrow but they told us it was until today. But we were very happy, all together some of us crying,"
In light of the Van Buren plant closing companies in the area have hosted job fairs to help those losing their job, but many say it hasn't been beneficial for all employees.
Ruvalcaba explained, "When they said they were closing the first day it was announced we all thought what's going on, right? That day we were just told Tyson decided to close, it's not you it was a decision from corporate. After that, the next week they told us certain companies from different places would be coming although they were from about an hour and a half away so it wasn't anything that was for us because we have our homes here and our things but it would be difficult but there were some people who immediately they had their needs like their bills and their homes so they moved immediately to a different place because they told us you can look we'll bring some other companies to accommodate you they did do that but it was difficult because they were too far away."
Since today is the final day many employees have plans to take time of unemployment and rest for a few weeks and then plan to look for similar jobs in the area.
5news did reach out to Tyson’s corporate office in Springdale to ask about today’s apparent closure but we’re still waiting to hear back.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/tyson-foods-plant-shuts-down-a-day-early/527-bbaed60d-44f3-4546-be46-af8e3be15041 | 2023-05-12T02:38:01 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/tyson-foods-plant-shuts-down-a-day-early/527-bbaed60d-44f3-4546-be46-af8e3be15041 |
A recall has been issued for over 1,000 pounds of pork rinds in various flavors after they were produced without being inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The recall includes about 1,137 ready-to-eat pork rind products from Mitten Gourmet, LLC, produced from Sept. 9, 2021 through May 5, 2023.
Recalled pork rinds include:
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “PARMESAN GARLIC Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “PIZZA Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “BUFFALO Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “NACHO CHEESE Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “JALAPENO Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “HONEY MUSTARD Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “DILL PICKLE Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “BARBECUE Pork Rinds”
- 2.0-ounce clear bags containing Mitten Gourmet “SALT N PEPPER Pork Rinds”
The pork rinds were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
According to the recall, the rinds were found without a USDA mark of inspection during routine FSIS surveillance, and the FSIS discovered the producer was not an FSIS-inspected facility.
There have been no confirmed reports of bad reactions to eating the pork rinds, the FSIS said, but it said that consumers who bought them not to eat them, but instead to throw them away or return them.
Consumers with questions can contact Mitten Gourmet CEO Miquel Varney at 989-402-5372 or by emailing support@mittengourmet.com.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/over-1k-pounds-of-pork-rinds-recalled-not-inspected-by-usda/YHCBCDK6WZBP3AR7PL3Y5OWEYU/ | 2023-05-12T02:43:14 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/over-1k-pounds-of-pork-rinds-recalled-not-inspected-by-usda/YHCBCDK6WZBP3AR7PL3Y5OWEYU/ |
The man accused of fatally shooting a 20-year-old woman on Lillie Street was easy to identify for multiple witnesses, court documents show.
Steven Atkins, 38, was arrested Wednesday, less than 24 hours after police responded to a shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old Kiera E. Zepke.
Zepke’s manner of death has been ruled a homicide and the cause was a gunshot wound to the chest, according to a news release from Allen County Deputy Coroner Chris Meihls. She is Allen County’s 11th homicide victim this year.
Atkins is being held in the Allen County Jail without bond. He is charged with murder and felony criminal recklessness.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
Zepke’s boyfriend was with her when she was shot, according to a probable cause affidavit written by Fort Wayne Officer Ben Miller. The boyfriend told police he and Zepke were talking in a car when a man wearing a neck-and-face covering approached the vehicle.
The man pulled down the neck gaiter, showing his face, and told the couple he was going to kill them both, Zepke’s boyfriend told police. Atkins, whom the boyfriend identified by name, then allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired multiple gunshots in their direction before fleeing the scene.
Zepke’s boyfriend then carried her into a home where she was later pronounced dead by medics.
Another witness watched the scene unfold through binoculars from her bedroom after she heard gunshots. She told police she instantly recognized Atkins as he walked away from the car.
A friend of the second witness led to Atkins’ arrest, according to court documents. Detectives spoke to the woman Wednesday, where she explained she had picked up Atkins early in the morning and the two spent the night together following the shooting.
Around noon the next morning, she left the home the two were at to pick up food and money for Atkins, according to the affidavit. But instead of running the errands, the woman met with detectives.
The woman told police she believed Atkins would still be at the home, so detectives set up surveillance, according to court documents.
Once enough officers had arrived, police closed in on the home where Atkins sat on the front porch.
Fort Wayne police were able to take Atkins into custody without incident, according to the documents.
Officers involved with the arrest reported Atkins commented that the cigarette he was smoking when they arrived was going to be the last he would have for a long time. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/court-documents-detail-speedy-arrest-of-fatal-lillie-street-shooting-suspect/article_10230bbe-f01e-11ed-98ba-236005f82113.html | 2023-05-12T02:46:52 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/courts/court-documents-detail-speedy-arrest-of-fatal-lillie-street-shooting-suspect/article_10230bbe-f01e-11ed-98ba-236005f82113.html |
A suspected meth dealer held Fort Wayne police at bay for almost five hours before surrendering early Thursday.
Vice and narcotics detectives said they served a search warrant at 517 Lawton Place about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on a man suspected of a parole violation and dealing methamphetamine.
Police said they believed the man could be armed with guns. Emergency and crisis teams were called about 11:45 p.m. after the suspect refused to surrender.
The suspect eventually surrendered after five hours – about 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Officers said another person was inside the home but did not provide further information.
An investigation is ongoing. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/meth-suspect-surrenders-in-fort-wayne-standoff-after-5-hours/article_bbccdf0a-efea-11ed-ac56-375db5d7b58c.html | 2023-05-12T02:46:58 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-fire/meth-suspect-surrenders-in-fort-wayne-standoff-after-5-hours/article_bbccdf0a-efea-11ed-ac56-375db5d7b58c.html |
WATERLOO – The annual meeting of the Lot Owners of Fairview Cemetery will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 at 242 Tower Park Dr.
The purpose of the meeting is to elect trustees. Other business may be considered by the board.
Photos: 2023 Cedar Valley Top Nurses recipients at award ceremony
COURIER CELEBRATES CEDAR VALLEY'S TOP NURSES
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/fairview-cemetery-lot-owners-to-meet/article_1320d6f6-1591-5949-94c9-8b24115b021e.html | 2023-05-12T02:50:48 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/fairview-cemetery-lot-owners-to-meet/article_1320d6f6-1591-5949-94c9-8b24115b021e.html |
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — It's the month of May and the people on Speedway's Main Street are ready for racing!
Dave Calabro was back in the center of the racing world this week in his search for good news.
People decked head-to-toe in black and white checkers were enjoying sunny day when they stopped to chat with Dave about the excitement that fills the town every May.
Watch Dave's visit to Speedway in the video player above and see more of his "Good News" segments in the links below. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/good-news/dave-calabro-good-news-speedway-indiana-main-street/531-f54a8b79-d120-4e8e-9dd4-634e0b017be2 | 2023-05-12T02:52:37 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/good-news/dave-calabro-good-news-speedway-indiana-main-street/531-f54a8b79-d120-4e8e-9dd4-634e0b017be2 |
AUSTIN, Texas — This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
In dramatic fashion, the Texas House on Thursday gave final approval to legislation that would let voters decide whether to legalize online sports betting across the state.
The proposal needed 100 votes to pass and got exactly that when the roll was first called. A subsequent verification of the vote, which took several minutes as the clerk ticked through every member, produced 101 votes in favor of House Joint Resolution 102.
It is one of two proposals to expand gambling that have headlined the past two days in the lower chamber. Another, more ambitious piece of legislation, House Joint Resolution 155, would let voters decide whether to legalize casinos in Texas. The final consideration of that proposal was delayed until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Regardless, both proposals face long odds in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has repeatedly said there is not enough support. And Friday is the deadline for the House to give final passage to its bills, meaning the casino legislation is running into a time crunch.
On Wednesday, the House initially approved both proposals, but neither received the two-thirds majority that proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution need to make it out of the chamber. That left them in an uncertain position heading into Thursday.
The author of the sports-betting legislation, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, gave an emphatic final speech on the House floor Thursday, reiterating his argument that many Texans are already betting on sports, only illegally.
“Every single one of them are criminals ... under Texas law, and I believe that we should pass this bill to let them come out of the shadows and to carefully and safely regulate this,” Leach said.
The sports-betting legislation was able to clear the 100-vote threshold after several members changed their votes Thursday. At least five voted yes on HJR 102 on Thursday after voting no a day earlier.
A day earlier, the House passed the casino proposal by a vote of 92-51 and then the sports-betting proposal by a 97-44 vote. Both resolutions need a two-thirds majority from the House and Senate, followed by voter approval, to amend the state constitution.
The House votes were the most progress gaming advocates have made since descending on Austin two years ago with an all-out lobbying blitz. The casino empire Las Vegas Sands has been especially prolific, spending millions of dollars on lobbyists, TV ads and campaign contributions.
The proposals to expand gambling went no further than House committee hearings in 2021, while the Senate did not even give them hearings.
The sports-betting proposal is backed by a coalition of pro sports teams in Texas and betting platforms.
Opposition to the proposals had come from a variety of angles. The most vocal detractor was Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, who from the beginning has fought the latest push to expand gambling. He warned that if Texas legalized casinos, the number of sex-trafficking and domestic violence cases would “go vertical.”
“This bill is not going anywhere,” Shaheen said Wednesday. “The Senate has not even given this a hearing. This is dead.”
The head of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, joined in the opposition to both proposals, saying the process was rushed.
“I’m not a ‘no,’ I’m a ‘not now,’” Martinez Fischer said Wednesday. “Let’s spend some time and get it right.”
A fellow Democrat who co-authored the casino proposal, Rep. Yvonne Davis of Dallas, said Wednesday the legislation is “not perfect probably at this point, but as we do with legislation every day, we continue to perfect it.”
Casino proposal gets strong reaction
The casino legislation generated the most debate Wednesday. It would create at least eight licenses for casino gambling at “destination resorts” across Texas, giving preference to metropolitan areas where horse-racing has already been authorized. It would also legalize sports betting.
The proposal’s author, Rep. Charlie Geren, said the legislation would lead to “world-class casinos” with shopping and entertainment. He also stressed it would happen only if voters approved.
“This is really about letting your voters decide,” Geren, R-Fort Worth, told his colleagues.
Geren amended the bill to set aside 80% of the new tax revenue from casinos for increased salaries for public school teachers and for cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers. He also accepted multiple amendments to address geographic concerns, including one that would make the Austin area eligible for a casino license.
Still, Geren encountered opposition on several different fronts. State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., D-Eagle Pass, sought to amend the legislation to carve out a casino license for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The tribe has warned that its Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass could be hit hard by the creation of a license in the San Antonio area, home to many of its customers.
Morales’ amendment fell victim to a point of order — a procedural challenge — by Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington. And Morales ultimately voted against the overall proposal, saying it would “devastate my constituency.”
In a jab at Sands, Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, sought to amend the bill to exclude casino operators who do business in China and three other countries. Sands has several properties in Macau, a special administrative region in China, and Schaefer said he was concerned the company has an “irreconcilable conflict of interest” with the communist government.
Geren dealt with the amendment by convincing the House to apply the exclusion only to “mainland China.”
Online betting “not an expansion of gambling"
The debate over the sports-betting legislation was smoother. The author, Leach, argued that it was “not an expansion of gambling,” just an effort to regulate the illegal online sports betting that is already happening across Texas.
He accepted amendments to the underlying legislation that included the National Lacrosse League in the proposal and raised the gaming tax from 10% to 15%.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, gave a full-throated endorsement of the legislation, saying it was all about giving Texans “freedom” over how to spend their money.
“We’re not building casinos with this bill,” Canales said. “We’re allowing people to play a game of chance,” like trading stocks online. “What’s the difference?"
There was still vocal opposition from Shaheen, who called online sports betting “worse” than casinos because it would be within reach of everyone with an internet connection.
Most of those who supported the sports-betting proposal but opposed the casino legislation were Republicans.
Senate prospects a long shot
Patrick’s coldness to expanding gambling loomed large over the House debate. Patrick has not outlined any substantive objections to the proposals but repeatedly downplayed their prospects in his chamber.
In the Senate, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham is carrying the sports-betting proposal this session. It has not yet received a committee hearing.
Patrick has noted that casino advocates did not even file a bill in the Senate this session, adding that Kolkhorst’s sports-betting bill has received support from only a few other senators.
“I have not had one senator come to me who says they’re interested in voting for it” beyond those who have already signed on, Patrick said in late March.
Gaming advocates have long viewed House Speaker Dade Phelan as the state leader most amenable to expanding gambling. The Beaumont Republican represents a district on the border with Louisiana, where casinos are legal, and has said since 2021 he has no problem with bringing the establishments to Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott is also open to expanded gambling after resisting it years ago. His office has said he is willing to consider a “very professional entertainment option” in line with the destination resorts that the Sands team is pushing.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f | 2023-05-12T03:07:28 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f |
SEATTLE — Some people in Seattle’s Northgate area are concerned about a growing encampment at Hubbard Homestead Park.
Jaynie Black is a property manager in the area who has also been an advocate from the homeless, serving meals to people for years. KING 5 did a story on her efforts to care for the homeless back in 2017.
“Up until about a year ago I was feeding 200 to 300 every week out of the back of my car, which was a hot meal,” said Jaynie Black.
But now that number is less as she said she has had to be more selective with who she feeds and where she goes.
“I'd been able to infiltrate with those people out of trust, but the drugs have gotten so, so bad and rampant there,” said Black. “Their whole mindset has changed. Their demeanor has changed. I think it's between the drugs and the desperation.”
She is a manager of multiple properties near Hubbard Homestead Park in Northgate. She said a growing encampment at the park of about one to two dozen tents prompted her to contact the Seattle Mayor’s Office.
“The woman that I spoke with said, ‘Oh, we're working on that. It'll be gone in two weeks,’” said Black. “Well, it's grown probably by twice the amount of tents there was.”
She is especially concerned due to the kids that use the skatepark, which now has multiple tents right next to it.
“About a month ago there was a naked man in here and there's needles,” said Black.
KING 5 reached out to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Office, which sent a statement that said:
“The City’s Unified Care Team has been monitoring this site and crews have completed inspections and trash removal. The site has also been prioritized and is scheduled for a resolution in the coming weeks, pending shelter bed availability.”
Black said she had been told by some of the homeless people that shelter availability is an issue. Just this week she bought diapers for a woman with a baby outside a Northgate grocery store who said she was on a waiting list to get into a shelter.
Black said there needs to be a better long-term solution by the city to get to the root of the problem to truly serve these people.
“It's mental health, its drugs, it's alcoholism. It's all of that,” said Black. “They come with a lot on their plate, right? You can't just give them a tiny house and say, here, find your way back into society.”
She hopes the camp will be addressed and hopes the people living in it can be helped.
“They all have families, they have children, they have moms and dads. So, if you get to that level, you can start to bring them in,” said Black.
The Mayor's Office wanted to remind residents that the Unified Care Team is not an emergency response program and if there is an immediate safety concern they should call 9-1-1. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/growing-encampment-seattle-northgate-hubbard-homestead-park/281-2292c32f-0f1f-4bad-9b61-e6cd70964960 | 2023-05-12T03:07:35 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/growing-encampment-seattle-northgate-hubbard-homestead-park/281-2292c32f-0f1f-4bad-9b61-e6cd70964960 |
SEATTLE — Golfers of all kinds can swing from the Upper Deck this week in a unique stadium golfing experience at Lumen Field.
The stadium is taking a break from Football and Soccer to host a traveling golf experience that lets you play inside iconic professional sports stadiums. This week Upper Deck Golf is in Seattle and Co-Founder Frank Brown says tee times are still available for a perfect-weather round of nine holes.
“Upper Deck Golf is a once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience," Brown said. "We set up nine tee boxes around the stadium and you hit shots from the upper deck around the stadium down to the custom greens on the field below.”
Upper Deck Golf has a clubhouse experience with food and drink with multiple driving, chipping and putting challenges. Clubs are available at each pin and a custom scorecard is provided with 18 balls. Birdies, bogies and the other scores are based on circles surrounding the pins on Lumen Field. Each hole will range from 75 yards to 150 yards. Golf balls are collected by cart and by an armored staff member who is not considered bonus points but is definitely a moving target according to some giggling participants.
Upper Deck Golf is proud to support Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). SU2C is a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research and a portion of all ticket sales goes directly to support Stand Up To Cancer.
“We have worked with them from day one and we are blessed and honored to partner with them” said Brown.
Reserved tee times are required and only ticketed guests will be admitted for the event that runs through Saturday night. Tee times run as late as 9 pm so golfers can also reserve a later slot to swing the links under the lights of Lumen Field.
More info is available on Upper Deck Golf's website. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/upper-deck-golf-lumen-field-seattle/281-575481b2-a9cb-4cb8-ae6a-73745fe78bff | 2023-05-12T03:07:41 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/upper-deck-golf-lumen-field-seattle/281-575481b2-a9cb-4cb8-ae6a-73745fe78bff |
TACOMA, Wash. — During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Tacoma’s leadership voted to keep Elizabeth Pauli on as city manager.
Pauli was appointed to the role in 2017. This reappointment will keep her until May 15, 2025.
Council members such as Joe Bushnell praised Pauli’s work, saying she’s exceeded expectations during her tenure.
“I would say she’s one of the best city managers in this country,” Bushnell said.
The City of Tacoma says the city manager’s role is to work with the mayor, City Council and city departments to make sure the city policies are implemented effectively. City managers aren’t elected position, but instead are appointed by the City Council, and the position doesn’t have a term limit.
Under the city’s updated compensation plan, Pauli is set to receive an annual salary of $309,556, plus a benefits package that includes a one-time contribution of $20,000 into her supplemental benefits account, and annual payments of $23,000 in deferred compensation payments.
But Bushnell promises the city can cover the expense.
“Every biennium, we go through the budget, and it’s a balanced budget every single time,” Bushnell said. “Every single dollar is accounted for. So yes, the budget can handle it. It’s 4 billion dollars.”
But some Tacoma residents like Morgan Reay aren't convinced that such a high salary is necessary or that a reappointment is deserved after the fallout from the death of Manuel Ellis-- who died while being arrested by Tacoma police officers.
“I participated in protests surrounding it, and she’s done nothing to address systematic racism, police brutality, everything was moving at a snail’s pace as far as that case,” Reay said. “I’m shocked that she’s being reappointed for another two years.”
Pauli’s salary makes her one of the highest paid public officials in the state.
In comparison, Tacoma Council members make $49,587 a year, and the Mayor of Tacoma has an annual salary of $111,613.
Bushnell said while Pauli deserves the high salary, council members deserve one as well.
“It’s a larger community conversation we need to have,” Bushnell said. “I do my best to advocate for my constituents, but someone also said you need to advocate for yourself.”
Meanwhile, Reay hopes city leadership can focus on issues that Tacoma needs to solve.
“Pauli, as well as the entire City Council, need to be focusing on affordable housing, actual affordable housing within our community.”
Mayor Victoria Woodards sent a statement to KING 5 on Pauli’s reappointment that reads:
"I think we can all agree that today's environment is characterized by increasing complexity. Local government executives at this level must address complex issues while overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations. Our city manager must make decisions that account for a myriad of overlapping factors. She has a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of the challenges and opportunities we face. We appreciate the full breadth and depth of the work she has accomplished in the last year. At the end of the day, what she is worth is intricately tied to the value our City Council believes she brings to our organization as well as the market demand for someone with her role." | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/tacoma-elizabeth-pauli-city-manager-pay/281-faaff2b6-7d12-4567-b751-930a7a866da6 | 2023-05-12T03:07:47 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/tacoma/tacoma-elizabeth-pauli-city-manager-pay/281-faaff2b6-7d12-4567-b751-930a7a866da6 |
AUSTIN, Texas — This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
In dramatic fashion, the Texas House on Thursday gave final approval to legislation that would let voters decide whether to legalize online sports betting across the state.
The proposal needed 100 votes to pass and got exactly that when the roll was first called. A subsequent verification of the vote, which took several minutes as the clerk ticked through every member, produced 101 votes in favor of House Joint Resolution 102.
It is one of two proposals to expand gambling that have headlined the past two days in the lower chamber. Another, more ambitious piece of legislation, House Joint Resolution 155, would let voters decide whether to legalize casinos in Texas. The final consideration of that proposal was delayed until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Regardless, both proposals face long odds in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has repeatedly said there is not enough support. And Friday is the deadline for the House to give final passage to its bills, meaning the casino legislation is running into a time crunch.
On Wednesday, the House initially approved both proposals, but neither received the two-thirds majority that proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution need to make it out of the chamber. That left them in an uncertain position heading into Thursday.
The author of the sports-betting legislation, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, gave an emphatic final speech on the House floor Thursday, reiterating his argument that many Texans are already betting on sports, only illegally.
“Every single one of them are criminals ... under Texas law, and I believe that we should pass this bill to let them come out of the shadows and to carefully and safely regulate this,” Leach said.
The sports-betting legislation was able to clear the 100-vote threshold after several members changed their votes Thursday. At least five voted yes on HJR 102 on Thursday after voting no a day earlier.
A day earlier, the House passed the casino proposal by a vote of 92-51 and then the sports-betting proposal by a 97-44 vote. Both resolutions need a two-thirds majority from the House and Senate, followed by voter approval, to amend the state constitution.
The House votes were the most progress gaming advocates have made since descending on Austin two years ago with an all-out lobbying blitz. The casino empire Las Vegas Sands has been especially prolific, spending millions of dollars on lobbyists, TV ads and campaign contributions.
The proposals to expand gambling went no further than House committee hearings in 2021, while the Senate did not even give them hearings.
The sports-betting proposal is backed by a coalition of pro sports teams in Texas and betting platforms.
Opposition to the proposals had come from a variety of angles. The most vocal detractor was Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, who from the beginning has fought the latest push to expand gambling. He warned that if Texas legalized casinos, the number of sex-trafficking and domestic violence cases would “go vertical.”
“This bill is not going anywhere,” Shaheen said Wednesday. “The Senate has not even given this a hearing. This is dead.”
The head of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, joined in the opposition to both proposals, saying the process was rushed.
“I’m not a ‘no,’ I’m a ‘not now,’” Martinez Fischer said Wednesday. “Let’s spend some time and get it right.”
A fellow Democrat who co-authored the casino proposal, Rep. Yvonne Davis of Dallas, said Wednesday the legislation is “not perfect probably at this point, but as we do with legislation every day, we continue to perfect it.”
Casino proposal gets strong reaction
The casino legislation generated the most debate Wednesday. It would create at least eight licenses for casino gambling at “destination resorts” across Texas, giving preference to metropolitan areas where horse-racing has already been authorized. It would also legalize sports betting.
The proposal’s author, Rep. Charlie Geren, said the legislation would lead to “world-class casinos” with shopping and entertainment. He also stressed it would happen only if voters approved.
“This is really about letting your voters decide,” Geren, R-Fort Worth, told his colleagues.
Geren amended the bill to set aside 80% of the new tax revenue from casinos for increased salaries for public school teachers and for cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers. He also accepted multiple amendments to address geographic concerns, including one that would make the Austin area eligible for a casino license.
Still, Geren encountered opposition on several different fronts. State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., D-Eagle Pass, sought to amend the legislation to carve out a casino license for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The tribe has warned that its Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass could be hit hard by the creation of a license in the San Antonio area, home to many of its customers.
Morales’ amendment fell victim to a point of order — a procedural challenge — by Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington. And Morales ultimately voted against the overall proposal, saying it would “devastate my constituency.”
In a jab at Sands, Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, sought to amend the bill to exclude casino operators who do business in China and three other countries. Sands has several properties in Macau, a special administrative region in China, and Schaefer said he was concerned the company has an “irreconcilable conflict of interest” with the communist government.
Geren dealt with the amendment by convincing the House to apply the exclusion only to “mainland China.”
Online betting “not an expansion of gambling"
The debate over the sports-betting legislation was smoother. The author, Leach, argued that it was “not an expansion of gambling,” just an effort to regulate the illegal online sports betting that is already happening across Texas.
He accepted amendments to the underlying legislation that included the National Lacrosse League in the proposal and raised the gaming tax from 10% to 15%.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, gave a full-throated endorsement of the legislation, saying it was all about giving Texans “freedom” over how to spend their money.
“We’re not building casinos with this bill,” Canales said. “We’re allowing people to play a game of chance,” like trading stocks online. “What’s the difference?"
There was still vocal opposition from Shaheen, who called online sports betting “worse” than casinos because it would be within reach of everyone with an internet connection.
Most of those who supported the sports-betting proposal but opposed the casino legislation were Republicans.
Senate prospects a long shot
Patrick’s coldness to expanding gambling loomed large over the House debate. Patrick has not outlined any substantive objections to the proposals but repeatedly downplayed their prospects in his chamber.
In the Senate, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham is carrying the sports-betting proposal this session. It has not yet received a committee hearing.
Patrick has noted that casino advocates did not even file a bill in the Senate this session, adding that Kolkhorst’s sports-betting bill has received support from only a few other senators.
“I have not had one senator come to me who says they’re interested in voting for it” beyond those who have already signed on, Patrick said in late March.
Gaming advocates have long viewed House Speaker Dade Phelan as the state leader most amenable to expanding gambling. The Beaumont Republican represents a district on the border with Louisiana, where casinos are legal, and has said since 2021 he has no problem with bringing the establishments to Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott is also open to expanded gambling after resisting it years ago. His office has said he is willing to consider a “very professional entertainment option” in line with the destination resorts that the Sands team is pushing.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f | 2023-05-12T03:12:34 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f |
IRVING, Texas — In another notable name-brand corporate relocation win for Dallas-Fort Worth, Cacique Foods revealed plans to shift its corporate headquarters from California to Texas.
The family-owned Hispanic foods maker of cheeses, cremas, chorizos and salsas is looking to Irving as a hub to better serve customers from a central location, improve efficiencies and promote team collaboration.
It is unclear how many new jobs the corporate headquarters move will bring, but Cacique shared details about 200 jobs it has slated elsewhere in Texas.
In addition to shifting its base of operations to Irving, Cacique announced it has expanded operations in the Lone Star State with a new 200,000-square-foot dairy processing facility in Amarillo. The new Amarillo facility is expected to support production capacity for continued growth for the company that was founded 50 years ago in 1973.
The company has moved its corporate presence to Irving’s 1410 Westridge Circle North, a Class A office building that Bradford’s Richmond Collinsworth, Jared Laake and Erik Blais lease, according to marketing materials for the space. The property was developed by T2V Properties, a local firm based in Irving.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is consistently one of the nation’s top markets for corporate headquarters relocations, attracting a broad spectrum of companies. Past relocations to DFW include headquarters moves for Fortune 500 and Forbes Top Private companies and industry leaders. Some of the bigger names to relocate their headquarters to North Texas include Caterpillar, AECOM, AT&T, CBRE, Comerica, Fluor, Jacobs, McKesson, NTT Data and Toyota. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/another-name-brand-company-announced-moving-california-north-texas/287-5d8b8f8a-ba8d-42c7-aa20-263c72755f58 | 2023-05-12T03:15:45 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/another-name-brand-company-announced-moving-california-north-texas/287-5d8b8f8a-ba8d-42c7-aa20-263c72755f58 |
DALLAS — Dallas is the 23rd least affordable housing market in the nation’s 100 largest cities, and the possibility of home ownership for buyers with an average-sized paycheck is fading, according to a new study.
A family making Dallas’ average household income of $63,781 would have to spend 41.48% of their monthly paycheck on housing costs to afford a median-priced home, according to the just released May Affordability Index by home listing platform RealtyHop.
Dallas became 1.63% less affordable this month, according to the study.
That puts Dallas among the 25 most unaffordable housing markets nationwide — cities where homeowners direct over 40% of their income toward homeownership.
Fort Worth is more affordable than Dallas, ranking 46th on the list when both housing costs and incomes are factored in. A family making Fort Worth’s average household income of $75,434 would have to spend 35.77% of their yearly household income on homeownership costs, according to the RealtyHop index.
The median home price in Dallas in May is $375,000 and the estimated monthly mortgage payment and taxes total $2,205. The median home price in Fort Worth in May is $365,000 and the estimated monthly mortgage payment and taxes total $2,248.
Sixty-one of the 100 U.S. cities in the study got less affordable in May, while 34 became more affordable and five saw no change, the study found.
Homeowners in 66 of the 100 major cities must spend over 30% of their annual income on homeownership. That's one city less than last month.
Miami is the least affordable housing market this month. The median list price for a home decreased to $585,000, and Miami homeowners can expect to spend 79.92% of their monthly income on the cost of homeownership.
Los Angeles remains the second most unaffordable housing market in the nation. Prospective buyers earning a median household income of $73,432 in L.A. should expect to spend $4,742 monthly on mortgage and property tax payments. That’s 77.5% of the median income going for housing each month.
The only Texas city less affordable than Dallas is Austin. A family making Austin’s average household income of $86,823 would have to spend 43.68% of their paycheck on housing costs, according to the study. The median May home price in Austin is $537,145, and the estimated monthly mortgage and taxes total $3,160.
Prices in the Dallas-Fort Worth housing market are among the fastest growing in the country, squeezing out buyers with lower or even average incomes.
The value of a typical home in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area stands at just over $362,000, up 38% since 2020, according Zillow.
Higher interest rates have compounded the problem of higher prices for prospective buyers.
Through March, monthly mortgage costs for a typical home in DFW (with a 20% down payment) are $1,859, up 45% year over year, according to Zillow. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-ranks-among-least-affordable-cities-prospective-homebuyers/287-fa77ad3b-0aa1-4a0d-a46d-dd7693c860b9 | 2023-05-12T03:15:51 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-ranks-among-least-affordable-cities-prospective-homebuyers/287-fa77ad3b-0aa1-4a0d-a46d-dd7693c860b9 |
AUSTIN, Texas — This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
In dramatic fashion, the Texas House on Thursday gave final approval to legislation that would let voters decide whether to legalize online sports betting across the state.
The proposal needed 100 votes to pass and got exactly that when the roll was first called. A subsequent verification of the vote, which took several minutes as the clerk ticked through every member, produced 101 votes in favor of House Joint Resolution 102.
It is one of two proposals to expand gambling that have headlined the past two days in the lower chamber. Another, more ambitious piece of legislation, House Joint Resolution 155, would let voters decide whether to legalize casinos in Texas. The final consideration of that proposal was delayed until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Regardless, both proposals face long odds in the Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has repeatedly said there is not enough support. And Friday is the deadline for the House to give final passage to its bills, meaning the casino legislation is running into a time crunch.
On Wednesday, the House initially approved both proposals, but neither received the two-thirds majority that proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution need to make it out of the chamber. That left them in an uncertain position heading into Thursday.
The author of the sports-betting legislation, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, gave an emphatic final speech on the House floor Thursday, reiterating his argument that many Texans are already betting on sports, only illegally.
“Every single one of them are criminals ... under Texas law, and I believe that we should pass this bill to let them come out of the shadows and to carefully and safely regulate this,” Leach said.
The sports-betting legislation was able to clear the 100-vote threshold after several members changed their votes Thursday. At least five voted yes on HJR 102 on Thursday after voting no a day earlier.
A day earlier, the House passed the casino proposal by a vote of 92-51 and then the sports-betting proposal by a 97-44 vote. Both resolutions need a two-thirds majority from the House and Senate, followed by voter approval, to amend the state constitution.
The House votes were the most progress gaming advocates have made since descending on Austin two years ago with an all-out lobbying blitz. The casino empire Las Vegas Sands has been especially prolific, spending millions of dollars on lobbyists, TV ads and campaign contributions.
The proposals to expand gambling went no further than House committee hearings in 2021, while the Senate did not even give them hearings.
The sports-betting proposal is backed by a coalition of pro sports teams in Texas and betting platforms.
Opposition to the proposals had come from a variety of angles. The most vocal detractor was Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, who from the beginning has fought the latest push to expand gambling. He warned that if Texas legalized casinos, the number of sex-trafficking and domestic violence cases would “go vertical.”
“This bill is not going anywhere,” Shaheen said Wednesday. “The Senate has not even given this a hearing. This is dead.”
The head of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, joined in the opposition to both proposals, saying the process was rushed.
“I’m not a ‘no,’ I’m a ‘not now,’” Martinez Fischer said Wednesday. “Let’s spend some time and get it right.”
A fellow Democrat who co-authored the casino proposal, Rep. Yvonne Davis of Dallas, said Wednesday the legislation is “not perfect probably at this point, but as we do with legislation every day, we continue to perfect it.”
Casino proposal gets strong reaction
The casino legislation generated the most debate Wednesday. It would create at least eight licenses for casino gambling at “destination resorts” across Texas, giving preference to metropolitan areas where horse-racing has already been authorized. It would also legalize sports betting.
The proposal’s author, Rep. Charlie Geren, said the legislation would lead to “world-class casinos” with shopping and entertainment. He also stressed it would happen only if voters approved.
“This is really about letting your voters decide,” Geren, R-Fort Worth, told his colleagues.
Geren amended the bill to set aside 80% of the new tax revenue from casinos for increased salaries for public school teachers and for cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers. He also accepted multiple amendments to address geographic concerns, including one that would make the Austin area eligible for a casino license.
Still, Geren encountered opposition on several different fronts. State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., D-Eagle Pass, sought to amend the legislation to carve out a casino license for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. The tribe has warned that its Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass could be hit hard by the creation of a license in the San Antonio area, home to many of its customers.
Morales’ amendment fell victim to a point of order — a procedural challenge — by Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington. And Morales ultimately voted against the overall proposal, saying it would “devastate my constituency.”
In a jab at Sands, Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, sought to amend the bill to exclude casino operators who do business in China and three other countries. Sands has several properties in Macau, a special administrative region in China, and Schaefer said he was concerned the company has an “irreconcilable conflict of interest” with the communist government.
Geren dealt with the amendment by convincing the House to apply the exclusion only to “mainland China.”
Online betting “not an expansion of gambling"
The debate over the sports-betting legislation was smoother. The author, Leach, argued that it was “not an expansion of gambling,” just an effort to regulate the illegal online sports betting that is already happening across Texas.
He accepted amendments to the underlying legislation that included the National Lacrosse League in the proposal and raised the gaming tax from 10% to 15%.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, gave a full-throated endorsement of the legislation, saying it was all about giving Texans “freedom” over how to spend their money.
“We’re not building casinos with this bill,” Canales said. “We’re allowing people to play a game of chance,” like trading stocks online. “What’s the difference?"
There was still vocal opposition from Shaheen, who called online sports betting “worse” than casinos because it would be within reach of everyone with an internet connection.
Most of those who supported the sports-betting proposal but opposed the casino legislation were Republicans.
Senate prospects a long shot
Patrick’s coldness to expanding gambling loomed large over the House debate. Patrick has not outlined any substantive objections to the proposals but repeatedly downplayed their prospects in his chamber.
In the Senate, Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham is carrying the sports-betting proposal this session. It has not yet received a committee hearing.
Patrick has noted that casino advocates did not even file a bill in the Senate this session, adding that Kolkhorst’s sports-betting bill has received support from only a few other senators.
“I have not had one senator come to me who says they’re interested in voting for it” beyond those who have already signed on, Patrick said in late March.
Gaming advocates have long viewed House Speaker Dade Phelan as the state leader most amenable to expanding gambling. The Beaumont Republican represents a district on the border with Louisiana, where casinos are legal, and has said since 2021 he has no problem with bringing the establishments to Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott is also open to expanded gambling after resisting it years ago. His office has said he is willing to consider a “very professional entertainment option” in line with the destination resorts that the Sands team is pushing.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f | 2023-05-12T03:15:57 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-house-approves-online-sports-betting-measure/287-64c611ea-1761-4e5b-a046-0e4f3ead4d6f |
Authorities responded to a crash involving a car that struck a pedestrian in the 6700 block of Sheridan Road Thursday night.
The incident was reported at 8:26 p.m. and Kenosha police and fire department rescue personnel responded to the scene. Later, a Flight For Life medical helicopter was called to transport the injured individual to a Milwaukee-area hospital, according to Lt. Desiree Farchione of the Kenosha Police Department.
According to Farchione, the victim had a possible head injury and leg fractures, but a condition was not immediately known. The condition of the driver was also not immediately known.
The major crash assistance team, a law enforcement unit responsible for investigating serious vehicle collisions, has now responded. Comprising the unit are investigators from the city police, the sheriff's department and Pleasant Prairie Police Department.
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This story continues to develop. Check back later for additional details at www.kenoshanews.com
The 25 most dangerous cities for drivers
Intro
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
Driving is a way of life for most Americans. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there are more than 120 million vehicles used for commuting, and research conducted by Gallup found that 83 percent of adults drive at least several times per week. Even though driving is one of the most popular modes of transportation, it’s not without risk.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2017, driving was responsible for 37,133 fatalities. Adjusted for population, that’s 11.4 driving fatalities for every 100,000 people in the U.S.
Driving has long been a leading cause of death among teens—young drivers have less experience and are more likely to engage in risky driving behavior. There has been a slight rise in traffic fatalities over the past five years, but the longer term trend shows that fewer people are dying as a result of car accidents.
Despite safety improvements over the past 25 years, certain times of the day and week are still more dangerous than others for drivers. Car accidents can occur at any time, but data from the NHTSA shows that fatal accidents are more likely to occur on nights and weekends. In 2017, there were 70 percent more fatal accidents between 6-9 PM than between 6-9 AM. Likewise, compared to Monday-Thursday, Friday-Sunday saw 25 percent more fatal crashes per day.
Timing is not the only factor that influences traffic fatalities; location matters too. The likelihood of getting into any car accident is higher in urban areas, but the likelihood of being involved in a fatal accident is higher in rural areas. According to the IIHS, only 19 percent of Americans live in rural areas and 30 percent of the miles traveled by vehicles occur in rural areas, but almost half of traffic fatalities happen in these locations. Within rural areas, crash deaths are also more likely to occur on local and collector roads rather than on interstates.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, rural collector roads and local roads may not be fully paved or have clearly delineated directions of travel, increasing the likelihood of collision. In addition, the speed limit on rural roads is usually higher than on urban roads, and crashes that occur at higher speeds can be more severe. These factors are compounded by limited (or delayed) access to health care services in many rural areas.
Collisions aren’t the only danger for drivers. Cars are also subject to theft—a crime that cost Americans about $6 billion in 2017. The good news is that vehicle thefts have also been trending down over the past two decades. In 2017, the number of vehicle thefts nationwide was about a third lower than what it was in 1998 and the rate of vehicle thefts per 100,000 people was nearly halved.
Similar to motor vehicle accidents and fatalities, location is a big determinant in the likelihood of having a car stolen. Most car thefts occur in Western states, such as New Mexico, Nevada, and California. By contrast, states in the Northeast, such as Vermont, Maine, and New York, tend to have lower rates of motor vehicle theft.
When considering the likelihood of collision, traffic fatalities, motor vehicle thefts, and inclement weather, some cities are more dangerous for drivers than others. To identify the most dangerous cities for drivers, researchers at CarInsuranceCompanies.com used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Allstate’s America’s Best Drivers Report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Program, and the National Centers for Environmental Information Comparative Climatic Data to create a composite score for each of the largest U.S. cities based on the following factors:
- Motor vehicle fatality rate (50%)
- Relative collision likelihood (30%)
- Motor vehicle theft rate (10%)
- Annual days with precipitation (10%)
Only the 183 most populous cities in the U.S. with available data from all of the sources were included. Here’s what the study found:
Key takeaways
- Nationwide there were 37,133 fatalities in 2017, resulting in a fatality rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people. Among major cities, that number ranges from a low of 0.6 in Cary, NC to a high of 27.9 in Charleston, SC.
- Across the entire U.S., the average driver experiences a collision once every 10.6 years. That ranges from a high of 14.9 in Brownsville, TX to a low of 4.2 in Baltimore, MD.
- According to data from the FBI, there were over 770,000 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2017, or 237 per 100,000 people. The car theft rate ranges from 31.6 in Naperville, IL to over 1,375 in Albuquerque, NM.
- Several cities in the South, Midwest, and California are among the most dangerous 25 cities for drivers. More specifically, four cities from the list are from California, four are from Florida, and four are from Texas.
25. Orlando, FL
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 13.2 per 100k people (37 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 15.3% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 495 per 100k people (1,387 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 117
- Population: 280,258
24. Fresno, CA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.6 per 100k people (61 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 31.9% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 529 per 100k people (2,789 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 45
- Population: 527,422
23. Portland, OR
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 7.4 per 100k people (48 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 51.0% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 1,126 per 100k people (7,295 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 153
- Population: 648,121
22. San Bernardino, CA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 10.1 per 100k people (22 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 41.8% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 1,049 per 100k people (2,277 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 38
- Population: 216,983
21. Fort Worth, TX
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 12.6 per 100k people (110 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 29.7% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 309 per 100k people (2,706 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 79
- Population: 876,060
20. Cincinnati, OH
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 8.6 per 100k people (26 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 47.6% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 493 per 100k people (1,485 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 132
- Population: 301,305
19. Houston, TX
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 10.6 per 100k people (245 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 38.0% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 501 per 100k people (11,596 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 103
- Population: 2,313,230
18. Pomona, CA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.8 per 100k people (18 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 34.0% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 817 per 100k people (1,250 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 27
- Population: 152,946
17. Hollywood, FL
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 14.3 per 100k people (22 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 14.9% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 329 per 100k people (505 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 145
- Population: 153,625
16. Mesquite, TX
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.1 per 100k people (16 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 38.4% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 590 per 100k people (849 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 79
- Population: 143,822
15. Hialeah, FL
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 12.5 per 100k people (30 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 26.0% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 286 per 100k people (685 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 138
- Population: 239,682
14. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 16.7 per 100k people (30 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 6.8% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 514 per 100k people (925 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 145
- Population: 180,071
13. Charlotte, NC
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 12.0 per 100k people (103 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 35.9% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 305 per 100k people (2,622 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 112
- Population: 859,052
12. Memphis, TN
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 15.2 per 100k people (99 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 16.8% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 614 per 100k people (4,002 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 108
- Population: 652,231
11. Springfield, MA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.0 per 100k people (17 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 81.7% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 329 per 100k people (509 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 100
- Population: 154,763
10. Louisville, KY
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 14.3 per 100k people (89 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 16.2% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 622 per 100k people (3,864 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 124
- Population: 621,337
9. Sacramento, CA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 13.7 per 100k people (69 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 40.0% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 542 per 100k people (2,718 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 57
- Population: 501,890
8. Cleveland, OH
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 13.7 per 100k people (53 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 18.9% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 881 per 100k people (3,395 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 156
- Population: 385,552
7. New Orleans, LA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.2 per 100k people (44 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 49.1% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 644 per 100k people (2,531 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 114
- Population: 393,292
6. Atlanta, GA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 11.3 per 100k people (55 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 49.4% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 678 per 100k people (3,297 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 115
- Population: 486,299
5. St. Louis, MO
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 18.1 per 100k people (56 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 22.4% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 879 per 100k people (2,713 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 110
- Population: 308,626
4. Detroit, MI
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 15.3 per 100k people (103 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 22.8% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 1,212 per 100k people (8,155 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 135
- Population: 673,103
3. Dallas, TX
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 14.5 per 100k people (194 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 46.5% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 590 per 100k people (7,913 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 79
- Population: 1,341,103
2. Savannah, GA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 15.7 per 100k people (23 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 37.8% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 642 per 100k people (940 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 110
- Population: 146,449
1. Baton Rouge, LA
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
- Motor vehicle fatalities: 23.1 per 100k people (52 per year)
- Relative collision likelihood: 55.1% above average
- Motor vehicle thefts: 440 per 100k people (991 per year)
- Annual days with precipitation: 113
- Population: 225,370
Methodology
To identify the most dangerous cities for drivers, a composite score was calculated based on the following factors:
- Motor vehicle fatality rate (50%)
- Relative collision likelihood (30%)
- Motor vehicle theft rate (10%)
- Annual days with precipitation (10%)
Using data from:
- Annual motor vehicle fatalities are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System
- Collision rates are from Allstate’s America’s Best Drivers Report
- Annual motor vehicle thefts are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Program
- Annual days with precipitation are from the National Centers for Environmental Information Comparative Climatic Data
Only the 200 most populous cities in the U.S. were included in the analysis. Of those 200 cities, 17 were removed because of missing data across one or multiple data sources. For a complete set of results for all cities, see the original version on CarInsuranceCompanies.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/update-flight-for-life-called-to-transport-pedestrian-struck-by-vehicle-in-6700-block-of/article_9d0ae58e-f06d-11ed-9a3e-ff739a1457b5.html | 2023-05-12T03:17:18 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/update-flight-for-life-called-to-transport-pedestrian-struck-by-vehicle-in-6700-block-of/article_9d0ae58e-f06d-11ed-9a3e-ff739a1457b5.html |
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