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Tucson police are asking for help finding a gunman who shot a teen in the neck last month after an argument at a gas station on the city's south side.
The teen was in a car that left a gas station near West Valencia Road and the Interstate 19 frontage road April 28, following an argument with people in a beige SUV, police said in a news release.
Moments later near the I-19 overpass, the SUV pulled next to the car the teen was riding and a gunshot was fired into the vehicle. The teen was struck in the neck, police said.
The teen was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police are hoping for help identifying the people in the SUV.
The driver is described as a heavy-set man in his 20’s with curly hair. He wore a red shirt at the time of the shooting.
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The passenger in the SUV was thin and had long hair.
The SUV is possibly a 2007-2015 Chevy Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade or other General Motors vehicle, police said. It has chrome rims and a quarter panel on its driver's side is black, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tipster line.
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/tucson-police-looking-for-gunman-who-shot-teen-in-neck/article_4dc8cc0c-f441-11ed-8e60-b35caec56320.html | 2023-05-17T01:02:31 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/tucson-police-looking-for-gunman-who-shot-teen-in-neck/article_4dc8cc0c-f441-11ed-8e60-b35caec56320.html |
Rep. Juan Ciscomani has always struck me as steady and responsible.
He says he still is, and what he's doing now shows that.
I'm not seeing it.
Ciscomani, the freshman Republican who represents much of the Tucson area as well as southeastern Arizona in the U.S. House, has gone along with the GOP plan to use the threat of debt default as a political lever. They want to force Democrats and President Joe Biden to accept spending cuts, or else.
Or else what? Economic catastrophe. We would all suffer. There would be global impacts.
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Now, Ciscomani insists that he would never support a default.
"We need to raise the debt ceiling limit, and we will do that," he told me Tuesday. "And as we do that, it’s an opportunity to look at our spending, and limit where we can."
It isn't the first time the debt ceiling has been used as leverage. This occasional drama goes back at least to 2006 when George W. Bush was president, and Democrats used the debt ceiling as leverage to get concessions. Since then, it's been a Republican tactic, not one that GOP congressmen use against Republican presidents though.
Spending, it seems, is only a crisis worthy of the threat of default when Democrats are in the White House.
When Donald Trump was president, Congress raised the debt limit three times, two of those times when Republicans were in control. Spending cuts were never a condition.
April 26, Ciscomani voted in favor of a bill called the Limit, Save, Grow Act that is the Republicans framework for cutting spending and raising the debt limit, although the debt limit would have to be revisited by March 31, 2024. As a condition for raising the debt limit, it would:
• Require federal spending to be capped at $1.47 trillion in fiscal year 2024
• Limit spending increases to just 1 % total in the subsequent fiscal years
• Stop Biden's student-loan relief program, which forgives $10,000 to $20,000 in debt per person
• Rescind increased spending on the IRS — a change that would actually raise the deficit by $120 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Since the plan is so short on details and open to interpretation, Democrats have taken the opportunity to interpret it for voters.
They've labeled it the Default on America Act and alleged that it would threaten medical care for veterans, worsen wait times for Social Security and Medicare decisions, deny treatment for opioid addicts and make other drastic changes.
A poll by the Democratic group House Majority Forward put a recent question in a push poll this way:
"Representative Ciscomani voted for a bill that would cut Medicaid, ending care for 21 million who count on it, especially disabled kids and seniors in nursing homes. Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this bill?"
This is probably an unfair reading of the bill, as it doesn't expressly do this at all. But really it's pointless to get bogged down in the details.
The point is that nobody should use the threat of defaulting on our debt and crashing the economy as leverage to win a political battle, even one over spending. These are, after all, debts we've already accrued.
We should move past the era of debt-ceiling drama and simply pay our bills, as we did for decades.
Now, Ciscomani says that the bill is part of a negotiation. It's the Republicans giving the Democrats something to respond to.
"We laid out a plan. Now it's up to the president to negotiate," he said.
But this is the wrong context, in my view. Biden, too, has put out a plan — his proposed 2024 budget. It cuts $3 trillion from the deficit, cumulatively, over the next 10 years.
That compares to a possible $4.8 trillion savings over 10 years in the Republicans' bill.
This sounds like grounds for negotiation — in budget talks, not a situation where the country is being held hostage and threatened with economic collapse.
Maybe that would be justified if we were in a specific emergency. I asked Ciscomani what the emergency is at this moment that required using this leverage. He pointed to the fact that the national debt is almost $32 trillion and said if we don't start reducing spending now, drastic cuts will be necessary in just a few years.
"It’s our responsibility to make these decisions now," he said. "Quite frankly, we're late."
While the total national debt is growing and needs to be dealt with, our deficit is shrinking. The annual deficit rose to $3.1 trillion in 2020, Trump's last year and the opening year of the pandemic, but was down to $1.4 trillion last year and appears to be dropping further.
Ciscomani's use of the debt limit as a lever could come back to bite him in next year's election, his first re-election effort. Democrat Kirsten Engel, who he defeated in the 2020 election, is watching closely.
"It is fundamentally irresponsible to threaten to tank the economy in order to get your way in budget negotiations," she told me Tuesday. "It is the responsibility of Congress to work out a budget. Part of that process is also tackling a deficit."
That's the steady, responsible way to proceed. Have a budget negotiation — don't use threats of disaster to get your way.
Tim Steller is an opinion columnist. A 25-year veteran of reporting and editing, he digs into issues and stories that matter in the Tucson area, reports the results and tells you his conclusions. Contact him at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-rep-ciscomani-loses-way-in-debt-ceiling-debate/article_d3af5b6a-f40a-11ed-8617-a70dea67ea94.html | 2023-05-17T01:02:37 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-rep-ciscomani-loses-way-in-debt-ceiling-debate/article_d3af5b6a-f40a-11ed-8617-a70dea67ea94.html |
AUGUSTA -- Law enforcement leaders say for the first time in years there are *no* fallen officers to add to the granite memorial remembering those who vowed to protect and serve.
"Young and old, veteran and rookie. These men sacrificed their own lives to protect life and property in the state of Maine,” said gov. Janet Mills Tuesday during the annual Maine Law enforcement Officers Memorial.
Lawmakers, officers and family members of the Maine officers that lost their lives in the line of duty gathered together to pay their respects.
"I think it's powerful for us as a profession. I think it's incredibly powerful for the families and the intimate agencies that are involved with the individuals that lost their lives on behalf of the state of Maine and our residents,” said Michael Sauschuck, the commissioner for the Department of Public Safety.
Several speakers acknowledged the fact that this year, no new names were added to the memorial which currently holds the names of 88 members of law enforcement that have lost their lives protecting others.
"We're so thankful that we don't have a name to add to the wall this year. We know they're about to step off into the unknown every single shift.. Every single minute of every day,” according to Sauschuck. “We need them out there to keep our communities safe."
We spoke to the widow of Charles E. Black who lost his life in the line of duty almost 60 years ago. Black's family remembers how he put fatherhood above all else.
"The day I bought my first child home he opened the car door and said give him to me. It's important for me to pay honor to him,” said the widow of fallen officer Charles e. Black, Mary Andrews. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fallen-officers-honored-during-annual-memorial-observance/article_952833fe-f440-11ed-994c-a76f66552b7c.html | 2023-05-17T01:04:40 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/fallen-officers-honored-during-annual-memorial-observance/article_952833fe-f440-11ed-994c-a76f66552b7c.html |
AUGUSTA -- Tuesday a judge at the Kennebec County Superior court sentenced a Gardiner man to serve 65 years behind bars for multiple felonies.
23-year-old Dylan Ketcham was sentenced to 45 years for the murder of Jordan Johnson. Along with 20 additional years for the attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault of Caleb Trudeau.
The crimes took place on January 25, 2020 when the three men agreed to meet at an empty ball field for a fist fight, however Ketcham came armed.
Ketcham reportedly shot Johnson in the head and then viciously attacked Trudeau, the only witness and survivor, with a knife.
Defense attorney Stephen Smith says "this is an example of young men coming together to exercise poor judgment."
"We're very disappointed. Dylan went through a very difficult situation. Young men make foolish decisions. In our view this was clearly a self defense situation,” said Smith.
"Well the world is full of twenty-somethings. Who doesn't kill people with firearms and hack people with machetes. We don't think he did this awful crime because of his youth, we think he did it because he's a thoroughly dangerous person,” said Meg Elam, assistant attorney general for the Maine Attorney Generals’ Office.
Smith says he plans to appeal Ketchum's conviction and sentence. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/gardiner-man-to-serve-65-years-behind-bars-for-murder-and-other-felonies/article_99bf216a-f441-11ed-b4bb-bf5db9cf5a3d.html | 2023-05-17T01:04:46 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/gardiner-man-to-serve-65-years-behind-bars-for-murder-and-other-felonies/article_99bf216a-f441-11ed-b4bb-bf5db9cf5a3d.html |
Canal killings trial: Bryan Miller's daughter was 'everything' to him, court hears
Bryan Miller, who killed, mutilated and sexually assaulted two young women in Phoenix 30 years ago, was a "wonderful and dedicated father," a relative testified in court Tuesday.
Miller's relationship with his daughter, who was 15 when he was arrested and charged with murder in 2015, loomed large in testimony this week as his defense attorneys seek to spare him from the death penalty.
Barbara James, Miller's maternal aunt, testified Tuesday that Miller had a "very loving, very connected" relationship with his daughter.
"(She) was everything to Bryan," James said. "Everything he did was for her."
Miller was 20 when he killed Angela Brosso in November 1992 and Melanie Bernas in September 1993. He stabbed each young woman in the back and went on to mutilate and sexually assault them as or after they died.
The random, brutal murders of two young women who had been out riding along the canal when they were attacked shocked the city. Because their bodies were found in or near the canal, the case became known as the "canal killings."
Despite DNA evidence connecting the two murders, detectives were unable to land on a suspect and the case ran cold for more than 20 years. Miller was arrested in 2015 after new forensic techniques finally led detectives to obtain and test his DNA against that found on Brosso and Bernas, finding it was a match.
He pleaded an insanity defense. His attorneys said that at the time of the murders he was dissociating and stuck in a "trauma state" caused by childhood abuse from his mother, Ellen, who died in 2010.
But after a six-month bench trial, Judge Suzanne Cohen found him guilty of murdering Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.
The trial is now in the sentencing phase. The state is seeking the death penalty, while Miller's attorneys have urged Cohen to impose a sentence of life in prison.
'Canal killings':'Immeasurable' pain: Family of victims describe impact as judge mulls penalty
'I was very moved'
Over the past month, a number of relatives, friends and people from Miller's past have testified in support of a life sentence.
Some explicitly stated their continued support for Miller, even in the wake of his convictions. Others simply told of times he had been a loyal friend, or demonstrated love for his daughter, or that they had observed him struggling with his mental health.
James said Miller, who gained custody of his daughter after he and his ex-wife divorced in 2006, was a "dedicated father."
She recalled a time when Miller had verbally disciplined his daughter after she disobeyed him. She got upset and retreated to the couch, James said, and Miller had gone over and explained why he had said what he said, and reiterated that he loved her.
"I was very moved by that," she said. "He dealt with it in a very calm, very mature manner, and a loving manner.”
Under cross-examination, James said it hadn't been possible for her to spend time with Miller and his daughter for long stretches while she was living elsewhere.
She agreed it was possible there were negative aspects to his parenting she didn't know about.
James said she would "always" support Miller and wanted to continue a relationship with him while he is incarcerated in "any way that I'm allowed to."
“I made the decision to sell my home in Newport and I’ve purchased a home in Phoenix so that I can see him," James said, beginning to cry. "And spend time with him."
Miller also teared up from his usual seat between his defense attorneys, removing his glasses to dab at his eye with a tissue.
'He's her dad'
Deena McGlade testified that Miller was "like a little brother" to her and had essentially become part of the McGlade clan after Miller befriended her brother Randy in the early 1990s.
She said Miller's daughter, whom she took care of for a period after his arrest, was too emotionally fragile to testify in court, but they had spoken about her feelings toward her father and she had written a letter.
“She’s told me regardless of everything, he’s her dad," McGlade said. "He did raise her. She’s always lived with him, and they were very close."
Her father's arrest, McGlade said, had been "very damaging and traumatizing to her."
Under cross-examination, she agreed she had told an expert witness that Miller's daughter found chores like sweeping and doing the dishes traumatizing because her father had yelled at her about how she did them in the past.
Asked if it was possible some "unhealthy experiences" were going on between Miller and his daughter, she replied: "Yes, it's always a possibility."
But McGlade was certain he loved her. "She was who he lived for," she said. "He absolutely loves her."
The state is expected to start presenting its rebuttal case this week. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/canal-killings-bryan-patrick-miller-loved-daughter-trial-told/70225843007/ | 2023-05-17T01:05:25 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/canal-killings-bryan-patrick-miller-loved-daughter-trial-told/70225843007/ |
Is Phoenix really worse than Green Bay? Why area ranks low on 'best places to live' list
Are Huntsville, Alabama; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, all better places to live than Phoenix? According to U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings of the best places to live, they are.
In fact, the Phoenix area was ranked 110th out of the 150 largest metro areas in the country for best places to live, based on a variety of factors, including value, quality of life, desirability and job market.
Tucson fared slightly better, achieving a ranking of 96. At the top of the list was Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Phoenix’s lowest ranking came from the “value” category, which includes housing affordability and price parity. The study cites the housing affordability index, a metric measured by Wells Fargo and the National Association of Home Builders.
At the end of 2022, metro Phoenix’s housing affordability index was 22.5, meaning that only 22.5% of homes sold were considered affordable for a family earning the area median income.
Nationally, about 42.2% of homes sold during the same period were affordable for a family making the median wage, according to the index.
For a region like greater Phoenix that has long been marketed as an affordable alternative to otherwise attractive cities like San Francisco and Seattle, rising housing costs have become a concern.
The ranking notes that average salaries in Phoenix are slightly below the national average, but Phoenix remains more affordable than coastal cities such as San Francisco or New York. However, despite the higher cost of living, both of those cities ranked better places to live than Phoenix.
Some of the data used in the ranking raises some eyebrows. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, metro Phoenix’s unemployment rate at the end of March 2023 was 2.9%, much lower than the rate the study cites.
The unemployment rate and the area’s average annual salary, which was $56,610, according to the report, are used to create the job market criteria for the ranking.
Some factors in the ranking, Phoenix advocates are quick to point out, are clearly stacked against Phoenix. The “desirability index” portion of the study includes a score for “weather temperateness,” measuring the number of days when the temperature is between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2022, Phoenix had 187 days when the temperature was above 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Phoenix ranked 18th for fastest-growing places, highlighting the net migration to the Valley. The average commute time in Phoenix was about 27 minutes, according to the study, and the percentage of commuters by car in Phoenix is about equal to the national average.
Other factors in the ranking included crime rates, quality of education, commute times, availability of health care, air quality and the ratio of restaurants and drinking establishments per 100,000 people. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/why-phoenix-ranks-110th-on-best-places-to-live-list-green-bay-is-number-one/70225760007/ | 2023-05-17T01:05:31 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/why-phoenix-ranks-110th-on-best-places-to-live-list-green-bay-is-number-one/70225760007/ |
Steptoe & Johnson attorney Michael Bromwich said the investigation into racism in the Boise Police Department found that many officers were surprised to find out about former captain Matthew Bryngelson’s white supremacist views.
But though many in the department had negative views of Bryngelson, he was approached and encouraged to seek promotion. Ultimately, he became a supervisor.
“One senior member of the department at that time who was involved with considering Mr. Bryngelson for promotion was strongly opposed to him and said if this goes through and he becomes a supervisor, we will be reading about this in the newspaper someday,” Bromwich said during Tuesday's Boise City Council meeting, where the details of the investigation were unveiled for the first time. “Unfortunately, it's quite prophetic.”
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced the investigation by Steptoe & Johnson last November, after news came to light that Bryngelson participated in a white nationalist conference. Bryngelson was slated to speak at a conference put on by a group that promotes “pseudo-scientific studies and research that purports to show the inferiority of blacks to whites,” according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Bryngelson spent more than 20 years with BPD before retiring in August 2022.
The city approved a $500,000 budget for the investigation.
Bryngelson had several complaints filed against him, 11 of which were sustained, Bromwich said. He was a lazy and absent supervisor, Bromwich said. Bryngelson was liked but not respected by his peers, he said.
“He has never been ashamed of being lazy, lazy, lazy, nor does he have any problem with telling everyone he is lazy, lazy, lazy,” one colleague wrote.
“Matt has issues in dealing with the public and is often very rude,” another said.
“He has a very difficult time keeping his personal bias or dislike of officers from influencing decisions.”
Bromwich said what happened with Bryngelson was a failure of the promotional process and Bryngelson was part of an internal club where members took care of each other. In late 2021, he was institutionalized for severe mental health issues, Bromwich said. Many also knew he had substance abuse and alcohol problems.
The investigation also went into whether Boise officers experienced racism. Many said they had not experienced racism or discrimination in the department, but had experienced racism, including the N-word, from residents.
“The publicity given to bring Bryngelson’s comments did raise suspicions, among many, especially minority members, that there were other people like Bryngelson lurking inside BPD,” Bromwich said. “A small but significant number say they have experienced (racism) and they provided details of what they experienced.”
By "small," Bromwich said he meant a half-dozen or so, but “enough to be of concern.” He said there was a concern in a couple of complaints that they were not taken seriously.
However, he said the investigation’s findings were without a high level of confidence, in part because they were unable to review any of the 105,000 documents the city produced. He said no investigation is complete without reviewing related documents.
Bromwich said they weren’t able to talk much to white officers or community groups, view Bryngelson’s body camera footage or speak to relevant witnesses.
McLean said the investigation started when “we were all rocked” by the news of Bryngelson’s white supremacist and racist views. She and Bromwich were connected by a mutual acquaintance, Bromwich said.
Bromwich began the presentation by explaining how Bryngelson's secret white supremacist identity and beliefs were revealed on social media in mid-November 2022.
A patent lawyer in Minnesota who monitors white supremacist websites called the Boise Police Department to report the information, Bromwich said. The information was reported to the watch commander and to Capt. Jim Quackenbush, who wrote a memo to the city attorney and deputy chief Tammany Brooks.
“What Ms. Conger quoted (on Twitter), believe it or not, was not even the worst of what was published online, and what shocked so many people in Boise, including the mayor and the members of the city council and so on,” Bromwich said. Molly Conger runs a popular Twitter account and revealed Bryngelson's identity.
Bryngelson said a number of disturbing things about Black people, including that Black people do not understand metal detectors, Bromwich said. Bryngelson also said Black people ran from the police often and used stoves in their homes for heat. Further, Bryngleson said Black police officers in his former department in California were subpar officers.
Former Boise police chiefs Mike Masterson and Ryan Lee were also interviewed for several hours each as part of the investigation. The interview with Lee was not completed because of cost considerations, Bromwich said. Former chief Bill Bones was interviewed via Zoom. Bromwich in January spoke to close associates of Bryngelson and other Boise Police officials.
Ultimately, Bromwich came with several recommendations, including a continuing focus on minority hiring. He also said not to lower hiring standards, even in the face of staffing shortages.
“The Boise Police Department did not hire its first African American officer until 1989. That was way too late,” Bromwich said.
He said recruit training should be rigorous and incorporate adult learning principles.
“Until recent reforms that were inaugurated by Chief Lee and Capt. Fomby, we were informed that no one had failed out of the Boise police academy in the last 10 years,” Bromwich said. “If you're failing no one, your standards are not high enough.”
He said training needs to be a higher priority and that there needs to be supervisory and leadership training. He said promotion within the Boise Police Department is not very desirable because of the additional responsibilities without a commensurate salary increase.
“We were told by executives, current and former, in the department, that applicants for high-level positions in the department, internal candidates, were, among other things, unable to prepare passable resumes to apply for supervisory positions,” Bromwich said. “That's just not acceptable.”
Bromwich also recommended that exit interviews should take place with outgoing Boise Police officers. He said the department should consider reforms to the Critical Incident Task Force, which investigates events like officer-involved shootings. He said outside investigations are considered lower priority to the investigating department and take longer.
He also said officers' body-worn cameras should have to record sound. There also should be a “rigorous process for approving outside consulting and speaking commitments.”
Councilmember Patrick Bageant said he was relieved to hear that racism doesn’t appear to be endemic to the department. But he said it was "nuts" that no one in a decade has failed out of the academy. He also was concerned by the idea of an internal club that took care of each other.
“It sounds like your preliminary findings were that you found a racist, but not racism, in the department, separate from a few incidents that you called concerning,” Bageant said.
“We can only have true community safety when everybody in this community feels safe,” McLean said before the presentation.
The city council voted five to one later on Tuesday to approve an additional $150,000 for the investigation, from the mayor’s office discretionary administrative budget. McLean said this will be the final extension. Two council members said costs have already been incurred.
A city spokesperson said she believed the investigation had gone over budget by $150,000.
In November, McLean said Steptoe & Johnson would investigate whether Bryngelson's beliefs affected his policing, Boise Police Department staff and whether city resources were used to create or distribute racist material, as previously reported.
Then-interim Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said the police department fully supported the investigation.
“There is no room in the Boise Police Department for those who allow racist or white supremacist views to negatively impact policing in this community,” Winegar said at the time. “I personally assure you that our police officers and staff continue to work every day and every night to serve our residents and keep our community safe.”
But there have been disparate views surrounding the investigation.
One union member and Boise Police detective, Guy Bourgeau, expressed disdain at spending “half a million dollars to investigate an individual that doesn’t work here anymore.”
On the other hand, former city councilmember Lisa Sánchez suggested in December that the white supremacy problem extends beyond just the one officer, into the city itself.
“My concern is that we scapegoat one department when we may have issues that permeate our entire organization. It’s not one individual,” Sánchez said. “We live in a city that was based on white supremacy … our departments reflect our community.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/law-firm-unveils-findings-from-boise-police-racism-investigation/article_2a5c8414-f371-11ed-8f2b-e3144e9a324a.html | 2023-05-17T01:09:56 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/law-firm-unveils-findings-from-boise-police-racism-investigation/article_2a5c8414-f371-11ed-8f2b-e3144e9a324a.html |
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Canyon,
northwestern Owyhee and northeastern Malheur Counties through 700 PM
MDT...
At 632 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Adrian, or 9 miles southwest of Parma, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Owyhee around 640 PM MDT.
Parma, Wilder and Homedale around 700 PM MDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN;
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
The implementation of Nampa’s Tactical Blood Program was recognized at Monday’s city council meeting.
The creation of Nampa’s Tactical Blood Program was recognized by the city during its city council meeting on Monday.
The Nampa Police Department recently entered a partnership with the Canyon County Paramedics and Nampa Fire Department to provide pre-hospital blood for critical care on police tactical scenes taking place in the community, according to a news release from the city.
In turn, the Tactical Blood Program has been implemented and is intended to help save lives of first responders and other victims during tactical and critical incidents, the news release stated. Early blood transfusion is shown to increase survivability and extend critical patient transport time to an emergency department if something tragic occurs, according to the news release.
According to Nampa Police Department spokesperson Carmen Boeger, the blood is donated by police department and Canyon County Paramedics employees. She added that the blood, which has a 30-day lifespan, is stored at the police station and then brought to the scene of an incident if necessary.
There is currently no plan in place for the public to donate blood, Boeger said.
The city said this is the only program of its kind in Idaho and just the second one in the western United States. It was made possible after extensive training by Nampa’s tactical paramedics, certification of the program and writing protocols for the entire state of Idaho. Once the blood program received approval by the State Physicians Commission, it was launched.
“The Nampa Police Tactical Paramedics, along with their medical director, Dr. Kari Peterson, worked hard to develop, train, and certify the individuals and the Tactical Blood Program. Along with that certification work, they have also provided, and continue to provide, tactical medicine training to all Nampa police officers,” Lt. Jason Cantrell said in the city’s news release. “They are providing their expertise and training county-wide, to include Canyon County SWAT and Caldwell PD’s Tactical Response Team. Their dedication, teamwork and excellence to the officers and to our community is to be commended.” | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/tactical-blood-program-deployed-in-nampa/article_2384645a-f415-11ed-a5f9-a7202a4b66ea.html | 2023-05-17T01:10:02 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/tactical-blood-program-deployed-in-nampa/article_2384645a-f415-11ed-a5f9-a7202a4b66ea.html |
A man was arrested Tuesday after police found stolen endangered tortoises and rare comics, both worth thousands, at his Florida home, according to the department.
Officers said they searched 46-year-old Joshua McCarty-Thomas’ St. Petersburg home, located at 2435 10th St. S, and found two tortoises, one alive in the yard and the other dead in the freezer.
The Galápagos tortoises, each worth about $10,000, were taken from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park on Nov. 30, 2022, according to stolen chips reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Once fully grown, these tortoises can reach up to 600 pounds and live up to 150 years, officers said.
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McCarty-Thomas also faces charges in connection to two commercial burglaries in St. Petersburg and Ocala, during which police said he stole thousands of dollars worth of rare books from Haslam’s Book Store on Dec. 16, 2022, and Lighthouse Books on Oct. 15, 2019.
According to officers, the suspect also has a warrant out for his arrest in connection with a third burglary of an Ocala store, from which he stole thousands of dollars worth of comics.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/florida-man-accused-of-stealing-endangered-tortoises-rare-comics-worth-thousands/ | 2023-05-17T01:11:24 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/florida-man-accused-of-stealing-endangered-tortoises-rare-comics-worth-thousands/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – To make the city even more beautiful, Orlando is thinking outside the box.
The City District’s Traffic Box Art Program is the latest initiative encouraging local artists to showcase their talents.
The program allows artists to paint traffic boxes throughout the district, transforming the mundane into the magical with a flick of a brush.
According to the City District website, officials are hoping to raise $10,000 so that 13 artists will be selected to paint 13 traffic boxes at select locations around downtown Orlando.
[Click here to sign up for the Setting The Stage arts & entertainment newsletter | See more Setting the Stage stories here]
Each artist selected is granted a stipend and all necessary supplies to bring their vision to life.
Artists can submit proposals to a volunteer selection committee through June 5.
“We’re looking for artists who have a unique style and perspective, and who are passionate about creating art that speaks to our community,” the website reads.
For more information on this initiative and how you can apply, click here.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/think-outside-the-traffic-box-new-orlando-art-initiative-to-make-city-more-beautiful/ | 2023-05-17T01:11:30 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/think-outside-the-traffic-box-new-orlando-art-initiative-to-make-city-more-beautiful/ |
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — The Southern Regional High School baseball team didn’t leave the Ocean County championship game a winner Tuesday afternoon.
The Rams, however, left with an experience that could lead to future success.
Donovan Catholic junior pitcher Jake Marciano struck out 16 and threw a complete game as the Griffins won the first Ocean County title for the first time in program history, 6-4 over Southern at Central Regional. Dom Miranda drove in all of Southern’s runs with a three-run home run and an RBI single.
“We can use this as fuel to the fire,” Southern coach Ed Truitt said. “We can be competitors and use this to move forward or we can kind of lay down. If I know these guys, working with them the last couple of years, they’re competitors.”
The Rams still have some big games to play. They are in contention to win their first Shore Conference A South title since 1986. The South Jersey Group IV tournament starts Monday.
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“Any sport, it doesn’t matter what level, you have to get hot at the right time,” Truitt said. “You have to be playing your best game at the right time.”
Southern (13-6) is ranked No. 11 in The Press Elite 11. The Rams were trying to win their first Ocean County title since 2017. Donovan Catholic (20-2) is ranked No. 1.
Miranda’s opposite-field home run to right field gave Southern a 4-3 lead in the top of the third inning.
But Marciano dominated from that point, allowing one hit after the home run — Nick Diamantopoulos's infield single in the seventh. Marciano struck out nine over the final four innings, including the side in the sixth and seventh innings.
“I knew I was going to mow them down after that,” Marciano said. “My slider and my fastball, I was able to throw inside on people.”
The Griffins tied the game on a throwing error in the fourth. They scored on a wild pitch in the fifth to take the lead for good. Ryan Butchko’s pop fell untouched in the infield for an RBI single in the sixth.
Fans stood along the fence down the right- and left-field lines to watch. There is no simulating a big-game’s atmosphere, and now Southern has experienced it.
“Obviously, we wanted to win,” Truitt said, “but once the game is over, it’s like, ‘Hey, guys we’ve been in this situation. Let’s use that to thrive. It’s not going to be the first time the next time it comes up.’ ”
Southern Regional 103 000 0—4 4 1
Donovan Catholic 120 111 x—6 8 0
2B—DC: Busco
HR—SR: Miranda
WP: Marciano LP: McLeod | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/top-ranked-donovan-catholic-edges-no-11-southern-6-4-for-ocean-county-championship/article_e391847c-f43c-11ed-8a82-3753a5dd79ab.html | 2023-05-17T01:12:02 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/top-ranked-donovan-catholic-edges-no-11-southern-6-4-for-ocean-county-championship/article_e391847c-f43c-11ed-8a82-3753a5dd79ab.html |
The Burleigh County Commission on Monday discussed a broad set of topics including funds for community organizations, distribution of federal coronavirus aid, creation of a county administrator position and formation of a public health board.
Commissioners granted funding requests from two groups that are holding public events in July.
The commission granted $5,000 to the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra for its traditional Fourth of July Symphony Spectacular at the state Capitol. The commission the past two years had declined to spend the $5,000 it had historically contributed toward the cost of the holiday music and fireworks event, citing rising property taxes.
“It’s well attended -- I’ve been to 20 of them if not more and it's a great community event,” Commissioner Jerry Woodcox said.
The commission also granted $3,000 to Burleigh County 4-H for its Achievement Days at the Missouri Valley Complex from July 11-13.
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The money will be coming out of the county general fund; the two items are to be budgeted for in the future.
Commissioner Steve Schwab expressed concern that approving funds for the two groups could lead to an increase in other groups asking for money.
“One thing we don't want happening here is everybody that has some community event comes up here and starts asking to put $5,000 for me, $10,000 for me or whatever -- we can’t allow that,” he said.
ARPA funds for Wilton
The commission voted 4-1 to allocate roughly $318,000 in federal American Rescue Plan pandemic aid to the city of Wilton for infrastructure. That was one-third of what the community on the Burleigh County-McLean County border sought.
The Wilton project is replacing the water main, sewer main and services on various city streets. Some of the areas are identified as “most critical,” as much of the infrastructure was installed between 1919 and 1935. The $11.2 million project was to be completed in two phases, with $1.6 million of the project cost occurring in Burleigh County, according to County Engineer Marcus Hall.
The costs for Phase 2 came in at $1.2 million over the original estimate. Wilton planned to cover $300,000 and requested $956,000 from the county to keep service fees in the city from growing.
The community applied for $2 million in ARPA funds during Phase 1 of construction in 2021 from Burleigh County and was awarded over $660,000 -- one-third of the project’s cost in Burleigh County at the time.
The city made up the difference by obtaining loans through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
Both awards given by the county were determined by the portion of the city's population that resides in Burleigh County.
County administrator
Burleigh County Human Resources Director Pamela Binder presented the commission with details of a possible county administrator position per the commission's request.
“It does seem like what we want. It's more like a liaison between the board and the employees,” Binder said.
Burleigh County department heads two years ago identified ways in which the county could improve its organization. One of the strategies identified was the addition of a county administrator.
The idea of budgeting for a county administrator was brought up this past April during a county workshop in preparation for budget season. The idea did not prove popular with commissioners, but they moved forward with defining the role and how much the position would impact the budget.
The position would have the highest salary grade in the county; the cost would be $183,000 with benefits.
The commission will make the decision on whether to create the position during budget season.
Public Health
Commission Chair Becky Matthews presented the commission with the idea of potentially forming a board of public health in conjunction with the city.
The idea comes from the Bismarck-Burleigh Commissions Committee, which seeks to improve communication. The city and county have clashed in the past over issues such as the public health building.
The current system technically has two boards -- a county board and a city board. The proposal would consolidate them to ensure consistent public health care policy.
The County Commission on Monday voted 3-2 to enter discussions with the city and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health on creating a board. Bitner and Schwab were the dissenting votes.
“This was just to make sure we were even on the same page. We didn’t even want to start looking at bylaws or anything like that until were all on the same page," Matthews said.
If the City Commission approves the idea, the joint Bismarck-Burleigh committee will begin to draft proposed bylaws.
Both commissions would need to vote to officially create the board once proposed bylaws were finished. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/burleigh-commission-to-provide-capitol-fireworks-money-possible-joint-public-health-board-discussed/article_e52e7080-f426-11ed-a699-dfd14f02bf89.html | 2023-05-17T01:12:27 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/burleigh-commission-to-provide-capitol-fireworks-money-possible-joint-public-health-board-discussed/article_e52e7080-f426-11ed-a699-dfd14f02bf89.html |
Alex Murdaugh's attorneys want Satterfield confession vacated, citing Murdaugh's own lies
Attorneys for twice-convicted family murderer and accused fraudster Alex Murdaugh are now seeking to have a multi-million confession of judgement in the Gloria Satterfield civil case thrown out.
The attorneys cite Murdaugh's own lies as well as alleged misconduct by one of the Satterfield attorneys.
The filing has sparked a heated debate.
Bland Richter LLP, attorneys for the Satterfield estate and heirs, publicly responded to a motion, Tuesday, May 16, that was filed by Murdaugh's attorneys in the Satterfield civil suit.
The Satterfield Estate filed a September 2021 lawsuit against Murdaugh, claiming he conspired with others to steal an insurance settlement from her heirs after their mother died as a result of a fall at Murdaugh's home in 2018. Murdaugh later admitted liability in the case and apologized to his victims.
The motion asks the court to vacate a May 31, 2021, confession of judgement signed by Murdaugh to the Satterfield estate in the amount of $4.3 million.
Murdaugh's attorneys say that Murdaugh has nothing to lose or gain in the Satterfield case, but the confession of judgement could limit how much money other alleged victims get. The Satterfield attorneys say Murdaugh is seeking to further harass his victims and his lawyers are engaging in a "personal" attack on opposing counsel.
Ruling soon on boat crash:SC Judge says Murdaugh attorneys can't use 401k for appeal.
Why is Alex Murdaugh walking back on his desire to confess judgement?
In the motion, Murdaugh's attorneys, Richard Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, who also defended him in his recent double-murder trial, alleged misconduct on the part of the Satterfield attorneys. They claim the confession should be voided because it was based on "inaccurate facts" and does not meet certain standards of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
The claims of misconduct, the motion contends, began on Oct. 15, 2021, when Satterfield attorney Eric Bland "begins a campaign of extrajudicial statements to news media deriding the character and credibility of Mr. Murdaugh. Mr. Bland tells the news media, 'it’s a stark reality that this is a really bad person. Alex Murdaugh is a really, really, really bad person. That’s the bottom line. That’s the tough pill to swallow ... There’s no bottom to him'."
Bland also made numerous other extrajudicial statements to the media about Murdaugh, the motion claims, and made similar statements during Murdaugh's Oct. 19, 2021, bond hearing, and other court hearings. On Nov. 22, 2021, Murdaugh's attorneys moved for a gag order on Bland, but were denied.
Ironically, Murdaugh's grounds for dismissal hinge on his own purported lies. In order to make his alleged insurance scheme work and pay off, Murdaugh told insurance adjusters that Satterfield tripped and fell over his dogs, resulting in the injury leading to her death. But there were no witnesses and no evidence of the dogs being around, and Murdaugh recently filed a federal court document admitting that the dog story was a false statement.
If the claims were false, contend Murdaugh, then the Satterfields are not entitled to any money, and therefore should be added as codefendants in other lawsuits against Murdaugh ― where they may have to pay back this money.
Murdaugh's attorneys claim that under the "symbolic" confession of judgement agreement with the Satterfields, Murdaugh was never actually going to have to pay the $4.3 million, as long as he admitted responsibility and apologized, and that this confession of judgement "acts only to obstruct the recovery of other victims of Mr. Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which is a plain due process violation."
"The confessed judgment only harms Mr. Murdaugh’s other victims," states the motion. "The Satterfield family alleges Mr. Murdaugh stole approximately $4.3 million from them. The truth is that he stole it from [insurance companies] Lloyd’s of London and Nautilus."
In this case, the Satterfield estate received more that $7.5 million in settlements and restitution from other parties associated with Murdaugh's schemes, and now Murdaugh says they weren't entitled to this money.
"Banks and others paid restitution for the money Mr. Murdaugh stole because they realized they might share some liability with Mr. Murdaugh for his thefts. They paid the restitution to the Satterfield family and their lawyers not as a gift or expression of sympathy, but because they thought Mr. Murdaugh stole their money. Had they known the money was stolen from someone else, they would have paid that someone else."
Eric Bland calls Murdaugh's attorneys, 'sore losing lawyers'
Bland responded to the motion in an emotionally charged, emailed news release late Tuesday, calling opposing counsel "paper bullies" and "sore losing lawyers."
"Alex Murdaugh’s May 16th motion is yet another filing in a long line of rolls of legal toilet paper that Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin have filed in the multitude of civil and criminal actions on behalf of their client who is a liar, a thief and a twice convicted murderer," the press statement began.
Bland alleged that in the motion Harpootlian and Griffin reveal "confidential settlement discussions in violation of the South Carolina Court Rules," which should be investigated immediately, he claims.
As of 6:30 p.m., Murdaugh's attorneys have not responded for comment.
Bland contends that Murdaugh's lawyers are "factually wrong about the timing of the settlements that the Satterfields obtained from other parties," adding "This motion is nothing more than the endless and non-stop prattle of sore losing lawyers. We welcome addressing these arguments in court. They have lost almost all of the meaningful motions they have filed on behalf of their miscreant client Alex Murdaugh over the past two years."
Bland Richter is confident that they will defeat this "frivilous" motion, the statement added, then accused Murdaugh's counsel of harassment.
"This is personal. Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin are improperly utilizing the judicial process for ulterior motives that are meant to harass and victimize the Satterfields again and constitutes vexatious conduct. I don’t mind these attorneys taking shots at us. Comes with the territory. They are upset that they do not get $160,000 for Murdaugh’s appeal as a result of arguments that Bland Richter recently made. They are nothing but paper bullies. We will continue to fight them in every courtroom in the land to obtain justice for our Clients and stop their gaming of the system."
It is yet unclear when a judge will hear this motion.
Hampton County Guardian Editor Michael DeWitt, the Greenville News and USA TODAY Network will continue to follow the ongoing criminal and civil cases surrounding the Murdaugh crime saga. Follow DeWitt on Twitter at @mmdewittjr and support his local and national journalism with a digital subscription. | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2023/05/16/alex-murdaughs-attorneys-want-satterfield-confession-vacated-updates-harpootlian-griffin-bland/70225222007/ | 2023-05-17T01:13:42 | 0 | https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2023/05/16/alex-murdaughs-attorneys-want-satterfield-confession-vacated-updates-harpootlian-griffin-bland/70225222007/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Ballad Health has launched its trauma network system that works to coordinate care between regional trauma centers, EMS services, emergency departments and community physicians.
Johnson City Medical Center is a level 1 trauma center that has a trauma doctor present at all times. According to Ballad Health’s website, it has full range of surgical services to treat injuries anywhere on someone’s body.
Bristol Regional Medical Center and Holston Valley Medical Center are level 3 trauma centers. Those centers provide stabilization, resuscitation, surgery and intensive care, according to Ballad Health. The level 3 centers can transfer patients to a trauma level 1 center if needed.
President and CEO of Ballad Health Alan Levine says this plan has been in the works for several years now.
“We’ve invested in a central communications platform,” said Levine. “We’ve invested in regional protocols and coordination with every EMS throughout the region. So no matter where you are, if there’s an injury, the most important thing is that initial assessment and then getting you to the right place.”
Bracken Burns is the trauma medical director at Johnson City Medical Center and a professor of surgery at ETSU Health. He says the launch of the trauma network is recognizing the progression they’ve made.
“Our care in the area was what I would call siloed in the past, in that we had trauma centers that didn’t necessarily coordinate and work together,” said Burns. “And we didn’t partner as well as we could have with our community surgeons, our community emergency departments and our EMS partners. And so what we’ve really done over the last several years is work on those relationships and coordinating care so that the care people get, regardless of where their injury happens, is excellent from the beginning. Whether that requires transfer to a trauma center or not.”
Norton Police Chief James Lane was shot in the line of duty in May 2021. He received care from Ballad Health, which utilized coordination between different medical centers and EMS services.
“Norton Rescue Squad transported me from the scene to Norton Community Hospital emergency room,” said Chief Lane. “I was stabilized there. Then I was put on a helicopter to be flown to Johnson City Hospital. And that’s where, again, I was reevaluated in the emergency room and then taken into surgery.”
Chief Lane is still receiving rehabilitation services, which is a part of the trauma network’s coordinated care. He said he’s very appreciative of the encouragement and care that he received from medical staff.
“It was crucial for my recovery to know that I had the support not only of family, friends, coworkers–but also the staff that was treating me,” Lane said. “They were there when I had a question about something that we were doing or what was the next step. They were there explaining it to me.”
Burns told News Channel 11 that the coordinated efforts to stabilize patients before being transferred are crucial. He says it played a major part in Chief Lane’s recovery.
“Within the pilot network, having those emergency departments prepared to stabilize acutely injured patients can be the difference between life and death, and having the opportunity to make it to a trauma center to maybe receive more definitive or more specialized care,” said Burns. “But that stop at that outside facility, much like Chief Lane’s story, was paramount to the success of his recovery.”
Levine said he believes that health care shouldn’t be isolated to one certain area.
“Health care doesn’t follow county lines or boundaries,” said Levine. “It’s regional. It has to be regionalization of trauma, regionalization of high acuity care for newborns, regionalization of intensive care services. Every hospital doesn’t have a neurosurgery program. You don’t do neurosurgery everywhere. You do it where you have the most support for that service in that specialty.”
Levine says that evidence from peer-reviewed studies supports healthcare networks like this.
“Having multiple level 1 trauma centers dilutes your supply of physicians and staff,” said Levine. “And then you end up with lower volumes, which doesn’t lead to better outcomes. All of the evidence, all of the peer-reviewed studies over decades has said trauma care is best delivered in fewer higher-volume centers where you have more experience, more volume, you have a greater breadth of specialties to support the patients.”
Burns says that Ballad’s trauma network has the ability to influence care by working with outside providers.
“We have the ability to influence care by sharing things like our order sets with outside providers,” said Burns. “So they see what type of orders we would order on an acute trauma at a level one center, and they can mimic that at whatever hospital they’re at. We go out specifically and do outreach courses with them that allows them to tell us what their needs are so that we can better meet their needs, because if the care is not exceptional at an outside facility, then that’s going to influence the care when they get to definitive care if they need it.”
Johnson City Medical Center is the only level 1 trauma center in the region. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/ballad-health-launches-regional-trauma-network/ | 2023-05-17T01:16:40 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/ballad-health-launches-regional-trauma-network/ |
On Tuesday, a massive memorial honoring the lives lost in the Allen mass shooting was taken down.
It was a place that had become a symbol of healing for so many in the Allen community following the shooting. The plan was for the memorial to stay up for eight days to represent the eight victims of the mass shooting.
However, many of the items that were brought there out of love and support from the community are now being given to the families of the victims.
“I’d like them to know that the world is crying with them. And that as volunteers, we all tried our best to just to protect, and preserve their families' memorial. That the world is sorry,” said Cheryl Jackson, who helped lead the effort to maintain the memorial over the past week.
She's one of about 15 volunteers who maintained the memorial from sun up to sundown. They poured so much of themselves into a space that turned into a gathering place for healing.
“We just felt such a responsibility to preserve the space,” said volunteer Inga Van Wagoner. “This is how we could show support and passion and love for these families.”
The team of volunteers sorted hundreds of letters, flowers and stuffed toys into custom bins for each of the victims.
Allen first responders, who answered the toughest call of their careers on May 6, also showed their support at the memorial by helping to load the eight crosses filled with messages of love that families will soon be able to read.
“It was hard to take it down but it was also a sense of [knowing] we’ve done everything we can to show our respect and our love,” said Van Wagoner.
For volunteer Jackson, it was a moment of catharsis and pain for the families.
“Every night we were saying, what more can we do? Just to let them know that if they were looking at it on the news – to know that we cared,” she said. “And that’s all I want them to know, is that a lot of people care.”
Allen fire chief Jon Boyd said they plan to store the larger crosses in a city facility for now as they figure out what's next.
The flowers – which volunteers helped keep fresh by storing them in water buckets at the memorial site – are being donated to senior living facilities across the area and the stuffed animals will be sorted by volunteers with some given to families and the rest donated elsewhere.
“Right now, there’s a lot of pain in the city. And I just hope that love will overcome all of this pain,” said Jackson.
Allen is a community still far from closure, but closer together than ever before.
“We’re not defined by what happened here, we’re defined by how we responded to what happened here,” said Van Wagoner.
The owners of the Allen Premium Outlets have decided not to reopen again until all of the victim's funerals have concluded.
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/allen-mass-shooting-memorial-taken-down-pieces-gifted-to-families-of-victims/3259198/ | 2023-05-17T01:21:25 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/allen-mass-shooting-memorial-taken-down-pieces-gifted-to-families-of-victims/3259198/ |
Legacy Christian Academy senior track athlete Grant Martinez trained for a year for the TAPPS 5A State Championship in Waco.
"It was just a really important race that I was looking forward to the whole year," Martinez said. "I have a love for running."
Marinez hoped for a first-place finish in the mile.
"We were optimistic that he would win the race," Legacy Christian Academy Head Track Coach Barrett Hardage said. "He was going into it with the best seeded time."
The May 6 race got off to a good start.
"I come out and I lead," Martinez said.
He was on a 4:12/mile pace when the unthinkable happened.
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"My foot starts to feel a little loose in my shoe," Martinez said. "It flew off. And then, I was left running with just one shoe for about 2 1/2 laps."
That's more than half a mile running on a gritty track with one cleated shoe and one thin sock.
"I've never seen a shoe come off in 20 years of coaching track in the middle of a race," Hardage said. "You see that on YouTube and stuff. It's never happening in real life."
Video shows the crowd cheering Grant, seemingly unaware that his pace slowed because he lost one shoe.
"I was not gonna stop just because my foot was hurting," Martinez said. "I wanted to give it everything I had for everyone who came out."
"He's epitomizing what we want all our athletes to do and what we want them to learn, that you never stop," Hartage said. "It's the gutsiest thing I've seen an athlete do in 22 years of coaching."
Grant slipped from first to finish the race in 4th place but won the hearts of those who witnessed it.
Martinez credits finishing to his faith and determination.
"It's how you pick yourself up and keep moving that gonna determine the future for you," Martinez said.
Martinez graduates from Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco on Saturday and will travel straight to New Braunfels for a meet to try to get that first-place finish. He plans to go to TCU in the fall, where he hopes to run track. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/frisco-track-athlete-runs-inspiring-4th-place-finish/3259207/ | 2023-05-17T01:21:44 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/frisco-track-athlete-runs-inspiring-4th-place-finish/3259207/ |
The Dallas Police Chief warned Tuesday that an ongoing ransomware attack on city government continues to hamper police technology and summer crime-fighting plans.
It came as Dallas leaders gathered in the new Vickery Park Branch Library to push youth programs intended to help keep kids out of trouble.
Mayor Eric Johnson said Dallas is the only big U.S. city to post violent crime reductions each of the past two years, including a reduction last summer during months when crime typically rises.
“No other major city in this country has seen results like this,” Johnson said. “Even though we had tremendous success last summer, our goal is to outdo ourselves this summer.”
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia mentioned police youth programs that will be available this summer.
But he also sounded cautious about police's ability to perform as an ongoing ransomware attack on city government that was first disclosed on May 3 continues to challenge crime-fighting work.
“Yes, moving forward it's extremely impacting our ability for the crime plan, no question about it,” Garcia said.
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Evidence of the ongoing ransomware attack consequences was visible at the library where rows of computers were not available for visitors.
Returned books were stacked up to be checked back in when computers are available again.
Chief Garcia said police crime reports are likewise stacked up, waiting to be entered.
“I don't have the data on a daily basis. So, yes, to be honest. It's problematic. It's really influencing our ability to plan for what we're trying to do,” Garcia said.
A former gang member who learned about summer trouble on the streets is now a violence prevention worker. He is also promoting the mayor’s summer safety plan.
“I spent 10 years in prison for a violent crime myself. So, I know from experience, but also as a community leader, what it's like to be involved, what it's like to create programs, what it's like to be supportive,” Butler said.
Between Dallas Libraries, pools, recreation centers and also the Dallas Independent School District, there are hundreds of summer programs for kids. Some school district programs offer full-day schedules with transportation and food included.
“As an educator and a parent, I always knew that the easiest way for kids to find trouble is when they didn’t have something fun and engaging to do in the summer,” Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said.
Mayor Johnson said a top challenge for officials is to be sure families are aware of all the constructive options for kids.
“They are not in the streets to be harmed, they can't be the innocent bystander of some crime, because they're with us. And for these three months of the summer, that's where I want our kids to be,” Johnson said.
Chief Garcia said officers will keep going with their work answering calls and running programs for youth, despite complications from hackers with data and computers.
“I just want you to know we are here for you. We can’t wait to see you this summer to have a good time together. Together we are stronger. You are our future. We’ve got your back,” Garcia said.
Garcia said most of the computer-assisted system for dispatching calls is operating but many other computer equipment is not.
Here is a link to all the city programs.
Here are links to Dallas Independent School District summer programs. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ransomware-attack-still-impacts-police-as-dallas-plans-summer-youth-programs/3259229/ | 2023-05-17T01:21:57 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ransomware-attack-still-impacts-police-as-dallas-plans-summer-youth-programs/3259229/ |
From a wheelchair inside Medical City McKinney Tuesday afternoon, Irvin Walker, a survivor of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, talked about his recovery and experience of survival.
"The power of God just showed brightly and gave me an opportunity to fight through this process and evil is not going to win," said Walker, 46, as he sat next to the doctor who treated him and his attorney.
Eight people were killed, including three children. Seven others were injured when a gunman opened fire on innocent shoppers and employees at the busy outdoor shopping center on May 6.
Walker lives in Lewisville but is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. He is the father of an adult daughter and works in the insurance industry. He said had just dropped off his girlfriend at a store at the mall because it was so busy. When he drove off to find parking, he encountered a barrage of gunfire.
"I didn't see the shooter, I just felt the shots," explained Walker.
Dashcam video for another car showed the moment when the gunman parked his car in the middle of the parking lot and started walking toward the mall. Walker happened to be driving by when he was shot three times.
"When you see the shots to the windshield you're going to wonder, 'how he's even sitting here today?'" said Daryl K. Washington, Walker's attorney.
"I knew I was bleeding profusely, so I got out of my vehicle and I saw what appeared to be a security officer approaching on a Segway and I ran towards that way," explained Walker who then encountered Christian LaCour, the Allied Universal security guard who was working at the time and died while helping others to safety.
He said he was running, which turned into jogging and walking and LaCour told him to sit down due to his injuries.
"And he was behind me and, I don’t have much to say after that. The tragedy occurred," he shared.
Walker said he had never been shot before and spoke about how he relied on his faith to get him through the tragedy and the days after.
"Anytime I am in trouble, I call on the Lord. So I began to praise him, be thankful and glorify him, and I asked him for his protection," said Walker.
He was taken to Medical City McKinney, which is about three miles from the Allen Premium Outlets. He was the first of eight patients from the shooting to arrive about 14 minutes after it began, according to the hospital.
He underwent a couple of surgeries to address his injuries. Last week, his daughter spoke about her father's condition and the long journey ahead.
On Tuesday during the news conference, Dr. Elizabeth Kim, MD., who is the trauma director for Medical City McKinney, said they were concerned not only for Walker's bullet wounds but the bullet fragments around his head, neck, chest and arm.
She said he didn't need surgery immediately on that Saturday, but was given a CT scan to see how deep the bullet wounds were. Kim said there were several bullet fragments they were extremely worried about.
"The bullet was this close to his heart," said Kim as she used her index finger and thumb in a pinching motion to illustrate how close he was to death.
"He had multiple wounds; too many to even count. On his head, shoulder, neck, chest. All those places and some of those bullet tracks were so extensive we actually had to open him up and clean everything out underneath," explained Kim.
Walker remains at the hospital and will now begin his rehabilitation process. Medical City McKinney said they're still taking care of three other patients from the shooting.
For Walker, he echoed how his attitude and belief system are helping him push forward.
"I believe you give love, you get love, and that is why I am here today," he said.
Hospital staff also shared their experience in treating patients who were brought there from the Allen Premium Outlets.
"On May 6, in a matter of minutes, our community was shaken and lives were changed forever. A matter of minutes could have altered the course of my life. My family and I had just gotten home from the Allen mall when I received the notification that there was a shooting there. And after the fact, I learned that we had walked the exact same path that the shooter had gone less than an hour before. I came directly to Medical City McKinney, where we immediately stood up the command center," said Cassidi Summers, a Registered Nurse who is the chief nursing officer at Medical City McKinney.
She said prior training for critically injured trauma patients prepared them for this moment.
More than 100 nurses, surgeons, physicians, leaders and support staff from Medical City McKinney and across the Medical City Health Care system were in place and ready to go.
Kim said she was at a wedding reception for a hospital colleague when the call came in. She said she left immediately and began coordinating care with surgeons, mobilizing anesthesiologists, blood and so forth within her 20-minute drive.
Once she arrived, Kim said she too could see that their drills and training prepared them for that day. She also commented on a moment that stood out.
"You had a smile there that I saw when I came in that room, it really was one of the bright parts of that day, you were calm and an inspiration for me," said Kim to Walker who replied with a "Thank You" during the news conference.
Walker said he has a long journey ahead but credited not only his faith but his support system -- his family and his Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. brothers who have been there with him at the hospital and were there with him during the news conference.
"I never imaged that I would have to experience this, but I also didn't imagine that, that many people love me," said Walker about the support from family, friends and strangers he's received over the past 10 days.
He also took time to thank his fraternity brothers, who he said have really stepped up.
"There's a word that we use when a lot of us are going through the membership intake process and it's the word 'heavy,' you know, and heavy describes adversity, it describes a time that most people regret in their lives, and these guys make sure that I'm not heavy. They absorb the burden off of me to take care of my family or all of my worries and they make sure I'm not heavy, so I'm grateful to the brothers, all fraternities, all sororities, doesn't matter the ethnic background, I've been getting love from everywhere, but I am grateful to my brothers," said Walker.
As for those who were injured or killed during the shooting, he said, "It's a horrible situation. It hurts to have to see people suffer. To see their family or kids pass away," said Walker who asked for continued prayers for the community.
ALLEN MALL SHOOTING
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/survivor-of-allen-mass-shooting-speaks-for-first-time-from-hospital/3258821/ | 2023-05-17T01:22:03 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/survivor-of-allen-mass-shooting-speaks-for-first-time-from-hospital/3258821/ |
A fentanyl trafficker tied to juvenile overdoses in Carrollton and Flower Mound pleaded guilty Tuesday to a drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.
Magaly Mejia Cano was charged in February. On Tuesday she pleaded guilty to a charge of one count of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21 years of age.
"Just 2mg of fentanyl can cut a young life tragically short. Peddling fentanyl pills to teenagers is one of the most callous crimes a trafficker can commit," said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. "With Ms. Cano's plea today, we are one step closer to getting justice for parents who lost their teens to fentanyl."
"Those who choose a path of darkness to distribute and pollute our communities with fentanyl, should always be looking over their shoulder because of the relentless efforts of DEA Dallas and our law enforcement partners," said DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. "Ms. Cano's guilty plea is a clear result and warning to those that decide this same path."
Cano is the first defendant to enter a guilty plea in the drug distribution scheme, which has been linked to at least 12 juvenile overdoses, three of them fatal, in Carrollton and Flower Mound since September 2022.
Others charged in the conspiracy include Jason Xavier Villanueva, Luis Eduardo Navarrete, Donovan Jude Andrews, Stephen Paul Brinson, Robert Alexander Gaitan, and Rafael Soliz, Jr.
In plea papers, Cano admitted that co-defendant Luis Navarrete routinely dealt fentanyl-laced pills to juveniles from his Highland Drive residence.
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The round blue pills, imprinted with M/30, resembled prescription narcotics, but were fakes, according to federal officials.
In plea papers, Cano said Navarrete stored the counterfeit pills near their front door of their Carrollton residence and distributed them to customers who came by the house, including a network of juvenile dealers who dealt to other minors.
On at least three occasions, Cano admitted, she distributed pills directly to customers, including a 16-year-old, at Navarrete's direction.
Cano now faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a $2 million fine.
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.
Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66% of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Drug poisonings are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Fentanyl available in the United States is primarily supplied by two criminal drug networks, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/woman-tied-to-fentanyl-trafficking-pleads-guilty-to-drug-crime/3259200/ | 2023-05-17T01:22:15 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/woman-tied-to-fentanyl-trafficking-pleads-guilty-to-drug-crime/3259200/ |
PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed legislation that would have allowed those with a concealed weapons permit to bring their firearm on a college campus.
House Bill 2667 would have stopped Arizona's community colleges and universities from being able to prohibit permit-holders from possessing, storing, or transporting their concealed weapon on campus.
Current law states that any weapon found to violate a college's public safety regulations is subject to forfeiture.
Proponents of revising Arizona's gun laws have argued that college students should be allowed to defend themselves during a dangerous crisis.
The University of Arizona was the site of a deadly shooting last October that resulted in the murder of a professor. Records show the alleged shooter was a former student and had previously been expelled from the Tucson campus.
To qualify for a concealed weapon permit, an Arizona resident must pass a background check and meet certain requirements.
HB 2667 passed through the Arizona Legislature with little support from Democrats, making it less likely to be signed by the governor.
In her veto letter, Hobbs said the presence of concealed guns on college campuses could lead to "greater anxiety" among students and staff.
"It may also lead to increased risk on campus and other unintended consequences," Hobbs wrote. "We cannot set a precedent that allows guns on campus."
The governor vetoed a similar piece of legislation earlier this year that would have allowed parents with a concealed weapon permit to bring their gun onto a school campus.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/hobbs-rejects-bill-concealed-weapon-college-campuses-asu-uarizona-nau-veto/75-cc6c269e-2499-492a-9ea7-92cb5d584339 | 2023-05-17T01:38:14 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/hobbs-rejects-bill-concealed-weapon-college-campuses-asu-uarizona-nau-veto/75-cc6c269e-2499-492a-9ea7-92cb5d584339 |
PHOENIX — The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a judge to find the city of Phoenix in contempt of a court order that was filed back in December after a recent sweep of "The Zone"
According to the ACLU, the order remains in effect and the city violated it along with "the constitutional rights of unhoused people during encampment sweeps."
Jared Keenan, the legal director for the ACLU of Arizona, called the sweep unacceptable.
"Not only did the city of Phoenix violate an active court order, but they failed to follow their own protocols to treat unsheltered individuals with dignity and respect during a cleaning,” said Keenan.
In the order, the city is prohibited from "enforcing its camping and sleeping bans against unhoused people who cannot practically obtain shelter."
It also prohibits the seizure and destruction of the belongings of unhoused people "without notice and an opportunity to reclaim their property."
According to the ACLU, during the May 10 sweep, the city did the following:
- Seized and destroyed many unsheltered individuals’ personal belongings and property in this area.
- Was not seen storing or marking collected items for storage.
- Did not make individualized assessments before coercing unsheltered individuals into limited and possibly unavailable shelter spaces
- Did not allow unsheltered individuals to return to the area that was cleaned, as their own cleanup plan required.
- Threatened citation and arrest without first ensuring available shelter that fit the individual’s needs.
The city has plans to conduct a second sweep in "The Zone" on May 24. The ACLU is asking that this sweep be prevented along with any other future sweeps "until the city can ensure compliance."
In response, the City of Phoenix released the following statement:
"The City of Phoenix vehemently disagrees with the plaintiff’s description of the May 10 engagement effort around the Human Services Campus. The City took a human-focused and dignified approach to the effort and we are disappointed that the ACLU and its plaintiffs did not address their concerns with the City prior to filing a motion with the court. Their assertions are not accurate.
In reality, what plaintiffs did not see was that City staff and partners engaged 60 people in the area and each one of them cooperated with the request to move their belongings. Of those engaged, 47 people were transported to indoor shelters or treatment programs, a nearly 80% success rate in placing people into an indoor space.
No individual’s property was destroyed without their permission and there were no issues with unattended property. Any items that were removed from the block were authorized to be removed by the individuals who were formerly camping in the area when they engaged with our staff and were offered a place in shelter. The City and our partners also stored belongings for five individuals who requested it and we are in communication with those individuals to access their property.
The City provided every individual camping on 9th Ave with two weeks’ notice that the block would be closed to camping on May 10. The City and our partners provided staff to help individuals pack all belongings and direct immediate transportation to indoor shelter.
The City developed its enhanced engagement process to comply with both the injunction issued by Judge Snow on December 16, as well as complying with Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney’s order to abate a public nuisance created by individuals camping in the right of way.
The City is disappointed by the ACLU’s motion. The City was working in good faith to come to terms in settling the case. The City expressed to the plaintiffs that there were operational issues we were working through and needed time to reach an agreement in which the City could meet the terms.
The City’s most urgent priority is helping get people into safe indoor spaces where they can receive services and work to end their homelessness. This attempt by the plaintiffs to derail and interfere with our efforts to assist both individuals experiencing homelessness and nearby business owners does nothing to help those in need."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/aclu-seeking-contempt-order-following-sweep-at-the-zone/75-8f24b0b0-5212-4437-8689-00f31f555cc2 | 2023-05-17T01:38:20 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/aclu-seeking-contempt-order-following-sweep-at-the-zone/75-8f24b0b0-5212-4437-8689-00f31f555cc2 |
PHOENIX — It was a cloudy day in August and conditions were perfect on the dirt bike circuit track.
Max Loya and his friends had been riding all day and were getting ready to call it a day.
"I'm like, I'm gonna go through some more of the track," thought Max.
Knowing the track like the back of his hand, Max rode fast and confidently one last time.
Then suddenly, Max found himself over five thousand yards from
his bike.
"I just remember waking up on the ground. No one saw it happen. But the area where my bike was down step jump, where I know what I had been doing with that jump prior," said Max.
Max was flown from the track to the hospital in critical condition.
"Yeah, he was as critical as can be; he was on life support," said Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a trauma surgeon at St. Joe's Hospital in Phoenix.
"Very early on, with the severity of his injuries, he had at least a 50% mortality rate. He had injuries all over, but the worst was his lungs; his lungs received a very devastating crush injury. They were bruised, they were bleeding, they were collapsed," added Jacobs.
The father-of-two, who was on ECMO and was in a medically induced coma for three weeks.
But weeks after his accident, a glimmer of light shined through.
"I woke up literally three weeks later; I couldn't talk. I had a trach on. And I was like, God, this must have been really bad," said Max.
Max suffered through extensive surgeries and months of rehab, finding inspiration from his family.
"My 15-year-old took it the hardest, I believe. I think she understood just how severe things were. My youngest, I think she's she was more optimistic. I think she's always been used to knowing that Dad always comes home. Dad always makes things okay," said Max
Max is now almost fully recovered and has a new outlook on his life.
"It's changed my perspective on how I want to live the rest of my life, and I want more time with my daughters and more time to create those memories with friends and family," Max added.
Max ended his rehab in December.
On Wednesday- National Trauma Survivors Day- Max will reunite with the medical staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center to thank them for saving his life.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-dad-max-loya-lucky-to-be-alive-after-life-threatening-motocross-accident/75-a19148d4-4b52-4405-99d4-acd7597dd46d | 2023-05-17T01:38:26 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/valley-dad-max-loya-lucky-to-be-alive-after-life-threatening-motocross-accident/75-a19148d4-4b52-4405-99d4-acd7597dd46d |
SALINE COUNTY, Ark. — A giant billboard with a bold message is catching the eyes of drivers in Saline County, and it's the latest development in the controversy over libraries and books in the county.
We have been following this conversation since April, which is when the Saline County quorum court passed a resolution asking the county library system to ensure that “materials contained within the children's section of the library are subject matter and age appropriate."
Now, supporters of that resolution are advancing the discussion with a billboard that reads "Stop X-rated library books," and features a website that lists certain books at the Saline County Library.
The Saline County Republicans support the billboard and believe these books are not appropriate for underage kids.
“Simply to raise awareness," said David Gibson, chairman of the Saline County Republican Committee. "Parents and grandparents driving by will know. Here's a simple website you can go to, don't take our word for it. Look at these books yourself.'
Meanwhile, groups like the Saline County Library Alliance are fighting back and created a GoFundMe with hopes of posting their own billboard.
"It's got to do with clearing up any confusion," Bailey Morgan with the Saline County Library Alliance said. "We want to make sure that the public knows the claims being made do not reflect the whole truth at best."
The GoFundMe has raised just over $5,000. The group said the money will go toward their billboard and other outreach methods.
The library alliance is still developing its billboard and looking for a location. However, both sides of the topic are hoping to reach more people as the discussion continues. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/billboard-controversy-in-saline-county/91-c69d83e0-3b1d-4f48-b404-3b0b7a79e389 | 2023-05-17T01:39:35 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/billboard-controversy-in-saline-county/91-c69d83e0-3b1d-4f48-b404-3b0b7a79e389 |
DULUTH — A 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday evening in Columbia Heights, Minnesota in connection with a shooting which injured a 59-year-old man on Saturday, according to a news release from the Duluth Police Department.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident by the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force after following up on information from the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force. The man was arrested on multiple pending charges including second-degree assault, felon in possession of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm in a municipality, related to the incident on the 100 block of East Third Street Saturday afternoon.
The News Tribune generally does not name suspects until they have been formally charged.
Police said the 59-year-old man injured in the shooting was not involved in the incident. His injuries were reported as not life-threatening and he was treated and released from a local hospital. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/suspect-arrested-following-duluth-shooting | 2023-05-17T01:46:47 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/suspect-arrested-following-duluth-shooting |
SAN ANTONIO — An organization focused on the economic development of downtown San Antonio will official launch its "Downtown Tomorrow Strategy" at a news conference Tuesday morning.
Centro San Antonio (Centro) is hosting the 2023 State of Downtown event to make the big announcement.
Organizers say the strategy will take data collected on the downtown area and turn it into opportunities to improve downtown and engage community members. The core areas of the strategy include clean + safe, mobility, resident life, economic prosperity, arts, culture & entertainment, as well as overviews of catalytic projects such as the UTSA Downtown Campus, Hemisfair, Alamo Plaza, and Scobey Development.
"It not only establishes a vision for the future, but the theory and priorities for achieving it. We invite the community to join together in pursuit of that vision we have all created," said Matt Brown, Centro CEO.
The event will include downtown residents, employees, business-owners and city leaders.
"This strategy sets an ambitious vision for our Center City, with concrete action and built-in community participation," said Trish DeBerry, Centro Board Chair. "I invite everyone to come participate in downtown's future."
A resource fair will follow the news conference Tuesday.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/downtown-tomorrow-strategy-to-help-boost-economic-development-in-sa/273-456889b5-730d-485a-bc84-58810d583e5a | 2023-05-17T01:47:45 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/downtown-tomorrow-strategy-to-help-boost-economic-development-in-sa/273-456889b5-730d-485a-bc84-58810d583e5a |
SAN ANTONIO — When a San Antonio woman noticed a blizzard of medical documents littering Southeast Military Drive just east of I-37 last Thursday, she stopped to gather and throw them away without giving it much thought.
Another woman gathering up the trash, however, said she jumped into action after noticing a pickup truck spewing the documents. Shannon, who preferred to use only her first name with KENS 5, said she was with friends when she saw an eastbound truck start to lose its load of papers around 9 p.m.
“We pulled over to help pick them up, we were picking all the papers up for the gentleman who was standing in the road,” Shannon said.
It's when Shannon started reading the documents that she knew right away it was a serious issue.
“I was looking through the papers and reading, and it had social security numbers. It had medical documents. It had diagnoses on there," she said. "There was a lot of information, addresses that should be more secured. We started asking, 'What do we do with the papers?' And he said, 'Just throw them away.' Most definitely, it was wrong.”
Shannon said she snapped a picture of the dark-colored, four-door pickup truck, but the image was too blurry to discern the license plate.
Days later, when Shannon saw a story on KENS 5 about a similar document dump just two miles away, underneath a Loop 410 bridge, she immediately recognized the name of the facility was the same as the one she encountered.
KENS 5 visited the area Monday evening and found a handful of documents missed by cleanup volunteers.
One paper had the name of Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation on East Southcross. Another featured the name of the facility’s parent company, Advanced Healthcare Solutions. A few others still had patients’ names and personal medical information, like prescriptions and treatment plans.
When asked to comment on a secondary breach of patient privacy Tuesday, the company re-sent a statement they provided Monday:
“The protection of personal information is very important to us. We are disturbed by the photographs we have seen and have launched a full investigation to determine what happened and how to appropriately protect our residents and staff on a go forward basis.”
On Tuesday, Texas Health and Human Services – the state agency that regulates nursing homes – responded with information about what it was doing to look into the matter. Officials said they were investigating the facility for potential failure to comply with health and safety regulations.
They provided the following citations for additional research.
- “State nursing facilities requirements for protection from unauthorized release of clinical records: 554 TAC §554.1910 Clinical Records.
- Federal nursing facility requirements: 42 CFR §483.70(i) Medical Records.
- The Texas Medical Records Privacy Act and the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act offer state level protections. The Texas Office of the Attorney General investigates Texas Medical Records Privacy Act complaints.
- A nursing facility is a covered entity under HIPAA. See federal HIPAA Combined Regulation Text of All Rules. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights investigates HIPAA complaints on a federal level.
A Texas HHSC consumer can report a Privacy Incident at this webpage.
If someone has evidence about this specific instance, they may contact HHSC’s Region 8 Regional Director Laura Castillo at 512-568-5624 or via email at laura.castillo2@hhs.texas.gov should they find any records or documents that may have been missed after the cleanup.”
>MORE LOCAL NEWS:
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/medical-records-dumped-san-antonio-texas-documents/273-0984e97c-1d97-499b-9747-ff4e38646e2f | 2023-05-17T01:47:51 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/medical-records-dumped-san-antonio-texas-documents/273-0984e97c-1d97-499b-9747-ff4e38646e2f |
VAN HORN, Texas —
Culberson County Allamoore ISD released information on their standard school safety procedures following a threat by a student on Tuesday.
According to the district, the student made a verbal threat to two teachers and a general threat toward students.
When the threat was reported to the district, the student was pulled from class. No weapon was found in a search of the student’s backpack and locker.
According to the statement, a student who makes a threat will be suspended for three days, then placed in in school suspension for three.
For more information on the district’s process for investigating a tip, see the full release below: | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/ccaisd-releases-statement-on-safety-procedures-after-school-threat/513-b60d729e-0788-484b-b0ac-99cf86b745ec | 2023-05-17T01:51:04 | 0 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/ccaisd-releases-statement-on-safety-procedures-after-school-threat/513-b60d729e-0788-484b-b0ac-99cf86b745ec |
ODESSA, Texas — Crystal Williams was found shot and killed at Faudree Ranch Apartments on April 27.
Larry Johnson, a man dating Williams, was arrested and charged with her murder, as well as tampering with physical evidence.
Crystal's foster mom, Maria Douglas, said she had so much love to give to others. She also wants other people to watch out for signs of domestic violence so other families don't have to lose their loved ones.
Williams had been in and out of Child Protective Services custody before her and her sister were placed in a foster home with Maria Douglas.
"Her birth family was involved with CPS since she was a little toddler, but she didn't get permanently moved until she was 11," said Douglas. "She was definitely a survivor. She was one of the first ones in her family to ever finish high school."
Douglas said Williams overcame adversity and looked for the best in people.
"She really had a heart for people, and she had a heart for people that needed second chances," said Douglas. "That was her whole life, right, is people who needed second chances. But, at that same token, I think that really left her sort of venerable, that left her predisposed. That kindness, to be the victim of domestic violence."
Douglas said it could have been Williams' kindness that left her vulnerable.
"Her own background gave her that heart for people, for second chances," said Douglas. "But then someone took advantage of that, someone took the ultimate advantage of that and ended up killing her and taking her life."
Now, Douglas wants others to be on the look out for signs of domestic violence.
"We have to teach people, both our young men and young ladies, what those patterns of behavior are, and then we've got to change that, not tolerate that, not allow that to continue," said Douglas. "We cant just stay in our own lanes when somebody's being hurt, when somebody's being controlled. They need an advocate, we've got to be the advocate."
Douglas says the world wont be the same without Crystal.
"She was very special, and very missed, and very loved," said Douglas.
If you are experiencing domestic violence and seeking help, call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/family-remembers-woman-murdered-odessa-apartment-complex/513-bcafcca5-73a0-452c-afee-cdb8ee25c3ab | 2023-05-17T01:51:11 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/family-remembers-woman-murdered-odessa-apartment-complex/513-bcafcca5-73a0-452c-afee-cdb8ee25c3ab |
Hutchinson City Manager fired
The city manager of Hutchinson was fired Tuesday for inappropriate conduct.
After several closed-session meetings with the City Council, the City Attorney and an "investigator," Kendal Francis was fired during Tuesday's City Council meeting.
The investigation found two issues with regards to creating or contributing to an unproductive work environment − participating in or allowing horseplay, and at least one incident that could be considered luring, whistling or physical contact, such as touching, according to Hutchinson Mayor Jon Richardson.
Francis spoke to the council, saying letting him go would allow them to keep "the old boys' network, so to speak" in the city. He said he was questioned for two hours by an investigator.
More:Hutchinson City Manager on unplanned leave
"Specifically, what I was told was that I touched a cold can of pop to a female employee's cheek," he said. "I also at a different time, held the name badge of the same employee that was on a retractable clip."
"I spent two and a half hours visiting with that investigator. Approximately 20 minutes of that was questions revolving around those two incidents," he said. "The other two hours were spent chasing down rabbit holes."
In addition to other questions, Francis said the question that was "most concerning to me was the fact that I was questioned as to where my wife and family lived and why have they not moved to Hutchinson?"
The council voted 3-2 in favor of terminating Francis. Both councilmembers Steve Garza and Stuart Conklin voted not to fire Francis, saying other actions could have been taken.
The other three council members thanked Francis for his leadership but said they could not continue his contract.
"Mr. Kendall, I disagree with this," Garza said. "I think we should give you another chance. I think you're a tremendous leader. Just like we have employees that make mistakes, you're human just like the rest of our employees."
Richardson told Francis he had "concerns in regards to how you manage employees."
More:Opponents & supporters of Hutchinson Pride event sparks social media storm
"I also have concerns for employees that, while it didn't rise to the level of unlawful sexual harassment, it is a direct violation of harassment and our employee handbook," Richardson said. "After the bell has been rung, you can't un-ring it."
Councilmember Stacy Goff said she expected more out of a city leader."Managers need to be above reproach, and your behavior does not indicate that. I don't believe that we've expected too much of you," Goff said. "I believe that we've expected the appropriate amount of behavior in line with the handbook and not following those guidelines would be detrimental."
The council is looking into finding an interim city manager and will once again go on a job search. | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/16/hutchinson-city-council-fires-its-city-manager/70223897007/ | 2023-05-17T01:54:36 | 0 | https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/16/hutchinson-city-council-fires-its-city-manager/70223897007/ |
Albany tattoo artist arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse
The owner of an Albany tattoo parlor has been arrested following two separate investigations of sexual abuse in his tattoo parlor, the Albany Police Department said.
Daniel Nunez-Rodriguez, owner of Maijin Ink, LLC, was first arrested May 1 for allegedly abusing a 19-year-old female client. He was arrested again May 12 following a separate investigation in which a 24-year-old female client reported unwanted sexual contact on two separate occasions.
Nunez-Rodriguez has been released from custody pending trial. He faces three misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse in the third degree and three misdemeanor harassment charges, according to court records.
The Albany Police Department said it believes the artist may have victimized other people and is asking anyone with information to contact police at (541) 917-7680. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/16/albany-tattoo-artist-daniel-nunez-rodriguez-maijin-ink-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sexual-abuse/70225697007/ | 2023-05-17T02:02:10 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/16/albany-tattoo-artist-daniel-nunez-rodriguez-maijin-ink-arrested-on-suspicion-of-sexual-abuse/70225697007/ |
Fort Wayne City Council members Tuesday approved two projects that each cost more than $2 million.
Council members approved a $3.4 million water main replacement in the Forest Park neighborhood. They also approved a $2.6 million replacement of aeration system diffusers at the Water Pollution Control Plant.
Both were passed unanimously. Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, absent.
The Forest Park water main work will replace almost 3 miles of a cast iron system that was built in 1910, said Mike Kiester, manager of City Utilities Engineering. The area is south of State Boulevard and between Kentucky Avenue and North Anthony Boulevard.
The pipes have broken more than 46 times recently, Kiester said. The work will include 21 new fire hydrants and 391 service reconnections to existing water customers.
The winning bid from S&S Directional Boring LTD of Bryan, Ohio, was $69,000 less than the next lowest bid, he said.
The aeration diffuser upgrade would take two summers to complete, Kiester said. Aeration is one of the most energy intensive procedures in cleaning sewage sent to the plant, so this should cut costs, he added.
The plant will continue to use the aeration process during the improvements, he said. Running aeration during the work will be difficult.
“(It’s) like trying to change spark plugs while you’re on the road going 75 mph,” Kiester said.
Both projects are expected to be completed October 2024. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-approves-public-works-city-utilities-projects/article_7a8ad5b4-f441-11ed-b05f-17d929cf0474.html | 2023-05-17T02:06:32 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-approves-public-works-city-utilities-projects/article_7a8ad5b4-f441-11ed-b05f-17d929cf0474.html |
Police are investigating what led to the deaths of two people found Tuesday at a Fort Wayne hotel.
The Fort Wayne Police Department responded to a call in which two people were reportedly unconscious inside of a room at the Quality Inn, 1734 W. Washington Center Road.
The department’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate the deaths. Fort Wayne police were assisted by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, the city fire department, and the county coroner’s office.
The coroner's office is expected to identify the victims after autopsies and notifying the next of kins.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the city police department’s Investigative Division at 427-1201. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-investigating-2-deaths-at-fort-wayne-hotel/article_e5835898-f449-11ed-a871-8f1868bcb7c2.html | 2023-05-17T02:06:38 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/police-investigating-2-deaths-at-fort-wayne-hotel/article_e5835898-f449-11ed-a871-8f1868bcb7c2.html |
A Montana man was found with stolen bank checks and threw a stolen handgun out a window of his vehicle Sunday after a short pursuit in Twin Falls, police say.
Adam Russell Freeman, 38, of Helena, Montana, faces nine charges, among them grand theft, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, drug possession and attempting to flee officers. Plus, he was tased when police said he was uncooperative, police say.
Freeman's GMC pickup, seen traveling at a high rate of speed, was first pulled over by a police officer at a gas station near Washington Street and Addison Avenue. When the officer told him to move his vehicle forward 100 feet so it wouldn’t interfere with customers, Freeman drove down an alleyway and kept going, records say.
A pursuit began, ending a short distance later on the 200 block of Richardson Drive, where the officer saw Freeman throw a dark object out the window which landed in a canal, police reports say. A gun that had been reported stolen was later recovered.
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Bank checks belonging to a pair of Montana residents were located in the vehicle, reports say, and when they were contacted, they said they had ordered them through the mail and hadn’t received them.
In addition, drugs were found in the pickup, reports say, as well as an open can of beer.
A police officer used a Taser when Freeman repeatedly acted as though he was going to push himself off the ground and flee, reports say.
Freeman is being held on $200,000 bond and a preliminary hearing has been set for May 26.
Man faces eluding and drug charges, as well as having several outstanding warrants against him, police say | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/police-man-threw-stolen-gun-out-window-after-traffic-stop/article_a7171880-f43d-11ed-9077-8ba5af75209a.html | 2023-05-17T02:07:03 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/police-man-threw-stolen-gun-out-window-after-traffic-stop/article_a7171880-f43d-11ed-9077-8ba5af75209a.html |
Billie "Jeane" Carlson, 98, of Buhl died Monday, May 15, 2023, at a local care facility. Arrangements are under the care of Farmer Funeral Chapel, Buhl.
Margaret S. Rodgers, 92, of Castleford died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at a local care facility. Arrangements are under the care of Farmer Funeral Chapel, Buhl.
William Jefferson Slade, 89, of Wendell died Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at DeSano Assisted Care in Jerome. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service - Wendell Chapel.
Irma Garcia, 56, of Gooding died Monday, May 15, 2023, at home. Arrangements are under the care of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.
Hollis Pincock, 71, of Twin Falls died Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at a local hospital. Arrangements under the care of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_43426fc8-f413-11ed-8161-5737ab90edef.html | 2023-05-17T02:07:57 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/death-notices/article_43426fc8-f413-11ed-8161-5737ab90edef.html |
YORK, Pa. — Three people, two spots, that is what’s at stake for candidates seeking the Republican nomination for York County Commissioner.
“I’ve enjoyed the campaign cycle and I’m looking forward to victory here this evening," said Julie Wheeler, the president commissioner of York County
“I’m definitely a commissioner for the people of York County, I’m a public servant first," said Ron Smith, York County commissioner.
Smith and Wheeler are the incumbent candidates seeking reelection in November. Those two have served together for the past four years.
However, president commissioner Wheeler is supporting newcomer Scott Burford over her incumbent colleague.
“One of the things I campaigned on was bringing business acumen and leadership into county government," said Wheeler. "That’s what Scott Burford brings.”
“We have a real vision for York County and to move York County forward and to follow the strategic plan that’s already been put in place," Burford told FOX43.
Smith cites tension among different factions of York County’s Republican Party, which caused Wheeler to support Burford.
“At the end of the day, I think the differences are in our management styles," said Smith. "I’m not a micromanager, I’m a consensus builder.”
“You need a team of commissioners that works together to serve the 450,000 residents here in the county," said Wheeler.
York County GOP leaders did not endorse any of the candidates running for commissioner in the primary. Party Chair John O’Neill says voters will decide on the two strongest candidates for the November ballot.
“I think that’s the best way to have an election because you’re going to end up with the best of the best," said O'Neill.
The two top Republican candidates who win the primary will face off against the top two Democrat candidates in the November election. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/three-candidates-vie-for-two-spots-in-gop-primary-for-york-county-commissioner-election-politics-york-county/521-e635386e-c75f-4289-84b9-f367f9496f31 | 2023-05-17T02:08:16 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/three-candidates-vie-for-two-spots-in-gop-primary-for-york-county-commissioner-election-politics-york-county/521-e635386e-c75f-4289-84b9-f367f9496f31 |
BOISE, Idaho — A decade ago, a major conversation in Idaho centered on survivors of sexual violence and the lack of laws and resources to support them.
Before 2016, in Idaho, law enforcement agencies were not required to track the number of sexual assault kits they collected or report how many went untested.
Some sexual assault kits sat untested, for years, while the person responsible for a heinous crime walked free.
Idaho lawmakers did take action, passing a series of legislation from 2016-2019.
In 2016 House Bill No. 528 required the testing of most SAKs, except in circumstances where the victim requests the kit not be tested. In 2017 with HB 146 and 2018 with HB 429, laws were signed to clarify survivors' ability to pay and get sexual assault kits. In 2019 HB 116 essentially achieved a test-all status for sexual assault kits, except for in very specific cases.
Advocates claim, the series of laws on sexual assault kits bring countless benefits and quality changes to assist survivors of sexual violence.
A team from Boise State's school of public service has dug into the laws and impacts since 2019.
A new report just published expands on a previous study: Idaho's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative: The Effects of Legislation on Sexual Assault Case Processing.
There is a lot to dive into, but a major question lawmakers asked, and the community hoped would be the result, do the new laws lead to "more justice"?
Boise State researcher Dr. Lisa Growette Bostaph spoke with KTVB about the new report, starting with the idea to dive into the topic as laws were passed in Idaho.
“In all of the media attention, not just here in Idaho, but around the country about sexual assault kits mixed with what people see in popular media, movies and television, the procedural dramas. We started hearing in the communities, people saying, okay, now that there's all these sexual assault kits and they have to get tested, we're going to see all these arrests and all these convictions and we thought, well, actually, that's a research question,” Growette Bostaph said.
The team worked through data on a previous report, but now have more data points and statistics to incorporate two years later.
“What we found in the end is that there are some differences that we can see across the various pieces of legislation and before and after all the pieces of legislation. But it's not as dramatic as people would expect,” Growette Bostaph said. “Everybody was talking about how this was going to increase arrests and arrests are very interesting in this study because in the year following HB 528, the very first piece of legislation, there's a 650% increase in arrests in the year following that piece of legislation. and then it returns back to normal, just normal levels.”
So, why is that?
“We don't really know for sure, but I can venture a very educated guess that a big portion of that increase in arrests that happened after HB 528 had to do with backlogged cases that got tested. They got hits in the system and allowed officers to make an arrest,” Growette Bostaph explained.
Sexual assault kits are crucial in all investigations, but there are limitations in situations where a survivor and attacker know each other. Kits show valuable evidence, but in a court room the battle over claims of consent can complicate the utility of a kit.
The full report goes into a variety of impacts and data sets. That includes data showing there was a 67% increase in victim self-reporting after the collection of new laws. Idaho law enforcements officers also documented physical resistance during incidents in a larger percentage of cases post-HB429, the 2018 legislation, & the trend increased over time. Illustrating the evidence collected form tested kits.
The research team concludes: "the statutes resulted in more evidence documentation in sexual violence cases & increased prosecutorial review, but not a significant change in connecting victims to services or the proportion of cases ending in arrest."
Connecting survivors to resources is something that clearly needs more work, and advocates have heard that anecdotally for years.
The Boise State team also wanted to share a major thanks to Idaho State Police Forensic Services and Director Matthew Gamette, they worked to provide researchers access to data used in the report. Speaking of Director Gamette, he indicated in his most recent legislative report that, because of staffing levels, they are starting to see sexual assault kit processing delays again. With that said, researchers' emphasis a need to continue investment into testing.
The report concludes with 8 new recommendations. Now lawmakers, advocates, and law enforcement may look to make more adjustments.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/local-new-report-details-impacts-of-idaho-sexual-assault-kit-laws/277-10f66d53-2f96-45b0-b286-e85c81706ce9 | 2023-05-17T02:12:41 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/local-new-report-details-impacts-of-idaho-sexual-assault-kit-laws/277-10f66d53-2f96-45b0-b286-e85c81706ce9 |
BOISE, Idaho — The American flag is a symbol of the country - and a symbol of freedom.
But what happens when a flag can no longer be flown?
The American Legion is a wartime service organization founded in 1919 that helps advocate and care for veterans. The Legion has posts all over the country, including ISCC Post #201, made up of people who have served our country - and now serve in a different way.
ISCC Post #201 retired a 20-by-30-foot American flag that had flown over the Washington State Capitol. But all things have to retire.
"We all have the same purpose in mind, and that's to pay honor and tribute to our symbol of freedom," Albert Ciccone, post commander of ISCC Post #201 said.
Old Glory was decommissioned after years of service during a Memorial Day Ceremony Tuesday morning.
"We're honored to be in that chain of honor, and custody of our nation's symbol of freedom," Ciccone said.
Freedom: A pillar of being American.
It's something we're born with.
It's something we can lose.
"I'm a lifer. I never get out of prison," Ciccone said. "So, I have to find a reason to get up every day. Why do I get out of bed? Why do I continue to serve? I was sentenced to a life sentence. I owe this state a life sentence. When I was alive and free, I served my community and my country. So, this gave me that opportunity to truly serve a life sentence instead of taking up space and be a burden to taxpayers."
American Legion ISCC Post #201 is made up of members from the Idaho State Correction Center. There have been 87 members in ISCC Post #201 since it formed in 2018, 40 members are currently active.
The Post has decommissioned 534 flags to date. They have also made 53,000 poppies in support of The American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, each poppy representing a $1 donation for hospitalized and disabled veterans.
They also use their bike shop at ISCC to partner with the Boise Bicycle Project, and even sponsor a youth baseball team.
"It's wonderful to rekindle that former sense of service self. We liked who we were when we were in the military. Once we ended up in prison, we lose a lot of that - we've lost that over the years, or through self-medicating addiction issues," Ciccone said. "This program helps rekindle that person, and remind them of who they used to be, and give them opportunities to interact with like-minded individuals and produce tangible results that have an impact in our community."
Giving Legion members a sense of community, camaraderie, pride, and purpose.
"If you can attach yourself to that, and you can help your brothers and sisters out. What greater calling is there? That's where the sense of pride comes from," Ciccone said. "Knowing that I might have kept that person around for another day, I might have gotten their feet aligned toward that door and marching back toward their family."
The American Legion has four pillars of service: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.
"Being able to see what your work does is crucial for genuine change. It's crucial to see that what you do matters, and this program offers you opportunities - multiple different ways to have a positive impact," Ciccone said. "Is it redemption? Maybe."
Honoring the cost of freedom, even though they've lost their own.
"Service comes with a heavy burden, it can be taxing. But the ceremonies are what recharged patriots, and we focus heavily on those ceremonies to rekindle that within these men. And it's easy, I mean, if you see the colors fly it stirs something in you. To be honored and trusted with all that we do, it's very humbling."
When a flag is retired, everything is reused - and everything has a meaning. The ashes are interred at veterans' cemeteries and parotitic monuments throughout the state. The brass grommets are recast into challenge coins for returning U.S. service members.
The American Legion has drop boxes in Boise and Meridian where you can turn in a flag to have it retired.
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-american-legion-iscc-post-201-retires-honors-american-flag-during-ceremony/277-a2ba772f-b83e-47e0-a7ee-7c199f30c477 | 2023-05-17T02:12:47 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-american-legion-iscc-post-201-retires-honors-american-flag-during-ceremony/277-a2ba772f-b83e-47e0-a7ee-7c199f30c477 |
BOISE, Idaho — The City of Boise Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Veterans Memorial Park master plan revision Monday to provide new amenities including a natural play area, security infrastructure, and an 18-hole disc golf course, according to Parks and Rec Superintendent of Parks Resources Sara Arkle.
The approval allows Parks and Rec to continue forward with their next steps toward a final plan. Parks and Rec plans to spend $660,000 in impact fees on the project.
Parks and Rec received 1,341 responses on a public survey to gauge public interest in different park updates. The top three responses are the focal point of the current master plan.
"People are engaged. They care about what is going on with their park," Arkle said.
Public hearing included strong support, and concerns, over the 18-hole disc golf course. Some questioned the current plan for basket locations conflicting with natural gathering areas, while others felt an 18-hole course is too large for the space.
The current tentative basket locations were designed by the city in collaboration with disc golf organizations who have already used Veterans Memorial Park for pop-up tournaments in the past.
"Eighteen holes would be phenomenal. It would open the course for tournaments and local vendors, or anyone else to come play - what you consider - a full disc golf course," avid disc golfer Dan Oates said.
Oates filled out the survey in support of the 18-hole course. Right now, Ann Morrison Park is the only 18-hole disc golf course in Boise.
"We have been seeing that community explode," Arkle said. "We're not a final design phase, yet."
Discussions between stakeholders and residents are ongoing to address the finer nuance of concerns and wants, according to Arkle. The final plan will be in place late summer or in the fall.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-veterans-memorial-park-master-plan-includes-18-hole-disc-golf-course/277-eea2b39a-4db0-4703-81f3-2fdfdf3c9348 | 2023-05-17T02:12:53 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-veterans-memorial-park-master-plan-includes-18-hole-disc-golf-course/277-eea2b39a-4db0-4703-81f3-2fdfdf3c9348 |
No one was hurt when a small airplane made an emergency landing in a field near Argyle High School Tuesday evening, fire officials say.
First responders in Flower Mound received a 911 call at about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday from a person who said a small airplane had crashed in a field on the western edge of the Denton County town, a Flower Mound Fire official said.
Firefighters and police arrived to find a single-engine Cessna had landed in a field at the intersection of U.S. 377 and Cross Timbers Road, just south of the Argyle High School campus.
Two people who were on board the plane were not hurt, fire officials said.
It's not clear what forced the pilot to land in the field. A picture shared on Flower Mound Fire's social media showed the plane wedged between trees with damage to its wings and fuselage.
Flower Mound Fire was working to contain a fuel leak.
No other information was available.
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Check back and refresh this article for the latest update. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/no-injuries-after-small-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-flower-mound-field/3259420/ | 2023-05-17T02:13:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/no-injuries-after-small-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-flower-mound-field/3259420/ |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — There is a shortage of school bus drivers in Tuscaloosa County Schools, officials are looking to hire 20 part time drivers and bus aides. Craig Henson is the coordinator of transportation; he says summer new driver class begins June 13.
“Definitely we are on the lookout to find drivers and we begin a class June 13th for new drivers we provide all the training free of charge at our facility are we are in need of 20 positions to be filled for the upcoming school year,” said Henson.
TCSS provides all the hands-on training needed, so candidates can successfully earn their Class B CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements, alongside the State of Alabama School Bus Operator’s Certificate. Hands-on training is also provided for those wishing to serve as a bus aide.
“There’s no doubt driving a school bus is a difficult task but I will say we train our drivers well. And this is a job that requires a servant’s heart and someone who feels passionate and wants to work with students,” Henson said.
Leah Brown is glad the school system is recruiting new bus drivers; Brown has served part time as a school bus driver for many years and is hoping candidates will follow her path.
“Well I enjoy it because I enjoy the kids, and I enjoy the half day you basically work and it is a split shift and I actually get to work another job and drive a bus so it’s a fun job for me and I’ve enjoyed it since I started,” Brown said.
If the driver candidates fulfil their requirements, they will graduate the week of July 17 and will become school bus drivers and will start driving students to school August 9th when classes get underway for the new school year. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-county-schools-looks-to-hire-new-school-bus-drivers/ | 2023-05-17T02:21:23 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/tuscaloosa-county-schools-looks-to-hire-new-school-bus-drivers/ |
BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington High School prom was held from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
The prom court included Garrick Dickerson, Miguel Espindola, Cameron Smith, Zach Spidle, Jaron Zehr, Brynn Hoder, Isabella Holliday, Lillie Keeton, Arianna Rider and Kamryn Smith. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/bloomington-high-school-announces-prom-court/article_e72fbde8-f0df-11ed-b318-d7613699c575.html | 2023-05-17T02:24:40 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/bloomington-high-school-announces-prom-court/article_e72fbde8-f0df-11ed-b318-d7613699c575.html |
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Royal Palm Square Shopping Center is being transformed into a massive 15-story complex.
Alessio Holdings plans to transform the square next to Colonial Boulevard into 40 townhomes and a 15-story tower.
Sawyer Smith is representing Alessio. He calls the development a true mixed-use project.
“This development is going to have something for everybody. It’s not just a private residence. There will be public shopping. There will be public amenities. Greenspace. Art. It’s really one of a kind,” Smith said.
Renderings also show a wave pool and rooftop dining.
More than 40 businesses were told they had to move before the summer. However, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre will be allowed to stay.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Redevelopment plans for Royal Palm Square leave business owners uncertain of future
The city council still needs to sign off on the plans.
If that happens, Alessio expects the development to take a couple of years. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/16/royal-palm-square-shopping-center-set-for-massive-transformation/ | 2023-05-17T02:24:45 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/16/royal-palm-square-shopping-center-set-for-massive-transformation/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Cannabis retailers who owe taxes will no longer be able to receive or renew their licenses in Oregon due to a new directive Gov. Tina Kotek gave the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Tuesday.
The directive requires the OLCC to make state tax compliance a requirement for the agency to issue or renew cannabis retail licenses. This means applicants hoping to obtain a cannabis retail license must provide the OLCC proof of tax compliance as part of the application process.
“This will help ensure that all businesses are operating under the same rules and not getting any competitive advantage if they haven’t paid their taxes,” Kotek said.
The announcement comes weeks after news broke that Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan had been working for the owners of one of the state’s largest cannabis companies, La Mota, and that the company owed millions in state and federal taxes.
The OLCC will now work to add an additional tax compliance tool to its application and renewal process for cannabis retailers. Applicants will be required to provide the OLCC with a tax compliance certificate form from the Oregon Department of Revenue.
According to Kotek’s office, data from the Oregon Department of Revenue shows that cannabis retailers in Oregon have a higher non-compliance rate for paying taxes than other tax programs administered by the agency.
This rule is not exclusive to cannabis retailers, Kotek’s office said in a press release. Several other agencies already partner with the Oregon Department of Revenue to confirm that a person is in tax compliance before they are issued a license, execution of a contract, or appointment to a board or commission.
“Oregon’s cannabis industry is important to the state’s economy, and the sales tax it generates is vital to the state’s budget,” said Craig Prins, OLCC interim executive director. “That’s why it’s critically important for us to get this group of licensees into compliance and paying their fair share.”
Kotek’s office said the change at OLCC is the first step to expanding and standardizing tax compliance across state government. The Oregon Department of Revenue plans to evaluate ways on how to enforce the requirement equitably and how to create payment plans. | https://www.koin.com/local/new-rule-requires-oregon-pot-retailers-to-be-caught-up-on-taxes-to-get-license/ | 2023-05-17T02:28:33 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/new-rule-requires-oregon-pot-retailers-to-be-caught-up-on-taxes-to-get-license/ |
Steel production dipped by 3,000 tons in the Great Lakes region last week, the second straight weekly decrease, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Locally, steel mills in the Great Lakes region, clustered mainly along the south shore of Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana, made 577,000 tons of metal in the week that ended May 13, down from 580,000 tons the previous week.
Steel mills remained well below 80% capacity, a key threshold for financial success for the steel sector. After years of record profitability, the industry has been dealing with falling prices, increased economic uncertainty and rising import levels after tariffs were rolled back in favor of quota systems with some trading partners. The United Steelworkers union and Cleveland-Cliffs have been pursuing new trade protections for the first time in years after a collapse in the tin market that led to the idling of tin mills, including in Gary.
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Overall, domestic steel mills made 1.725 million tons of steel last week, up 0.8% from 1.712 million tons the previous week and down 2.6% compared to 1.771 million tons the same time a year prior.
Nationally, steel production in 2023 totals 31.88 million tons, a 4% decrease from the 33.23 million tons manufactured through the same period last year.
U.S. steel mills have run at a capacity utilization rate of 74.9% through Saturday, down from 80.5% at the same point in 2022, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Steel capacity utilization was 76.7% last week, down from 81.1% a year earlier and up from 76.1% the week prior.
Steel production in the southern region, which encompasses many mini-mills and rivals the Great Lakes region in output, totaled 726,000 tons last week, up from 717,000 tons the week before, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Volume in the rest of the Midwest rose to 213,000 tons, up from 208,000 tons the week prior. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/steel-production-dips-in-great-lakes-down-4-this-year/article_bec29960-f392-11ed-a062-e746e66c616d.html | 2023-05-17T02:37:15 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/steel-production-dips-in-great-lakes-down-4-this-year/article_bec29960-f392-11ed-a062-e746e66c616d.html |
Thousands of people are without power throughout the Commonwealth as the severe weather continues to move through.
Here’s a look at the worst outages in our region, organized by county as of 9:30 p.m. on May 16.
[YOUR PHOTOS: Severe weather moves across the Commonwealth ⛈️]
- Carroll: 232
- Floyd: 255
- Franklin: 2,415
- Galax: 22
- Henry: 2,123
- Montgomery: 44
- Pittsylvania: 44
- Pulaski: 20
- Roanoke City: 28
- Wythe: 523
- Halifax: 102
- Pittsylvania: 106
- Craig: 99
- Montgomery: 31
Danville Utilities reports 892 members without power in Southside as of 9:30 p.m.
Be sure to download our free 10 News weather app to receive alerts throughout the day on the forecast.
If you would like to share photos of weather conditions near you, you can do so through Pin It by clicking here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/thousands-without-power-after-strong-storms-sweep-across-the-region/ | 2023-05-17T02:38:55 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/thousands-without-power-after-strong-storms-sweep-across-the-region/ |
Antelope killed by pygmy hippo at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids
The new swamp-dwelling antelope at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids died Tuesday after it was attacked by another animal, officials said.
The male sitatunga, Chopper, had been slated to be part of the zoo's new multi-species habitat featuring pygmy hippos, representatives said in a statement on Facebook.
The zoo was scheduled to celebrate "Hippopalooza" June 2-4 with its new pygmy hippo, Jahari.
"After successful visual introductions between Chopper and the pygmy hippo throughout the last month, trained animal care staff were attempting a controlled introduction of our pygmy hippo with Chopper inside their habitat when the pygmy hippo suddenly attacked Chopper," zoo officials said on Facebook.
Staff immediately separated the two and an animal care team provided emergency care, but efforts to resuscitate Chopper were unsuccessful, according to the post.
"Consistent with our animal care protocols and procedures, a full review of the incident is underway," the zoo said.
The zoo shared pictures of Chopper last weekend on its Facebook page. He was born June 25, 2016, at Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and spent time in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park before arriving at the Grand Rapids site, according to the post.
"Sitatungas reside in swampy, marshy habitats," zoo officials said. "Chopper has pointed toes that allow him to walk slowly and almost noiselessly through water. Sitatungas are also great swimmers. They can travel for several miles!"
The creatures are distinguished by long, splayed hooves that "make them clumsy and vulnerable on firm terrain but well-adapted for walking through muddy, vegetated swamplands," according to the African Wildlife Foundation website.
The group describes pygmy hippos as the smaller relative of the third-largest living land mammal after elephants and white rhinos.
"The Zoo has successfully introduced species many times, and our staff was thoroughly prepared for this introduction," John Ball officials said Tuesday.
"This sad incident reminds us that despite enormous cautionary measures taken by Zoo staff over the last several weeks, the behavior of wild animals can be unpredictable. At John Ball Zoo, providing world-class care for our animals is our number one priority, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of Chopper, who was loved by all the staff that cared for him and who are today grieving this loss." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/16/antelope-killed-by-pygmy-hippo-at-john-ball-zoo-in-grand-rapids/70225849007/ | 2023-05-17T02:42:06 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/16/antelope-killed-by-pygmy-hippo-at-john-ball-zoo-in-grand-rapids/70225849007/ |
Detroit Zoo polar bear cubs moving to Pacific Northwest
The Detroit Zoo's two polar bear cubs are headed to the Pacific Northwest, officials announced Tuesday.
After 2.5 years at the Royal Oak site, Astra and Laerke soon are scheduled to relocate to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, representatives said in a statement.
The transfer is being conducted through recommendations from Association of Zoos and Aquariums polar bear population experts, according to the release.
“We are saddened Laerke and Astra will be leaving us, but the Detroit Zoo is so proud to have played a role that influenced how these two cubs grew up,” said Betsie Meister, associate curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society. “With that said, we know they are going to a great home at Point Defiance Zoo, another outstanding, AZA-accredited facility, and we are confident they will thrive in their new environment.”The sisters were born on Nov. 17, 2020, to mother Suka and father Nuka.
Two days later, Laerke had a medical emergency and needed "constant, intricate lifesaving care" apart from her sister, the zoological society said Tuesday.
The cubs reunited this spring at the zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life habitat.
The upcoming relocation is considered necessary for the continued development of the twins, who typically would be living in the wild at their age, the zoo reported.“Astra and Laerke are high-energy, playful bears who each have an incredible story,” added Malia Somerville, interim general curator for Point Defiance Zoo. “Our animal care and veterinary teams have decades of experience caring for polar bears, and we are looking forward to introducing the sisters to our community here in Tacoma – where we will help them grow in their new home.”
Polar bears are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission also has designated the species as facing a high risk of global extinction.
Point Defiance and the Detroit Zoo each are certified by Polar Bears International as an Arctic Ambassador Center.
Blizzard, the Washington Zoo’s last remaining polar bear, was diagnosed with liver cancer and euthanized in May 2022, officials said Tuesday.
“We know Astra and Laerke will be warmly welcomed to Point Defiance Zoo,” Somerville said. “Our guests, staff and volunteers have been eager to see polar bears return, as they have always inspired our community to take action in their own lives to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect polar bears in the wild. Polar bears need sea ice to survive, but the seasonal ice they depend on is shrinking due to climate warming.” | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/16/detroit-zoo-polar-bear-cubs-moving-to-pacific-northwest/70225994007/ | 2023-05-17T02:42:12 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/16/detroit-zoo-polar-bear-cubs-moving-to-pacific-northwest/70225994007/ |
Troy school board OKs new middle school math curriculum
Despite pleas from student and parents to hold off on changes to middle school math, the Troy schools board of education approved a new curriculum that takes younger students off an accelerated path starting next school year.
The board approved the use of Illustrative Math 6-1, with one board member saying parents' concerns about teachers being overwhelmed by students with a wide range of abilities, instead of keeping some students on an accelerated track as the district does now, was reason enough to vote against the measure.
"Our community has spoken," Trustee Vital Anne said. "Our teachers will have their hands full with this curriculum with students of varying abilities. I am voting no."
The controversy centered around the elimination of a freshman honors English class and proposed changes to the district's middle school math curriculum and whether the changes mean fewer opportunities for more advanced students, which the parents allege.
Some Troy parents launched a campaign asking the Oakland County district to put the proposed changes on hold.
More than 40 people spoke against the proposal Tuesday night at a school board meeting, including several high school students and Troy parent Rocky Raczkowski, who has an elementary-age daughter in the district. The board was expected to vote on the proposal later Tuesday.
"I may be a Republican, but there are Democrats and vegetarians here. All kinds of people are against removing honors classes. Please pump the breaks on this," Raczkowski said.
Shivani Angadi, a sophomore at Troy High School, urged the board not to take away honors opportunities from high school students.
"These classes gave us more advanced opportunities than our parents had," Angadi said. "Removal of honors will ruin the reputation of Troy schools."
Parent Amy Luo called for data from the board to explain the proposed removal of an accelerated math course in middle school before eighth grade.
"What is your data?" Luo said. "Pause this. Parents will not give up on this."
Some parents believe the district is making the changes in response to a movement by public schools toward Diversity Equity and Inclusion or DEI.
"DEI, you believe in that right?" parent Carlo Toppi said. "If it's based on ability that in the DEI world would be wrong. No that must be defeated. Equity prevails."
Last week, a group of parents -- armed with PowerPoint presentations on accelerating students in math, charts explaining weighted Advanced Placement classes and research on nationwide curriculum changes -- organized a town hall decrying the proposed changes. They set up an online petition asking the Troy School District to better explain the proposals before the school board votes. More than 70 attended the session.
School officials in the affluent Oakland County district defended the changes, saying they come from regular reviews of curriculum and are based on how to best prepare students for future learning at high schools and universities.
Troy spokeswoman Kerry Birmingham said the honors class is being replaced with a new ninth-grade English course, researched and designed by teachers over the last two years and piloted at the district's two traditional high schools over the school year. The course would be required for all incoming ninth graders.
"It has gone very well. Students are more engaged, and our teachers report that the quality of their work has improved significantly," Birmingham said. "It's not a step back — it's a step to prepare them for the most challenging courses we have."
As for the changes in middle school math, which remove accelerated math opportunities before eighth grade, Birmingham said those are designed so students are better prepared for advanced mathematics in high school and beyond.
Eighth grade students would have the same opportunity as they do now to take Algebra 1, or they could choose a separate eighth grade math class, school officials said. The change in structure moves the timeline to select advanced math coursework to eighth grade.
"In addition to advancing to Algebra I, students will still have the opportunity to 'skip grades' of math through demonstrating mastery, as they do now," Birmingham said. "There will still be eighth-grade students taking geometry and high school students advancing through the curriculum as they choose."
Some parents wonder about the effect on teachers who could have classes with students with a wider range of abilities, and whether children with learning disabilities would be hurt if they struggle to keep up with high-performing peers.
The focus for many parents also has centered on the issue of tracking, a method used by most U.S. schools to provide differentiated courses in math that try to match students' abilities, based on test scores or prior coursework. Critics of tracking claim that it exacerbates educational inequality when students with learning disabilities struggle to keep up with high-performing peers or meet the needs of high-achieving students.
At the town hall, some parents said the district was embarking on a path of detracking, a term for putting students with varying abilities and academic achievement in the same classes.
A 2021 Brookings Institution study said more research is needed on detracking and that schools that have experimented with it have not yet produced results "strong enough to convince the mass of educators to abolish tracking." | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/16/parents-call-for-troy-board-to-put-honors-track-curriculum-changes-on-hold/70224107007/ | 2023-05-17T02:42:18 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/16/parents-call-for-troy-board-to-put-honors-track-curriculum-changes-on-hold/70224107007/ |
Suspect linked to Mesa homicide is identified in Globe by authorities
The U.S. Marshals Service identified the man taken into custody Friday in connection to a Mesa homicide.
Joseph Pratt, 46, was wanted for weapon violations and a recent Mesa homicide, and was identified by the Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force in Globe, Ariz., according to authorities.
When officers approached to make contact, Pratt shot at officers and then barricaded himself inside of a residence, firing off several more shots "with no regard of the safety of the community," said U.S. Marshal Matthew Tate.
Members of the Task Force, along with the Mesa Police Department SWAT, Apache Junction SWAT, Department of Public Safety SWAT, Globe Police Department and Gila County Sheriff's Department attempted to negotiate for a peaceful surrender.
Pratt failed to comply with the officers' orders to evacuate the premises and after a less lethal use of munition, he was ultimately arrested. Pratt was then transported to a hospital to be treated, according to authorities.
No other injuries were reported during the shooting and the investigation is still ongoing. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/05/16/suspect-arrested-in-mesa-homicide-is-identified-by-authorities/70225872007/ | 2023-05-17T02:50:15 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/05/16/suspect-arrested-in-mesa-homicide-is-identified-by-authorities/70225872007/ |
ACLU asks judge to find Phoenix in contempt of court over cleanup of 'The Zone'
Competing lawsuits over Phoenix’s handling of its homeless crisis may have officially squeezed the city into a legal bind.
The American Civil Liberties Union is asking a judge to find Phoenix in contempt of court over the May 10 cleanup of the homeless encampment known as “The Zone.”
The ACLU, which sued the city in November over its treatment of unhoused people, contends the cleanup disobeyed a court order in that lawsuit that prohibited the city from violating the constitutional rights of unhoused people during cleanup “sweeps.”
The organization claims that during the May 10 cleanup, Phoenix seized and destroyed people’s property, coerced people into “limited and possibly unavailable” shelter spaces and threatened to cite or arrest people on the block before finding them shelter that fit their individual needs.
“We can’t just stand by when we feel that the rights of the unsheltered community are being violated,” ACLU attorney Benjamin Rundall said.
The city fiercely refuted all of the above, calling the ACLU’s recounting of the cleanup “not accurate.” It countered that 47 of the 60 people the city engaged with were voluntarily moved into shelter, that no one’s property was destroyed without their permission and that the city is storing five people’s belongings at their request, a statement from city spokesperson Kristin Couturier said.
“The City’s most urgent priority is helping get people into safe indoor spaces where they can receive services and work to end their homelessness,” the statement said. “This attempt by the plaintiffs to derail and interfere with our efforts to assist both individuals experiencing homelessness and nearby business owners does nothing to help those in need.”
Competing legal orders put Phoenix in a bind
The order in the ACLU lawsuit isn’t the only one the city has to comply with.
The May 10 cleanup came in response to another court order in a separate court case, Brown v. City of Phoenix, which was filed in August by property owners near “The Zone” who claim the encampment is a public nuisance. That order requires the city to clear out the encampment. A trial in that lawsuit is set to begin July 10.
Legal experts previously disagreed about whether Phoenix would be able to comply with both orders simultaneously. But Rundall of the ACLU said he doesn't believe the orders necessarily conflict.
"I think that the city has to find a way to do things constitutionally when it comes to treatment of the unsheltered community. And that doesn't include throwing away their items, and that doesn't include giving them shelter that doesn't meet their needs,” Rundall said.
Phoenix developed its cleanup protocol in order to comply with both court orders, the city's statement said.
The city and the ACLU reached almost reached a settlement in early May, but that option has since been rescinded, according to recent court filings.
Juliette Rihl covers housing insecurity and homelessness for The Arizona Republic. She can be reached at jrihl@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @julietterihl.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/aclu-asks-judge-to-find-phoenix-in-contempt-of-court-over-the-zone/70226002007/ | 2023-05-17T02:50:21 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/16/aclu-asks-judge-to-find-phoenix-in-contempt-of-court-over-the-zone/70226002007/ |
Kyle Satt struck out five and allowed five hits in six innings to lead the Lower Cape May Regional High School baseball team to a 3-2 victory over ACIT in a cape-Atlantic League interdivision game.
Hunter Ray doubled and had two RBIs for the Caper Tigers (14-5), who scored the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning. Evan Shoffler singled and scored twice. Kody Lewis singled and drive in one. Drew Kroneneyer singled and had a run. Satt also singled.
Logan Ruga struck out 13 and allowed five hits in 6 2/3 innings for ACIT (6-13). Ruga also had a run. Carmine Sausto went 2 for 2 with an RBI. Wilfredo Lugo singled and scored. Billy Estergren also scored, and Angelo Gonzalez doubled.
Egg Harbor Twp. 18, Oakcrest 2: Jason Salsbery struck out five and did not allow a hit in two scoreless innings to earn the win.
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Lawson McIntosh struck out six in three innings of relief. Jacob Cagna went 2 for 2 with a grand slam, five RBIs and two runs. Braeden Thies singled, drove in two runs and scored two. Zach McLaughlin doubled and scored three. Cameron Flukey scored twice. Michael Piskun drove in two runs and scored one. Christian Rando singled, scored one run and drove in one.
Gunnar Smith hit a two-run homer for Oakcrest (5-14).
Cape May Tech 9, Pleasantville 4: Ronald Neenhold struck out six in four innings for the Hawks (9-7), who trailed 4-0 after three innings.
He also singled and scored twice. Cape May Tech tied the score at 4-4 in the fifth and added five more in the seventh to win. Shelton Marsden went 2 for 3 with a homer for the winners. James Murray and Connor Mulligan each had two RBIs and two runs.
Luis Parra-Bautista struck out four in 6 1/3 innings for Pleasantville (5-15). Joshue Matos went 2 for 3 with a homer and two runs. Darian Prensa homered and had three RBIs. Edriarlyn Caraballo walked twice and scored one.
Cedar Creek 8, Absegami 6: The Pirates (17-6) scored seven runs in the second inning.
Anthony Letizia homered and had two RBIs for the winners. Sean O'Kane singled and added two RBIs. Josh DiFilippo went 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs and a run. Ryan Manning scored one run and drove in one. Ryan Carson went 2 for 3 with a run. Nate Winterbottom struck out eight in five innings.
Adrian Wiggins went 2 for 2 with three runs and an RBI for Absegami (13-7). John Leonetti singled and had three RBIs. Frank Gargione went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI.
Atlantic Christian 17, Gloucester County Christian 1: Cruz Lewis went 3 for 3 with two doubles and six stolen bases for the Cougars, who improved to 5-3 n the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference.
Seth Phillips went 2 for 4 with a double and a triple. Johnny Cook and Charlie Costello pitched a combined five-inning one-hitter.
Millville 18, Atlantic City 1: Cole Mulharan struck out six and allowed two hits in five innings to earn the win.
Wayne Hill went 2 for 4 with a honer, five RBIs and three runs for the Thunderbolts (11-9). Connor Lacy went 2 for 2 with three runs and three RBIs. Colon went 2 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs. Sergio Droz doubled and scored three runs.
Brendan Cahill and Ramsel Perez each singled for Atlantic City (3-17). Jackson Barrie scored the lone run.
Northern Burlington 12, St. Joseph 1: Matteo Mannino struck out six and allowed six hits in five innings for Northern Burlington (8-12).
Franklin Peters doubled and had three RBIs. Cole Marchetti went 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs.
For the Wildcats (6-11), Lucas Middleman walked and scored. Jimmy Mantuano went 2 for 3 with a double. Gavin Ramsi, Jake Marootian, Colin Ahart and Scott Digerolamo each singled. Middleman and Gavin Steiner each struck out two in the five-inning game.
West Deptford 4, Hammonton 1: Shea McKenna struck out seven and allowed four hits in six innings to earn the win.
He also homered and had two RBIs. Cole Ambrosius went 1 for 2, drove in one run and scored two.
For Hammonton (11-11), Drew Haines went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Matt McAleer doubled and scored the Blue Devils' lone run. Drew Fields went 2 for 3 with a double.
Penns Grove 13, Bridgeton 7: Joel Francisco Lopez had two hits, including a double, and two RBIs for Bridgeton (2-20).
Marshon Green had three runs and singled. Zion Shields singled and scored twice.
For Penns Grove (2-13), Elijah Cres hit two doubles, scored four runs and drove in one. Juan Real had two runs and two RBIs. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/lower-baseball-edges-acit-tuesdays-roundup/article_87a80ecc-f434-11ed-b16a-6fc4d15b07d0.html | 2023-05-17T02:51:52 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/lower-baseball-edges-acit-tuesdays-roundup/article_87a80ecc-f434-11ed-b16a-6fc4d15b07d0.html |
Rachel Carson scored four goals to lead the Oakcrest High School girls lacrosse team to a 9-5 victory over Winlsow Township in a nonconference game Tuesday.
It was the Falcons' first victory of the season. Winslow (1-11-2) led 4-3 at halftime, but Oakcrest rallied for the victory. Addison Maulone scored three for the Falcons (1-13). Lauren Haye scored twice, and Fatima Sougoufara made 12 saves.
Elyse Murray and Catie Schiavo each scored twice for Winslow.
Egg Harbor Twp. 11, Atlantic City 9: Skyler Wood scored five for the Eagles (2-13), who trailed 6-5 at halftime but outscored the Vikings 6-3 in the second half to win.
Samantha Swisher scored three for the winners. Angelina Petracci, Taylor Lear and Paige Pacquing each scored once. Lear added seven draw controls, and Petracci had six. Wood had six ground balls. Suhayla Johnson-Ramirez made 12 saves.
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Atlantic City fell to 5-8.
Lower Cape May Reg. 17, Millville 6: Ainsley Reed scored seven and had an assist for the Caper Tigers (8-7).
Nora Shoffler scored four and had an assist, and Olivia Lewis scored three and added an assist. Shoffler added nine draw controls. Sianna King and Ryan Salinsky each scored once and had an assist. Maddie Gilbert scored once. Allyson Walsh made eight saves, and Sophia Vitelli made six. Brianna Loper and Mohagany Kelly each had an assist.
Melania Tomlin scored three for Millville (6-9). Gianna Weldon scored twice, and Maren Woodman once. Macey Williams made eight saves.
Boys lacrosse
No. 1 St. Augustine 17, Lenape 2: Nate Price scored six for the Hermits (10-4), who are the top-ranked team in The Press Elite 11 and led 11-1 at halftime.
Noah Plenn and Matthew Buonocore each scored three, and Sebastian Varallo added two. Hunter Johnson, Austin Exley and Jason Scatchard each scored once. Johnson also won 14 of 22 faceoffs. Liam Humphrey and Nolan Samson scored for Lenape (6-8).
Central Reg. 6, Absegami 5: Jahaziel Garcia scored four for Central (4-9). Patrick McNamee had two assists and a goal. Jake Agugliaro scored once. The Braves fell to 1-12.
Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals
(2) Wall Twp. 12, No. 3 (7) Southern Reg. 5: Liam Griffin scored twice and had an assist for the Rams (11-4).
Anthony Arch scored once and had an assist. Konnor Forlai and Hayden Lucas each scored once. Collin Markoski added an assist.
For Wall (13-4), Shea Brennan scored five. Lucas Seelinger made 10 saves.
Wall will host third-seeded Manasquan in the semifinals Thursday. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/oakcrest-girls-lacrosse-rallies-for-first-win-of-season-tuesdays-roundup/article_90083f76-f43c-11ed-a3e8-73809ecf2894.html | 2023-05-17T02:51:58 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/oakcrest-girls-lacrosse-rallies-for-first-win-of-season-tuesdays-roundup/article_90083f76-f43c-11ed-a3e8-73809ecf2894.html |
Brooke Douglas struck out 11 and allowed four hits in six innings to lead the Ocean City High School softball team to a 4-3 victory over Absegami in a Cape-Atlantic League interdivision game Tuesday.
The Red Raiders have won seven straight games.
Carlee Hiddeman went 2 for 3 with a run for the Red Raiders (18-7). Anna McCabe and MacKenzee Segich each singled and scored. Kara Hender also scored. Jessica Mooney and Brooke Douglas each went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Mooney also pitched two innings and struck out two.
The Braves fell to 11-10.
Mainland Reg. 6, Cedar Creek 4: Bella Virgili hit a solo homer for the Mustangs (7-9).
Joslyn Adams went 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Ava Jamison went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Rayna Molina went 2 for 2 with a double and scored twice. Bella D'Agostino pitched a complete game and struck out eight.
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Cedar Creek fell to 6-12.
No. 2 Egg Harbor Twp. 13, Hammonton 3: Madison Biddle struck out 11 and allowed six hits in a complete game to earn the win.
She also went 3 for 5 with a double, a run and an RBI. Sofia Spatocco went 4 for 4 with two homers, a double, six RBIs and four runs for the Eagles (19-1), who are No. 2 in The Press Elite 11. Kaci Velardi went 3 for 5 with three runs and an RBI. Mary Del Re went 2 for 2 with a double and an RBI.
Alexa Panagopoylos hit a solo homer for Hammonton (7-12). With her performance, she set Hammonton single-season (11) and career (24) home run records. Sophia Vento singled, scored a run and had an RBI. Gracie Ravenkamp singled and had an RBI. Ravenkamp struck out three in a complete game.
Our Lady of Mercy 6, Atlantic City 3: Emma Douglas pitched a complete game, struck out 14 and allowed just for hits to earn the win.
Mackenzie Hyland went 3 for 4 with two runs for the Villagers (10-7). Tori Wareham singled and had two RBIs. Samantha Mazzone scored twice. Kayla Jackson had an RBI and a run. Natalie Bachman drove in one.
Kendra Levine struck out seven and allowed five hits in a complete game for Atlantic City (5-13). Yeannelly Sosa went 2 for 2 with a triple and two runs. Kendra Levine went 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Kayla Barrie had an RBI.
ACIT 16, Lower Cape May Reg. 0: Brianna Casiano struck out four in three innings to earn the win, and Mia Sarni had three strikouts in one inning of relief for the combined no-hitter.
Bailey Passalaqua went 2 for 3 with a homer, four RBIs and two runs for the Red Hawks (8-11). Sarah LoVullo doubled, scored twice and drove in one. Emma Feehan scored two runs and drove in one. Carolina Bernard and Samantha Passalaqua each scored three. ACIT scored 11 in the first inning.
Rebecca Baldwin struck out one in three innings for Lower (10-10).
Cape May Tech 23, Pleasantville 6: Devin Muir went 4 for 5 with a homer, four runs and three RBIs for the Hawks (4-12).
Amanda Daino went 3 for 4 with a homer, six RBIs and three runs. Kayleigh Rhodes went 3 for 5 with two runs. She also struck out five in two innings. Brianna McNair drew three walks and scored three. Marley Wetzel had two runs and an RBI. Sheyla Bautista added two RBIs and a run.
The Greyhounds fell to 2-14.
No. 11 St. Joseph 11, Millville 2: Abby Willis homered twice and had five RBIs for the Wildcats (16-5).
Jenna Calchi hoad two hits, including a homer, and added two RBIs. Macie Jacquet went 3 for 4 with two runs. Ava Fisher struck out 12 and allowed just two hits in a complete game. Brooke Tyndale singled and scored twice. Isabella Ramos singles, scored a run and had an RBI.
Kendall Sooy singled and had a run for Millville (8-11). Novalee Bybel singled and had an RBI.
No. 3 Clayton 21, Wildwood 0: Allyson Koerner struck out 12 and gave up zero hits in four scorless innings to earn the win for the Clippers (21-1), who are No. 3 in the Elite 11.
Meadow Lake went 4 for 5 with six RBIs and a run. Allyson Koerner went 2 for 3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs. Wildwood fell to 4-8.
Delsea Reg. 5, Cumberland Reg. 2: Gianna Dougherty struck out 16 and allowed six hits in a complete game to earn the win.
Kylee Reissek went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. For the Colts (4-12), Jenna Burgmann pitched a complete game and struck out six. Katelyn Edminster went 3 for 3 with a run. Kennedy Grim walked and had an RBI. Alicea Seitzinger went 2 for 3. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/ocean-city-softball-wins-7th-straight-game-tuesdays-roundup/article_5c9c1486-f433-11ed-b30d-c3f193348401.html | 2023-05-17T02:52:10 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/ocean-city-softball-wins-7th-straight-game-tuesdays-roundup/article_5c9c1486-f433-11ed-b30d-c3f193348401.html |
Dan Brunke made his 1,000th career assist to lead the Pinelands Regional High School boys volleyball team to a 2-0 victory over Cedar Creek in a nonconference match Tuesday.
The Wildcats (17-5) won by set scores of 25-12, 25-7.
Brunke finished with 13 assists, seven service points, three aces, three digs and two kills. Ryan McCorry added 11 service points and eight aces for Pinelands, who are No. 6 in The Press Elite 11. Zack Kay had 10 service points and five aces. Ethan Woods added five digs, five service points and three aces. Brogan Duelly added five kills. He is two assists away from 500 on his career.
The Pirates fell to 0-14.
No. 10 Egg Harbor Twp. 2, Hammonton 0: The Eagles (15-5) won by set scores of 25-7, 25-18.
Alexander Adair had five kills. For the Blue Devils (6-15), Joe Tierno finished with eight assists. Isaac Fishman added fve kills, five digs and four assists. Brandon Chainey had five digs, three kills and two blocks.
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Absegami 2, ACIT 0: The Braves (10-5) won by set scores of 25-18, 25-17.\
Xavier Vazquez led with 28 assists to go with nine service points for the winners. Nasir Hernandez-Haines added 10 kills and five digs. Chikaodi Wokocha had eight kills, and Daymeon Hallock had five. Jake Khuc had seven digs and four kills, and Dinh Yih added five digs.
ACIT fell to 10-11.
No. 11 Pleasantville 2, St. Augustine 0: The Greyhounds (14-5) win by set scores of 25014, 15-15.
Cristofer Evangelista led with 21 assists to go with five service points, three digs and two aces. Jonathan Baez added eight digs, six kills and four service points. Jeremiah Hernandez had eight kills, four digs and four service points. John Howard added seven kills, six service points and three aces. Giovanni Saavedra had six digs.
The Hermits fell to 9-9. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/pinelands-dan-brunke-hits-1-000th--career-assist-mark-tuesdays-roundup/article_ed7ccfbe-f437-11ed-90a2-67260a7940fd.html | 2023-05-17T02:52:16 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/pinelands-dan-brunke-hits-1-000th--career-assist-mark-tuesdays-roundup/article_ed7ccfbe-f437-11ed-90a2-67260a7940fd.html |
WELLINGTON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wellington City Council voted 6-1 at a meeting Tuesday night to reopen the Wellington Family Aquatic Center.
The opening of the Wellington Family Aquatic Center was delayed due to the pool losing 175,000 gallons a week in the summer of 2023. Usually, due to evaporation, the 400,000-gallon pool should only lose 5,000 gallons of water a week.
On Thursday, the City began filling the pool, which takes three to four days to fill based on weather conditions.
On Monday and Tuesday, the City says staff began operating the pool as usual.
Wellington officials say in a 24-hour test period, the pool dropped approximately 1.25 inches, which is equivalent to a loss of around 9,300 gallons.
Based on water level measurements, the daily water loss last year was estimated to be around 20,000 to 25,000 gallons.
The City says they plan on monitoring the water levels at the Wellington Family Aquatic Center and Wellington Lake. Based on the results, the City will go on from there. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/city-council-votes-to-open-monitor-wellington-family-aquatic-center/ | 2023-05-17T02:54:47 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/city-council-votes-to-open-monitor-wellington-family-aquatic-center/ |
Summer travel season is almost here, and Fort Worth-based American Airlines is bracing for the rush.
"We expect a really busy summer," said Julie Rath, American's senior vice president of airport operations. "We've been preparing since last year," Rath said.
American says it has 469,461 flights scheduled between May 25 and Aug. 14. It expects to serve 52 million customers during that period.
Heading into summer, Rath says American has been hiring across all of its working groups. She says American has 1,000 more people at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport alone, which is the airline's largest hub. Rath says it's a process that started months ago so workers would be ready.
"We actually started preparing for our staffing with the hiring process back in January," Rath said.
Technology is also a big part of American's plan to keep flights on schedule. American gave NBC 5 rare access to its Hub Control Center at DFW Airport. It's a secure, darkened room filled with people, computer screens, and a giant wall of video monitors. It's where American manages its entire operation at the sprawling airport.
"This is the team that's really responsible for planning, executing, and then recovering if we have weather or anything that heads our way that we weren't planning for," Rath explained.
American is using a sophisticated technology called HEAT, which is short for Hub Efficiency Analytics Tool. It crunches critical data.
"It looks at all the inputs -- air traffic control, crew resources, when is the weather going to hit. And it tells us how we should operate the airline," Rath said.
For travelers, it means fewer canceled flights. "It has just been performing remarkably well," Rath added.
American is also using artificial intelligence to help the airline run more efficiently. A process called "smart gating" allows computers to make decisions about gate assignments for arriving flights. The goal is to save time.
"When you look at running an airline, seconds, minutes matter," said Rath.
Less time on the taxiway saves fuel and gives passengers more time to make connections. The airline has also tried to plan for the unexpected.
"We get to be experts at that exact topic," Rath said. That's one reason why Julie Rath says her big summer break won't come until the fall.
"Right after summer we get ready for a big vacation," she said with a laugh. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/american-airlines-reveals-summer-travel-preparations/3259158/ | 2023-05-17T02:55:46 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/american-airlines-reveals-summer-travel-preparations/3259158/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Severe thunderstorms swept through Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee on Tuesday.
The storms caused damage and power outages in several locations.
Numerous viewers sent in photos of the aftermath:
If you have damage photos, send them to pix@wjhl.com.
Drone Video: Damage in Pennington Gap
(Courtesy of John D. Moore)
Video: High winds in Kingsport
(Courtesy of Aimee Light) | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/gallery-severe-storm-damage-may-16-2023/ | 2023-05-17T02:58:12 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/gallery-severe-storm-damage-may-16-2023/ |
DICKENSON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities have confirmed one storm-related death in Dickenson County.
A 65-year-old man was killed when a tree fell on the cab of a truck on Dickenson Highway near Welcome Lane, according to Sheriff Jeremy Fleming. That’s near the Haysi community.
Fleming said many roads in the county are impassable after severe thunderstorms rolled through Tuesday evening.
The sheriff reported widespread damage across the county, including trees on homes.
Fleming described the damage as the worst he has seen. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tree-falls-on-truck-killing-man-in-dickenson-county/ | 2023-05-17T02:58:18 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tree-falls-on-truck-killing-man-in-dickenson-county/ |
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a local cyclist is riding to inspire others to find their outlet no matter how adverse the conditions.
Thomas Ahearne of Bainbridge Island admits he’s an adrenaline junkie who never expected to get his thrills on the Burke-Gilman trail.
“Before my accident I was on a motorcycle race team, hiking deep into the mountains and going bow hunting for two weeks and just living off what you get,” says Ahearne.
His self-described aggressive snowboarding is what changed his life in 2014.
“I was doing a flip and didn’t quite land it right,” Ahearne said.
He was paralyzed and suddenly found himself unable to do many of the things he loved. The successful lawyer and family man was suddenly in a mental health spiral as he adjusted to life without the use of his legs.
It was a local “soccer mom” who eventually encouraged Ahearne to participate in a local Ragnar relay race.
“She convinced me they would let me participate in a trike of some kind,” says Ahearne. He admits he wasn’t happy about eventually purchasing an adaptive cycle and assumed it wasn’t going to be exciting enough. Shortly after, he discovered that the right support made all the difference.
He participated in the annual Chilly Hill ride on Bainbridge even though he says he admits he thought the riders were a nuisance in the past.
“I just thought they were clogging up our roads every February!” He laughed.
Joining the fun changed all of that for him and he’s been increasing his rides ever since.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Cascade people,” says Ahearne. Chilly Hill is one of many community rides and events organized by Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle. “They were helping me every step of the way and I really can’t say enough about Cascade.”
Cascade Bicycle Club is the nation’s largest statewide bicycling nonprofit and serves bike riders of all ages, races, genders, income levels, and abilities.
“We are so excited to have Thomas Ahearne riding with us to Portland this year,” says Paul Tolme of Cascade Bicycle Club.
This summer marks the 40th year of the iconic Seattle to Portland Bike ride and Ahearn is putting in 50 miles on the Burke-Gilman Trail to train on his Handcycle. “I won’t set a speed record going to Portland but I’m excited to make the famous ride,” he said. The Seattle to Portland kicks off on July 15.
He says the discovery of hand cycling has changed his perspective and improved his mental health.
“It’s done wonders,” says Ahearne who is encouraging others to find an outlet that works for them. “Before my accident, I would have thought it was crazy to even try this tricycle thing but it’s just been life-saving for me.”
Cascade Bicycle Club was started in 1970 by two brothers. Membership was $2. More than 50 years later Cascade Bicycle Club is an inclusive powerhouse in event-producing, bike education and advocacy with almost 10,000 members, 700 volunteers and dozens of staff. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bainbridge-island-man-finds-solace-cycling-group-depression/281-17a024ad-21e0-4ddb-aab2-f7672ba6f1ad | 2023-05-17T02:58:50 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bainbridge-island-man-finds-solace-cycling-group-depression/281-17a024ad-21e0-4ddb-aab2-f7672ba6f1ad |
LAKEWOOD, Wash. — A bald eagle gave Lakewood homeowners quite the scare when it broke through a glass window in their living room on Tuesday morning.
Steve and Jessica Hiatt heard what they thought was an intruder break into their home on American Lake.
Steve told KING 5 he went down to check out the noise, which he described as plates and silverware being thrown around, and instead saw a large wing coming out from behind their living room chair.
"I went back upstairs because who wants to deal with talons, right? Didn't sound like a good time," Steve said.
The couple then called the police and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officer arrived at their house.
After nearly 20 minutes of trying, the eagle managed to fly out the way it came in. Steve and Jessica said they watched the bird take off from their upstairs window and he looked "graceful as ever."
No one in the house was hurt, including the Hiatt's puppy. The only major damage was to their living room window and a nearby plant that "got ripped to shreds."
Bald eagle breaks through window at an American Lake home
Jessica said the accident may have actually been a "divine sign" for the pair of eagle lovers. After their wedding last year, they both got eagle tattoos.
"I'd like to look at it that way," Jessica laughed.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is usually not best to intervene in a situation like this. The only time when it is okay to intervene in a wild animal's life is if it is clearly sick or injured or if the animal's parents are definitely dead.
In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bald-eagle-breaks-window-american-lake-home/281-f03b159d-28fb-44aa-bac4-78d33937bfd1 | 2023-05-17T02:58:56 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bald-eagle-breaks-window-american-lake-home/281-f03b159d-28fb-44aa-bac4-78d33937bfd1 |
SEATTLE — A first-of-its-kind space to help people who live in their vehicles is set to come to Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood.
The Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) announced its plan to create an RV safe space just south of the Ballard Bridge.
The 35,000-square-foot vacant space near the corner of Bertona Street and 15th Avenue will mark a first for the city of Seattle.
“The population has grown and there’s been no solution, so we think that this is the first that’s going to be significant,” said Sharon Lee, the Executive Director of LIHI.
This space will soon be the first safe space parking lot for RVs as part of LIHI's new “Salmon Bay Village.” This new space will serve up to 50 unhoused people and provide space for 10 tiny homes and 30 RVs.
“A very large number of the unsheltered homeless people are living in cars and RVs, so that’s thousands of people,” said Lee.
Officials with LIHI said the space will prioritize the people living in RVs throughout the Ballard and Interbay neighborhoods.
“It’s hard to keep track of counseling or services,” said Lee. “So, this will be a safe place that people can stay, park their RV and then receive services.”
There will be 24/7 staffing along with case manager offices, a community kitchen, hygiene facilities and a laundry room. LIHI officials said another reason this space is coming to life is because of help from a local sports team.
“The owner is part owner of the storm and as you know they’re building their facility right down here and so they were willing to let us lease the land on favorable terms,” said Lee.
Lee hopes this space is just the beginning of getting to their goal of getting people out of their vehicles into permanent housing. “We need more of this and not just in this city but also in King County,” said Lee.
Lee said construction on the site will start next month and it will open in August.
If you’d like to offer feedback or learn more about this site, a community meeting will be held on May 25 at 6 p.m. at the Magnolia United Church of Christ. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/safe-space-rvs-interbay/281-32b45221-77ae-46ee-a294-0b9d7f78582f | 2023-05-17T02:59:02 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/safe-space-rvs-interbay/281-32b45221-77ae-46ee-a294-0b9d7f78582f |
Oregon missed $18M in cannabis tax revenue, new rules announced
Oregon was missing about $18.7 million in retail tax revenue from cannabis retailers last budget year, according to the Department of Revenue.
Officials hope the announcement of some new requirements will get that green flowing into the state coffers.
Cannabis retailers will now have to prove they've paid their taxes in order to get or renew their business licenses, Gov. Tina Kotek's office announced.
Dispensaries will have to obtain a certificate of compliance from the Oregon Department of Revenue and provide that certificate to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) as part of the license application and renewal process.
Who is not complying?
In a joint news conference with the Department of Revenue and OLCC, neither agency detailed which retailers have not been paying taxes and they said noncompliance is a relatively small problem.
"Most of the folks in this industry are paying their taxes," OLCC executive director Craig Prins said. "We don't want to lose sight of that."
Still, cannabis retailers are less compliant than other tax programs, according to data from the Department of Revenue. Dispensaries have a 9% delinquency rate, compared to 3% for other businesses.
Roughly 11% of dispensaries in tax debt are on a Department of Revenue-approved payment plan.
Why the new rules?
The announcement comes on the heels of an investigation by Willamette Week that found owners of one of the state's largest chains, La Mota, owed the state $1.6 million in tax liens. The same parent company was at the center of a controversy that led to Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's resignation.
Tax revenue from cannabis is already down in Oregon as retailers struggle to sell product. And it is "vital to the state's budget," Prins said in a statement.
"That's why it's critically important for us to get this group of licensees into compliance and paying their fair share," he said.
Tax compliance is already a requirement for some other licenses, including contract labor and Oregon Lottery contractors.
The OLCC begin a rulemaking process this year and will enact temporary rules in the meantime, the agency said.
“I’m grateful to the current leadership at the OLCC and the Department of Revenue for working collaboratively to resolve this long-standing need for equivalent tax compliance across cannabis and liquor sectors,” Kotek said in a statement. “This will help ensure that all businesses are operating under the same rules and not getting any competitive advantage if they haven’t paid their taxes.” | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2023/05/16/cannabis-vendors-must-prove-tax-compliance-in-oregon/70225879007/ | 2023-05-17T03:12:05 | 1 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2023/05/16/cannabis-vendors-must-prove-tax-compliance-in-oregon/70225879007/ |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The motto for the city of Bentonville is “serving with courage, integrity, and compassion," and now with a new interactive training facility, the Bentonville Fire Department is able to achieve this motto by rededicating their efforts to life-saving training exercises.
On the first floor is a kitchen fire, the second floor imitates a bedroom fire, and on the third floor is a balcony-barbecue fire scenario.
"It's kind of an apartment set up more on the second floor then the tower is more like a hire rise structure, and so we get to smoke it up and get some flames in there. There are also three mazes set up so we can get it dark and have the firefighters go through and train in those maze areas," Bentonville Fire Chief Justin Scantlin explained.
Chief Scantlin says the new facility offers better training, recruitment, and benefits to the community.
"There's a lot of situations that we've not been able to train on in the past but this gives us the availability to. We might have had the scenario but we didn't have the smoke to go with it or the sound to go with it," Chief Scantlin stated.
Additionally, the new facility reduces environmental impacts and limits exposure for crews.
"It does help us follow our cancer protocols and keeps the guys from being exposed to any carcinogens ... In this environment it's clean and they can come out and go right back into service," Scantlin said.
In Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville was the only major city that did not provide this type of training for emergency personnel, Scantlin says it's a necessity for the department.
"In the past, we've only been able to train with acquired structures, and that really limited the amount of training we could do. With the new training facility we can replicate the training over and over again, and get all of our crews through consistently," says Scantlin.
The fire department says it's working to add even more props to other levels of the building. The new facility will host its official grand opening to the public Wednesday, May 24th.
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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/bentonville-fire-department-unveils-fire-training-facility/527-86a3aa8f-efb7-4295-b66d-500f7ec03a3c | 2023-05-17T03:19:06 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/bentonville-fire-department-unveils-fire-training-facility/527-86a3aa8f-efb7-4295-b66d-500f7ec03a3c |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It took a preliminary injunction, a lawsuit, and a newly passed state law for a Fayetteville ordinance —which never went into effect— to be shut down.
“To get as far as we did, I’m sorry it’s all getting undone so quickly," said Fayetteville City Council Member Sonia Harvey. "At the end of the day really, it’s about the welfare of the animal. So, that’s really what we care about.”
“The City of Fayetteville has no choice but to amend section 94.04 (C) to conform with the newly passed Act 730 of 2023,” said Kit Williams, Fayetteville city attorney. “Because after Act 730 was passed, it changed the law.”
Act 730 says that local cities can no longer pass rules to ban pet stores from getting or selling animals from kennels or breeders.
"For the last 32 years, retail pet stores have been under-regulated by the state of Arkansas rather than the local level," said District 69 Republican State Rep. David Ray said during an April interview with 5NEWS. "That's never been a problem until last year"
Last July, the Fayetteville City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that bans the retail sale of dogs and cats unless they come from a shelter or rescue center.
“To prohibit pet stores in Fayetteville selling puppies produced by mass breeding operations that treat animals like livestock rather than pets,” Williams said.
Williams said Fayetteville’s new ordinance states that “a retail pet store shall only be allowed to sell a puppy or kitten if it has been acquired from a category kennel or dealer."
Act 730 would not go into effect until July. Williams said the city should move forward by replacing the ordinance to match the new law.
5NEWS did reach out to Petland Fayetteville’s attorney. However, he said the company won't comment because of the current lawsuit.
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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/fayetteville-pet-retail-sale/527-2e9e627c-c388-48a2-bfd5-4df8912349c9 | 2023-05-17T03:19:13 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/fayetteville-pet-retail-sale/527-2e9e627c-c388-48a2-bfd5-4df8912349c9 |
Eight eastern Idaho lawmakers gave an average grade of a “B” for the Legislature’s performance this past session at a Legislative Recap organized by the Bonneville County Republican Party Central Committee Thursday at the Shilo Inn’s Snake River Event Center.
“In Bonneville County, we are fortunate to have nine legislators,” said Nick Contos, chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. “… Each of these legislators sought and obtained the Republican nomination, so as a Republican party we appreciate them coming back to talk to us about some of the things that we see in the legislative session.”
The meeting was not a campaign event, nor was it publicly advertised, Contos said. It was held primarily to inform 46 local precinct committee officers about the recent session and allow them to relay that information on to voters.
The lawmakers’ responses were limited to two sentences or 30 to 60 seconds to answer, depending on the question.
Sen. Kevin Cook, of Idaho Falls, who represents District 32, rated the session an A.
“The number one thing that I was excited about was the property tax. We finally have some property tax relief,” Cook said.
Rep. Wendy Horman, of Idaho Falls, from District 32, gave the session a B+ grade. While she was disappointed that more school choice legislation did not pass, she said, “We had a stronger sense of civility. We were able to get some big things done like property tax, and we have work to do on budgets still, and we’ll keep working on that next session.”
District 33 Sen. Dave Lent, of Idaho Falls, and Rep. Barbara Ehardt, of Idaho Falls, and District 35 Sen. Mark Harris, of Soda Springs, and Rep. Kevin Andrus, of Lava Hot Springs, allotted the session a B grade.
“I’m really concerned about our spending. We really spent money, and things won’t always be so great as they are now, but we got a lot of bills done that we’ve been wanting to get done and still some that are hanging on there,” Andrus said.
Rep. Marco Erickson, of Idaho Falls, who represents District 33, said the session deserved a C, and Rep. Josh Wheeler, of Ammon, who represents District 35, determined it earned an A-.
Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, of Idaho Falls, was not present at the review.
The state’s involvement in education was a consistent topic at the forum.
Six of Bonneville County’s legislators voted for the Idaho Launch program, Contos said, and three voted against it. Idaho Launch provides $8,000 grants over two years to qualifying graduating Idaho high school seniors to use at any community college, career technical program or workforce training provider.
Erickson, Harris, Wheeler, Cook, Lent and Mickelsen voted for House Bill 24 which established Idaho Launch.
“Two-thirds of our population do not graduate from college,” said Lent, who was the bill’s floor sponsor in the Senate. “… Education is so important. …Education in whatever form is the surest route to self-reliance, and I believe self-reliance is the key.”
Participants in Idaho Launch also can significantly increase their annual income when compared to those with just a high school education.
“As people go out of the program, they’ve found that their income has increased by $14,000,” Cook said. “That turns this individual or family from a social program taker into a community contributor.”
Ehardt and Andrus voted against the program.
“I had a lot of concerns, including the fact this is really the job of apprenticeships. We were stepping, in my opinion, outside of the bounds of that which education should be doing,” Ehardt said.
Horman voted against the original H.B. 24, but voted for the trailer bill that “fixed some of the problems,” she said.
“I thought it was poorly drafted in that it had no means testing,” she said. “(It is) equally available to rich kids and poor kids. There was no accountability in the basic one, and I was also concerned about the free market principles of H.B. 24.”
In other education legislation, Horman was proud of S.B. 1125 that allows for open enrollment of students in public schools.
“Whenever the parent or guardian of any Idaho pupil determines that it is in the best interest of the pupil to attend a school within another district, or to attend another school within the home district, such pupil, or pupils, may be transferred to and attend the selected school,” the law states.
The law is intended to provide additional school choice options within the current education system.
“When a child is in a school that’s not working for them, this gives them the ability to move somewhere that might work better for them in the public school system,” Horman said.
Lent was pleased with a bill that requires at least one semester of career exploration for middle school children.
“We’re trying to get some efficiency, effectiveness and relevance to those high school years,” he said.
In a similar vein, Wheeler sponsored and saw H.B. 267 passed which formed the Idaho Career Ready Students program.
“It’s going to improve support for career technical education in our 6-12 grade schools, and most important to me, it’s going to prioritize programs in rural communities and programs that find a way to partner with local industry,” Wheeler said.
Ehardt, who is chairwoman of the House Education committee, said she was proud that the State Board of Education will no longer require Diversity, Equity, Inclusion statements when hiring.
Erickson sponsored a bill that passed banning seclusion, isolation and corporal punishment in schools.
In other areas of legislation, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1130, an employee vaccine mandate prohibition bill, which “establishes limitations on the ability of private and public entities to impose a requirement that individuals receive a coronavirus vaccination,” according to the bill’s statement of purpose.
Erickson, Harris, Andrus, Cook, Horman, Lent and Ehardt voted for it.
“It’s kind of an individual thing for me. It comes down to the individual,” Harris said.
Wheeler opposed the bill.
“As a small business owner, I have had to thread a needle for two and a half years with federal government overreach, and to me, Senate Bill 1130 wreaked a lot of similar levels of overreach but from the state this time,” Wheeler said.
The legislators also addressed their decision to pass H.B. 138 which eliminated the March presidential primary, but didn’t set up a May presidential primary, Contos said. The legislators agreed that a special session would be required to fix the bill and allow Idaho voters to participate in the 2024 Presidential primaries.
“H.B. 138 did move the March primary to May,” Harris said. “The trailer bill 1186 fixed the problems that it had, but for some reason the House didn’t see fit to pass that bill. To fix the problem now, I really think that we need to have a special session now to address the issue.”
Ehardt was the sole Bonneville County legislator who opposed H.B. 138.
“I voted no, because I did feel and had heard the concerns of the (Republican) party,” she said.
Andrus highlighted the passage of House Bill 161 that requires “any able-bodied adult without dependents to prove that they are working in order to get food stamps or supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits,” he said. “They’ll get 15,000 people back into the workforce in Idaho.”
The legislators also responded to personalized questions and met with constituents after the forum. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/b-local-legislators-grade-2023-legislative-session/article_26b7cf4e-f42f-11ed-85c6-a702e16a65f9.html | 2023-05-17T03:24:53 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/b-local-legislators-grade-2023-legislative-session/article_26b7cf4e-f42f-11ed-85c6-a702e16a65f9.html |
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Hutchinson City Council voted to fire City Manager Kendal Francis during Tuesday’s morning meeting.
The motion was made for the cause of violation of the City’s employee handbook.
The 3-2 vote to fire Francis comes after an investigation turned up “no less than two” allegations of inappropriate conduct that it said contributed to an unproductive work environment.
According to Francis, two and a half weeks ago, he was placed on administrative leave on accusations of sexual harassment. He was “told” that he touched a cold can of pop to a female’s cheek and, at a different time, tugged on the same female’s retractable ID tag while he was walking by and let it go.
He expressed being “disappointed” and “sad,” but he was grateful for having worked with an “outstanding” team in an “amazing community.”
Francis had only been in the position since January.
Click here to watch the meeting on Facebook. The motion to terminate Francis begins toward the end of the meeting at 3:17:14. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hutchinson-city-manager-fired-council-cites-inappropriate-conduct/ | 2023-05-17T03:25:16 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hutchinson-city-manager-fired-council-cites-inappropriate-conduct/ |
RENO COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) – Residents in Reno County had the chance to vote on two special election questions Tuesday.
Both districts hope to make security improvements to their school buildings if the bonds pass.
The unofficial results:
- Pretty Prairie USD 311
- Yes: 272
- No: 222
- Nickerson USD 309
- Yes: 381
- No: 301
For more on the Pretty Prairie bond, click here.
To view details on the Nickerson bond, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/reno-county-releases-unofficial-special-election-results/ | 2023-05-17T03:25:22 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/reno-county-releases-unofficial-special-election-results/ |
Idaho Falls School District 91 held its fourth annual K-12 Art Show on Saturday at Dora Erickson Elementary School, showcasing 200 original works of art.
About 10 schools participated in the show.
Idaho Falls School District 91 held its fourth annual K-12 Art Show on Saturday at Dora Erickson Elementary School, showcasing 200 original works of art.
About 10 schools participated in the show.
“We like to show off our students’ art and what they’re doing in the art programs,” said Christopher Hull, an art instructor at Skyline High School who teaches drawing, digital art and some painting. “… It’s more celebrating what’s being made and showing off what’s going on the in the classroom so the community can see it.”
The students used a wide variety of mediums in creating their masterpieces.
“We have pencil, marker, cut paper, collage, oil pastel, watercolor painting, pottery, plaster casting, found objects, acrylic, oil paint, digital, colored pencils — it just keeps going,” Hull said.
The pieces in the show did not follow a specific theme, although three schools contributed artwork that glowed in the dark under a black light.
“Our primary focus is student voice, so how students can express themselves with the art,” Hull said. “Our secondary (focus) is how students can use the mediums and techniques to help them express the idea.”
At the high school and middle school level, students included artist statements to accompany their creations.
District 91’s art program includes an art teacher in every elementary school. The students have the opportunity to participate at least every other week in the program. Since many elementary schools contain around 600 students, being featured in the show itself is considered an honor. Each school could select 20 works of art to be displayed in the show.
At Longfellow Elementary School, art instructor Tyree Leukhardt starts her lessons teaching the students about a particular artist and technique style for 30 minutes.
“After that lesson, we use that artist and their art for inspiration for a project, and then we do the project for a half an hour,” she said. “It teaches them to think creatively, and to think quickly and on their feet. This is most important thing that they can learn, because whether you are a doctor, a sports person or an artist, you have to think creatively.”
For the show, her students’ created art inspired by Henri Matisse’s shapes and color, Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s lines and shapes, René Magritte’s texture and collage, M.C. Escher’s pattern and value and Georgia O’Keeffe’s composition and scale.
“I think they even surprise themselves sometimes,” Leukhardt said.
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A receipt was sent to your email. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/finding-idahos-da-vincis-district-91-hosts-annual-art-show/article_a570e2d6-f438-11ed-991a-df5d591dea65.html | 2023-05-17T03:25:37 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/finding-idahos-da-vincis-district-91-hosts-annual-art-show/article_a570e2d6-f438-11ed-991a-df5d591dea65.html |
TIGARD, Ore. — An 81-year-old woman died and two other people were seriously injured in a crash Thursday evening in Tigard, police reported.
The head-on collision happened at around 7:30 p.m. on Highway 99 West near Pfaffle Street, close to the Costco in Tigard.
A witness told police that the driver of a truck swerved into oncoming traffic, colliding with four cars and a motorcycle. Three people were taken to a nearby hospital, including the two with serious injuries. One person was pronounced dead later at the hospital.
Police identified that person as 81-year-old Luigina Elmer from King City.
Lisa Edson, Elmer's daughter, told KGW that Elmer's son Robert was the one driving her that evening. He remains in the trauma unit at Oregon Health & Science University.
"Believe it or not, they went to go clean off my dad's and her cemetery plots because my dad died 25 years ago. And they went to a movie and dinner," Edson said. "And they were driving home and she got ... they got hit."
Elmer was part of the Elmer's Restaurant family, a popular family-owned business in Portland. Edson said that Luigina Elmer survived four different strokes and three kinds of cancer in her lifetime. She described Elmer as a loving mother, and said she takes solace knowing that her mother saw those she loved one last time before the crash.
Edson said she and her kids had dinner with Elmer the night before she died. She said that final meal was a gift.
The truck's 43-year-old driver, identified as Grant Thomas of Hillsboro, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Washington County jail. Thomas faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, DUII, assault, reckless driving and criminal mischief. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-facing-manslaughter-charge-fatal-head-on-crash/283-b412a32d-82bb-483f-8072-ae064ed7bf09 | 2023-05-17T03:26:45 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-facing-manslaughter-charge-fatal-head-on-crash/283-b412a32d-82bb-483f-8072-ae064ed7bf09 |
SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council approved a resolution establishing support for redevelopment of Memorial Stadium in a meeting on Tuesday.
The measure passed 8-1 with Councilmember Kshama Sawant being the one dissenting vote.
The stadium, built 75 years ago and owned by Seattle Public Schools (SPS), could be transformed into a new open-air, multi-purpose venue in the heart of the city.
The city and SPS jointly issued requests for proposals in March, and two bids are under consideration.
The two bids are from the One Roof Partnership and JLL and Poag Development Group partnership. The One Roof Partnership includes the One Roof Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena.
The vision from One Roof Partnership is to "transform Memorial Stadium into a community-centered facility that prioritizes and serves the students of SPS and honors the unique history of the building anchoring the Seattle Center campus. In addition to hosting year-round student events, this state-of-the-art facility will be home for the next generation of celebrations and gatherings that promote equity in our community and support Seattle Center’s Century 21 Master Plan for an open and vibrant campus."
The vision from JLL and Poag is to redevelop Memorial Stadium is to create "a larger, vibrant entertainment district within Seattle Center; connected to and complementing existing icons and destinations for sports, music, arts, food, and culture within walking distance; and creating elevated experiences and opportunities for young athletes, student internships, community clinics and services, job training, and employment."
The full proposal from JLL and Poag can be read here.
The full proposal from One Roof Partnership can be read here.
The proposals will be evaluated and interviews will be conducted over the coming weeks by city staff and community representatives. A decision is expected to be announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell and SPS Superintendent Brent Jones by late May, with the final agreement pending city council and SPS School Board action.
Built in 1946-47, Memorial Stadium was dedicated to students who lost their lives fighting in World War II.
Per the resolution, the vision for the re-development is "a financially sustainable state-of-the-art venue of prominent design centered on students and youth, fully integrated with the Seattle Center campus."
The stadium will be required to satisfy Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association standards and hold a minimum of 8,000 seats.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and SPS Superintendent Brent Jones will have final say on the selection of a proposal, with hopes of having the project completed by December 2027.
The measure passed out of the council's Governance, Native Communities, and Tribal Governments Committee on Monday. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/seattle-city-council-memorial-stadium-redevelopment-proposals/281-24856214-2d8f-46b7-94d1-719bdd69de10 | 2023-05-17T03:26:51 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/seattle-city-council-memorial-stadium-redevelopment-proposals/281-24856214-2d8f-46b7-94d1-719bdd69de10 |
VANCOUVER, Wash — On a sunny, hot, Friday afternoon the novice women's quad team from the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club makes it to the water for a training session.
“It’s a lot of work but worth it in the end. You see a lot of results from it,” said rower Nora Allen.
The results speak for themselves. Last month they competed at the Brentwood Regatta in British Columbia. They came away with gold and silver medals.
“It was a little nerve wracking” said rower Katie McClellan. She added “To come out with two medals was pretty good, a little surprising though.”
While four do the work with the oars there's someone else in the boat.
Laying down up front there to keep everything on track.
Atticus Braam is the coxswain.
“I am in charge but there's mutual respect between rowers and the coxswain,” said Braam.
The next big event for the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club comes up this weekend.
The Regional Championships are scheduled for Vancouver Lake. More than a thousand rowers will compete including teams from the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club.
If you’re interested in learning more about rowing, you can go to the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club website. They run learn to row camps during the summer.
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See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/vancouver-rowers-british-columbia-regatta/283-27be703a-216c-4f4c-aa49-b02763c1cdb2 | 2023-05-17T03:26:51 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/vancouver-rowers-british-columbia-regatta/283-27be703a-216c-4f4c-aa49-b02763c1cdb2 |
KEENE, Texas — The memorial in front of a Sonic Drive-In restaurant in Keene, Texas, is made of teddy bears and flowers to honor an employee who was shot and killed on the job.
The shooting happened over Mother's Day weekend during Matthew Davis' work shift at the Sonic on South Old Betsy Road in Keene. The Johnson County city is located just outside of Fort Worth and typically sees about one homicide a year on average.
Police said a Sonic customer identified as 20-year-old Angel Gomez started urinating in the restaurant parking lot. Davis confronted Gomez, which led to a fight, according to police.
According to police, investigators believe that's when Gomez's 12-year-old nephew fired an AR-style 22-caliber rifle from the car, striking Davis six times.
A family spokesperson shared with WFAA what his death has done to the family, especially his mother. Davis' family and friends are trying to make sense of his shooting death.
One of the people who got the phone call about the his death was family friend Dr. Joyce Hardge. She is close to Davis' mother and agreed to be their spokesperson.
Hardge is a longtime educator who is also a mother of eight. She has several sons herself.
"They are truly devastated to have lost him," said Hardge. "Mom was at work when she got the news, and he was at work when he was killed."
Hardge, a schoolteacher, warns her students about gun violence.
"I'm an educator, and that is one of the things we talk about in our schools now," Hardge said. "Letting them know that the gun, when they pull the trigger, it's not going to come back. You can't reset or restart or anything. It's real life. Until we start letting our students and our children know this, even the adults, that there is no reset, once you do it, it's over, this is what can happen."
Davis' family shared photos of him over the years with his son. The 32-year-old's mother wants people to know that despite her son's troubled past with the law, her son was back on track.
Davis was using money he made at Sonic to save up enough cash to buy his son an iPhone so they could FaceTime together, according to the family.
His son lives in Louisiana with his mother. Davis' mother shared that he relocated to Keene to restart his life and stay on the right track. She wanted him living in a more productive environment, so he agreed to leave Louisiana recently.
"He tried to make sure he did things right. This time in his life. He would go to work early," said Hardge.
According to his family, Davis loved working as a cook at Sonic. Although he lived only five minutes from the restaurant, he would leave early to arrive at work an hour ahead of time.
He told his mother that one day he hoped to get promoted at work. Davis wanted to be recognized by his supervisors as someone who took his job seriously.
Now, the restaurant marquee reads "God is our refuge" and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" on the other. That's something his family will do as they plan his funeral.
Davis did not have a life insurance policy, so his family is relying on the kindness of others to donate to a fundraiser that will not only help cover his funeral expenses, but also donate to the care of his 10-year-old son. People interested in helping the Davis family with funeral expenses can make a donation to Rush Funeral Home Pineville in care of Matthew Davis. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/12-year-old-used-ar-style-rifle-death-texas-sonic-drive-in-employee-police-say/287-3c32775f-c217-4368-9826-7a31f443af32 | 2023-05-17T03:40:57 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/12-year-old-used-ar-style-rifle-death-texas-sonic-drive-in-employee-police-say/287-3c32775f-c217-4368-9826-7a31f443af32 |
ALLEN, Texas — Irvin Walker II felt the shooting before he saw it.
He had just dropped off his girlfriend at the Allen outlet mall and was driving through the parking lot, looking for a spot.
"That's where the tragedy started," Walker said Tuesday at a news conference at Medical City McKinney, where he's still recovering.
Walker was shot several times while in his car and was among the first people wounded in the Allen mass shooting on May 6.
Walker on Tuesday described a feeling of shock, as he recalled how he was shot.
"I didn't see the shooter," he said, "I just felt the shots."
Unable to drive, Walker got out of his car, started praying and began looking for help. At first, he was running. Then he walked. And then he encountered a security guard, who helped him sit down, as he was "bleeding profusely."
The security guard who came to Walker's aid was Christian LaCour, who later died in the shooting.
Walker was taken to Medical City McKinney about three miles from the outlet mall. He was the first patient to arrive, Dr. Elizabeth Kim said Tuesday. Walker had bullet fragment wounds around his head, his neck, his chest and his arm.
But Kim remembered what else she saw when she first met Walker: His smile, even in an emergency room.
"It really was one of the bright parts of that day," Kim told Walker at the news conference Tuesday. "You were calm and you were an inspiration for me."
Walker didn't need immediate surgery, so doctors gave him a CT scan to determine how deep his bullet wounds were. Kim said doctors were "extremely worried" about two of his wounds: A bullet fragment that went to the closest layer near the heart and bullet fragments in his shoulder, below the clavicle, that could have damaged blood vessels to his arm.
Fortunately, his wounds weren't fatal.
Walker still had to have multiple surgeries at Medical City, and the soft tissue damage from the bullets was "extreme," Kim said. Doctors have had to clean and close those wounds.
"He still has a long road to go," Kim said.
Walker remains hospitalized at Medical City, and he's been seen by rehabilitation doctors and therapists to begin working on improving the mobility in his wounded arm.
But Walker said he's "just grateful to be here."
"As soon as I entered this hospital, the medical professionals expressed the highest level of love for me," Walker said. "I had the mindset that, 'You know what, when I come here, the energy I'm going to give out, I expect back.' I continue glorifying my Lord, thanking people in advance for using their expertise to repair my body, my spirit, my hope. That mindset, I think, got me through." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/allen-texas-outlet-mall-shooting-victims-irvin-walker-survivor-suspect-medical-city-hospital/287-d0cdd999-b56e-4bbb-aca4-4bd6799e0479 | 2023-05-17T03:41:04 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/allen-texas-outlet-mall-shooting-victims-irvin-walker-survivor-suspect-medical-city-hospital/287-d0cdd999-b56e-4bbb-aca4-4bd6799e0479 |
TEXAS, USA — Kevin Von Erich and his two sons -- Ross and Marshall Von Erich -- have confirmed they will all be moving from Hawaii back to the Lone Star State shortly.
While the Von Erichs are household names in North Texas, that's not where they will be moving back to. Marshall Von Erich confirmed in a tweet that the new Von Erich headquarters will be located in Boerne, Texas, which is northwest of San Antonio.
Marshall Von Erich wrote in the tweet it was originally going to be just he and his brother moving to the state, but that they wound up getting a place big enough for all three of them.
Ross and Marshall Von Erich are tag-team wrestlers themselves, most notably working for Major League Wrestling. Relocating from Hawaii to Texas will likely mean an increase in the number of shows they will be wrestling as the cost of travel will be drastically reduced from what it would be flying them from Hawaii to the mainland.
Kevin Von Erich himself will be making his first public appearance in 20 years this September at the Majestic Theatre for a one-man show entitled "Stories from the Top Rope," where he will share stories from his legendary career as a pro wrestler along with his brothers, Kerry and David Von Erich.
The family also has a movie releasing soon about their life story, called "The Iron Claw." Currently in production, the A24 film will chronicle the history of the Von Erich brothers from their triumph to their downfall. Kevin Von Erich will be played by Zac Efron, while his brothers Kerry and David will be played by Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson, respectively. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/kevin-von-erich-two-wrestler-sons-moving-to-texas/287-8bc19adf-0aac-4891-b6b4-971c77fea754 | 2023-05-17T03:41:10 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/kevin-von-erich-two-wrestler-sons-moving-to-texas/287-8bc19adf-0aac-4891-b6b4-971c77fea754 |
BOSQUE COUNTY, Texas — Two people were hit by lightning in Bosque County on Monday, according to the Sheriff Trace Hendricks.
First responders found an adult male and a 6-year-old boy when they arrived on the scene. The adult was dead and the child was unresponsive, but still breathing.
The child was taken for emergency treatment. His current condition is unknown. Their identities have not been made public.
In a post on social media, Sheriff Hendricks wrote, "Our prayers are with the family as they mourn the loss of a family member and pray for a full recovery of a young child."
This article will update as more information becomes available. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/lightning-strike-kills-man-injures-child-in-bosque-county/500-153b10be-ba8c-441a-a9eb-82d2cf67b6fc | 2023-05-17T03:41:16 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/lightning-strike-kills-man-injures-child-in-bosque-county/500-153b10be-ba8c-441a-a9eb-82d2cf67b6fc |
WOODSTOCK, Ga. — A Woodstock Middle School teacher just got the luck of a draw for a program near and dear to the community.
Amy Kleinman-Kenny recently moved to the metro and brings with her a story of strength and resilience.
She was a former yoga teacher for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Kleinman-Kenny was there in 2018 on the day of the Valentine's Day massacre. A 19-year-old opened fire on students and staff at the high school in the Miami suburban town. Seventeen people died and 14 others were hurt.
Kleinmann-Kenny stayed at the school until the freshman class that witnessed the mass shooting graduated. Then she moved to Atlanta to start a new chapter – but she says she couldn't leave teaching behind.
"When I came here, I wasn't sure I was going to go back into teaching and I kind of looked at a lot of different jobs, and I kept being drawn back in," she said. "I just felt that's where I belong. I'm a teacher, been a teacher for over 17 years."
Now she's starting this new chapter with some luck on her side.
She entered a national contest for new movers and was randomly selected, out of thousands of entries, to win $3,000.
Kleinmann-Kenny says she plans to put some of the money toward her yoga nonprofit, which she started as a healing venture after the Parkland shooting. She plans to use the rest of the money to take her sons on a summer vacation. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woodstock/woodstock-middle-teacher-wins-contest/85-ef4bada8-5cdf-4f65-adc2-29d41c557c8b | 2023-05-17T03:47:01 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woodstock/woodstock-middle-teacher-wins-contest/85-ef4bada8-5cdf-4f65-adc2-29d41c557c8b |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa's largest school district officially has a new leader.
The Des Moines Public School Board voted Tuesday to appoint Dr. Ian Roberts as the district's new superintendent.
Roberts will replace interim superintendent Matt Smith, who filled the role after former superintendent Dr. Thomas Ahart resigned.
According to a press release from the district, Roberts was chosen through a "comprehensive national search."
“When considering candidates, the Board was looking for educational experience, academic excellence and a passion for innovation and inspiration, and we found those qualities and more in Dr. Roberts,” said Board Chair Teree Caldwell-Johnson in the press release. “Dr. Roberts’ focus on creating equitable experiences for students to thrive, paired with his commitment to continuous improvement, creates an exciting opportunity for our students, staff and community.”
Roberts most recently served as superintendent of Millcreek Township School District in Erie, Penn., where he has worked for three years. He announced his resignation as Millcreek Schools' superintendent last week.
"After recent reflections, it is time for me to move on and continue my work in a different community," Roberts said in a release to Millcreek, according to Your Erie. "While I will miss Millcreek Township greatly, I am excited to take on new challenges and opportunities in my career to serve students, educators and a community."
Before his time at Millcreek Township, Roberts served as superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools High School Network.
The proud child of immigrant parents from Guyana, Roberts grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
He received a bachelors degree from Coppin State University before heading to St. John's University, where he received a master's degree in education and an Ed.D. in Urban Educational Leadership.
Roberts' two-decades-long educational career has led him to positions in cities across the east coast, including Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City.
As an educator, Roberts aims to prioritize issues of equity and inclusion, as well as innovation and instructional excellence.
“Leadership is about meeting people where they are and helping them to become even better, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a strong organization like Des Moines Public Schools using the Board’s goals and guardrails to achieve educational and operational excellence,” Roberts said in a press release. “I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and I look forward to listening, learning and leading with input from my school community to increase opportunities for all students using empathy, cultural competency and continuous improvement to chart our path.”
Outside of his work in schools, Roberts has written several books and publications about leadership, empathy and cultural responsiveness.
Prior to his time as an educator, Roberts competed in the 2000 Olympics as a track and field athlete.
His current hobbies include hunting, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Roberts' tenure as DMPS superintendent begins on July 1. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dr-ian-roberts-des-moines-public-schools-new-superintendent-millcreek-township-school-district/524-0f9b6d6c-e1b2-44a5-996e-1b77b3e8374d | 2023-05-17T03:47:01 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/dr-ian-roberts-des-moines-public-schools-new-superintendent-millcreek-township-school-district/524-0f9b6d6c-e1b2-44a5-996e-1b77b3e8374d |
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman delivered her State of the County address to the County Board Tuesday night, highlighting the accomplishments of the past year and previewing some of the work to come in the near future.
“A little more than a year ago it was my honor to be sworn in as your County Executive,” Kerkman said. “Tonight, it is my privilege to come before you with my first State of the County address.”
Among the new initiatives Kerkman announced is a plan to add a Prevention Specialist Educator position to work with schools across the county to develop programming on substance abuse prevention.
Kerkman also announced a tentative agreement with Racine County and the State of Wisconsin, in which the state would assume permanent jurisdiction of the recently expanded portion of county Highway KR while the counties would take ownership of state Highway 75. This is anticipated to save Kenosha County some $300,000 per year in annual maintenance costs, she said.
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“We are looking to partner with some of our neighbors in areas where working together would benefit all of us,” Kerkman said.
As an example, Kerkman cited the county’s recent Chapter 51 mental health patient agreement with Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, Ill.
“This was more than six years in the making and, thanks to persistence all around, we can now send some Chapter 51 mental health patients just a half hour away, rather than three hours away,” Kerkman said. “This saves us money, and it benefits the patients by keeping them closer to home.”
The Prevention Specialist Educator position, Kerkman said, is one of the early recommendations of the Opioid Settlement Review Panel, which is charged with developing recommendations for prudent uses of the settlement funds that the county is receiving from pharmaceutical companies.
“The team of experts on the panel have determined this is a high-priority use of a small amount of the settlement dollars, and I’m confident there will be more well-researched recommendations coming from that group,” Kerkman said.
Kerkman also highlighted a series of “firsts” that she and the County Board accomplished during their first year of work together. Among them:
- Holding the county’s first Budget Vision Session, so that supervisors could make their priorities known early in the upcoming budget process, while hearing from department and division heads about the budget issues that they face.
- Launching the Broadband Advisory Committee to make recommendations on how to attract further investment to improve high-speed internet service in Kenosha County’s underserved areas.
- Convening a roundtable of village leaders from across the county and hosting the first-ever Bi-County Council of Governments meeting jointly with officials from Racine County.
- Bringing together leaders from across Kenosha County for a Law Enforcement Summit to discuss public safety.
- Launching the Kenosha County Veterans Honor Portal, an online tool that provides easy access to information for veterans and others in the community, which will soon have a new Veterans History section, just in time for Memorial Day.
- Making traveling constituent outreach a priority, with the Saturdays in the Park with Sam and Cocoa & Coffee with Kerkman office hours events held across the county, which many County Board members also attended.
- Taking county government services to the Kenosha County Fair.
Kerkman credited the County Board for making budget adjustments for 2023 that are helping to resolve some of the county’s employee recruitment and retention challenges.
More recently, she said, the board moved the county significantly further along in its quest to maintain and improve its status as an employer of choice, approving the recommendations of a classification and compensation study that will boost pay scales in most areas effective July 1.
"That was a major investment — one we all agree is necessary for us to retain and attract a high-quality and skilled workforce,” Kerkman said.
In closing, Kerkman referred to the county administration, the board and all of the county’s employees collectively as “#TeamKenoshaCounty.”
“Everybody on our team has a unique role — from the legislators who cast their votes in this room, to our department and division heads and their talented teams, to the crews out on our highways, plowing the snow and paving the roads,” Kerkman said. “Thanks to #TeamKenoshaCounty, the state of Kenosha County is strong, and the future is bright.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/county-executive-kerkmans-state-of-the-county-address-outlines-year-of-successes-future-plans-for/article_c1f8402e-f434-11ed-b792-ab89a8ad2c7d.html | 2023-05-17T03:51:29 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/county-executive-kerkmans-state-of-the-county-address-outlines-year-of-successes-future-plans-for/article_c1f8402e-f434-11ed-b792-ab89a8ad2c7d.html |
SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Tuesday, the City of San Marcos approved a new contract with the local police department.
It comes after months of controversy over the contract. City leaders initially approved a contract last October, but a group called Mano Amiga got enough signatures to repeal it.
The group demanded the new contract include changes to address police accountability. But Mano Amiga said the new deal ignores what it asked for.
At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, some leaders weren't happy with the deal.
"Trust in the police is important for safety, but there's not going to be trust if people are still feel like they're being unheard," said San Marcos Councilmember Alyssa Garza.
But others said the agreement incorporates accountability without chasing officers away.
"We can't just push so-called reforms on a department if they're not going to work and officers don't want to work under those rules," said San Marcos Councilmember Mark Gleason.
In a statement, Mano Amiga questioned the motive of councilmembers who previously voted to rescind the agreement but approved a similar agreement on Tuesday. The group said it would try to force the removal of civil-service protections for San Marcos Police via a ballot initiative.
“At the root of all this is whether or not you believe the most privileged, well-paid and most powerful members of our city government deserve any transparency in how they are held accountable when they govern our community improperly,” said Eric Martinez, Mano Amiga safety policy director. “Transparency is a fundamental principle of good governance, and that’s not happening with this contract. The community will aim higher than the crumbs that fall from the table: instead, we’ll go after the whole loaf.”
This new contract will take effect in June. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/mano-amiga-san-marcos-city-council-police-contract/269-708aa859-47ab-4066-b5e2-11fc1b002dd1 | 2023-05-17T03:56:09 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/mano-amiga-san-marcos-city-council-police-contract/269-708aa859-47ab-4066-b5e2-11fc1b002dd1 |
ROANOKE, Va. – A months-long debate has still not settled in the Star City over the way the Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission funds some of its efforts.
On Monday, the Roanoke City Council ultimately tabled an ordinance that would subject the commission to more spending oversight.
Right now, the council reviews the recommendations on how to use general fund money, but not grant money. The ordinance discussed Monday would give the council the ability to review GVPC recommendations regarding grant funds.
Councilwoman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds has been critical of the funding throughout 2023.
“I just still have a little concern with regards to the monitoring and evaluate the programs of such agencies,” Moon-Reynolds said during Monday night’s council meeting.
There is still some confusion as to how the commission funds some of their efforts. City Attorney Spencer clarified how it’s not the commission actually spending the money, the city is.
“They’re an advisory board. They didn’t spend the money. I want both our residents to be aware of that, and the press, because I think that’s been a mis-thought that they were spending money. Understand, please, they were not. They were simply giving their recommendation and the city, based on the appropriation by this council, spent the funds,” Spencer said.
A day later, the Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission met to discuss future funding protocols. Chairman of the commission and Vice-Mayor of the city, Joe Cobb, says there is already a good process in place.
“I want to state very clearly, we had a very healthy and transparent process before,” Cobb said.
The commission is ready to get into its next round of funding with $100,000 in mini-grants available. Cobb told 10 News that they would have been far along in the process had it not been for all the concerns.
“Had there not been some of these concerns or questions raised, we would have normally been doing this in January…well ahead of the summer. So we are well behind in getting some of this additional funding out,” Cobb said.
The ordinance in terms of more oversight is tabled for now. The city is also still waiting on an audit of the commission’s funding. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/future-of-roanoke-gun-violence-prevention-funding-still-up-for-debate/ | 2023-05-17T04:10:15 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/future-of-roanoke-gun-violence-prevention-funding-still-up-for-debate/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The Local Colors Festival is back at Elmwood Park this Saturday.
The free event gives people the opportunity to celebrate different cultures through music, arts, crafts, food and so much more.
“A multi-cultural explosion. And that’s really the purpose of Local Colors Festival is to bring many different cultures together,” Lisa Spencer, Executive Director of Local Colors said. “And that’s what you’re really gonna see, you’re gonna see food from around the world, culture displays, cultural dress. The festival starts out at 11 with the parade of nations and so people from different nations will be carrying their flags and a lot of them will be in their traditional dress and it’s like It’s a Small World if you’ve been to the Disneyland ride, but all in one place.”
You’ll also be able to take pictures with the “LOVE” sign and purchase raffle tickets to win a 55″ TV or surround sound system.
A full schedule of events can be seen below.
Read more about the festival here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/local-colors-festival-returns-to-roanoke-this-saturday/ | 2023-05-17T04:10:21 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/17/local-colors-festival-returns-to-roanoke-this-saturday/ |
KILLEEN, Texas — Coming off of Mother's Day weekend, fresh on our minds is everything moms do for us from the time that we are born to where we are now.
It's important to recognize the mental toughness and dedication it takes to become the mother of one child, let alone two or even three.
A lot of us will see what our mothers do and endure for us and think they are almost super-hero like.
Killeen resident and Army veteran Leah McGrady is nothing short of a super hero and she happens to be on the verge of being crowned Super Mom as she raises her three-year-old identical triplets.
The mother of three is currently sitting in eighth place of the 2023 Super Mom competition and the winner will be receiving a two-page feature in Woman's World magazine, a weekend getaway in Palm Springs and $20,000.
6 News reached out to McGrady to learn more about how her time in the Army provided some guidelines for motherhood and what she first thought when she learned she was going to be having three children at the same time.
"I learned time management and getting a good routine has really, really helped be able to manage having so many little ones," McGrady explained.
She also joked about the comparison between basic training and her daughters experiencing the toddler stage.
"Basic training definitely helped a lot, being through the toddler stage is really hard, having three small humans with very large emotions...I can feel the Army back when they're yelling at me, like I've been through this," McGrady joked.
When asked about her reaction to the news that she would be having triplets McGrady said she was stunned.
"I remember just looking at him [Doctor] so confused, like are you in the right room?... It really didn't process in my brain until I saw them on the ultrasound and I saw the three babies and heard all their heartbeats and my heart just starting pounding so hard. I was so happy," McGrady exclaimed.
Lastly we asked about how she would utilize the prize money if she won the Super Mom competition.
McGrady said, "I would love to put some money aside for them for their future...I've been wanting to take them on a trip back to my hometown in Delaware, so my entire family can see them. We haven't been able to travel at all, it's just been too hard on me to be able to travel anywhere having all three of them and nobody to help."
If you would like to vote for this courageous mother and find out more about her story, you can visit here, the website will ask you to verify an account with a couple of different options.
Voting for semi finalists will end on Thursday, May 25 at 9 p.m.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/killeen-mother-nearing-super-mom-status-she-raises-identical-triplets/500-2211282a-c996-49a1-8b0d-501d81e5acd2 | 2023-05-17T04:13:07 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/killeen-mother-nearing-super-mom-status-she-raises-identical-triplets/500-2211282a-c996-49a1-8b0d-501d81e5acd2 |
Catch the full documentary "Waco Fire: Portrait of Courage" on May 24 on 6 News at 10, or on the 6+ app (available on #roku and #firestick) after the show.
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Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. | https://www.kcentv.com/video/news/local/trailer-waco-fire-portrait-of-courage/500-bfd45c11-e306-4aaf-ab35-4cf44b50c1b9 | 2023-05-17T04:13:57 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/video/news/local/trailer-waco-fire-portrait-of-courage/500-bfd45c11-e306-4aaf-ab35-4cf44b50c1b9 |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Brightline is ramping up testing of its high-speed trains to prepare for its service to Orlando this year.
The privately run intercity rail line’s new station, which was unveiled at Terminal C in the Orlando International Airport earlier this year, will connect stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach to Orlando.
Ticket sales are set to launch in May, but Brightline will be testing trains through July ahead of the Orlando service opening.
Test trains will run up to 125 mph along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528 between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa and up to 110 mph in the north-south corridor between Cocoa and West Palm Beach, impacting multiple railroad crossings, the company said.
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According to Brightline, testing includes integrating a new second railroad track into the existing corridor, commissioning the new rail signal system and train and brake testing at higher speeds.
Flaggers will be present at railroad crossings where active high-speed testing is underway, but pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are encouraged to do the following to stay safe.
- Sign up for Brightline alert updates by texting “RR110″ to 888-384-0037
- Be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings
- Be aware that once the second track is commissioned, rail traffic could run on both tracks in either direction
- Remember that failure to follow the law could result in fines, points on your license or death
You can find testing schedules, which are subject to change, below.
Orange and Brevard Counties – East/West Corridor from Orlando International Airport to Cocoa along SR-528/Beachline Expressway - train testing up to 125 mph
Ongoing nighttime testing, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. through July
No public grade crossings
Brevard County - Cocoa to Micco – train testing up to 110 mph
High speed testing is expected in June and July. Further details on dates and locations are expected.
Indian River County – Continuous flagging operations and train testing up to 79 mph
Daytime testing through 11 miles and 13 railroad crossings, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, through Friday, May 19
Additional testing is expected in June and July. Further details on dates and locations are expected.
- Holly Street
- Roseland Road (SR-514)
- Main Street
- Sebastian Boulevard (CR-512 WB)
- Fellsmere Road (CR-512 EB)
- Old Dixie Highway
- Schumann Drive
- 99th Street (Vickers Road)
- Barber Street / Stratton Street
- Wabasso Road (CR-510)
- 77th Street (Hobart Road)
- 69th Street (N Winter Beach Road)
- S Winter Beach Road/65th Street (CR-632)
St. Lucie and Martin Counties – Continuous flagging operations and train testing up to 110 mph
Daytime testing through 22 miles and 14 railroad crossings, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, through Sunday, June 4 Crossings in italics: High-speed testing will not occur through nine crossings between Jensen Beach Boulevard (SR 707A) and Monterey Road, therefore flaggers will not be present.
Additional testing is expected in June and July. Further details on dates and locations are expected.
St. Lucie County
- Midway Road (CR-712)
- Walton Road
- Riverview Drive
Martin County
- County Line Road
- Skyline Drive (CR-722)
- NE 1st Street/Pitchford Landing
- Jensen Beach Boulevard (SR-707A)
- Palmetto Avenue
- SR-A1A/ DR-707
- NE Alice Street
- Fern Street
- Second Street
- Colorado Avenue (SR-76/ SR-10)
- Pinewood (MLK JR/ SR-10)
- Florida Street
- SR-A1A
- Monterey Road
- Indian Street (SR-A1A)
- Seaward Street
- Salerno Road (CR-722)
- Broward Avenue
- Cove Road (SR-A1A)
- SR-A1A
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/brightline-to-test-high-speed-trains-ahead-of-orlando-service/ | 2023-05-17T04:14:12 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/17/brightline-to-test-high-speed-trains-ahead-of-orlando-service/ |
Fresh coat at Kreager Park May 17, 2023 6 min ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Jose Reyes, left, and Angel Ponce of Hugo Painting Services give the pavilion at Kreager Park a fresh coat of paint Tuesday afternoon. Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Fresh coat at Kreager Park Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Coroner identifies worker who died at Fort Wayne Amazon facility Lillie Street shooting victim named, man arrested Small child dies after being struck by vehicle backing out of driveway Recent divorce filings in Allen County Fort Wayne Community Schools honors 2 on staff Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fresh-coat-at-kreager-park/article_4c6ed4c0-f435-11ed-a7b7-23a9f3b7c24a.html | 2023-05-17T04:26:31 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fresh-coat-at-kreager-park/article_4c6ed4c0-f435-11ed-a7b7-23a9f3b7c24a.html |
Lion around at Franke Park May 17, 2023 6 min ago Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Miles Gustin, 5, top, and Isaiah Kunkel, 4, make good use of the lion water fountain as they play at Franke Park on a warm Tuesday afternoon, with temperatures climbing into the mid-70s. Stan Sussina | The Journal Gazette Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Lion around at Franke Park Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Most Popular Coroner identifies worker who died at Fort Wayne Amazon facility Lillie Street shooting victim named, man arrested Small child dies after being struck by vehicle backing out of driveway Recent divorce filings in Allen County Fort Wayne Community Schools honors 2 on staff Stocks Market Data by TradingView | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/lion-around-at-franke-park/article_fed9ba54-f434-11ed-94fa-07fd9305fbd5.html | 2023-05-17T04:26:38 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/lion-around-at-franke-park/article_fed9ba54-f434-11ed-94fa-07fd9305fbd5.html |
The Southwest Allen County Schools board should decide next month whether the district will work with a national nonprofit to address diversity and inclusion efforts, an issue students pushed to prominence with demonstrations in February.
If approved June 6, the district’s work with Rise would begin next academic year, Superintendent Park Ginder said after Tuesday’s board meeting, during which the potential partnership was discussed.
“In our case, they’re going to come in and walk alongside us and coach us as we build a better community,” Ginder said.
The 7,800-student district is seeking outside guidance as it navigates diversity, equity and inclusion concerns that escalated Feb. 9 in demonstrations and discussions that disrupted classes at Homestead High School.
SACS initially proposed working with Will Moreland, a facilitator specializing in diversity and inclusion issues, but those plans stalled in March.
District leaders are considering Rise at the recommendation of people with whom SACS has professional relationships, Ginder said.
He also referred to the organization as Rise to Win, which is used as its website address.
Rise was founded in 2015 and educates and empowers the sports community with the goals of eliminating racial discrimination, championing social justice and improving race relations.
“They just use sports as a vehicle,” Ginder said. “In this case, that won’t be necessary, although there may be some things that we do with our athletic teams, too.”
A community forum, focus groups and a survey could be used to determine SACS’ strengths and weaknesses in terms of race relationships, Ginder said. He cautioned people from expecting overnight change.
“We’re talking about a four- or five-, six-year process of helping all people in our community feel comfortable,” Ginder said. “Not just comfortable, but loved and acknowledge the fact that they’re Spartans or that they belong in the Southwest community.”
Representatives from Rise were not at Tuesday’s meeting, but Chief Program Officer Andrew Mac Intosh spoke to the board May 3. Board members had no questions or comments Tuesday.
The partnership would be documented with a memorandum of understanding, which doesn’t include any finances, Ginder said. He told the board Rise generally doesn’t take a fee for service. Without specifying an amount, the superintendent suggested SACS make a “considerable donation” to the organization, pending the partnership’s approval.
Parents are hopeful about the district following through on this issue, April Gregg told the board during public comment. She is part of Freedom Against Cultural Transgressions in Schools. Also known as FACTS, its members want students to get an education while being treated equally, regardless of their skin color or cultural background.
“It’s time to stop talking and time for us to start seeing some action,” Gregg said.
SACS wanted to respond to the issues raised Feb. 9 as quickly as possible, Ginder said after the meeting.
“That turned out to be a mistake,” he said, adding many skilled, intelligent people locally, statewide and nationwide offered help. “I think slowing it down is actually going to help us. In the initial outset, we wanted to move quickly. That just couldn’t happen.” | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/southwest-allen-county-schools-seeks-coach-as-it-builds-a-better-community/article_3251cfec-f427-11ed-bf20-b7ea94da38e7.html | 2023-05-17T04:26:44 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/schools/southwest-allen-county-schools-seeks-coach-as-it-builds-a-better-community/article_3251cfec-f427-11ed-bf20-b7ea94da38e7.html |
A community vigil was held in honor of two sisters killed in the Allen Premium Outlets mass shooting.
Daniela Mendoza, 11, and Sofia Mendoza, 8, of Sachse were among the eight victims killed by a gunman on May 6. Their mother was one of the seven injured during the shooting.
The vigil Tuesday night was held at Cross Church in Wylie, about three miles away from the girls’ school Cheri Cox Elementary.
“These beautiful girls who touched the lives of many have left an indelible mark upon our lives,” Cheri Cox Elementary principal Krista Wilson said Tuesday night.
A number of pastors from various local churches spoke Tuesday night, including Joel Halpin with Connection Point Church.
“As we mourn the events of last week, some of us will struggle to find a way to see healing in a moment like this,” Halpin said.
It was a sign of solidarity, as the community mourns amid heartbreak.
“We, gathering here tonight all different people from all different backgrounds and different denominations and different hair textures…this said to me that we’re going to pray to an almighty God and not allow this to infiltrate our communities,” Rick Wood with Pursuit Christian Fellowship said.
This week, the Mendoza family released a statement thanking the community for its support.
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“Sofia and Daniela were our whole world. They were incredibly loved since we learned of their existence,” the statement read in part. “The only thing that gives peace to our grieving hearts is that we know that one day we will be together again. One day we will hear their voices and see their beautiful faces again.”
The statement from the Mendoza family also thanked the medical staff at Medical City in McKinney.
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims.
Sisters Killed in Allen Mall Shooting Honored at Wylie Community Vigil
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/sisters-killed-in-allen-mall-shooting-honored-at-wylie-community-vigil/3259436/ | 2023-05-17T04:26:55 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/sisters-killed-in-allen-mall-shooting-honored-at-wylie-community-vigil/3259436/ |
LAKEWOOD, Wash. — A bald eagle gave Lakewood homeowners quite the scare when it broke through a glass window in their living room on Tuesday morning.
Steve and Jessica Hiatt heard what they thought was an intruder break into their home on American Lake.
Steve told KING 5 he went down to check out the noise, which he described as plates and silverware being thrown around, and instead saw a large wing coming out from behind their living room chair.
"I went back upstairs because who wants to deal with talons, right? Didn't sound like a good time," Steve said.
The couple then called the police and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officer arrived at their house.
After nearly 20 minutes of trying, the eagle managed to fly out the way it came in. Steve and Jessica said they watched the bird take off from their upstairs window and he looked "graceful as ever."
No one in the house was hurt, including the Hiatt's puppy. The only major damage was to their living room window and a nearby plant that "got ripped to shreds."
Jessica said the accident may have actually been a "divine sign" for the pair of eagle lovers. After their wedding last year, they both got eagle tattoos.
"I'd like to look at it that way," Jessica laughed.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is usually not best to intervene in a situation like this. The only time when it is okay to intervene in a wild animal's life is if it is clearly sick or injured or if the animal's parents are definitely dead.
In the event of an immediate public safety issue, wildlife violation, or an injured or dangerous animal, please call the WDFW Enforcement office at 360-902-2936 or email enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov, or call 911. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/bald-eagle-breaks-window-american-lake-home/281-f03b159d-28fb-44aa-bac4-78d33937bfd1 | 2023-05-17T04:27:16 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/bald-eagle-breaks-window-american-lake-home/281-f03b159d-28fb-44aa-bac4-78d33937bfd1 |
Stabbing in North Phoenix killed 1, injured 2
One man was killed and two other individuals were injured in a stabbing Tuesday afternoon in North Phoenix, according to Phoenix police.
Three adults were found with injuries after police responded to reports of a stabbing just after 4 p.m. in the vicinity of 19th Ave. and Greenway Rd.
An unidentified man died at the scene, another man survived and was treated at the scene by the Phoenix Fire Department, and one woman was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, both stab victims were also unidentified.
Phoenix police:Teen arrested after shooting in west Phoenix
Two children were inside the residence at the time the authorities arrived and were unharmed, the police said.
The authorities are still ongoing an investigation to determine what led up to the stabbing. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-education/2023/05/16/north-phoenix-stabbing-1-killed-2-injured-phoenix-police-say/70226096007/ | 2023-05-17T04:30:41 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-education/2023/05/16/north-phoenix-stabbing-1-killed-2-injured-phoenix-police-say/70226096007/ |
TROY, Pa. — More than 800 fourth graders from Bradford, Sullivan, and Tioga counties got to learn what it was like growing up in the 1860s as part of the 9th annual Farm Days at the Troy Fairgrounds.
"No TV, no radio, no electric lights, no telephones, grow your own food, and maybe you made a trip to town couple times a year," Barbara Barrett of the Bradford County Heritage Association.
Each student had to read the book "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder earlier in the school year. The Farm Days event follows the story of the main character in the book.
"Written about her husband, Almanzo, and it is a whole year in the life of Almanzo at age 9," added Barrett.
Students got the chance to use a water pump, make ice cream, write with old-school pens, and much more.
"It shows us how things were done back then, and it is really fun," said fourth-grader Lily Wood of Sullivan County.
"You get to do stuff with your hands more and instead of making the machines do it. So it is more active and fun," said fourth-grader Yumi Barto of Sullivan County.
Terry Lutz is teaching kids about furs and traps. He thinks Farm Days is a great way for kids to learn about history.
"Stuff that people use to do just to survive, and these children haven't a clue, most of them. Some do, and some don't, but it is really an eye-opener for a lot of them," Lutz said.
40 eighth-grade students from Troy High School volunteered their time at the event. They helped teach the kids at each station.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/kids-in-bradford-county-experience-a-day-in-1866-sullivan-tioga-laura-ingalls-wilder-barbara-barrett-lily-wood-yumi-barto-terry-lutz/523-29c03a1f-b105-4fbe-9414-bdb11f51f2f8 | 2023-05-17T04:35:19 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/bradford-county/kids-in-bradford-county-experience-a-day-in-1866-sullivan-tioga-laura-ingalls-wilder-barbara-barrett-lily-wood-yumi-barto-terry-lutz/523-29c03a1f-b105-4fbe-9414-bdb11f51f2f8 |
SCRANTON, Pa. — UPDATE:
Teachers carried out boxes and bins of supplies from their classrooms at Robert Morris Elementary this afternoon.
They won't teach students in these classrooms for the rest of the year.
Last week, asbestos was found in one classroom.
The district called in experts to remove the hazardous material and make sure it was safe for students and faculty to return.
Air quality tests deemed it safe, but district officials decided it was best to make arrangements to send students and faculty to other schools for the last few weeks of school.
In a statement from the superintendent, it said :
"The Board and the Administration sympathize with the confusion and frustration this disruption is causing the Robert Morris community; however, the decision to relocate came with an abundance of caution for the safety of our students and staff."
Kindergarten, First Grade, and Life Skills students will report to John Adams Elementary located on Capouse Avenue.
Second Grade, Third Grade, and Fourth Grade students will report to Neil Armstrong Elementary on North Lincoln Avenue.
Students will also be picked up and dropped off from the parking lot at Robert Morris before and after school.
Students will also have the same teachers and will be in separate classrooms from other students.
Original story:
The discovery of asbestos insulation is forcing the closure of a school in Scranton.
The Scranton School District announced Tuesday that Robert Morris Elementary School will be closed for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.
An emergency meeting of the school board made the decision based on the recommendation of the district's environmental consultant Pennoni Associates.
A contractor working in the school found asbestos insulation in a second-floor ceiling.
Students and staff will move to neighborhood elementary schools, John Adams Elementary and Neil Armstrong Elementary, keeping grade sections together.
Voting in the Pennsylvania primary election scheduled for the school was moved outside to the Lackawanna County EMA Mobile Command Center vehicle.
Developing story; check back for updates.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/asbestos-closes-school-for-the-rest-of-the-year-robert-morris-elementary-scranton-school-district/523-99d43d8d-cd8d-47a3-a4fd-c184e687df6e | 2023-05-17T04:35:25 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/asbestos-closes-school-for-the-rest-of-the-year-robert-morris-elementary-scranton-school-district/523-99d43d8d-cd8d-47a3-a4fd-c184e687df6e |
MOSCOW, Pa. — It was a great day for track and field in Lackawanna County.
The Special Olympics Track and Field Day was held at North Pocono Middle School in Moscow.
The participating athletes gathered from several school districts serviced by NEIU19.
The students were cheered on by parents, classmates, and even some local mascots from the Railriders and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins.
Parents say it was great to able to watch her daughter and other kids like her get to make memories together.
"I'm really grateful to have something to go to, to watch her be a part of and to see her with children that have similar needs to her also being celebrated and getting to do something fun together," said Erin Brachman, parent.
All the athletes got participation ribbons at the event in Lackawanna County.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/special-olympics-in-lackawanna-county-north-pocono-middle-school-moscow-erin-brachman-neiu/523-48712665-c97e-4d3b-bf3a-622c899fc565 | 2023-05-17T04:35:52 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/special-olympics-in-lackawanna-county-north-pocono-middle-school-moscow-erin-brachman-neiu/523-48712665-c97e-4d3b-bf3a-622c899fc565 |
PITTSTON, Pa. — Teachers at Pittston Area Intermediate Center may never have seen their fourth-grade students so quiet.
That is, until the press of an imaginary button.
"Hello, my name is Elvis Presley. I was born in January 1935 and to Pluto, Mississippi," says one student.
"I'm Dolly Parton. I was born in 1946 in Tennessee," says another down the hall.
"My name is JK Rowling. I was born on July 31, 1965," explains another.
Speeches, costumes, and posters are all part of an end-of-the-year project for fourth graders.
"We're trying to find something for the students to do. That's not just an activity, but a learning experience for them," explained fourth-grade reading teacher Cara Ohop. "So what better way to have some fun make history come alive with our living wax museum."
Founding fathers, artists, and more filled the entire upstairs of the school.
"They got to choose who speaks to them based on their interest and their abilities and whoever they wanted to choose to research and learn more about," said Ohop.
Teachers say athletes are always popular choices, but this is the first year a student chose to highlight this famous theoretical physicist.
"Hey, my name is Stephen Hawking," said Violet Pantucci.
"Violet actually communicates the same way that Stephen Hawking did. So Violet has her communication device. Her speech is all programmed in there. And that is an unbelievable addition to our exhibit this year," said Ohop.
Natalie Guitson of Pittston chose Marie Curie because they share an interest in science.
"I like how she won two Nobel Prizes. How she found out about radium, which was a big part, and she believed in herself about everything she did," Natalie explained.
Armando Oliveri of Duryea chose Elvis because of his style
"I just like his music," Armando said.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/fourth-graders-bring-history-to-life-with-living-wax-museum-pittston-area-intermediate-center-wnep/523-a4ba3e82-db78-492b-a523-e3cf80297a62 | 2023-05-17T04:35:53 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/fourth-graders-bring-history-to-life-with-living-wax-museum-pittston-area-intermediate-center-wnep/523-a4ba3e82-db78-492b-a523-e3cf80297a62 |
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — It's become almost an Election Day tradition to introduce you to a new elections director in Luzerne County.
This time it's Eryn Harvey who has been working to regain your trust after the paper shortage debacle in November. Voters had to be turned away after polling places started running out of paper early in the day.
"We've done everything we possibly can, so I'm feeling confident that voters won't see any issues," Harvey said.
John and Susan Makowski, voting in Kingston Tuesday morning, hope she's right.
"With what's been going on, with the last one, I have issues with it," Susan Makowski said.
"There's stuff that has to be straightened out. We have to count on the ones who are in there now, but we also need some changes, too," John Makowski said.
Harvey served as the deputy director from February 2021 to February 2022, then left to run for state representative but lost. She plans to stick it out as director and hopes her staff does the same. She says high turnover in the elections office is to blame for a lot of the past problems.
"The office loses that knowledge of having someone here for a couple of years and actually learning everything. So, I think when somebody leaves, that's when we see a lot of problems because that institutional knowledge is gone."
This election could serve as a good warm-up for November; the county isn't expecting a big turnout for the primary.
Ned Delaney votes in every election, no matter what.
"It's something I feel is my responsibility. Thomas Jefferson once said, 'The price of democracy is eternal vigilance.' So if you're not vigilant, and you're not paying attention, then you can't complain about the government you've got."
Matthew Spiccioli would agree; he encourages his friends and family to vote every chance they get.
"Came out because I feel like it's important, especially for the younger generation, to get out and vote. I think it's something a lot of people neglect."
If you still have to drop off your mail-in ballot, you have one option: inside the Penn Place building in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Polls close at 8 p.m. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/luzerne-county-officials-working-to-regain-voter-trust-elections-bureau/523-db8d7ab8-2a49-487e-b2cb-eda12b84305e | 2023-05-17T04:35:59 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/luzerne-county-officials-working-to-regain-voter-trust-elections-bureau/523-db8d7ab8-2a49-487e-b2cb-eda12b84305e |
HARVEYS LAKE, Pa. — On Election Day last November, voting in Luzerne County became a national news story when dozens of polling places ran out of ballot paper. This time, the elections bureau has opted to return to paper ballots.
On Tuesday morning, it was smooth sailing at a polling place at Harveys Lake.
"Nice and smooth, very nice. The good part so you come, come to buy cookies. That's the good part. If they didn't sell stuff, I'd be very disappointed," Joe James said.
"It actually is going very smoothly as far as that goes," David Sebolka said.
In November, this was one of the polling places that ran out of ballot paper on the morning of Election Day, causing confusion and concern for many voters.
"I didn't have a bad experience last time, but this was very smooth. Everybody explained everything, and they knew what they were talking about," Janie James said.
This time around, the Luzerne County Elections Bureau opted for paper ballots, where voters make their selections by hand. Newswatch 16 received some complaints that the boxes for write-ins were not big enough and the felt tip markers provided were not suitable for the job.
"Every vote is going to be important to be counted. And if it's all smudged and they can't read it, they won't be counted," Sebolka said.
Each polling place has a single voting machine if voters have a reason that they cannot fill out a paper ballot on their own.
Some see the shift to paper ballots as a step back.
"Machines work, they're safe. There's no problem. So there's no problem with this either. The fact that we're voting is the key. I think that's the key. If you want to be a good citizen, then you want to sound off in the bar or sound off like a Little League field, fine. Vote. That's where you really sound off, I think," Kevin Lynn said.
Voter turnout Tuesday morning was low but steady.
Polls close at 8 p.m. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/voting-slow-and-steady-in-luzerne-county-harveys-lake-primary-election/523-0b2b6ce8-66b5-4361-8c39-6ba045f2ed70 | 2023-05-17T04:36:01 | 0 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/voting-slow-and-steady-in-luzerne-county-harveys-lake-primary-election/523-0b2b6ce8-66b5-4361-8c39-6ba045f2ed70 |
LYCOMING COUNTY, Pa. — Police are investigating gunfire Monday night in Lycoming County.
Lycoming Regional Police responded before 9:30 p.m. Monday to the 800 block of Powys Road in Hepburn Township, south of Trout Run, for a report of shots being fired. Officers found evidence that shots had been fired near Powys Road and Crescent Hill Road.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and seeing two vehicles flee the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lycoming Regional Police Department Capt. Kriner at 570-323-4987.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/shots-fired-in-lycoming-county-powys-road-hepburn-township-gunfire/523-a29ad8bb-568f-4f49-b7cb-e2fe2b19c342 | 2023-05-17T04:36:07 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/shots-fired-in-lycoming-county-powys-road-hepburn-township-gunfire/523-a29ad8bb-568f-4f49-b7cb-e2fe2b19c342 |
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The rooms at Skytop Lodge Resort near Canadensis have been hosting visitors for nearly 100 years, and it takes a lot of work to keep those rooms looking brand new.
Housekeepers have the important task of working behind the scenes to ensure each room is cleaned daily.
"A lot of people don't understand what they do on a day-to-day basis. 'Oh, it's easy peasy.' Sometimes it is, and then there are days it is not because you never know when you open that door what you're going to find behind that door," said Conniel Tate-Severino, the room director at Skytop Lodge Resort.
Nicole Feyh has been opening those doors for the past four years as a room attendant, also known as a housekeeper.
"I just know what I'm doing, so I have my routine, so I know what I'm doing as soon as I come in here. I just follow that with every room," Feyh said.
Feyh showed how much work goes into getting a room at Skytop ready for guests. And fair warning: There is a lot.
First on the list is grabbing used towels out of the bathroom and stripping the bed of dirty linens.
Luckily, Feyh doesn't have to strip the beds every day. A house person will come to the room as soon as someone checks out and do this for the housekeeper. They work together to make cleaning rooms as seamless as possible for guests.
"I like seeing guests in the morning. If they're happy, I'm happy," Feyh said.
It was then time to get to cleaning. Feyh says cleaning is something you have to like because that's the entire job.
Everything in the room that the guest could have used or touched gets wiped down.
"The remote, the clock, dust the lamps, the pens."
Feyh says the work she does every day is the same work you would do to clean your house, just more thorough.
Once everything was cleaned, we moved on to the bathroom.
"This is where you get sweaty," Feyh said as she scrubbed the shower.
The sink, toilet, and mirror also were wiped down before moving on to make the beds.
After laying all the bedding properly, Feyh showed us the hospitality corner—the tuck at the bottom of the bed to seal up the linens nicely.
"You'll take all three layers, hold the bed, and then you'll just smack it under," Feyh said.
It's not an easy task.
Finally, the finishing touches were put on the bed, but that didn't mean we were done.
New robes get hung and placed in the closet. New towels are folded and placed in the bathroom. Coffee pods, extra cups, bottles of water, and soaps in each room get replenished.
Garbage gets dumped and wiped down, and finally, the vacuum comes out.
Housekeepers clean and make up rooms every day here at Skytop. And not just once but up to 15 times a day, depending on how many guests are checking out.
Feyh says this isn't a job for the fainthearted, but it is rewarding.
"Sometimes I'll overhear a guest walk into the room and be like, 'Wow, this is nice.' And that makes me like, 'Wow, I did my job,'" Feyh said.
Housekeepers' work doesn't end in the rooms; it continues with laundry and prepping their service cart for the next day.
With 192 hotel rooms, the resort is looking to hire laundry attendants, house people, house supervisors, and several housekeepers.
"It's that personal feeling in the sense of it's not just a hotel; this is their home away from home," Tate-Severino said.
So, the next time you enjoy a stay at one of the many resorts in the Poconos, remember how much preparation and work goes into getting a room ready for you.
Check out WNEP's YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/housekeeping-at-skytop-do-my-job-lodge-resort-canadensis-hotel-rooms-cleaning/523-2ee1aa78-02a3-4ddd-8830-da684e78919d | 2023-05-17T04:36:13 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/monroe-county/housekeeping-at-skytop-do-my-job-lodge-resort-canadensis-hotel-rooms-cleaning/523-2ee1aa78-02a3-4ddd-8830-da684e78919d |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Following fishing license fee increases at the start of Pennsylvania's 2023 fishing season, the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission might do it again.
Executive Director Tim Schaeffer says the fee increases would help maintain services and expand programs.
"Our agency receives no general fund revenue," Shaeffer explained. "We rely on angler and boater dollars, fishing licenses, boat registrations. We reinvest those dollars on behalf of the anglers and boaters."
The annual fishing license fee for a resident would go up from $23.50 to $26.00, while out-of-state anglers would pay $59 -- a $4 dollar jump.
A lifetime license for seniors would cost $10 more -- increasing to $85 dollars.
The hook -- an estimated $2.9 million for the fish fund that would help the commission keep up with increasing costs.
"We're really making historic investments in the agency," Schaeffer said. "New boats for our law enforcement staff that haven't been replaced in 30 or 40 years, we're still stocking trout leading up to Memorial Day, our hatchery fleet of nearly 50 of those really large hatchery trucks, those things are not cheap."
Schaeffer claims public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, saying anglers understand the moderate increases.
Abbottstown resident Jeff Shetron isn't one of them.
"The increase is definitely bad news, it will be bad news for all fishermen," he said.
Shetron said he's been disappointed by the size and number of fish in Pennsylvania's lakes and streams and he blames the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission.
"When they stock it before season and a couple times after the season, that's not much," Shetron said. "For the amount of fish that they claim that they put in, hundreds of thousands of fish, where at they at? Don't know."
Ten Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissioners vote on the proposal Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.
Schaeffer said that he expects it to pass.
The complete list of proposed license and permit changes:
Resident Annual: $23.50 to $26.00
Non-resident Annual: $55.00 to $59.00
Senior Resident Annual: $11.25 to $12.50
Senior Resident Lifetime: $75.00 to $85.00
3-Day Tourist: $27.50 to $30.00
7-Day Tourist: $35.00 to $37.50
1-Day Resident: $11.25 to $12.50
1-Day Tourist: $27.50 to $30.00
Trout Permit: $10.50 to $13.00
Trout/Lake Erie Permit: $16.50 to $19.00 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/pennsylvania-fishing-license-fees-likely-going-up-again/521-ecd1da3a-03bf-4595-99fb-4e0b3b38261f | 2023-05-17T04:36:19 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/pennsylvania-fishing-license-fees-likely-going-up-again/521-ecd1da3a-03bf-4595-99fb-4e0b3b38261f |
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Flames ripped through a house in Schuylkill County Tuesday morning.
The fire broke out around 11 a.m. on Main Street in North Union Township, north of Shenandoah.
First responders say the flames started in the kitchen.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of this fire is under investigation.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/fire-guts-home-in-schuylkill-county-north-union-township-shenandoah-flames-firefighters/523-71ce7655-43c7-48e7-8e20-11c79dd2914d | 2023-05-17T04:36:25 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/schuylkill-county/fire-guts-home-in-schuylkill-county-north-union-township-shenandoah-flames-firefighters/523-71ce7655-43c7-48e7-8e20-11c79dd2914d |
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