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Canton attorney honored by national victims' assistance organization
Morgan works to combat human and sex trafficking
- Canton attorney Cortney Morgan receives Morton Bard Allied Professional Award.
- Morgan founded the nonprofit No More Trafficking.
- She received the award from NOVA.
CANTON − For more than a decade, attorney Cortney Morgan has worked to eradicate the scourge and threat of human trafficking and sex trafficking, which has taken root in every community.
Because of her dedication in helping those who are victimized by one of the world's fastest-growing crimes, Morgan's work has been recognized by NOVA, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, with the Morton Bard Allied Professional Award.
Morgan, the founder of the nonprofit No More Trafficking, was nominated by Suzanne Lewis-Johnson, a former FBI agent and founder of Uncaged Canaries.
"I wanted people to understand that they have this amazing, brilliant woman in their community," Lewis-Johnson said. "She's served selflessly for years, and I wanted them to see she's been a voice in the community for others."
NOVA is the oldest national victim-assistance organization of its type in the U. S. and is a leader in victim advocacy, education, and credentialing and training. The organization also assists victims of crime and crisis by connecting them with services and resources. NOVA also promotes public policy initiatives to protect the rights of crime victims.
What motivates Cortney Morgan?
A graduate of Georgetown University's Law Center, Morgan said she became aware of the problem while working for the U.S. Department of Labor which offers programs for people who have been trafficked overseas, but she noticed that comparatively little was available for victims being trafficked inside the U.S.
After launching her own law firm, she began offering her services to victims pro bono and volunteering with organizations that were fighting human trafficking.
She also advises family courts, and makes recommendations for children’s services departments, child advocate organizations, school, and other organizations, as well as championing protocols and processes to improve the level of service for victims.
"One of the challenges in the trafficking arena is, there are a lot of people who are passionate and driven, but maybe don't have the expertise and the knowledge they need," Lewis-Johnson said. "And so, that's what NOVA is. They are a group that has set standards — not exclusively for trafficking — but for victim advocacy, and how we're providing services, and ethics. This particular award was for allies, those who come alongside in the professional arena, and I thought 'That is Cortney Morgan, no question.'"
Cortney Morgan: 'Everybody still thinks it's the white panel van.'
Morgan said human/sex trafficking often is hidden in plain sight because it doesn't fit the stereotype.
"Everybody still thinks it's the white panel van and that you're going to get pushed into it," she said. "Instead of understanding that these are our neighbors' kids and kids in our family and kids we see at school and in our medical practices, the consumers of these services are people in our families and at our churches."
Sextortion a form of trafficking:Streetsboro parents who lost son to sextortion fight to save other youth
These day, it's also more likely to occur online, with Lewis-Johnson saying that for predators, social media is akin to "online shopping."
Lewis-Johnson said some people aren't even aware they're being trafficked. Forced labor, for example, is a form of trafficking that most often targets immigrants lured by promises of good jobs.
While at the Department of Labor, Morgan wrote a nationally-recognized paper calling for state legislatures to create harsher penalties for people who purchase commercial sex from a child.
"It's so permeated our society because our society has accepted certain ways of doing business, of mistreating and manipulating people," she said. "It's using somebody for your own benefit to achieve a prescribed outcome."
Morgan and Lewis-Johnson said anti-trafficking laws exist to address extreme forms of the crime, but a more comprehensive plan is needed.
Who are the sex traffickers?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 92% of trafficking offenders are men. Sixty-six percent are white, 18% are Black, and 17% are Latino. Ninety-five percent are American.
"I feel like everybody that's working on it is making assumptions about what other people are doing, and there's just a little bit of a disconnect, and what we're hoping to do is help with the alignment," Lewis-Johnson said.
Morgan agrees.
"We have all the pieces, but none of us can do it alone," she said. "A couple of years ago at church, there was a lecture about sexuality and morality, and I was super-upset about it because I was like, 'Why are you picking on a subset of people instead of talking to all the people in the congregation that are buying sex and thinking that that's OK?'"
In response, Morgan said she created a Power Point program and gave it to her church leadership.
"I think they took it to heart because they did call and talk, which is important because I think that sometimes people don't think about the fact that there is trafficking," she said.
Canton teen found:Missing Canton girl, 17, found in Mexico with fugitive
Because of its highway system, Ohio is ranked as one of the top 10 states for human/sex trafficking. In recent years, the state has created harsher penalties for the crime, but Morgan and Lewis-Johnson say more can be done, particularly when it comes to screening at-risk children.
"We do have a 'Safe Harbor' statute for minors that they can go into if they're charged with a crime that relates to their trafficking, and they can go into diversion, which is great," Morgan said. "There are some legislative options for adults, but not enough."
Lewis-Johnson said that if a person thinks something seems off-kilter, they should contact authorities.
"You can't make a mistake in making a call," she said.
Morgan said she feels called to do the work she is doing to combat trafficking.
"What trafficking is is the worst of all the worst things coming together to create the worst thing," she said.
Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @cgoshayREP | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/canton-attorney-cortney-morgan-receives-morton-bard-allied-professional-award-from-nova/70196446007/ | 2023-05-21T09:45:15 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/canton-attorney-cortney-morgan-receives-morton-bard-allied-professional-award-from-nova/70196446007/ |
Q: If people no longer leave funeral instructions in the will, how do they leave instructions?
A: You are correct; funeral instructions are rarely included in the will anymore. I’m not saying that it never happens, but it is pretty rare.
In times past, I think that leaving final arrangements in the will was fairly common. I’ve seen a number of older wills that included those types of instructions. I’ve even drafted a few wills that have included those instructions. However, I usually start with a warning that those instructions may not be carried out.
The problem with leaving final instructions in the will is that the family rarely looks at the will prior to the funeral or cremation. When you die, I can almost guarantee that your loved ones’ first reaction will not be “where’s the will.” By the time the family starts looking for the will, the funeral or service is usually completed.
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Today, when final arrangements are included in an estate plan, we customarily use a Funeral Planning Declaration (FPD). An FPD allows the maker to designate a person or persons to be in charge of carrying out the maker’s instructions. The instructions can be as general or as detailed as you want.
Usually, the instructions will at least include whether the maker is to be interred or cremated. Sometimes the declaration includes instructions concerning a service or ceremony and perhaps a luncheon. The FDP can even reference arrangements that you have already made at a funeral parlor. The FDP is pretty flexible and can be draft to address your exact concerns or needs.
Another way to address final arrangements without utilizing a will is to execute a durable power of attorney (POA). A POA can grant the attorney-in-fact the authority to make final arrangements and to arrange for the disposition of the remains. A POA can even include the authority to execute an FDP on behalf of the principal.
Now, some of you may be thinking that a POA terminates at death, so how can the attorney-in-fact exercise the authority concerning the disposition of the remains. The answer is that one of the few powers in a POA to survive the principal’s death is the ability to make plans for the disposition of the remains. An appropriately drafted POA can also include the authority allowing the attorney-in-fact to do things like make anatomical gifts on behalf of the principal and request autopsies.
I like the idea of including instructions concerning final arrangements in an estate plan. It will certainly make things easier on your loved ones during a pretty awful and stressful time.
Christopher W. Yugo is an attorney in Crown Point. Chris’ Estate Planning Article appears online every Sunday at www.nwi.com. Address questions to Chris in care of The Times, 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321 or to Chrisyugolaw@gmail.com. Chris’ information is meant to be general in nature. Specific legal, tax, or insurance questions should be referred to your attorney, accountant, or estate-planning specialist. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/estate-planning-making-final-arrangements/article_cfeec8a6-f64b-11ed-ad09-3bf6258ca4cf.html | 2023-05-21T10:46:11 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/estate-planning-making-final-arrangements/article_cfeec8a6-f64b-11ed-ad09-3bf6258ca4cf.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — One person has life-threatening injuries following a shooting in Old Town Saturday night, according to Wichita Police.
It happened just after 11 p.m. near 1st and Washington.
Wichita police said around 200 people were in the area as officers tried to respond, making it difficult to control the crowd.
Police said a fight led up to the shooting.
If you have any information, you are asked to contact WPD. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wpd-fight-leads-to-one-shot-in-old-town/ | 2023-05-21T10:59:27 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wpd-fight-leads-to-one-shot-in-old-town/ |
BLOOMINGTON — A 19-year-old man was arrested early Saturday for manufacturing and delivering cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams, a Class 2 felony.
Demonte Scott was pulled over by Bloomington police in the early morning hours on Saturday for a routine traffic stop, according to court documents.
According to the documents, officers smelled cannabis and observed "what appeared to be a nugget of raw cannabis in plain view" in the vehicle.
After searching the vehicle, officers found a backpack with "a large amount of cannabis," plastic bags and a digital scale, according to the documents, with the amount of cannabis weighing 500.5 grams. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-bloomington-for-cannabis-delivery/article_98e760b8-f748-11ed-8e68-e76287ea03da.html | 2023-05-21T11:04:54 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-bloomington-for-cannabis-delivery/article_98e760b8-f748-11ed-8e68-e76287ea03da.html |
LEXINGTON — Lexington High School graduation will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, in the gym.
The valedictorian is Reagan Haase. The salutatorian is Isabelle Bennett.
The graduates are as follows:
A-F
Tyler Atkins, Cameron Baker, Marti Ballard, Isabelle Bennett, Zachary Bork, Klayton Botkin, Benjamin Crouch, Ella DuBois, Kaden Farrell, Connor Feit, Logan Friedmansky
G-K
Michael Grunloh, Reagan Haase, Josie Hardt, Giana Hedrick, Nadia Henson, Sawyer Hilt, Hannah Hopkins
L-P
Areayanah Martinez, Alexis McArdle, Gray McCue, Cody McWhorter, Addison Meints, Dino Moran, Matthew Muir, Jamaea Newton, Jamila Newton, Wilson Pearce
Q-Z
Sean Rourke, Samantha Shives, Alyna Therien, Alec Thomas, Candace Watson, Peter Williams, Payton Wiltz and Owen Wright.
Meet the 2023 prom royalty in Central Illinois
It's prom season in Central Illinois! Here's a look at prom courts for area high schools. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/lexington-high-school-2023-graduates/article_001538e6-f5be-11ed-947e-3b3caa03a5e3.html | 2023-05-21T11:05:00 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/lexington-high-school-2023-graduates/article_001538e6-f5be-11ed-947e-3b3caa03a5e3.html |
50 years ago: Striking Bloomington union workers won't return to job
Learn to navigate the Newspapers.com database, perform browsing and complex search functions, and save clippings using a free user account. Tutorial developed by the University of Alabama Libraries.
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
May 21, 1923: A little complication has developed in relation to the grade of that portion of the Illini Boulevard along the west line of Miller Park. The grade is not satisfactory to the directors of the Park Hill cemetery. They think that it is too high and will result in flood water being turned over to the cemetery tract.
75 years ago
May 21, 1948: A stretch of Illinois Terminal railroad track, not used for more than 12 years, will be removed from Bloomington streets, said Stanley Wilhoit, city engineer. The section consists of the railroad's "Y" which branches off from Madison Street east on Jefferson to Center and north on Center to Monroe street.
50 years ago
May 21, 1973: The city's plea to striking Bloomington public service and park employees to return to work was ignored. Paul Gastineau, public service director, and John Woodworth Jr., parks and recreation director, said not one union employee reported to work.
25 years ago
May 21, 1998: Personal pagers of some Twin City doctors and nurses were among the millions that stopped functioning after a $250 million satellite that feeds their pager signals tumbled out of orbit and lost track of Earth. The satellite's owner declared it "unrecoverable." The failure affected 80-90% of the 45 million pagers nationwide.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-striking-bloomington-union-workers-wont-return-to-job/article_12cecb00-f67c-11ed-8fd6-3b9020540158.html | 2023-05-21T11:05:06 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-striking-bloomington-union-workers-wont-return-to-job/article_12cecb00-f67c-11ed-8fd6-3b9020540158.html |
Photo submitted by Ginny Pricket
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photo-spotlight/article_972cba1c-f602-11ed-adef-53bec33029cd.html | 2023-05-21T11:07:57 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/photo-spotlight/article_972cba1c-f602-11ed-adef-53bec33029cd.html |
WATERLOO — Randy Miller has been working on a project he believes is the first of its kind in the state of Iowa.
An active member of AMVETS Post 31 in Evansdale, Miller spearheaded an effort to retire U.S. flags in a healthier and environmentally safe way: by burying them.
The AMVETS Post, along with other veterans and community members, attended the burial of more than 500 retired American flags on Friday at Elmwood Cemetery.
“Seeing it take off – it’s kinda heartfelt,” Miller said. He’s been doing flag retirement ceremonies for 50 years.
U.S. flags are typically retired through a burning ceremony. Miller said retirement by fire has been the process for more than 100 years, but flags in years passed were usually made of cotton. Now, flags are made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon.
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He said when those materials are burned it causes huge plumes of black smoke that affect ceremony attendees’ lungs as well as the surrounding wildlife.
Even after burning, the remains of the flags are “hard as coal,” Miller said, and then sometimes thrown away.
“To throw it in the garbage doesn’t seem practical or wise to me,” he said.
The ceremony started with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, led by Bill Quibell. Miller then explained how the flags are folded for burial and what the shape means.
He said the triangular fold represents revolutionaries, by mimicking the shape of their hats – such as the one Paul Revere wore. The three sides also stand for many things such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; the flags’ colors; the three branches of government; the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights; and the Holy Trinity of the Bible.
After the explanation, a prayer was read and the Honor Guard performed a three-volley salute, which is a ceremonial act at military funerals. “Taps” was then played. The spent shells from the salute were also buried with the flags.
The burial plot is located at the front entrance of Elmwood Cemetery. It is marked by a monument, donated by Hagarty Monument of Waterloo, and marble posts donated by the cemetery. The cemetery also donated the plot for the buried flags.
Next year, Miller said, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, located along West Fourth Street, will be the site of the retirement ceremony. The cemetery donated a vault to be put inside a mausoleum.
Miller said anyone who wants to donate a flag for retirement can do so by visiting the post at 706 Colleen Ave. At the post there is a drop box for flags. Flags that are retired are deemed unserviceable due to age, wear and tear. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/area-veterans-attend-first-of-its-kind-flag-retirement-ceremony/article_21d72f43-49f7-5105-9d20-965260eb26d0.html | 2023-05-21T11:12:19 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/area-veterans-attend-first-of-its-kind-flag-retirement-ceremony/article_21d72f43-49f7-5105-9d20-965260eb26d0.html |
WGTD (91.1 FM) is owned and operated as a public service of Gateway Technical College and is an affiliate of Wisconsin Public Radio.
For an updated schedule, go online to wgtd.org. WGTD 91.1-FM’s “Morning Show” airs 8:10 to 9 a.m. weekdays.
Guests this week include:
Monday, May 22: Ahmed White, author of “Under the Iron Heel: The Wobblies and the Capitalist War on Radical Workers.” The term “Wobblies” refers to members of the I.W.W—the Industrial Workers of the World—a union that was formed in 1905 to try and reshape the brutal experience of industrial workers in the US in the early 20th century. The book chronicles how the union was systematically destroyed.
Tuesday, May 23: We’ll talk about the Racine Theater Guild’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking masterpiece SWEENEY TODD, which opened this past weekend, with Doug Instenes, director of the production, and Davidson Kane, who portrays the title character.
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Wednesday, May 24: Dr. Art Cyr from the faculty at Carthage College offers his analysis of current events and issues.
Thursday, May 25: James Schatzman joins us to talk about two milestones for Kenosha/Racine Vocational Ministries, which seeks to help people who have just been released from prison to find employment and a new start. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, they have just placed their 5000th worker.
Friday, May 26: Postponed from last week: WGTD News Director Dave McGrath talks about his first novel, “24 Hours from Tulsa,” a work of historical fiction that presents the fictional backstory of how Burt Bacharach and Hal David penned the hit song “24 Hours from Tulsa” for Gene Pitney. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/wgtd-announces-morning-show-schedule-for-this-week/article_308173c0-f66b-11ed-9a5d-cfc64674d2ea.html | 2023-05-21T11:51:01 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/wgtd-announces-morning-show-schedule-for-this-week/article_308173c0-f66b-11ed-9a5d-cfc64674d2ea.html |
Music Compound presents 2023 Rock Your Summer Reading program for children
The Music Compound is again partnering with area businesses to provide one-of-a-kind experiences and prizes as part of the 2023 Rock Your Summer Reading program.
The program begins June 1 and runs through Aug. 31. Children receive prizes for every five books read. All children who read 50-plus books are entered into a grand prize drawing for a party at Music Compound SRQ’s “Studio 32.” Children do not need to be Music Compound members to participate.
As the number of books a child reads increases, the value of prizes they can earn grows. Prizes range from meals, books and kid-friendly activities to passes for local attractions and private music lessons.
“This initiative has grown beyond all expectations since we launched it in 2020," said Jenny Townsend, founder and president of Music Compound. "Last year, 86 children participated, logging approximately 3,400 total books, and 43 children qualified for the grand prize drawing. We are so grateful to our business partners who have been very generous in providing prizes."
Rock Your Summer Reading events also are being planned, including writing workshops with author Sienna Alfano, 11. The sessions will be presented at Music Compound locations in Sarasota and Bradenton for ages 8-13. There is also a Rock Your Summer Reading Facebook group, with live reading events to keep those pages turning.
For information and to download a reader passport, visit RockYourSummerReading.com. For additional information, contact Music Compound at info@musiccompound.com or 941-379-9100.
Submitted by Sharon Kunkel | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/rock-your-summer-reading-at-music-compound-includes-writing-workshops/70220267007/ | 2023-05-21T12:07:00 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/rock-your-summer-reading-at-music-compound-includes-writing-workshops/70220267007/ |
VIN'S PEOPLE: Nine Manatee County students honored with Anne Frank Humanitarian Award
A bow to our town’s nine select high school students who are among the recipients of The Anne Frank Humanitarian Award from the Florida Holocaust Museum in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
They are Dastan Chiketaev (Palmetto), Madison Curran (Manatee School for the Arts), Brody Lind (Braden River), Alexandra Lowery (Southeast), Erika Martinez (Bayshore), Cassidy Miller (Saint Stephen's), Karson Moore (Lakewood Ranch), Bryanna Sparks (Manatee) and Cooper Stark (Bradenton Christian).
Established in 2001, this distinctive honor recognizes outstanding humanitarian efforts by juniors whose altruism, community service and kindness make our world a better place. They represent Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco.
Nominated by principals, guidance counselors and faculty, these students were celebrated at the recent Anne Frank Humanitarian Award Ceremonies at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg.
· Paul Maechtle is 71 years young.
· Stewart Elementary’s fifth-grade “Soundoff” singers will perform the national anthem at LECOM Park when the Marauders open a homestand Tuesday.
Led by music teacher Allison Rekow, the talented youngsters are Alexie Beck, Molly Bosner, Mackenzie Cohen, Preston Crick, Autumn Eaton, Spencer Grose, Olivia Guth, Paige Lindner, Claire Lynch, Addison Newman, Presley Powell and Robby Subbiondo.
Game time is 6:30 p.m.
· Mary Ambrogi is 39. Again.
· So is Kelli Kennedy.
· Much respect to Derrick Randall, the United Community Center CEO who earned his doctorate in education with an emphasis in leadership and innovation from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.
· Good luck to the Manatee School District’s new assistant principals for the 2023-24 school year.
Secondary assistant principals and their new schools are Bethany Gerber, Haile Middle; Minetha Brown, Lincoln Middle; Linda Francis, Southeast High; Danielle McClellan, Dr. Mona Jain Middle; Denise Brigg, Manatee High; Ashley Dohme, Parrish Community High; and Jacob Sponsel, Nolan Middle.
Elementary assistant principals are Scott Flynn, Daughtrey; Mary Cooke, Prine; Heather Rivero, Johnson K-8; Angela Young, Samoset; Susan Ebbesmeyer, Palmetto, and Shelby Bench, Barbara Harvey.
· Dr. Harry Drimoussis is Manatee Memorial Hospital’s new Family Medicine Chief Resident.
· And well done to John Moyer, who matched his age (86) in donated gallons of plasma and platelets – critically needed for cancer and burn patients – after several years of donating every two weeks at One Blood.
That’s one full 55-gallon drum plus another filled two-thirds to the top!
Want to donate? Contact oneblood.org.
Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944. Twitter: @vinmannix. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/vin-mannix/70220338007/ | 2023-05-21T12:07:06 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/vin-mannix/70220338007/ |
Police are investigating after a woman was found slain in an apartment along with the remains of a man who is believed to have shot her, before he turned a gun on himself in the city's Feltonville neighborhood.
According to police, officers responded to a shooting along the 100 block of E. Roosevelt Boulevard just after midnight, early Saturday, where they allegedly found the body of Katie Dales, 29, of the city's Tacony neighborhood, after she had been shot multiple times in the head.
In the same apartment, officials said, they also found the body of a 27-year-old man who was shot once in the mouth in, what investigators said, appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials did not provide this individual's identification.
Both individuals were pronounced on the scene, officials said.
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According to police, a weapon was recovered at the scene.
Law enforcement officials said that an investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-dead-in-possible-murder-suicide-at-home-along-roosevelt-blvd/3570515/ | 2023-05-21T12:08:58 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/two-dead-in-possible-murder-suicide-at-home-along-roosevelt-blvd/3570515/ |
Five questions with Kevin Gardner: CFO/vice president of business at Stark State College
Kevin D. Gardner serves as the chief financial officer/vice president of business at Stark State College in Jackson Township.
Gardner, who grew up in Newcomerstown and now lives in Jackson Township, earned three associate degrees in arts, accounting tech and computer tech from the Kent State University Tuscarawas campus. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting and his master's in accounting from Kent State University. He is also a certified management accountant.
“While in my undergrad, I began working for 31 Incorporated, an international manufacturer of tire repair materials,” Gardner said. "In 2010, I was named vice president and was responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the company as well as sales, marketing, customer service and IT.
“In May 2022, I accepted the position of CFO/vice president of business at Stark State College where I am responsible for the financial management and business operations of the college. I also have direct oversight over the business office, IT, security, facilities, and auxiliary services.”
Gardner has been happily married to Federica Gardner for nearly eight years. She works at the College of Architecture at Kent State University as a special assistant in the graduate studies programs. The couple have a 5-year-old daughter, Sydney, and a 2-year-old Bernedoodle named Heart.
Five questions with Dr. Dina Rooney:Executive director of Aunt Susie's Cancer Wellness Center
Five questions with Dr. Matthew Paris:A clinical psychologist and cofounder of Guiding House
How and when did you decide to change from working in the corporate world to working in higher education?
After spending more than 20 years working in corporate, I found myself wanting to be part of an organization with a greater purpose which aligned with my value system.
Early on in my educational journey, I received three associate degrees which I have used in the job market to advance my career. I have personally experienced the transformative power of education and understand its value.
Therefore, when the opportunity presented itself at Stark State College, I knew this would allow me to combine my love of business and accounting with my passion for education and helping others. I am very thankful to be part of an organization that is impacting the lives of students throughout our community in such a powerful way!
Why did accounting and finance spark your interest as a career?
I took my first accounting class in high school and the concepts came naturally to me. I was excited about what I was learning and wanted to learn more.
As I contemplated career choices, I knew accounting was the right path as it is the language of business and having this knowledge would position me well to work in any field. I wanted to keep my career perspectives open and with the encouragement of family and professors, I was excited to venture into this profession.
What makes you happiest about living and working in Stark County?
Stark County has so many great things to offer: highly rated school districts, many opportunities for extra-curricular enrichment programs, beautiful parks, a wonderful library system and a vibrant community whose members care about and support each other.
My wife and I agree, this is a great community to raise our young family.
Would you share your favorite pastimes when not working?
I most enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter and being involved in our daughter’s activities. I love exploring the various Stark Parks hiking, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy running and exercising.
Who/what are your three biggest motivators in your personal and professional lives?
My strong faith and caring for others motivates me to do better each day and contribute to our community. My love of family drives me to strive to be the best husband and father I can be and set the example for our daughter.
I also have a strong desire to bring my contributions to the table and contribute to the legacy of Stark State College. I am inspired by all the great faculty and staff at Stark State who support and put the needs of our students first each day.
Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/5-questions-with-kevin-gardner-cfovice-president-of-business-at-stark-state-college/70208389007/ | 2023-05-21T12:35:29 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/5-questions-with-kevin-gardner-cfovice-president-of-business-at-stark-state-college/70208389007/ |
Stark County roundup: News from around the Canton region
Register for kids’ summer art classes
ALLIANCE – Children ages 6 to 12 can register for Rodman Public Library’s Summer Art Experience either at the Main Library, 215 E. Broadway St., or by calling 330-821-2665, ext. 223.
Participants can register for a total of two free art classes over a four-week period, utilizing various art techniques taught by local art instructors. Class dates will be Monday afternoons from June 12 through July 10, or Tuesday afternoons from June 13 through July 11. No classes will be held the week of July 4. Class times will be 1 to 2 p.m. for 6- to 8-year-olds, or 2:30 to 4 p.m. for 9- to 12-year-olds.
Funding this year is provided by The Alliance Kiwanis Club, Alliance Quota Club, Alliance Rotary Club, and Hatherill Insurance Agency Inc.
Free movie and popcorn Tuesday
ALLIANCE – Rodman Public Library, 215 E. Broadway St., will screen another superhero adventure at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday during Family Movie Night.
In the 2023 action comedy, two superheroes explore a foreign realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. (Due to licensing agreements, Rodman Library cannot reveal the title of the film in mainstream media.)
The movie is rated PG-13 and runs for 2 hours and 4 minutes. Admission is free, and freshly popped popcorn will be provided. No registration is required, however, children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. For more information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 217.
Mural made of bottle caps is on display
ALLIANCE – Rodman Public Library is displaying a mural made of bottle caps and created by students at the Alliance Intermediate School. Art teacher Renee Marincheck directed the creation of the mural, which is on exhibit inside the library’s gallery through Friday.
The mural measures 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall and contains about 9,792 bottle caps of different sizes and colors. Students, families, and area businesses and civic organizations collected the caps, and about 400 students had a part in creating the mural by collecting, sorting, painting and individually attaching the caps to the mural with a screw.
Canal Fulton library plans events
CANAL FULTON – The Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 E. Market St., has scheduled the following events. Call 330-854-4148 to register.
- Teen Anime Club at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Teens and tweens in grades 6 through 12 can enjoy anime, snacks and fun. Registration is appreciated, but not required.
- Virtual Author Visit at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Historical fiction author Alan Hlad will talk via Zoom about his books and what inspired him to write them. Hlad is the author of four books: “The Long Flight Home,” “Churchill’s Secret Messenger,” “A Light Beyond the Trenches” and “The Book Spy.” Participants should come to the library for this author event. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required; call the library at 330-854-4148, then select option 3. Copies of all Hlad's books are available for checkout in advance at the Circulation Desk.
- The History of Espionage with Dr. Brian Hayashi at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Kent State professor Brian Hayashi will discuss the role Asian-American spies played in U.S. intelligence services during World War II. Registration is appreciated but not required.
- Teen Pizza and Game Night will be at 5:30 p.m. May 30. Teens and tweens in grades 6 through 12 can enjoy games, pizza and snacks. Registration is appreciated, but not required.
Lions Club Cruise-In Car Show is Friday
CANAL FULTON – The Lions Club Cruise-In Car Show will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Helena Heritage Park. The $5 registration fee may be paid the day of the event when entering St. Helena Heritage Park. All proceeds will benefit the Canal Fulton Lions Club. Weather permitting, parking will be on the grass.
"Back 2 Eden" band will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All makes and models are welcome. Food trucks will be available, and the Lions Club will do a 50/50 raffle.
Girls on the Run receives $5,000 from Rite Aid
CANTON – Girls on the Run East Central Ohio has received $5,000 from Rite Aid Healthy Futures designed to combat health disparities and advance fitness and friendships among adolescent girls. Funding will support Girls on the Run programs.
The grants are funded through Rite Aid’s KidCents fundraising program.
Concert on Thursday afternoon
HARTVILLE – Sunday Drive, a multi–Dove Award-nominated group from Knoxville, Tennessee, will perform in concert at Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, at 1 p.m. Thursday. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
To buy tickets, $30 to $40, visit https://www.itickets.com/events/470947. For more information, call the ticket office at 330-877-9353 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Coffee with a Cop is May 30
HARTVILLE – The Stark County Sheriff’s Office has scheduled a Coffee with a Cop event at 8 a.m. May 30 at Samantha’s Sunny Corner, 418 E. Maple St.
The Coffee with a Cop program is designed to provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions and to learn more about how the Stark County Sheriff’s Office serves the community.
For more information, contact the Stark County Sheriff’s Office’s director of community engagement at 330-430-3889.
Michael Stanley tribute concert Thursday
JACKSON TWP. – Eric Brooke’s Tribute to Michael Stanley, a free concert at the Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater, 7454 Community Parkway NW, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Food trucks will be available (all take cash, some take cards) and adult beverages will be available for purchase (cards only, no cash).
Free movie Friday
JACKSON TWP. – A free showing of the movie “Minions: The Rise of Gru” will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater, 7454 Community Parkway NW. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Outside food and drink are allowed. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on the lawn, as seating is not provided.
Fire hydrants to be flushed
MAGNOLIA − The village Water Department will flush fire hydrants this week between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Expect some discoloration of water after the hydrants have been flushed.
Car Cruise-ins on Thursdays through September
MARLBORO TWP. – Meet in the Meadow Cruise-in will be every Thursday through Sept. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery, 6193 Edison St. NE. Admission and parking are free. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. There will be a DJ and door prizes. For more information, call 330-877-8344.
Canton Artists League exhibit at Massillon Museum
MASSILLON – The Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, will host “Up to the Challenge,” an exhibition of 29 artworks by members of the Canton Artists League, in its Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery from May 27 through July 30.
The artists’ reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. June 10, concurrent with the Studio M reception for “Sarah Blanchette: All Shook Up.”
The 18 artists in “Up to the Challenge” are Peter Castillo, Paul DeGarmo, Sharon Dulabaum, Jeffrey Foltz, Jane Heater, Thomas Kilpatrick, Pam LaRocco, Natividad (Suni) Lopez-Ortiz, Nancy Michel, Michelle Mulligan, Robert Nicoll, Lori Perry, Irene Rodriguez, Nancy Shernit, Sherry Grace, Yvonne Walter, Lynn Weinstein, and Gail Wetherell-Sack. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/stark-county-roundup-news-from-around-the-canton-region/70213627007/ | 2023-05-21T12:35:35 | 1 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/05/21/stark-county-roundup-news-from-around-the-canton-region/70213627007/ |
The Lancaster County Jail is full and officials are preparing for the possibility they’ll have to transfer prisoners to other jails, a practice they haven’t had to consider since they built a new jail a decade ago.
“We’re going to have to do something pretty soon or we’re going to find ourselves outside of jail standards,” Lancaster County Corrections Director Brad Johnson told county commissioners last week.
The average jail population for the first quarter of this year was 642, compared with 565 during the same three months a year ago, according to a corrections report.
That’s a 13.6% increase and puts the average jail population for that quarter at 96.6%.
The operating capacity of the jail is 665 inmates, though there is a reception unit and a 64-bed unit set aside for other uses that can be used for overflow, Johnson said. If there’s no room in the general population, people stay in those areas until a bed opens up, Johnson said.
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“Now, it’s just kind of a flow that we’ve been able to manage, but I’m concerned as the summer proceeds if the pattern continues we’ll lose the cushion of those other two units,” he said.
The daily population changes from day to day. One day last week, it was at 675.
Corrections officials have been watching the numbers for months and worrying that the typical dip in cold weather months wasn’t happening — a trend that usually helps during an upswing in warmer months.
While the average daily population did dip during some of the winter months, hitting a low of 623.4 in February, that number was 557.1 the previous February. And in March of this year, it jumped back up to 655.2.
Johnson said he’s included nearly $1.1 million in his 2023-24 budget request to pay to send people to nearby county jails if the upward trend continues.
Although the budget won’t be approved until fall, it’s likely the county board will allow that expense because there aren’t a lot of other options, said Dennis Meyer, the county’s budget and fiscal officer.
Whether that will be necessary — or if it won’t be enough — remains to be seen, but the county board last week also authorized Johnson to begin work to contract for an outside needs assessment of the jail.
Johnson said he’d like to see a study of the whole criminal justice system, not just the jail, because all the different parts of the system — law enforcement, courts, community corrections and probation – contribute to the jail population.
“You can look at the jail and its population and what’s driving that to a degree, but this is a larger, very complex system,” he said. “I think it would be a worthwhile endeavor to try and see what role each of those stakeholders have in my population. Are there ideas or suggestions we could all take a little bite out of and be in a better place?”
For instance, of trespassing cases handled by the Lancaster County public defender’s office for a 15-month period beginning Jan. 1, 2022, about 53% of them ended with a jail sentence, said Public Defender Kristi Eggers.
But looking just at the jail numbers can tell part of the story.
Much of the increase in the jail’s population is people arrested for felonies and awaiting trial. They make up the largest percentage of people in jail, and the number increased from 333 during the first quarter of last year to 381 during the first quarter of this year. Those awaiting trial on less-serious misdemeanors increased 10% — from 50 to 68.
Johnson said the length of time people spend in jail has also been inching up.
State laws can also impact jail population, such as a recent law designed to reduce prison overcrowding through supervised release programs.
During the first quarter of the year, 23 people spent a combined total of 355 days in jail because they violated provisions of their state-ordered supervised release, according to county corrections records.
Another 15 people had their post-release supervision revoked and were resentenced to Lancaster County Jail for a total of 3,219 days.
An additional 41 people spent a combined total of 629 days in jail because they violated county corrections programs, though had they not been in those programs they likely would have been sentenced to jail.
The amount of time people sit in jail awaiting space at the Lincoln Regional Center has decreased over the past year or so, but people awaiting placement there still waited an average of 94 days in March.
Jail overcrowding had been a problem for years before the county opened the current jail at 3801 W. O St. in 2012. The county did at least two needs assessments before deciding to build the $65 million facility.
One, in the early 2000s, recommended looking for alternatives to incarceration, and the county created its Community Corrections department in 2002, Johnson said.
By 2007, the average daily population of the jail was nearly 100 over the state-rated capacity, and jail officials had put bunk beds in some of the cells, were using other areas to house people and were spending nearly $1 million a year to send people to jails in other counties, according to Journal Star reporting at the time.
In 2008, another needs assessment made the case for a new jail, but Johnson noted today’s average jail population is lower than the study anticipated it would be.
The assessment predicted that by 2020, the jail would have an average daily population of 771, though it also over-estimated what the county’s population would be. Still, Johnson told the board, population growth is impacting jail population.
Corrections alternatives likely made a difference, though, he said, and he’s hoping an assessment will highlight ways they could further reduce the jail population rather than begin a discussion about expanding jail capacity.
During a meeting with the county board last week to discuss the jail population, he told commissioners he wasn’t trying to sound alarmist.
Board Chair Christa Yoakum said it seemed appropriate.
“It is time to sound the alarm,” she said. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-jail-population-high-enough-that-officials-prepare-to-house-some-inmates-in-other-counties/article_b45a768e-f6ab-11ed-bf4d-975291636bd4.html | 2023-05-21T12:43:50 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-jail-population-high-enough-that-officials-prepare-to-house-some-inmates-in-other-counties/article_b45a768e-f6ab-11ed-bf4d-975291636bd4.html |
Planting progressed, the U.S. dollar strengthened, and China canceled some U.S. corn purchases. All of which continued downward price pressure on corn, wheat and soybeans.
Roughly 65% of corn and 49% of beans have already been planted this spring.
Russia consented to extend the agreement that allows export of wheat and corn through the Black Sea, a complication of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The extension scared away many buyers who had been accumulating grain with the expectation supplies would be trapped at Ukrainian ports.
El Nino could bring hottest Earth ever
Scientists from both the United Nations and the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released warnings that the impending El Nino climate pattern, when combined with established global warming, creates a high chance that earth’s temperature will exceed all-time records and create continued threats to every aspect of our environment and economy. NOAA just reported that April ocean temperatures hit the hottest on record at 1.55 degrees above average.
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Some agricultural regions may benefit from increased rains associated with the warming of the equatorial Pacific, but that would be a small benefit compared to the costs.
El Nino adds high volatility and uncertainties to weather predictions and the prices of crops in Asia, North American, and South America. In the past, El Ninos have increased precipitation in the South U.S., while creating hotter, dryer conditions on the Plains.
Swiss banker predicts gold rally
A prominent Swiss Bank executive joined a growing faction of analysts predicting new all-time record highs in gold this year.
Most analysts feel our U.S. Federal Reserve Bank is nearly finished raising interest rates. They also believe central banks will continue accumulating gold, and that a U.S. recession will drive investors to gold as a safe haven if the stock market and/or real estate stumbles.
Geopolitical factors could stimulate a flight to quality as well, should one of the economic or military hot spots flare up this year.
Weekly winners and losers
The U.S. dollar, natural gas, cattle, O.J., coffee, cotton, cocoa, stock indexes, crude and gasoline were higher this week. June cattle closed at $1.66 per pound. June crude traded at $71.60 per barrel toward its close.
Gold and silver were down, while corn, beans, Chicago wheat and Kansas City wheat were sharply lower on the week. July corn closed at $5.54 per bushel, beans settled at $13.07, Chicago wheat at $6.05 and Kansas wheat at $8.24.
Opinions are solely the writer’s. Walt Breitinger is a commodity futures broker in Valparaiso. He can be reached at 800-411-3888 or www.indianafutures.com. This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell any market. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/futures-file-grains-drop-on-supply-better-weather/article_d30b22c8-f64b-11ed-a9ff-47b5ee7036b4.html | 2023-05-21T12:48:41 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/futures-file-grains-drop-on-supply-better-weather/article_d30b22c8-f64b-11ed-a9ff-47b5ee7036b4.html |
MUNSTER — The Munster Police Department holds its next Crime Watch meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road.
Crime statistics, updates on recent incidents, a presentation from the department's new Crime Suppression Unit, and a $30 gift card as a door prize will be included. For more information, please contact Officer James Ghrist at 219-836-6639 or jghrist@munster.org. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/munster-crime-watch-meets-thursday/article_2b00f468-f592-11ed-8d42-cf72c9e06b1f.html | 2023-05-21T12:48:51 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/munster-crime-watch-meets-thursday/article_2b00f468-f592-11ed-8d42-cf72c9e06b1f.html |
SAN ANTONIO — Three people, two cats and one dog all escaped safely from a fire at a northwest-side home overnight.
The battalion chief says when they arrived, flames were spreading through the roof.
Three people were able to get out on their own and firefighters rescued two cats and one dog.
The home suffered major damage from the flames. No word on the estimated damages caused by the fire was given.
No other injuries were reported and no other details were provided.
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.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/three-people-two-cats-and-a-dog-all-escaped-safely-from-fire-on-northwest-side-safd-firefighters-san-antonio-texas/273-fd723fa1-4bba-48ac-8006-46859301a31c | 2023-05-21T12:53:40 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/three-people-two-cats-and-a-dog-all-escaped-safely-from-fire-on-northwest-side-safd-firefighters-san-antonio-texas/273-fd723fa1-4bba-48ac-8006-46859301a31c |
SAN ANTONIO — A woman is in critical condition after being shot at a house party at an apparent drive-by shooting, police say.
The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. in the 300 block of Scotty Drive on the west side of town.
The sergeant on the scene says an unknown vehicle drove up to a house where a party was taking place and started shooting.
a woman in her 20s who was standing outside the gathering was hit twice, once in the head and once in the shoulder.
She was taken to BAMC in critical condition.
Evidence so far shows fire was returned before the vehicle drove away.
There's no information on who may have been in the vehicle.
No other Injuries were reported and no other details were provided.
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.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/woman-shot-in-drive-by-while-at-house-party-on-west-side-police-say-shooting-san-antonio-texas-scotty-drive/273-d9dd1eeb-ffb7-4410-b71b-045cde7cbdfe | 2023-05-21T12:53:46 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/woman-shot-in-drive-by-while-at-house-party-on-west-side-police-say-shooting-san-antonio-texas-scotty-drive/273-d9dd1eeb-ffb7-4410-b71b-045cde7cbdfe |
3 teens arrested after shots fired in NE Salem apartment
Three teenagers were arrested Saturday afternoon after a gun was fired into a northeast Salem apartment.
Salem Police were called to an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Coral Avenue NE at about 4:15 p.m. Saturday after a person reported a bullet entered their apartment from a neighboring apartment after they heard what they thought was an argument.
No injuries were reported.
Officers evacuated the nearby apartments. In the apartment the shots were thought to have originated from, police saw four juveniles exiting and later located an AR-15-style weapon, a shotgun and a long rifle.
Three teen males, two age 14 and one age 16, were arrested. One of the 14-year-olds was arrested on suspicion of theft by receiving and all three are suspected of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and reckless endangering. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/20/3-teens-arrested-after-shots-fired-in-ne-salem-apartment/70240677007/ | 2023-05-21T13:01:22 | 0 | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/2023/05/20/3-teens-arrested-after-shots-fired-in-ne-salem-apartment/70240677007/ |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Whether they're out for a float, a peaceful paddle or zipping by on a jet-ski, more Pennsylvanians are hitting the water.
"There's a lot of new boaters in Pennsylvania and across the country," said Laurel Anders, director of boating at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. "It's become so easy to buy canoes and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at just about any retailers. There's a lot of new paddlers on the water who may not know a lot about what the rules and regulations are and how to be safe."
Thousands are expected to cast off and head out onto Pennsylvania's lakes, rivers and streams next weekend. As fun as it can be, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is encouraging boaters to consider their safety.
"National Safe Boating Week is always the full week before the Memorial Day holiday. Memorial Day in many states is kind of the unofficial kickoff to the boating season," Anders said. "It's when people start to take family vacations and spend more time on the water in boats. It's a way to kind of gear people up for the upcoming boating season."
Part of that gear is a life jacket. State law requires boaters to carry a properly fitted life jacket for each passenger on board.
Once those are ready to go, commission officials said you should also be familiar with where you're boating.
"It's really important to scout ahead and know what your waterway is. Look at maps," Anders said. "Call local outfitters and guides and ask if they could provide a little information about that waterway."
While Memorial Day weekend is often seen as a time for celebration, officials said save the suds for the shore. Drinking and boating is just like drinking and driving.
"A boater who is caught boating under the influence could face the same penalties as driving under the influence," Anders said.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said officers will be out on the water next weekend and will be looking for boaters who are showing signs of impairment. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-agency-shares-boating-safety-tips-before-memorial-day-weekend/521-cd1852b7-ad99-4e10-97fc-21887d9e839b | 2023-05-21T13:09:24 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/state-agency-shares-boating-safety-tips-before-memorial-day-weekend/521-cd1852b7-ad99-4e10-97fc-21887d9e839b |
WATERLOO — The city and its partners will host a ribbon cutting and dedication of the Veterans Way Walk of Honor banner installation along East and West Fourth Streets downtown.
The event will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday in Lincoln Park. It will begin with the presentation of colors by East High School Junior ROTC, singing of the National Anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Frank Magsamen.
Comments will be made by Mayor Quentin Hart and Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs Director Yolando Loveless. The ribbon cutting will be led by the Grow Cedar Valley Ambassadors and Main Street Waterloo.
Attendees at the event will be encouraged to walk the 16 blocks along Fourth Street to view the banners. Guides from the Exchange Club of Waterloo will be on hand to assist those looking for a specific veteran. Printed guides will also be available. In addition, a QR code is on display along the route linking to a website showcasing each honoree with a brief bio of their military history.
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The banners will stay in place through Veterans Day on Nov. 11. At that time they will be presented to those who purchased the banner. Applications for the 2024 Veterans Way Walk of Honor banners will go on sale in the fall of 2023. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/banners-honoring-cedar-valley-veterans-to-be-installed-dedicated-in-downtown-waterloo-thursday/article_4a6ac1cb-15bb-5f7b-b577-0381cf556442.html | 2023-05-21T13:18:25 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/banners-honoring-cedar-valley-veterans-to-be-installed-dedicated-in-downtown-waterloo-thursday/article_4a6ac1cb-15bb-5f7b-b577-0381cf556442.html |
CEDAR FALLS — A popular new app helping people keep up with the fastest growing sport in America has Cedar Valley origins.
Blake Renaud of Cedar Falls was introduced to pickleball, fell in love with it and now has created the free mobile app known as “PicklePlay.” She launched the software in July 2020 to help players find places to play and people to play with as well as help larger groups and clubs communicate, schedule and organize their events.
The paddle sport has seen its demand soar and area residents do not have to look far to find proof that the interest is there. The Cedar Falls pickleball courts at Orchard Hill Park are set to expand to accommodate the growth in popularity.
Not too long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Renaud was looking for part-time, flexible work at home as her oldest three children were starting school.
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The Kamrar native and 2010 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa had an interest in starting a business, and ended up founding one that lines up with her lifestyle. She likes athletics and traveled a lot with her husband Alex, who’s particularly fond of pickup basketball.
And while in New York, she remembered the struggle while bouncing around between different street games.
“We’re like, man, there’s got to be a better resource to help us out,” she said.
Basketball was originally what she thought the app would be centered around. But that was before her husband’s business partner introduced the couple to pickleball a few years ago.
She never thought they’d stick with the sport. But they ended up liking it and now even their kids are playing on the court.
“We realized that it’s such a fun sport that brings together people of all different backgrounds, all different communities,” Renaud said. “People just love playing pickleball and we realized it was the fastest growing sport in America. And, at that time, there was really no good app for pickleball players.”
She wanted her app to address specific “pain points” – where do you play? Who do you play with? And how do you manage your group?
“We’re all busy and it gets hard to keep track of long text message threads and emails and Facebook and WhatsApp and GroupMe. So having a spot where you say, ‘Hey, I’m playing at 5:30 p.m.’ and people can respond if they’re going is really helpful,” Renaud said.
More than 65,000 people use PicklePlay now and more than 1,500 clubs and private groups have registered.
Her part-time job has turned into a full-time commitment. And, since the birth of the couple’s fourth child, she admits that she’s “just balancing the life of a working mom from home, with kids and a business” in Cedar Falls, a community she loves and has now lived in for a decade.
The app is available worldwide. However, 95% of the traction is in the United States. It has also seen use in the United Kingdom, India, Portugal, Canada and Spain.
The user demographic leans towards those more than 45 years old, although she said that the age is beginning to trend younger. Renaud has no employees but contracts out for services and utilizes many local businesses and partnerships to accomplish different tasks from programming the app to marketing, social media and branding.
The business has continued to grow and is solely focused on pickleball. She doesn’t envision expanding to other sports at this time, but would possibly consider it if an opportunity were to arise.
As for the future, her business is looking to bring on board new strategic partners and continue to add different features and resources, particularly for clubs and groups.
It’s reached a recent milestone in a partnership with Franklin Sports, allowing her business to add a QR code to products – such as beginner paddle sets and net sets – at Walmart, Target, and Dicks that leads buyers to download the app.
One of the future steps is fully monetizing the app. An optional subscription is available right now, but she’s looking toward an upgraded model. Renaud is considering other advertising partnerships and geotargeting, as well.
“There’s definitely a long-term plan for PicklePlay and so we want to be very open and honest about that,” Renaud said. “This has been three-plus years in the making and we’re still not fully monetized. Our goal and plan is to build a great product, and now we’re trying to focus our efforts on monetization.”
More information and some of the app’s features can be found on pickleplay.com. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-falls-based-pickleplay-app-helps-thousands-keep-up-with-americas-fastest-growing-sport/article_4736ba69-ad23-521f-9674-eb48c20c7c6e.html | 2023-05-21T13:18:31 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-falls-based-pickleplay-app-helps-thousands-keep-up-with-americas-fastest-growing-sport/article_4736ba69-ad23-521f-9674-eb48c20c7c6e.html |
WATERLOO — New curriculum could be adoped for physical education as well as secondary English and math by the Board of Education Monday.
The board meets at 5:30 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1516 Washington St.
After the state of Iowa adopted new standards for physical education students, Waterloo Community Schools reviewed its curriculum for the subject.
Elementary physical education teachers decided to stay with their curriculum, called SPARK, but use an updated edition of it. Board documents do not provide all that is entailed in the program. The cost of the elementary package is $190,544.
As for grades six through 12, district officials said it is difficult to find a packaged curriculum that addresses the standards. However, the group tasked with the challenge found a variety of activities, team sports and cultural events that will cover the standards. The price for this is listed at $201,650.
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The curriculum adoption is being recommended for approval at a total cost of $392,194.
The district could also approve the purchase of curriculum for secondary English language arts and math classrooms that would use a diagnostic tool to determine learning gaps in students.
After a pilot of the IXL Learn program, gains in achievement for students became evident. If approved, it will cost $98,645.
The board will also consider approving:
- A resolution to participate in the instructional support program for fiscal year 2024-25. The decision will follow a public hearing.
- Proposed salary increases for administrator and administrative support groups.
- The appointment of Gina Weekley as the director of equity, inclusion and belonging at a salary of $120,000. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-schools-to-consider-approving-new-curriculum/article_ef8cd080-d5b6-525d-a955-090b89c15b9c.html | 2023-05-21T13:18:37 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-schools-to-consider-approving-new-curriculum/article_ef8cd080-d5b6-525d-a955-090b89c15b9c.html |
CEDAR FALLS — The finalists for the Cedar Falls fire chief job will meet the public from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Public Safety Center, 4600 S. Main St.
Chris Ledeker, fire and emergency medical services chief of the Arkansas City Fire Department in Kansas, will be available Monday, and Acting Fire Chief John Zolondek will be there Tuesday. Both will talk about their backgrounds, answer questions and discuss issues one-on-one.
They’ll interview with several public safety and community members before the city administration makes a recommendation for retired John Bostwick’s replacement to the City Council by the end of the month.
Ledeker has been involved with various fire and EMS operations since 1995.
Zolondek has been serving in the Cedar Falls fire division since 2008, but was originally hired as a police officer in 2007, after having been a military police officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 2002 to 2008.
Whomever is selected to be the second assistant to Public Safety Director Craig Berte and receive a salary between $91,203 and $148,218, according to the job listing. The other assistant is Police Chief Mark Howard. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-fire-chief-finalists-ledeker-zolondek-to-meet-community-monday-tuesday/article_62939f7d-bb8b-5fa5-a649-8adb557403ed.html | 2023-05-21T13:18:43 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cedar-falls-fire-chief-finalists-ledeker-zolondek-to-meet-community-monday-tuesday/article_62939f7d-bb8b-5fa5-a649-8adb557403ed.html |
WATERLOO — After 41 years, the annual Fourth Street Cruise is “Still the One.”
Waterloo’s favorite Memory Lane will be lined with spectators downtown on Saturday as hundreds of classic and custom cars rev their engines and roll off side-by-side for an afternoon of motoring, music and fun.
This year’s cruise is from noon to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge.
“Last year, we counted at least 800 cars cruising down Fourth Street. The Park Avenue Bridge is still closed, so we’ll use the same route that had the cars cruising side by side. That worked really well, and people loved it,” said Teri Lynn, community relations coordinator for NRG Media and KOKZ 105.7 radio.
“We’re definitely keeping our fingers crossed for excellent weather. KOKZ will be broadcasting music throughout the cruise. All you have to do is tune your radio to 105.7. There will be sound systems set up along Fourth Street so the public can hear the music, too, as the cars rumble past,” Lynn said.
Friday’s Show and Shine will get the weekend started from 5 to 9 p.m. on the National Cattle Congress grounds. Exhibitors can drive onto the grounds, make a freewill donation to the Waterloo Exchange Club and show off polished chrome fenders, fins and bumper bullets to car enthusiasts and lookie-loos. A limited number of dash plaques will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Gate admission for the public is $5. Johnny Rogers will perform a “Tribute to Buddy Holly and Beyond,” and food and beverages will be available to purchase.
On Saturday, staging for cars begins at 9 a.m. under the overpass at Washington and Fourth streets. There is no registration; just show up with your classic car or truck, a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.
East and West high school Junior ROTC color guards will lead off the cruise. The route will take cars across the Fourth Street Bridge, with a right turn on Mulberry Street to Fifth Street, and across the Fifth Street Bridge to Jefferson Street, then Fourth Street to repeat the loop.
“Spectators are encouraged to line Fourth Street. We’re also encouraging people to stop in and shop at local businesses and dine at downtown restaurants to show their support,” she said.
Food and beverage vendors will be set up along the route, as well. A limited number of $25 “Still the One” T-shirts will be available to purchase while supplies last. They can also be ordered online at stores.inksoft.com/23-4thstcruise/shop/product-detail/1001217.
The 12-member planning committee, including cruise founder Pat Derifield, work hard every year to make sure the tradition continues without a hitch – or stalled engine.
“It’s about community, family and togetherness. It’s a tradition for many people and brings them back into downtown to family gatherings and class reunions or getting together with friends,” Lynn explained. Recently, she made sure a 41st annual Cruise T-shirt was delivered to a man who requested one on his deathbed.
“His dying wish was to have a ‘Still the One’ T-shirt. His family got it to him, and he was ecstatic. He put it on and went to sleep and didn’t wake up. I’ve been in radio a long time, and that’s a first for me. It shows you how important this event is to people, the family ties and how it connects people to the community. KOKZ loves being a part of it,” she said.
Lynn also expressed her thanks to the city of Waterloo for its support, “especially the police department because the cruise is a big undertaking. We want everyone to be courteous, follow the laws, no burn-outs or peel-outs and have a great time just kicking back and hanging out with family and friends.”
Photos: "40th on 4th Street Cruise" in downtown Waterloo | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/saturdays-41st-annual-fourth-street-cruise-is-still-the-one/article_85968366-cdd7-53c9-81ae-ba793c4c5aed.html | 2023-05-21T13:18:50 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/saturdays-41st-annual-fourth-street-cruise-is-still-the-one/article_85968366-cdd7-53c9-81ae-ba793c4c5aed.html |
HAMPTON, Va. — A coffee shop coming to Buckroe Beach became the focus of worldwide internet intrigue after business owners documenting the building’s rehab discovered a locked vault hidden within the shop’s walls.
Napier said he knew the building had previously served as a bank through the 1990s but had no idea the vault was left behind. Excited by what they found, Spring started recording their discoveries and uploading the videos to Instagram and Facebook.
“I just posted that video randomly because people like house flipping shows,” Spring said. “I’m like, ‘Well, how about, like, business flipping?’ Right? That might be a fun thing to share.”
The April 19 Instagram video showing the discovery of the 9-by-12-foot vault quickly amassed more than 4 million views, and the company’s Instagram page ballooned to more than 32,000 followers eager to see what was in the safe.
Spring contacted David Goodman of Coffey’s Lockshop in early May to help him open the vault. But the vault, which had likely been unused for decades, was rusted shut.
“When I realized that the vault was unopenable from the outside because of rusted bolts and everything, that’s when we decided we had to cut through the walls,” Goodman said.
Spring and Napier turned the opening of the vault into an exciting event online, livestreaming to followers for seven hours on May 3 as they cut through the vault to reveal what was inside. Napier said it was shocking to see people from all over the world tune in, many from other countries such as Australia or Sweden.
“People were just invested. They just wanted to know what was going on,” Napier said. “So, it was encouraging in a lot of ways.”
To get into the vault, they cut through solid concrete to make a 1-foot hole for the team to crawl through to enter the bank vault from behind.
After seven hours of cutting through concrete, Spring and Napier could finally enter the vault.
But while the vault brought the business partners internet fame, it didn’t contain any fortune.
Inside the vault, they found an assortment of random items including books, mugs, horseshoes, license plates, receipts, computers from 1992, old bottles, stuffed animals and dishes. They also found a safe within the vault, which contained only rubber bands.
Napier acknowledged there was no “buried treasure,” but he said he found the discoveries inside the vault amusing.
Most viewers appeared to get a kick out of the expedition as well, though Spring said some people were “pretty hostile” about the lack of a treasure inside the vault. He compared the situation to when Geraldo Rivera opened a walled-off underground room in the former Lexington Hotel in Chicago on live TV. The 1986 broadcast, which drew in 30 million viewers hoping to see the discovery of goods owned by crime lord Al Capone, disappointed audiences when the vault turned out to be mostly empty.
Spring said he tried to warn people that there may be nothing significant in the vault, hoping to avoid the same backlash.
“They’re like, ‘You could have opened it by now if you had the combo,’ and I’m like, ‘It’s rusted shut,’” he said.
He hopes the newfound social media fame will translate into support for the coffee shop when it eventually opens. In fact, the business leaned into the popularity of the vault expedition in its marketing efforts. Online, the company is selling bags of the aptly named “safe haven” roast coffee and merchandise featuring safes and keys.
Napier, an attorney and real estate investor, bought the property thinking it could have “transformative” potential for the area.
“If we can accomplish what we’re hoping to accomplish, we really want to make this a pretty fantastic community space,” Napier said.
Plans include restoring a drive-thru service, but also turning space behind the building into a small garden, pumpkin patch and event area.
“We’re going to offer the benefit of a ‘come in and sit down’ coffee place with air conditioning, spectacular Wi-Fi, merchandise and swag,” Spring said. “Maybe have a little section for some beach stuff if somebody wanted to pick up some beach towels or whatever because they forgot them on the way to the beach.”
They hope to open the coffee shop on July 1. Spring wants to hire 35-40 people and said he is already in the process of interviewing people.
As for the items found in the vault, Spring and Napier hope to put them on display in a glass shelf for customers to see. Spring said the vault is too big and heavy to move, so it will remain where it is. He hopes to turn the vault into a walk-through attraction where people can go inside the vault and buy merchandise. He does not intend to cover up the hole they cut to break into it.
“I feel like it’s a scar; it’s bragging rights,” Spring joked about the hole. “We’ll maybe put a little plaque above it where it’s like, ‘These guys worked way too hard to get inside this empty box.’” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/05/21/exchange-coffee-shop-hidden-vault/a4584ce8-f7d7-11ed-bafc-bf50205661da_story.html | 2023-05-21T13:45:41 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2023/05/21/exchange-coffee-shop-hidden-vault/a4584ce8-f7d7-11ed-bafc-bf50205661da_story.html |
Law enforcement officials in Bucks County are warning drivers to be on the lookout for someone reportedly pretending to be a police officer after a woman was, allegedly, stopped illegally early Saturday.
According to police, just after midnight, early Saturday, a 31-year-old woman was pulled over while attempting to drive out of a Wawa parking lot along West Trenton Avenue, near the intersection of Pine Grove Road in Morrisville.
At that time, officials said, the woman's vehicle was pulled over by an alleged police impersonator who was driving a black or blue SUV with blue and red lights on an interior dashboard.
Law enforcement officials described the alleged impersonator as a white man, believed to be in his 30s, standing about 5-foot-9-inches tall who was clean shaven with a thin build.
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At the time of the incident, officials said, the man allegedly impersonating an officer was wearing a plain dark-colored uniform, with an exterior vest and was carrying a flashlight and wearing a golden badge.
Anyone with information on this incident asked to contact the assigned investigator, Detective Christopher Iacono at 267-979-0481, via email at c.iacono@fallstwppd.com, or anonymously at tiplines@fallstwppd.com.
Any driver concerned about the legitimacy of a traffic stop is reminded to pull into a well lit area and call 911 to verify, law enforcement officials said. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/drivers-warned-to-look-out-for-police-imposter-in-bucks-co/3570534/ | 2023-05-21T13:49:17 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/drivers-warned-to-look-out-for-police-imposter-in-bucks-co/3570534/ |
Camp Dearborn to celebrate 75 years
Camp Dearborn, the city’s popular recreation and camping area in Milford, is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary with two days of family-friendly activities.
Eventgoers can enjoy the 626-acre retreat during the celebration 5:30 p.m. through 9 p.m. June 30 and noon until 10:30 p.m. July 1. Tickets are available through June 9.
“Curious and nostalgic participants can look forward to the Camp Dearborn Memories display, showcasing more than seven decades of photographs, as well as the City’s plan for the future development of what was originally called the ‘Citizens’ Country Club,” Dearborn officials said in a release announcing the event.
Among the activities are free putt-putt golf at the camp’s Adventureland course 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. June 30 and a giant sprinkler from noon to 5 p.m. July 1.
A six-hole disc golf course is open both days.
A bucket of range balls at Mystic Creek costs $4 from noon until 4 p.m. July 1.
The event also features food trucks with a variety of cuisines.
Musical performances will be rock band Holly & The Johnnies on June 30 and and the Jody Raffoul Band on July 1.
A large fireworks display takes place over the main lake beginning at dusk on July 1, according to organizers.
Tickets are available at www.campdearborn.com through Friday, June 9 and include gate admission and parking. Tickets purchased prior to June 1 will cost $8 for June 30, $16 for July 1 and $21 for both days.
After June 1 through June 9, the ticket prices increase to $16, $32 and $42, respectively, city officials said.
Camp Dearborn includes a beach, athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic areas and a 27-hole golf course, according to its website.
The city for years considered selling it and in the 2000s launched an aggressive marketing campaign to boost revenues amid declining attendance.
Camp Dearborn officials announced earlier this year it would decommission old, green tents, which are featured in a majority of the main campgrounds.
In March, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said $2 million of the $30 million the city has earmarked for public park improvements will go toward upgrading Camp Dearborn, which the city has owned and operated since 1948.
The city will conduct a master plan for Camp Dearborn that includes adding hiking and biking paths.
The camp is also expected to receive electrical upgrades, new tents, public Wi-Fi and better paddle boats. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/20/camp-dearborn-to-celebrate-75-years/70238541007/ | 2023-05-21T13:58:00 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/20/camp-dearborn-to-celebrate-75-years/70238541007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Porsha Norwood says her family lost about $60,000 when three of their storage units were broken into and cleaned out. One last year and two recently. They filed police reports but so far have not heard back on the property loss.
“Insurance will only cover about $5,000,” said Norwood. “They took off the hinges of the door and got in. And they didn’t even cut off the lock. They took the hinges off of it. So that one was a really big loss.”
Norwood says she had signed memorabilia, including boxing gloves and Kobe Bryant-signed jerseys.
“So we have jerseys, and we have all these other things. And they tell us, ‘Hey, we can only cover $5,000 worth,'” added Norwood. “And I know a lot of people would be like, ‘Why would you put those types of things in storage?’ I know, but we are literally in the process of getting a house built, so we were in this little, tiny apartment that is just full of stuff at the time.”
Norwood says she thought she was doing the right thing by getting storage units that are behind fencing and a locked gate. She also bought a high-dollar lock to go on the storage door.
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) reports indicate nearly two dozen storage unit thefts at the same location in the past year.
“I’m keeping the police reports we filed and talking to insurance,” said Norwood. “We just got cleaned out. There’s nothing left worth saving. I mean I can go get a new suitcase and luggage, that’s not the problem. There’s nothing. One of the storage units, they left a chair. Out of a whole storage unit, they left a chair.”
Insurance experts in Wichita say to do homework before you rent any facility to store your belongings.
“So with your homeowner’s policy, generally, you’re going to find a lot of those carriers are going to have what is ten percent of your contents coverage,” said Justin Dame with Wiggans Farha Insurance Group. “So if you’ve got $200,000 in coverage on your homeowner’s policy, then you’ll have 20% of your off-site, premise coverage that’s going to cover things that are stored in like a storage unit.”
Norwood says homework is not always the first thing on your mind when you get storage for your belongings.
“Research your storage company. Research where you’re putting your treasured items at,” said Norwood. “Most people, when they pick a storage unit, it’s a quick move. There’s not homework being done or research being done. It’s a storage facility that’s close to where I need to be. And that’s fine. Don’t do that. Don’t do that. I can not stress enough how important it is to research the storage facility where you will be putting your personal belongings.”
Norwood has a video she is sharing with WPD and says she hopes her story is a lesson to others.
“Never would we have seen this coming,” said Norwood. “Never.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-family-lost-tens-of-thousands-of-dollars-out-of-storage-unit-in-west-wichita/ | 2023-05-21T13:58:19 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-family-lost-tens-of-thousands-of-dollars-out-of-storage-unit-in-west-wichita/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has made an arrest in connection to the fentanyl toxicity death of a 22-month-old boy.
The WPD says on June 21, 2022, officers were dispatched to a local hospital after the toddler arrived unresponsive. At the time, it was unknown how the child died.
Nearly a year later on May 17, 2023, lab results returned and a warrant was issued. The Special Investigations Bureau Community Response Team located the man and he was taken into custody without incident.
KSN does not name suspects until formal charges are filed. We will update this story with more information as it is received. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-man-arrested-in-connection-to-murder-of-toddler-nearly-one-year-later/ | 2023-05-21T13:58:25 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichita-man-arrested-in-connection-to-murder-of-toddler-nearly-one-year-later/ |
HIGH POINT — Empathy.
Courtesy.
Information about what sights, sounds and experiences to expect.
Quiet places to retreat if those experiences get overwhelming.
In High Point, tourism leaders are betting if they can offer these basics for autistic people and their families, they can attract more visitors and dollars to the city while becoming more inclusive.
Earlier this month, a group called the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards recognized the city as a "certified autism destination." It's the second city in the United States to receive the designation from the group, and the first in the eastern part of the country.
That announcement came after more than a dozen local attractions, restaurants, hotels and organizations went through training with the Florida organization to become "certified" autism centers. It's a project that Visit High Point — the city's nonprofit tourism arm — has been working on since 2021, building an itinerary that's centered on family attractions like Q's Corner, the High Point Museum and the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum.
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"It’s just so amazing to see that this is coming to fruition," said Kerry Magro, an autistic professional speaker, author and consultant who serves on the International Board of Credentialing's board.
As of 2020, an estimated 1 out of every 36 children in the United States had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the time they were eight years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"When you have statistics like that, all of a sudden it becomes a business plan really fast," said Melody Burnett, the president of Visit High Point.
****
The story of how and why High Point tourism leaders sought certification for the city begins with the 2021 opening of the Q's Corner play place on North Main Street. Candace Humphrey and William Hayes, parents of an autistic child, created the indoor play gym as a business catering to the needs of children with varying abilities.
Carlvena Foster, a Guilford County commissioner and a board member of Visit High Point, learned that many visitors to Q's corner were from out of town and looking for other places to go. So Foster asked Burnett to connect with Humphrey.
Coincidently, a podcast that Burnett followed had aired an episode about Mesa, Ariz. — the other city certified by the International Board. In the podcast, Marc Garcia, the CEO of Visit Mesa, talked about the vacation he and his family took to another city. Garcia explained that his son, who is autistic, had "meltdown after meltdown after meltdown" while the family faced whispers and stares from the staff of the restaurants and hotels they visited, which he said was "extremely uncomfortable."
"I said, you know, this isn't right. This isn't how it should be. We are in the hospitality industry, for crying out loud," he recalled. "While I couldn't do anything about it there, I knew it was something I could address in Mesa, so that's what I set out to do."
Based on that podcast, Visit High Point set out to follow Mesa's lead, working with the International Board to pursue certification.
David Laxton, the director of communications for the Autism Society of North Carolina, said what's been happening in High Point and Mesa coincides with similar efforts in other places. That includes the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, and the South Carolina city of Myrtle Beach, which advertises its certification by the Champion Autism Network.
Laxton said he's glad to see cities and attractions taking a look at how to better welcome and serve autistic people. He hopes that initiative can spread beyond tourism and hospitality to incorporate a wider variety of locations. There's so much more for communities to do, he added, in learning how to better understand and include autistic people.
Still, with the example set by High Point and others, "we view this as progress," he said.
****
To become certified by the International Board of Credentialing, at least 80 percent of staff that interact with guests must complete training on autism, which has to be renewed every two years. The training covers how to understand sensory and communications needs or differences. It also emphasizes that autistic people are not all the same.
"We let them know not to say, 'Oh, I'm sorry that you are autistic!' or something like that," explained Meredith Tekin, who leads the International Board of Credentialing.
Trainees, she said, also learn about behaviors they might see from an autistic person, such as flapping hands or vocalizations, and about requests they and their families might make, including food preferences.
"At the end of the day you are going to have empathetic staff and some more tools at your disposal," Tekin said.
For each area of an attraction, the group gives a rating from 1 to 10 — with 1 being low sensory stimulation and 10 being high — for touch, taste, sight, sound and smell.
So, for example, the fire truck exhibit at the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum in High Point is a level 3 for touch, with opportunities to walk into the vehicle and handle the steering wheel. It's also a level 6 for sound due to the truck's siren and because it can be an active area.
That information allows families to plan ahead for sensory experiences they think might be enjoyable — or want to avoid.
Peyton and Jason Davis of Colfax, the parents of an autistic five-year-old, have been advising Visit High Point. They said some autistic people are sensory avoiding and some are sensory seeking. But others, like their son, are more of a mix.
"It really can vary. It's not like calm and quiet is the most ideal," Peyton explained. "Another part that is challenging — some days he can really get a lot from his environment and love that and other days its overwhelming for him."
Magro of the International Board said the work being done today on making destinations more welcoming is breaking new ground. He wishes it had been around when he was a child. Back then, he had to avoid public places because of how challenging it was for him to deal with overstimulation.
"It was isolating at times," he described.
These days, Magro is more comfortable in public, including speaking in front of audiences and traveling. The main thing he seeks for himself when traveling is just to book his hotel room away from a lot of foot traffic, elevator sounds or other noises.
Both Magro and Tekin said that something autistic children and their families can typically expect at attractions that are certified like the ones in High Point is a designated "quiet room." Magro said it may include items many autistic people find soothing: fidget spinners, weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones.
At the children's museum in High Point, there is a quiet room available for whomever needs it. Most commonly it's children, autistic or not, who need a break, said Executive Director Megan Ward. But they've also had parents looking for somewhere to decompress.
"Usually, if you are getting overwhelmed, you don't want a bunch of attention put on you, and so the low-sensory spaces can be good for that as well," Tekin said.
****
Riley Hammond, the manager of Distractions Art Studio in High Point, said one thing that struck her about the autism training was discovering that 1 out of every 6 people, including those without autism, has a sensory need.
Hammond said she realized that means her as well. She finds noisy environments distracting and prefers to use ear plugs in those situations.
She said she was motivated to make her studio a "certified autism center" after recalling the accommodations she received for dyslexia in college.
"I was like, OK, this is something that's changed my life," she said. "So when I think about me being able to accommodate another person, I feel really inspired to be able to help someone feel safe and feel comfortable and have a good time — just like anybody else can. It's so important to me."
Peyton and Jason Davis usually only have a handful of places they will go with their son, but earlier this month they decided to try dining at Sweet Old Bill's, a High Point restaurant that's one of the new certified centers.
The service was prompt, they said, and no one asked that their son, who is uncomfortable in shoes, to wear them.
The best part, they said, was just knowing they were welcome. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/autism-tourism-north-carolina-sensory-needs-high-point-certified-autism-destination-visit-high-point-kerry-magro-meredith-tekin-courtesy-hospitality/article_e4d58486-f762-11ed-8c86-eff59d54b5de.html | 2023-05-21T13:59:57 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/autism-tourism-north-carolina-sensory-needs-high-point-certified-autism-destination-visit-high-point-kerry-magro-meredith-tekin-courtesy-hospitality/article_e4d58486-f762-11ed-8c86-eff59d54b5de.html |
Coconino County is now accepting exhibit entries for the 74th annual Coconino County Fair, which will get underway on Labor Day Weekend in September.
About 40,000 people visit Forth Tuthill County Park when the skyline is marked by a towering Ferris wheel and brightly colored flags announcing offerings from food vendors.
For Ricky Conway, the Coconino County Fair manager, community exhibits are the highlight of the event. Recipes and gardening triumphs, quilted masterpieces, photographs, paintings, and livestock are all showcased triumphantly inside the white and green buildings at the fair.
It’s free to enter your work, and, thanks to a sponsorship from the Friends of Coconino County Parks, some winners will receive cash prizes.
“Because it’s such a focal point for us, we really want exhibits,” Conway said.
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He added that entries will be accepted through July or August. To encourage community participation outside of the Flagstaff area, parks and recreation staff will pick up any nonperishable, nonlivestock entries at the Fredonia Public Library, Williams Public Library, Page Public Library and Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center.
Anyone who submits five entries or more will receive a complimentary admission ticket to the fair. This year, that prospect might be especially enticing.
Admission fees for the Coconino County Fair are changing for the first time since 2008.
Conway explained that the modest increase in ticket prices will help the event to thrive as costs of goods and labor continue to rise.
Conway said that the event is largely staffed by temp workers; Flagstaff’s minimum wage increase helped to drive up the cost of putting on the event.
“The fair doesn’t operate from the general fund. The fair has to exceed expenditures with the revenue we bring in,” Conway said.
The increase in general admission prices, as well as senior ticket prices, he hopes will help offset the growing costs of staffing.
Admission fees have helped pay for the fair in years past, funding capital improvements for restrooms and animal barns.
Last year, revenue from ticket sales paid for the creation of a new mobile app — which meant fairgoers could have an easy-to-access layout and schedule in the palm of their hands.
The app will be back next year, alongside signage that was improved during the 73rd edition of the fair.
Conway hopes to see shuttle service expanded for this year's fair.
In years past, a free shuttle has taxied attendees from Northern Arizona University to Fort Tuthill. Conway said the county wants to offer the same service in east Flagstaff, with potential stops at the mall and on King Street.
Efforts are still underway to add more free shuttle stops.
While ticket prices are going up for general admission and seniors, they’re not increasing for everyone.
The price of youth tickets will remain the same, and at the suggestion of Coconino County Supervisor Judy Begay, veteran’s admission was dropped from $7 to $5 for 2023.
It’s a small change, but it’ll keep the event going strong, according to Conway.
After 11 years at the helm of the decades old event, Conway is taking another job at Coconino County.
So the search is on for a new Coconino County fair director.
“Luckily we have an amazing cast and crew. I’ll be staying with the county. former fair manager Cynthia Nemeth will be here to help out; we have a lot of great staff that will be able to bridge this gap,” said Conway. “I’ve loved working on the Coconino County Fair, and I’m sad to leave ... it’s a bittersweet moment.”
Still, Conway hopes to end on a high note and takes pride in the acts that will appear on the stage and in the crowd at the 2023 carnival and exhibition.
This year’s fair will feature an appearance from sword swallower and comedian Dan Myer. On the main stage this year, attendees will have the chance to see Arizona's "grassy roots" Americana band Thunder and Lightning; country star Jerrod Nieman -- best known for his 2010 hit, "Lover Lover;" and the Hot Red Chili Peppers, who will put their spin on late '90s/early 2000s rock staples from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Fair Book is available now at coconinocountyfair.com. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/change-is-coming-for-the-74th-annual-coconino-county-fair/article_5296f2ae-e86b-11ed-98a3-0b7a5fb5abaf.html | 2023-05-21T14:03:26 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/change-is-coming-for-the-74th-annual-coconino-county-fair/article_5296f2ae-e86b-11ed-98a3-0b7a5fb5abaf.html |
About a week ago, Flagstaff resident Adam Paquette was among many taking advantage of warming weather to hit the trails as he steered his bike up the Big Bang Trail near Schultz Creek.
“[The trail was] completely clear and in good condition,” Paquette said. “Almost crashed; but that’s more at fault for my ability that the trail.”
Paquette had chosen to ride Big Bang after seeing its status on Flagstaff Trail Updates Instagram page, a grassroots, community social media effort created to get information to the public about the condition of trails all around Flagstaff.
For close to three years, the page has been a go-to for residents of Flagstaff and visitors alike who are looking to hit the trails -- be it in the seat of a bike, a horse, a dirt bike or just on their own two legs, hiking or running.
“I’m eagerly waiting for them to say Sunset [trail] is clear,” said Paquette, who uses the source in addition to a few other websites and apps to monitor what trails might be fit to be ridden.
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“I keep an eye on it, and it’s useful as a local barometer of clear trails. I also like it as info for [volunteer] trail days,” Paquette said.
That sentiment is exactly the goals of the page, said Trey Kettering, one of about three people who manage the account.
Kettering said the majority of the information they post about trail conditions comes from the community. He added that he hopes the page can be a resource for all the user groups that recreate around Flagstaff -- be they cyclists, equestrians or hikers.
“People come together through Instagram direct messages, and people will tag us in their Instagram stories so we can re-post it,” Kettering told the Arizona Daily Sun. “There are a lot of different people, a lot of people that come up from the Valley or Tucson in the summer, who know about the account and tag us, and there's a lot of people that live here that consistently tag the account.”
That’s important, Kettering said, not just for the enjoyment of those using the trails around Flagstaff, but also the trails themselves.
When people recreate on trails that aren’t ready, if those trails are still wet and muddy, that can damage the trails for everyone else, Kettering said. And many of those trails are built in large part by volunteers.
"We just have to recognize that these trails take 1,000s of hours to build, and that volunteers spent their own weekends out there,” Kettering said. “We should really respect this public resource that we have and respect the other people that are using it.”
Kettering is often one of the volunteers building trails. To that end, Artec Durham, who started the page in the midst of 2020, says he also works with the Coconino National Forest to publicize information about when and where those volunteer events are taking place.
But updating the public as to trail conditions wasn’t the only goal of the page for the man who started it.
Durham started the updates as ever more people were getting outdoors to escape the claustrophobia of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between shifts working as a nurse at the height of the pandemic, Durham would recreate outside to decompress, and he was often asked by other recreationists about which trails might be clear and usable.
“I was out every day on my bike, or hiking, and people are always asking me, "What’s dry, what are you riding?" Because in the middle of winter in Flagstaff, you can often go on lower south-facing stuff,” Durham said. “So I was like, ‘Well, I'm just going to make a trail updates Instagram account for trail conditions.’”
And almost immediately, he other community members started tagging the account to report the conditions on trails they were using.
Durham said he hopes the page can continue to be a resource -- not just to get trail condition updates out, but also get more young people involved in managing and supporting outdoor recreation in northern Arizona.
During the development of the Flagstaff Trails Initiative, Durham said, he was always discouraged by how few young people were involved in those conversations about the future of recreation around Flagstaff, despite making up a huge portion of those who use trails.
That project is an effort to examine how to manage and grow the over 400 miles of trails around Flagstaff.
“I was going to a lot of those meetings, and I'd be the youngest person at these meetings in my mid-30s, and it just seemed like there was a real generational void of anyone really under like 50 at a lot of these events,” Durham said. “So how do we reach the younger generation of users to be involved in trails?”
Durham said he thought something that could help generate more involvement was a way to communicate some of that information through a medium that younger recreationists are already using, and be more proactive in reaching out to a younger generation.
“Potentially, the bigger part of that isn’t which trail to try, that’s important, but also like, ‘Hey, there’s a dig day, come out and help build trials, there’s a survey on trails, fill out the survey,’ and reaching a whole swath of people who weren't involved in trails before,” Durham said. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-trail-updates-grassroots-social-media-informs-trail-users-of-conditions/article_2f5b715e-f4df-11ed-b142-53481f176572.html | 2023-05-21T14:03:32 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-trail-updates-grassroots-social-media-informs-trail-users-of-conditions/article_2f5b715e-f4df-11ed-b142-53481f176572.html |
The Kenosha History Center has a new display that honors the 14 soldiers from Kenosha County who are still listed as “missing in action” — along with one who finally came back home in 2014.
“Kenosha’s Missing, Not Forgotten” tells the story of Staff Sgt. James VanBendegom, who was born in 1948 and then raised and educated in Kenosha.
He volunteered for the Army in January 1967 and died in July 1967.
After years of being listed as missing in action, he was identified and returned to Kenosha through the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
According to that agency, there are still more than 81,500 American service members who are missing in action since World War II.
Through the agency’s work — and thanks to advances in genetics, along with the cooperation of former enemies and years of research — the number of soldiers listed as MIA continues to shrink.
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In 2014, VanBendegom was laid to rest 47 years after dying of his wounds in a North Vietnamese field hospital in Cambodia.
While his burial in Kenosha on Veterans Day in 2014 brought some sense of closure to his family, History Center officials said, “many families are not so fortunate.”
Along with VanBendegom’s story, the display also profiles one of Kenosha’s missing soldiers, U.S. Marine Capt. David Leet of Somers, and one of Kenosha’s found, Casimir Lobacz.
Also included is a list of all of Kenosha’s missing in action since World War I.
The exhibit will run through the end of the summer.
“Please join us in remembering those who have not come home,” History Center officials said.
A family remembers
At the 2015 Wisconsin American Legion First District POW/MIA Silent March, Bob VanBendegom talked about his brother, James.
In their last conversation, Bob asked his brother if he knew why he was going to Vietnam.
“Without hesitation he replied with a resounding ‘yes’,” Bob said. “At the time, it seemed to be resonating more from a soldier than a brother.”
Bob VanBendegom, who served in the Air Force in Vietnam, said for his family, service was an unwritten code: Without hesitation, you served your country.
“Within less than a month of last seeing him, my brother had succumbed to his battlefield wounds and died a prisoner of war,” Bob told the 2015 crowd. “Like thousands of other POW/MIAs, he will always remain a friend, a son and a brother whose sacrifice must not be forgotten.”
Bob VanBendegom also urged those in the 2015 audience to serve, not necessarily in the military, but to serve by reaching out and helping others in need within the community. By doing so, the legacy of service goes on and honors those who remain unaccounted for, he said.
The History Center, 220 51st Place, is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free; donations are accepted. For more information, go to kenoshahistorycenter.org. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/history-center-honors-kenoshas-missing-not-forgotten/article_93267d7c-f675-11ed-b2cd-0744d7e9746a.html | 2023-05-21T14:06:03 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/history-center-honors-kenoshas-missing-not-forgotten/article_93267d7c-f675-11ed-b2cd-0744d7e9746a.html |
May 21 is International Tea Day and even if that drink isn’t your ... cup of tea ... we love celebrating something every day. Tea itself comes in a wide variety of flavors and is served hot or cold. It’s been used for everything from a simple morning libation to the central element of social and religious rituals. To celebrate, set up an afternoon tea today at 3 p.m., complete with those cute little sandwiches and plenty of sweets. If you have a cute mug, now’s the time to use it.
Today is your last chance to see “Charlotte’s Web” — based on the beloved classic children’s novel — at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. The performance starts at 2 p.m. and last about 90 minutes, with one intermission. Tickets are $10 and are available at rhodecenter.org and at the door.
Ballet Kenosha is performing “Alice in Wonderland” today at Mahone Middle School, 6900 60th St., featuring students from Kenosha Academy of Performing Arts. Performances are noon and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15-$17 (plus fees). To purchase tickets, clink on the show link at kenoshadancemusicdrama.com or call 262-605-3951.
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The Southport Light Station Museum, 5117 Fourth Ave., is now open for the season, offering tours and climbs through Oct. 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Visitors are welcome to climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse: $10 for adults and $5 for ages 8-12. Children must be 8 or older to climb. All ages are welcome inside the free maritime museum. For more information, visit kenoshahistorycenter.org.
The Transparent Watercolor Society of America’s exhibit is on display at the Kenosha Public Museum. The show features paintings from top watercolor artists, working in a wide range of styles. The group’s annual National Juried Exhibition is a summer staple at the Kenosha museum, 5500 First Ave., and it’s available to view for free through Aug. 6. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-sunday-may-21/article_3bf5d180-f69b-11ed-b0a1-fb7d4fdae122.html | 2023-05-21T14:06:09 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-sunday-may-21/article_3bf5d180-f69b-11ed-b0a1-fb7d4fdae122.html |
A new grocery store has been proposed for Downtown Kenosha.
Public Food Markets, Inc., the group behind the Kenosha Public Market, has announced plans to build a multi-story grocery store and shared commercial kitchen at the southeast corner of 58th Street and Sixth Avenue.
The project is “in its infancy,” according to Michael McTernan, president of Public Food Markets, who said the group plans to present the project to the Kenosha Plan Commission at its June 22 meeting.
Depending on feedback, the goal is to break ground by summer 2024, with an opening in 2025.
According to plan documents, the proposed building has a footprint of 8,668 square feet, with two floors and a basement. Local vendors and businesses would be able to rent space in the kitchen to cook, and there would be cold and dry storage.
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The full-service grocery would have grab-and-go selections, pick-up and delivery services and in-store shopping.
Plans include an event space on the second floor.
McTernan talked about what the grocery store would mean for the area.
“The whole reason we started the Kenosha Public Market was because we saw the need,” McTernan said.
While the grocery store wouldn’t offer the mass quantities of a larger grocery chain, the produce would be locally sourced and the store would be locally owned and operated.
“Even today, the science tells us people need to eat healthy to fight disease and live a healthy life,” McTernan said.
The proposed location, sitting in the heart of Downtown Kenosha, is currently an empty grass field next to a city parking lot.
“We need a permanent location in Downtown Kenosha to bring fresh, healthy food, because there’s no options,” McTernan said.
The new grocery store wouldn’t mean the end of the Kenosha Public Market, which would continue operation through construction, and the two ventures would run in tandem after completion.
Ald. Bill Siel, whose District 2 would include the proposed project site, said he had not yet received details of the proposal, but spoke positively about the addition of any grocery store to the Downtown.
With the large scale developments planned for Downtown Kenosha, including the creation of over 1,000 living units, Siel said a grocery store would be needed.
“I think that’d be a great thing to have with more people coming to Downtown,” Siel said. “It’s certainly a step in the right direction for Downtown.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/new-downtown-kenosha-grocery-proposed-at-58th-street-and-sixth-avenue/article_b2bbe014-f666-11ed-ae7f-a79295b4cfb2.html | 2023-05-21T14:06:15 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/new-downtown-kenosha-grocery-proposed-at-58th-street-and-sixth-avenue/article_b2bbe014-f666-11ed-ae7f-a79295b4cfb2.html |
Name: Jacob Christiansen
School: Wilmot High School
Nickname: Jake
Parents: Herm and Kim Christiansen of Burlington
Most memorable high school moment: Hitting a walk-off hit in my regional baseball game against Elkhorn mysophomore year.
Most influential teacher: Tom Robers in Freshman Health and Gym; I had Mr. Robers my freshman year and he is just a genuinely nice guy. Still to this day, he greets me in the hallway as I pass by his door everyday and always strikes up a conversation with me, always asking how my day is going and always is checking in.
School activities/clubs: Future Educators Association, National Honor Society
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School athletics: Baseball, basketball, football, golf
School offices held: President of Educators Rising Club
Honors, letters or awards: Football: 3x Varsity Letter Award Winner, 2nd Team All Conference Linebacker, Captain; Basketball: 2x Varsity Letter Award Winner, Honorable Mention All Conference, 2nd Team All Conference Linebacker, 2x Captain; Baseball: 3x Varsity Letter Award Winner; Golf: 2x Varsity Letter Award Winner, Sectional Qualifier
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: Playing more sports, hanging with friends and family
College choice: UW-La Crosse
Intended major/field of study: Sports Management/Business
Role model: My Dad
Three words that best describe my role model: Hardworking, Loving, Coach
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: I hope to be making a lot of money in whatever career I pursue because as of right now I am not sure. I want to support a family and coach my kids like my dad did for me when I was young. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-jacob-christiansen-of-wilmot-high-school/article_3c6c896a-f5ba-11ed-b54a-276b0f451708.html | 2023-05-21T14:06:21 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-jacob-christiansen-of-wilmot-high-school/article_3c6c896a-f5ba-11ed-b54a-276b0f451708.html |
TWIN FALLS — After weeks spent learning about the things that create a community — businesses, roads, houses, and services — the third-graders at Oregon Trail Elementary built their own.
Each student planned, designed, built and decorated a model house and business, and, on Friday, they set up a town called Roxaboxen in the gym, filled with more than 90 structures.
Roxaboxen was inspired by a book of the same name, which tells of an empty field in Yuma, Arizona, that was converted into a miniature town that the children played in for years.
The entire third-grade class spent more than three weeks working on the different aspects of the project, from mapping and geography, to writing and story telling, to the hands-on design and construction of their buildings, the students’ teacher, Monica Coombs, told the Times-News.
“The projects were all sent home and it was a family project where they got to build and design their house and their business,” Coombs said. “We’ve been doing tons of mapping activities, lots of geography actives, lots of writing activities...
“The kids have just loved this unit.”
Corban Arrington made a bookstore, and, next door, Bisam Magar made soccer field. Magar said he chose the soccer field because he is a fanatic of the sport.
Students made booklets full of worksheets that had room to draw plans, write down important features of their buildings, and even describe how to determine employees’ wages.
Annie Christiansen built a library full of miniature books, inspired by her mother, a librarian at the school.
Just down the road, Zaidyn Silva built an auto dealership, full of unique and eye-catching cars that the town’s residents might want to buy.
“I didn’t want anyone in the town to have to walk in the rain or anything,” Silva told the Times-News.
Sawyer Chambers built a pizza parlor, complete with tables, chairs, electric lights, and even a nearby manhole to make access easier for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Building a model community at Oregon Trail Elementary
Oregon Trail third-graders Juan Gomez, left, Emmalyn Swindler, center, and Remi Lawrence, display the aquarium, zoo and carwash Friday for the Roxaboxen project.
Zaidyn Silva, right, describes features of the auto dealership he built for the Roxaboxen project to Oregon Trail students on Friday. Silva said he chose to build an auto dealership because he didn't want anyone in the town to have to walk in the rain.
Third-graders at Oregon Trail Elementary all chose their own model buildings to make for the Roxaboxen project, then displayed them for their school on Friday. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/building-a-model-community-at-oregon-trail-elementary/article_53c369e0-f68b-11ed-9422-270f6d5cb818.html | 2023-05-21T14:49:57 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/building-a-model-community-at-oregon-trail-elementary/article_53c369e0-f68b-11ed-9422-270f6d5cb818.html |
Jones tapped as interim principal for Twin Falls High School
The Twin Falls School District Board of Trustees announced Nancy Jones will take the role of interim principal at Twin Falls High School on July 1 for the 2023-24 school year. Jones will fill the role previously held by Ryan Nesmith who is taking a position at the district office.
The announcement came during the regular board meeting on Tuesday.
Jones is an associate principal at Twin Falls High School, a position she has held since 2021. She also served as half-time associate principal and half-time activities director.
Jones has served as head girls basketball coach at Twin Falls High School for 14 years.
“I am committed to being a collaborative and enthusiastic leader for our TFHS Bruin students, staff and community,” Jones said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the rich traditions, rigorous academics, excellence in activities, and shared belief that we are more than capable to meet the high expectations that our school has always been synonymous with.”
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Jones joined the district in 1990 as a third-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School and has taught math at middle and high schools since 2005.
Xavier student accepted to NASA-linked summer intern program
Twin Falls student Anna Grace Aiello will join peers in Idaho and from around the country at this year’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science summer high school intern program.
A student at Xavier Academy, Aiello will work alongside NASA subject matter experts and engage with authentic NASA research data to better understand Earth and space systems.
For Aiello, it was Idaho’s brilliant night skies that helped her to realize her passion for space.
“Growing up in Idaho with such ready access to clear night skies showed me how beautiful astronomy is,” Aiello said in a press release about the program. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue that interest in a meaningful way alongside career astronomers.”
The nationally competitive program is sponsored by NASA, the Texas Space Grant Consortium and the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research.
School District selects new director of fiscal affairs
The Twin Falls School District announced Zach Schaal will be taking the role of director of fiscal affairs starting June 12. Schaal will fill the role of Rachael Youren, who is leaving the district to work in the private sector.
As director of fiscal affairs, Schaal will be tasked with a wide variety of duties including coordinating with the superintendent in preparation, administration, and control over the budget; monitoring the enacted budget and providing controls as required; and preparing reports for administrators concerning the status of their budgetary accounts.
Schaal is a senior accountant for the College of Southern Idaho where he has worked since 2019. He worked as a financial analyst since 2010.
Zion’s Bank gives $1.50 to 5th-graders for National Teach Children to Save Day
Teaching children the importance of saving can set them up for success later in life. Leadership from Zion’s Bank Twin Falls branch paid a visit to IB Perrine Elementary, and paid $1.50 to each of 82 fifth-graders.
“National Teach Children to Save Day is an opportunity to instill positive lessons about saving and spending money,” bank service manager Luanne Haye said. “Helping children develop healthy financial habits will empower them to become responsible adults.”
Zions Bank, founded in 1873, operates 25 branches in Idaho and 96 branches in Utah and Wyoming. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/magic-valley-school-briefs/article_07ee3840-f6a1-11ed-acf8-0b821d63254f.html | 2023-05-21T14:50:03 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/magic-valley-school-briefs/article_07ee3840-f6a1-11ed-acf8-0b821d63254f.html |
Since 1858, the Globe Gazette has been proud to serve as your leading provider of local news in the place we call home.
From public schools to public safety, from startups to soccer, from the arts to local government, we have been committed for decades to informing, educating and entertaining our readers. And we couldn’t do it without your support of our local journalists who produce important work like covering the recent Kirk Apartments fire, RAGBRAI's successful visit last summer and the November deployment of the Army National Guard's 1133rd Transportation Company on a mission to Poland. More than ever, we’re dedicated to providing that type of unique local journalism.
Our commitment to being the strongest local news provider remains steadfast, but we also continue to change with the habits of our readers. Today, the communities we serve are different — the trails system in Mason City is undertaking an ambitious overhaul, improvements to the Surf District neighborhood are revitalizing downtown Clear Lake — and we at the Globe Gazette are evolving, too.
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Also, as we’ve adjusted to changing news consumption habits, we’ve adapted to some outside forces affecting the local news industry, such as shifts in advertising trends, increasing newsprint costs and the job market.
With all of that in mind, and in an effort to preserve the excellent local news coverage you’re used to, I’m writing to let you know that starting June 20, the print edition of the Globe Gazette will move to a different publication schedule, with delivery three days each week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In addition, your newspaper will transition from being delivered by a traditional newspaper delivery carrier to mail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.
The new three-day print frequency certainly represents a shift in your newspaper experience. But fewer days of print doesn’t mean less of the important, impactful local coverage that you’ve come to expect from us. We’re still your best source for local news content, and we remain deeply committed to covering our community all day, every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Every day, you’ll find the best of local, national and international news and features on our digital platforms, including our website, globegazette.com, our mobile app, our newsletters, our social media channels and our E-edition — the popular electronic replica of our print edition that’s accessible on our website or via our app. If you love the experience of reading the printed newspaper page after page, our E-edition could become your new best friend on days when a print edition is not delivered to your home. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, it will mirror the print newspaper. On the non-print days – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – your E-edition will include the most important news of the day – local, national, international, sports – and your comics, puzzles and advice columns, but it will be a condensed version of our traditional daily news report.
Now, back to your print edition …
Starting June 20, when you pick up your newspaper, you’re going to literally feel a difference. That’s because every print edition will be an expanded edition, with more content, more sections and more pages.
Every print day, you’ll have a “Sunday” reading experience that’s bursting with local news and opinions, investigative and watchdog journalism, personalities and profiles, sports stories that take you beyond the results of a game played a day or two ago, and a deeper look at the businesses and market leaders in our community and the world around us. You’ll be able to unwind from a work day with a great story from your favorite reporter. Or you can enjoy a laugh over dinner with your favorite comics. Are the kids already done with their homework? See how THEY do with our challenging puzzles. Our new print editions are going to engage you like never before.
You’ll also still have access to the daily comics and puzzles you’ve grown to love. All seven days’ worth of comics and puzzles will be delivered as part of the new three-day-per-week print editions. Can’t wait for the next print edition? Our E-editions will include daily comics and puzzles, and our website will continue to host more than 500 daily comic strips, dozens of puzzles and regular nationally syndicated columnists we’re sure you’ll love – if you haven’t already fallen in love with them, that is.
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Thank you for supporting the Globe Gazette and its journalists. We’re here, as we’ve always been, to serve you. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/your-expanded-globe-gazette-coming-soon/article_f2087c50-4af5-5d12-970a-5140f7dba336.html | 2023-05-21T14:54:52 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/your-expanded-globe-gazette-coming-soon/article_f2087c50-4af5-5d12-970a-5140f7dba336.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Saturday, dozens of people enjoyed the event ‘Walk with Wildlife’ at Great Plains Nature Center.
People could join in on a scavenger hunt, fishing, and learn about all kinds of wildlife from naturalists.
“We just want people to learn about nature up close because the more that you learn about something and understand it the more likely you are to take care of it. And that is really our goal is just to inspire stewardship of the natural world through this event,” said Great Plains Nature Center Director of Education Programs, Emily Davis.
The event raises funds to help keep the nature center free. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-take-part-in-walk-with-wildlife-at-great-plains-nature-center/ | 2023-05-21T14:55:18 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/dozens-take-part-in-walk-with-wildlife-at-great-plains-nature-center/ |
A 67-year-old inmate died Thursday night at the Reception and Treatment Center.
Michael Gunther started serving his life sentence in 2005 for first-degree murder in the shooting death of a fellow carnival worker in Bellevue. He also was convicted of second-degree murder in Iowa for murdering his estranged lover the same day.
While the cause of his death has not yet been determined, a prison spokesperson said Gunther was being treated for a medical condition.
A grand jury will be called to review his death, as is the case for all in-custody deaths.
This morning's top headlines: Friday, May 19
Zelenskyy to attend G7 summit Sunday as world leaders discuss new punishment for Russia over Ukraine
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has begun talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders ahead of the Group of Seven meeting in Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first atomic bomb attack. The Japanese leader sat down with Biden for talks on a wide range of issues before an evening chat with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The wider G-7 summit kicks off Friday with leaders expected to discuss a range of issues during their three-day meeting. Russia’s war on Ukraine and how to handle relations with an increasingly assertive China are likely to be high on the agenda.
Top negotiators from the White House have met over the debt limit with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s emissaries at the Capitol. They were grinding through more head-to-head talks on Thursday, trying to strike a budget deal. President Joe Biden and McCarthy both tapped their top representatives to press for results ahead of a deadline as soon as June 1. That's when the U.S. could run out of funds to pay its obligations, sparking an economic crisis. Upbeat, McCarthy said it was important to have an “agreement in principle” this weekend to get to a House vote next week. Biden is being updated while he is at the Group of Seven summit in Japan.
Five TikTok content creators have filed a lawsuit to overturn a planned ban on the video sharing app in Montana. They argued in a legal complaint filed in federal court in Missoula on Wednesday that the law is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights. They also say the state doesn’t have authority over matters of national security. Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law Wednesday and said it would protect Montana residents’ private data and personal information from being harvested by the Chinese government. The ban is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina made it official Friday: He's running for president. The Senate's only Black Republican has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Committee declaring his intention to seek his party's nomination. His candidacy will test whether a more optimistic vision of America’s future can resonate with GOP voters who have elevated partisan brawlers in recent years. The deeply religious 57-year-old former insurance broker has made his grandfather’s work in the cotton fields of the Deep South a bedrock of his political identity. Scott is scheduled to make a formal announcement on Monday in his hometown of North Charleston.
Mourners gathered at a Harlem church at the funeral of Jordan Neely, the man whose chokehold death on the New York City subway set off a debate about vigilantism, homelessness and public safety. The former Michael Jackson impersonator died May 1 when a fellow subway rider pinned him to the floor of a subway car in a chokehold that lasted several minutes. The fatal struggle was recorded on video by an onlooker who said Neely had been yelling at other passengers while begging for money, but hadn’t attacked anyone. The Rev. Al Sharpton said Friday that Neely needed to be helped, not abused.
Utah kids' book author accused in husband's killing changed life insurance policies, prosecutors say
Updated charging documents say a Utah woman who wrote a children’s book about grief after her husband’s death and was later arrested on accusations of killing him made changes to her husband’s life insurance years before he was fatally poisoned. The charges were tweaked Thursday. The allegations were previously mentioned in search warrants but not the charging documents. They led to the postponement of a detention hearing scheduled for Friday. It would have been the first time Kouri Richins was in court since her case became the latest true crime sensation earlier this month.
Rescue crews are working to reach towns and villages in northern Italy that were cut off from highways, electricity and cell phone service following heavy rains and flooding. Farmers are warning of “incalculable” losses and authorities have begun mapping out cleanup and reconstruction plans. The death toll from rains that pushed two dozen rivers and tributaries to burst their banks stood at nine, with some people still unaccounted-for. The drought-parched region of Emilia-Romagna had already estimated some 1 billion euros in losses from heavy rains earlier this month. But officials said the losses now reached multiple billions given the widespread damage to farmland, storefronts and infrastructure from this week’s flooding.
Jamal Murray scored 23 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, propelling the Denver Nuggets to a 108-103 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Lakers for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Nikola Jokic had another triple-double for the Nuggets, who have never been this close to reaching the NBA Finals before. Game 3 is Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, where LeBron James and the Lakers are 8-0 in the playoffs. The Nuggets have lost to the Lakers all three times they've advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 1985, 2009 and 2020 in the NBA bubble.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers played the sixth-longest game in NHL history to open their Eastern Conference final. The Panthers won 3-2 with only a few seconds left in the fourth overtime in Game 1 early Friday. It marked the 15th four-overtime game in NHL history. It also marked the longest game for each franchise in its history. Florida's previous record for longest game came in a three-OT game in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final. Carolina's previous record was also a three-OT game. That one came in the 2002 Stanley Cup Final. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/inmate-serving-life-sentence-dies-in-prison/article_479eed82-f650-11ed-a893-1744acdd9e45.html | 2023-05-21T15:02:45 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/inmate-serving-life-sentence-dies-in-prison/article_479eed82-f650-11ed-a893-1744acdd9e45.html |
Sprouts Farmers Market anchors the shopping plaza on First Avenue near Wetmore Road, which is a short walk for residents of Verde Apartments, across the street.
Except the sidewalks are more cracked than not, and traffic whizzes past with students heading to the University of Arizona and workers taking shortcuts to River and Oracle roads.
Instead of walking, Verde Apartments residents are more likely to hop in their cars and take the short drive to the store.
Just because something is in walking distance doesn’t mean it’s easy to walk to. This concept, described as walkability, is often a marker for sustainability and health and isn’t all that common in U.S. cities.
Tucson scores 43/100 on walkability, according to Walkscore.com, a website that ranks and analyzes the walkability and pedestrian safety of cities around the world. Interestingly, it ranks as the 27th most walkable large city in the U.S., with the most walkable being San Francisco.
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Walkability has four themes, according to a paper published at Harvard University by Ann Forsyth, a professor of urban design: the physical ability to walk in an area, short distances between desirable destinations, safety (both criminal and traffic-related) and the enticing factor of the walkable area.
Adriana Zuniga-Teran, a professor at University of Arizona with a doctorate in arid lands resource sciences, created a tool that measures walkability according to nine factors. The factors are connectivity, land use, density, traffic safety, surveillance, parking, experience, greenspace and community. This model can be applied to any community to determine the walkability.
Zuniga-Teran applied this method to the Sam Hughes neighborhood in Tucson and found that for the most part, “Tucson is a car dependent city,” she said.
This is largely because Tucson is a car-centric city that was commercialized after World War II, which “really changed the paradigm of American cities,” Zuniga-Teran said.
The way the United States conceptualizes cities after World War II prioritizes the automobile much more than it does the pedestrian.
“We often equate like being able to drive with freedom,” said Joey Luliano, a professor in the UA College of Architecture, Planning & Landscape Architecture who specializes in urban planning and active transportation.
Luliano asks the question: If the city’s only option to commute is to drive, is that really freedom?
He believes that having the option to walk, bike, take public transit or drive is freedom.
But how can cities like Tucson transition toward being more pedestrian-friendly?
A great place to start is sidewalks and bike lanes.
“Paint is not protection,” said Luliano.
Expanding bike lanes while narrowing and or removing lanes for cars is safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
As for sidewalks, for them to be walkable, they must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning that they must be at least 3 feet wide and feature curb ramps that allow those with mobility devices to transition easily from the street to the sidewalk.
In Tucson and many other urban sprawl cities, the farther you get from the city center, often the less continuous and smooth the sidewalks are. Many more rural areas don’t even have sidewalks.
With the lack of sidewalks also comes the lack of marked crossings, which can lead to pedestrian accidents.
According to the City of Tucson’s Traffic Safety Campaign, one in three Tucsonans killed in car crashes are pedestrians.
But the City of Tucson is working to fix that.
City propositions such as 407 and 411 are working to create safer, more complete streets for both pedestrians and drivers.
Proposition 407 was approved in November 2018 and provides funding for projects such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb ramps, complete and connected sidewalks, enhanced street crossings, street lighting and landscaping for shade.
One project being funded is the Fifth/Sixth Street pedestrian safety and walkability project. It will complete the street in hopes of making it safer all the way from Campbell Avenue to Alvernon Road.
More than $5.3 million was set aside for the project from the voter-approved Prop 407, and the project is in the planning stages. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2024, according to the project fact sheet.
The city prioritizes areas with frequent pedestrian crashes, disconnects in safe bike lines and poor transit services, focusing on the most vulnerable users, according to Patrick Hartley, Complete Streets program coordinator for the City of Tucson.
But “walkability isn’t just about the infrastructure,” said Hartley.
The Fifth/Sixth Street project is a perfect example of this, as the street has become a bustling community center with thriving businesses such as Flora’s Market Run and Tumerico, two cherished neighborhood restaurants.
The street will be narrowed to one lane on each side, creating space for a 7- to 8-foot bike lane with additions of continuous sidewalks, two new HAWK pushbutton crossings, landscaping and better lighting.
“It’ll improve walkability. Right now there’s large gaps in the sidewalk network,” said Ryan Fagan, the project manager.
On April 20, the city held an event at Alvernon Park to meet with the public about the project, gathering community input.
About 30 community members ranging from families to cyclists to older adults showed up to discuss the project.
Similar projects have been done and planned around the city, such as the improvements to the crosswalks and bus stops near Sunnyside High School on Tucson's south side.
“I see the difference living in the community,” said Sunnyside mother Magda Quiroga, who cites the better bus routes as the reason her son can get to and from school quicker and safer.
The safety of the community is paramount in increasing the quality of life for Tucson citizens, drivers and pedestrians.
These projects serve as a starting point in the investment toward a more sustainable community with more options for people to choose how they interact with their communities.
The projects signal a move for the city to “(show) our willingness to really invest heavily in safety and complete streets,” said Hartley.
6 places to take a leisurely walk in Tucson
Greasewood Park
This park on Tucson's west side is just a few minutes from Tumamoc Hill and offers a 2.9-mile loop trail.
Greasewood Park, at 1075 N. Greasewood Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and has picnic tables in case you want to stay longer to take in the views of cactuses, palo verde trees and the occasional lizard.
Gates Pass
Gates Pass at Tucson Mountain Park is known for its views at sunset, but it also has hiking trails for when the sun is still out.
To get there, take W. Gates Pass Road heading west past N. Camino De Oeste for about two and a half miles until you reach the main parking area.
Yetman Trail/Bowen House
Another popular destination at Tucson Mountain Park is the Bowen House, which can be reached via a two-mile round trip on the David Yetman Trail.
The stone house was built by Sherry Bowen, a former Arizona Daily Star editor, and it became part of Tucson Mountain Park in 1983 after he and his wife Ruby moved out.
To get there, take East Speedway Blvd. past I-10 and turn south onto Camino de Osete to reach the trail head at 415 N. Camino de Oeste.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon offers several trails for hikers of all ages and levels of experience, along with some unbeatable views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
The trails, picnic spots and Sabino Creek can all be reached from the recreation area at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
This easy one-mile loop trail offers a different landscape view than most trails around Tucson with its turtle- and frog-filled ponds. After some decent monsoon storms, the park tends to be lush with greenery.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 2511 W. Sweetwater Drive, is just west of I-10 after taking Prince Road across the overpass.
Rillito River Park
The 12-mile Rillito River path on The Loop is one of Tucson's most popular spots for joggers and bicyclists, especially during monsoon season when water may be flowing in the normally dry river.
One of the best spots to get on the path is at the Rillito River Park lot on North Campbell Ave., just south of River Road. | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/how-safe-is-your-morning-stroll-tucson-works-to-improve-walkability/article_38d3bcac-f348-11ed-88e0-8f7d3d9654b1.html | 2023-05-21T15:02:59 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/how-safe-is-your-morning-stroll-tucson-works-to-improve-walkability/article_38d3bcac-f348-11ed-88e0-8f7d3d9654b1.html |
The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund raises money so children from low-income households and military families can attend summer camp at little or no cost to their families.
Since 1947, the Sportsmen’s Fund has helped pay for 43,468 children to go to camp. We’re one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp.
We send local kids to weeklong YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout overnight camps, as well as overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for school-age children and older teens with special needs.
Our goal is to raise $225,000 to send up to 700 kids to camp. So far, we’ve received 589 donations totaling $105,598 or just under 47% of our goal, with camps starting in a few weeks.
Your contribution qualifies for the Arizona tax credit of up to $800 for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450. We do not share or sell our donor information. Donations are welcome throughout the year.
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Recent donations include:
William Allen, $208.54.
Jeannette Barnes $677.04.
Walter Brem $200.
Debbie Kornmiller and George E. Campbell, in honor of our three sons, $500.
Jane D. Coffey, $50.
Joe Conley, $35.
Bette Cooper, $100.
Ray and Norma Desmond, who love helping younger kids find opportunities, $100.
Karen C. Edraney, $200.
Harriet Edwards, $208.54.
Mary Feldsien, $100.
Debbie and Marc Fleischman, $208.54.
Stanley S. Gordon, $50.
David Green, $104.42.
Bea and Ralph Hartley, in memory of their son Ralph Jr., $100.00
Corolla K. Hoag, thanks for this fundraising effort; in memory of my father Wendell Hoag, $225.
Nancy Jacques $312.65
Peg Kepner, Thanks for the years that my son Jason loved Camp T. (And so did Mom!) Boy, did it give this single parent a break!, $250.
Dorothy Laperriere, $100.
Lempe family, in memory of Virginia Thompson, $500.
Stephen and Sharon Lew, in memory of our parents, $208.54.
Elizabeth Lubis, $104.42.
Phil and Carol Lyons, $500.
Diane S. Maddox, in memory of Glen and Irene Maddox, $208.54.
Christina McComb-Berger, $250.
Muriel L. McDonald ,$100.
Marilyn Murray, $100.
Jan Panhuis, $100.
Kathryn Pensinger, $104.42.
Jill Provan, $300.
Mary Ann Rombough, $100.
Salpointe Class of 1967 Lunch Bunchers, $105.
Leonard Schultz, $52.37.
Sue Q. Sommers, $100.
David Stevenson, in memory of Jim Stevenson, $416.76.
Bert Steves, $9,000.
Gary Sullivan, $200.
Lisa Swift, $841.
Stephen Turner, $50.
Janice Vailliencourt, $100.
Tom Wiseman, $200.
Two anonymous donations totaling $250. | https://tucson.com/news/local/help-send-southern-arizona-kids-to-camp-get-a-2023-arizona-tax-credit/article_d00c21be-f680-11ed-b858-8f371c38cf66.html | 2023-05-21T15:03:06 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/help-send-southern-arizona-kids-to-camp-get-a-2023-arizona-tax-credit/article_d00c21be-f680-11ed-b858-8f371c38cf66.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Perhaps I was not the only American viewing the folderol of the recent coronation of King Charles with a little more appreciation — even a bit of wistfulness — than we might have felt only a few years ago.
Our nation was founded on the rejection of a monarch, of the idea of monarchy. I would guess that to most Americans monarchy seems a ridiculously expensive vestigial organ.
But in the present moment, with our country so divided that it seems nothing but squabbling factions, some of us may be in a mood to appreciate monarchy’s express function as neutral, purely ceremonial space representing a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Couldn’t we use something like that now?
In theory the American presidency itself is supposed to serve that function. We have the word “presidential” to suggest exactly that quality: an above-the-fray, statesmanlike leadership of all the people.
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Most presidents at least give the concept lip service, proclaiming their intention to transcend their own party and represent all the people. But Trump seemed to take delight in trashing even the concept.
Since the post-Trumpocracy presidency seems the last place to look for the symbol and embodiment of wholeness, we are left looking around for what or who else in our culture might play the role.
The Supreme Court, which long seemed an august institution of solemn responsibility to the whole nation, is now widely seen as no more above politics than Congress.
The New York Times was perhaps at one time regarded as such a high-minded, politically neutral institution. But the former highly respected “paper-of-record” for the nation is now “fake news” to millions.
How about the professoriate and “institutions of higher learning,” that “higher” suggesting transcendence? But for a lot of Trump supporters those institutions are also coming to seem fronts for “elites” and manufacturers of “fake news” in academic disguise.
As for human individuals to represent the whole, lacking ancient royal families, we’d have to turn to celebrities. Walter Cronkite was once, I think, voted the “most trusted person in the world” or some such. He would have been good. (Clearly neither Rachel Maddow nor Tucker Carlson need apply).
Hollywood could supply Morgan Freeman, who more than once has played God, the ultimate example of presidentiality. Or the universally beloved Tom Hanks. Or Meryl Streep, who can play anything.
“The Crown,” the popular Netflix series about the career of Queen Elizabeth, makes a big point of the difficulty of maintaining the monarchy’s high and vital function, given the all-too-fallible material of designated royal human beings. The queen got pretty good at it. However flawed as a person, she was quite clear on the job description.
It really isn’t about being an exemplary person; the queen was criticized for being emotionally cold; she was biased in favor of horses and was buddies with the morally dubious horse-loving Sheikh of Dubai. (She was at least as far as we know not a murderer like a number of her ancestors.) But she was good at playing queen.
“Her majesty’s a pretty nice girl but she doesn’t have a lot to say … ” sang the Beatles; not having a lot to say was sort of the point. Her reticence worked for her in maintaining her queenly neutrality.
Her son, the new king, has had a lot to say and that’s a problem, even if some of his ideas are good ones. Can’t open his mouth without alienating someone. Not clear how he’ll do at fulfilling the job description of playing a human flag.
But it really isn’t about the monarch’s personal behavior. Polls show Brits very divided over whether they see royals as role models for leading their own lives. But they are clear that approve of the function.
The royals have many of the defects of the ultra-wealthy elites and yet instead of being hated as elites in our country, their role as symbols transcends the foibles of their socio-economic status.
None of the monarch’s human frailty — including, most likely, even Charles’ having, unlike his mother, ideas of his own — finally matters in a country determined to have its ceremonial representative of the whole.
Despite all the many books exposing the seamy underside of the monarchy — Prince Harry’s memoir just the latest — a strong majority of Brits would not want to see the monarchy abolished. An institution that exists only to symbolize the country itself as a whole is apparently worth the money.
George Washington is much honored for having resisted the suggestion that he be promoted to king. What if he was wrong?
Brent Harold is a former English professor and writer, is an Arizona Daily Star contributing writer. He lives in Tucson. You can reach him at kinnacum@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-do-we-need-a-king-thinking-again-about-the-function-of-monarchy/article_e006180a-f5bc-11ed-a864-9f324beed677.html | 2023-05-21T15:03:24 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-do-we-need-a-king-thinking-again-about-the-function-of-monarchy/article_e006180a-f5bc-11ed-a864-9f324beed677.html |
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
A thousand miles south of Tucson, a trickle of immigrants begins an inexorable march toward our border in the hope of sharing the American Dream. Brave men, women, and children scale mountains, ford rivers, and chance deadly slogs in desert heat with their possessions on their backs. If they fail, many try again — and again — to walk in our shoes. Too many will pay evil coyotes and die along the way.
It speaks of America’s continuing promise that we remain, as we always have, a magnet for extraordinary outsiders, even as today chaos stirs within us. It also speaks to how miserable life is in many parts of the Americas, where poverty and tyranny go hand in hand. Those who make it will surely be surprised to encounter political leaders here who are pursuing the same policies from which their perilous journey freed them.
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They will also encounter a society of 330 million people who by most accounts are unhappy. Despite being by far the richest country on Earth, on the measure of happiness we rank 19th according to the annual World Happiness Report. Gallup confirms that our national mood has soured dramatically in the last four years, following an uptick attributed to the development of the COVID vaccine. Annual measures of the direction of the country are nearing an all-time low.
So there we have the American puzzle: Why do thousands every day risk life and limb to join our kvetching culture? One obvious answer is that life is worse, much worse, elsewhere. The mass migration from Central America we are witnessing is caused by poverty, famine, and fear. The homicide rates make ours look like a Disney movie, and starvation is subject to the whims of the weather. I have seen native women no taller than five feet hoist hundred-pound bags of fertilizer on their backs and carry them up the sides of mountains and till fields of vegetables that are nearly vertical.
These often-demeaned peasants are strong and hardworking contributors who deserved a better break in the birthright lottery. They require the attention and help of the U.S.; instead we spend more money each year building two fighter jets than aiding Central America.
Seeds for a Future is that kind of program, if run on a large scale, might put an end to their famine. Run as a charity in rural Guatemala by an Arizona couple, Earl and Suzanne DeBerge, it teaches the basics of modern mini-farming and thus self-sufficiency. Imagine the positive impact of spending half of the approximately $300 billion three administrations have doled out so unsuccessfully to protect our borders to build better agricultural practices that would multiply by many times the food available in the villages.
The second reason they come is the enduring greatness of our nation and its ability to right itself even in the worst of times. There is in our representative system of governance a malleability that allows America to reshape and modernize without armed conflict. We have arrived again at a moment that tests that capacity.
By what would qualify as normal measures, the United States is in fat city. Wages are up; profits are near record highs, the unemployment rate is nearing historic lows, and the number of workers who like their jobs pushing an all-time high. Inflation provoked by many factors including the pandemic and money spent (some say overspent) to avoid a deep recession is a major negative. But even that seems to be subsiding. All that having been said, our country is experiencing a traumatic time that has sprung all manner of emotions generating strange behavior, not unlike adolescence. I believe the cause is demographics.
America has historically been dominated by white males. Thankfully, we are in the midst of a rapid evolution to a multiracial nation with increasingly diverse influence. One of America’s two great political parties has, like plowing the sea, dug in to defeat this inevitability. In their desperation to hold on to power, the Republican Party, which at its core has always been about business and defense, turned to fringe groups to win close elections — which they then mostly ignored while governing.
Playing ball with white supremacists and conspiracy spreaders went too far and now has turned into a kind of political herpes that cannot be made to disappear. In fact, the right-wing extremists are currently running the show and are blackmailing the GOP leaders into dangerous actions like failing to pay our debt. Also on their agenda are schools, libraries, free speech, and separation of church and state. No wonder so many are unhappy.
Add to that Republican economic policies. Since the Reagan deregulations, we have adopted a “trickle down” economic model which put all the money in the hands of rich individuals and corporations who proved to have deep pockets but short arms. Eventually, I believe workers will see the value in the Biden approach best described by the great novelist Thornton Wilder who counseled that “Money is like manure. It’s no good unless you spread it around.”
There are no simple solutions to the American puzzle. We seethe with resentment even as we are the envy of the world. We treat innocents reaching out for help as hostile invaders. Many Americans grow more resentful and alienated as their personal wealth accumulates. Meanwhile, the women, men and children who brave the treacherous journey to our southern borders are not so unlike the first European settlers of this country: unwelcome or in danger where they came from, resourceful and brave in their dogged pursuit of a better life.
To demonize them is politically expedient, but also a spiritually bankrupting affront to our fundamental values. It can be difficult to see past the toxic distortions of cable news and social media, and see the true reflection of our national character. But doing so will be the first step in solving the contradictory puzzle we’ve become.
Terry Bracy, a regular Star contributing columnist, has served as a political adviser, campaign manager, congressional aide, sub-Cabinet official, board member and as an adviser to presidents. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-the-american-puzzle/article_4f816f5a-f4e0-11ed-820f-4f2e02de7138.html | 2023-05-21T15:03:30 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-the-american-puzzle/article_4f816f5a-f4e0-11ed-820f-4f2e02de7138.html |
Project Manager Willie "Timmy" Donald (left) and Executive Director Nicky Ali Jackson talk through facts in the case of Cleveland "Chris" Bynu…
HAMMOND — Since Purdue University Northwest's Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance's Grand Reveal Dinner in September, the team has been hard at work.
Between securing a grant to create a program to educate police officers on wrongful convictions to providing financial assistance to exonerees, the CJPA is striving to eliminate flaws in the justice system.
The center was established in March 2022 with Nicky Ali Jackson, executive director and criminal justice professor, at the helm. Jackson has focused much of her time on criminal justice reform and wrongful convictions since she met Willie "Timmy" Donald in 2016, just weeks after he was exonerated for two robberies and a murder for which he wrongly spent 24 years incarcerated. Donald serves as project manager for the center.
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Jackson gathered a team to join her mission on the CJPA advisory board, including lawyers, activists, artists and scholars committed to seeking justice for people wrongly convicted and figuring out how to reform the system. Interns studying in fields related to criminal justice review cases of incarcerated people who have sent letters to the CJPA in the hopes that their cases may merit further review.
The team is working on the case of Cleveland "Chris" Bynum, a 44-year-old man from Gary whom they believe was wrongly convicted of five murders that occurred in 2000.
Before CJPA’s review of the case, Bynum's attorneys filed multiple petitions for post-conviction relief without success.
Jackson said her team has spent over 2½ years researching the case and believes the answers lie in evidence that will prove that Bynum could not have committed the crimes.
5 homicides, 24 hours
The morning of February 17, 2000, was deadly in Gary's Aetna neighborhood.
Gary police were called around 2:30 a.m. to a residence on the 4400 block of East 10th Avenue, where they found the bodies of Anthony "Amp" Jeffers, 36, Angela Wallace, 34, and Susan Wallace, 24, all shot "execution-style" in the head, according to reports. An 18-month old child was screaming on the couch, covered in blood. Angela Wallace’s 12-year-old son, identified as "L.B.," called 911.
Later that day, a man walking his dog discovered the bodies of Elizabeth Daily-Ayres, 37, and Sheila “Renee” Bartee, 37, in a baseball field near 14th Avenue and Idaho Street. Both were shot execution-style at "close range," according to previous reports. One was nude; the other was partially nude.
A 21-year-old Chris Bynum holds his newborn son in 1999.
Police arrested Bynum after interviewing a witness and receiving an anonymous tip that Bynum was in the home the night of the killings. He signed two separate statements implicating himself. He was tried in Lake Criminal Court a year later and found guilty.
However, Bynum has repeatedly said he was coerced by police into signing the statements and did not actually craft the statements himself. He said his then-fiancee was taken into custody and has accused late Gary police Detective Cpl. Louis Donald Jr. of telling him that his fiancee would remain in custody and they would lose custody of their young son unless he spoke with police about the case.
One of Bynum's family members reached out to Jackson over 2½ years ago and she agreed to investigate his case.
Since the conviction, new information has been discovered, including the recantation of initial statements from the crime’s only witness and DNA evidence that does not have a hit for Bynum. A Gary man named Gerald Mathews, known as Christopher Stokes, made a video confessing to the crime in 2014, a week before he was shot and killed. In 2016, the Indiana Court of Appeals allowed Mathews’s confession to be introduced as evidence but ultimately did not find the evidence credible. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said he stands with the decision made by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Jackson said she will continue to fight for Bynum until the prosecutor’s office and public understands the totality of the evidence gathered since his conviction.
“If the jurors had all the information we have now,” Jackson said, “without question, they would have acquitted Mr. Bynum.”
'We’re only looking at cases of factual innocence'
The CJPA agrees to take on what they believe to be cases of factual innocence, Jackson said. Some of the contributing factors in wrongful convictions include mistaken witness identification, perjury, false accusations, official misconduct, inadequate defense, flawed forensic science and false confessions, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
“We don’t expect people to take our word for it,” Jackson said. “We rely on the evidence that points away from" the convicted individual.
Jackson was inspired when she met Timmy Donald in 2016, weeks after he was exonerated and released from prison. In 2020, they created the Willie T. Donald Exoneration Advisory Coalition to raise awareness of and to support people who have been wrongfully convicted in Indiana. The coalition stands adjacent to the CJPA board.
People magazine published an article in 2021 on the journey of Jackson and Donald’s relationship. Jackson said she began receiving letters from incarcerated people around the country who asked if she and Donald would be willing to review their cases.
In addition to reviewing evidence, the center offers post-exoneration assistance, such as help with transportation, food, clothes, medical assistance and employment. The center recently helped a 70-year-old exoneree obtain a job. The CJPA helped another exoneree, in his 50s, obtain a pricey dental procedure, done pro bono by Dr. George Politakis of Compton and Broomhead Dental Center and Dr. John Kenny of STAT Anesthesia.
With a grant from the Legacy Foundation titled “Invest in Education: Prevent a Wrongful Conviction,” Jackson said CJPA will begin its first wrongful-conviction training May 24 with Munster police. CJPA also plans trainings with police departments in Gary, Hammond, Highland, East Chicago and Griffith.
“We’re doing these trainings not to point blame, but to educate,” Jackson said.
Being part of change
In messages between The Times and Bynum, he maintains his innocence.
“One day, I hope people will be able to say, 'He's been telling us the truth all of these years,' Bynum wrote in March. “I am telling the truth about EVERYTHING, and I AM INNOCENT.”
The CJPA’s job is not to solve these cases, Jackson said.
“We’ll let the police and the prosecutor do their jobs,” she said. “We’re just here to show the state of Indiana they have locked up the wrong person.”
Jackson said they have discussed the case with the Lake County prosecutor’s office and plan to have a formal meeting about it.
“You can’t change what happened back then,” Jackson said, “but you can be part of change.”
The change? In Bynum’s case, reexamine the totality of the evidence to reveal the truth behind these crimes, Jackson said. On a larger level: focusing on reforming a judicial system that has repeatedly locked up innocent offenders.
“People have to understand, mistakes are made,” she said. “And if a mistake is made, we must right the wrong.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/fighting-for-justice-the-cjpas-quest-to-exonerate-and-support-wrongly-convicted-individuals/article_5d83fffe-efa5-11ed-8e5b-bb2c65647bfe.html | 2023-05-21T15:05:19 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/fighting-for-justice-the-cjpas-quest-to-exonerate-and-support-wrongly-convicted-individuals/article_5d83fffe-efa5-11ed-8e5b-bb2c65647bfe.html |
DYER — The Noteables appear in concert at 3 p.m. June 4 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.
Tickets for the "We are One in Music" concert are $10 for adults in advance and $3 for children over 12. Tickets the day of the concert are $12.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 219-769-0304 or 219-277-9507.
Members of the group include Dolores Smolen, Ramona Czaja, Elaine Ansbro, Joanne Haley-Borodine, director, Mary Matthews, Dorothea Rukes, Rita Crary, vice president, Mary Ann Huwig and Anna Romi, president.
Other members are Mary La Buda, Claudette Neri, treasurer, Karen Justak, Carol Builta, Kathy Shapiro, Liz Neri, Mary Ann Barkalow, secretary, Jen Schreiner, Sue O'Donnell, Kathy Applegate, Helen Woods, Shelley Haas, Roberta Gadomski.
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Rounding out the group are Shaaron Vail, Barb Boyd, Donna Zemen Marion Hoyda, Tracee Harding, David Herr, accompanist, Linda Kennedy, Karen Rock, Pat Donaldson, Peg Manda, and Veness Zapchenk
The Noteables Chorus was formed in 1938 and has been singing for 84 years.
The chorus is a member of the Lake County Extension Homemakers and the Melody Makers of Indiana. The chorus presents both a spring and fall Concert for the local community and sings with the Melody Makers choruses from all over the state at the Festival Day Concert in the Indianapolis area for the Indiana Homemakers Annual Conference.
The Noteables has also sung for Gospelfest in Crown Point and visits senior living facilities to perform.
The chorus accepts members in August and January for its concert seasons. Women are eligible to join at these times. There is no audition, but applicants are expected to be able to sing and come with choir or chorus singing experience. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/noteables-prep-for-spring-concert/article_696174d6-f4ce-11ed-82dc-cfd1406b63f0.html | 2023-05-21T15:05:25 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/noteables-prep-for-spring-concert/article_696174d6-f4ce-11ed-82dc-cfd1406b63f0.html |
MICHIGAN CITY — A decision on requiring inspections of rental properties is on hold until July.
Councilwoman Dalia Zygas, D-at large, said lots of new factors have come up from code enforcement and other people, and she hopes landlords will be happy with the new version of the proposed ordinance.
The council voted 5-3 to table the ordinance, but that didn’t prevent the public from giving the council an earful.
“Are you prepared for the lawsuits that will probably come if you pass this ordinance?” Lorraine Manion asked. “You have good intentions, but the solutions that come along from these knee-jerk reactions usually harm the people they’re intended to help.
“This is a violation of our private property rights, and they come from God."
Landlord Ernie Hollihan complained about the postponement.
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“This is being dragged out forever and ever. I don’t understand it,” he said. “It’s been dragged out too dang long.”
In other business, the council delayed action on a request by Eric and Patricia Perrin to connect their Michiana Shores residence to the Michigan City sewer system at their own expense.
Councilman Don Przybylinski, D-at large, said the homeowners should pay the Michigan City Sanitary District’s cost to inspect the work as well.
Zygas was “shocked and disappointed” that the Perrins followed all the rules in December but got this delay from the council. “They have some time constraints. Things have to be done within 30 days and everything,” she said.
In another matter, Councilman Paul Przybylinski, D-2nd, gave an update on an urgent request for a new aerial truck for the Fire Department.
“There is a truck that was made, and we can move to purchase it,” he said, rather than waiting three years to get a new one. “We need to do it as quickly as possibly can be done. They make pumpers, they don’t make aerial units. And if we don’t move, it could be gone.”
“This is a truck that wasn’t even expected, but it fell into our lap,” Fire Marshal Jeff Bruder said. “It’s not a want. It’s a need. We want to reassure all the community members and taxpayers that they aren’t unprotected. We still have a vehicle.”
The department is using a 1995 backup truck while the newer aerial truck is down for about six months for repairs — and at a hefty price, he said. When a new truck is purchased, they'll need to buy another to replace the 28-year-old truck.
The city shouldn’t be at this point, Paul Przybylinski said. “There was no equipment replacement for 10 or 12 years in the schedule. If there was equipment that was replaced, we wouldn’t be at this juncture.”
Additionally, the council gave 5-3 approval for a fund to set aside $250,000 to repair brick streets.
The 2nd Ward has most of these streets, Paul Przybylinski said, and repairing the streets will preserve his district’s character and historical nature.
“A lot of these streets are approaching 100 years old,” he said. Brick streets tend to last longer than asphalt roads. “I live on a brick street, and I believe it also helps to slow down traffic in the neighborhoods.”
Councilman Bryant Dabney, D-1st, objected to excluding brick streets in tax increment financing districts from use of money set aside in that fund. Were it not for that provision, Zygas said, she would support the ordinance.
Przybylinski said the Redevelopment Commission should pay to repair those streets. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/vote-on-michigan-city-rental-inspections-delayed/article_9a61deea-f659-11ed-8fda-0fdda698dbbf.html | 2023-05-21T15:07:38 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/vote-on-michigan-city-rental-inspections-delayed/article_9a61deea-f659-11ed-8fda-0fdda698dbbf.html |
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the nation to show Daniel Penny that “America's got his back.” Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley called for New York's governor to pardon Penny, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy donated $10,000 to his legal defense fund.
Republican presidential hopefuls have lined up to support Penny, a 24-year-old U.S. Marine veteran who was caught on video pinning an agitated fellow subway passenger in New York City to the floor in a chokehold. The passenger, 30-year-old Jordan Neely, later died from compression of the neck, according to the medical examiner.
Penny has been charged with manslaughter. His attorneys say he acted in self-defense.
He's already become a hero to many Republicans, who have trumpeted Penny as a Good Samaritan moving to protect others in a Democrat-led city that they say is unsafe — even though criminal justice experts say current crime levels are more comparable to where New York was a decade ago, when people frequently lauded it as America’s safest big city.
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The GOP support for Penny has been unwavering, despite the fact that Neely, who was Black, never got physical with anyone on the train before he was placed in the chokehold for several minutes by Penny, who is white.
The rush to back Penny recalls how then-President Donald Trump and other top Republicans fiercely supported Kyle Rittenhouse during the 2020 presidential election. Rittenhouse, a white teenager who killed two men and wounded a third during a tumultuous night of protests in Wisconsin over a Black man's death, was acquitted.
More recently, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott vowed to pardon Daniel Perry, a white Army sergeant who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting an armed man during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in the state's capital of Austin.
News
Top Republicans have tried to make rising crime rates a political liability for Democrats. The Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee traveled to New York City last month — before Neely was killed — for a hearing examining “victims of violent crime in Manhattan.”
Democrats and racial justice advocates counter that GOP messaging around restoring “law and order” plays on deep-seated racism.
“They have a playbook of winning elections that is based on really tapping into the worst parts of human nature and really driving it home with division and fear," said Jumaane Williams, a Democrat who is New York City’s public advocate. "And, if there’s race and class played into it, then it’s like Christmastime for them.”
Neely, known by some commuters as a Michael Jackson impersonator, had a history of mental illness and had frequently been arrested in the past. Bystanders said he had been shouting at passengers, begging for money and acting aggressively, but didn't touch anyone aboard the train.
Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, said GOP presidential candidates see Penny's cause as a way to excite their party's base.
“There’s very little downside within the Republican electorate, given that it overlays so nicely with the issues that are incredibly salient among Republican voters in terms of law and order and fitting this narrative about the degeneration of urban life,” Borick said. “That’s the message — Trump’s and his bloc of Republicans’ message — that the ‘crazies’ are a threat, and we have to do what we can to protect ‘Americans’ any way we can.”
But the GOP defense of white people after Black people are killed is often very different from incidents in which white people are killed. A key example is Ashli Babbitt, the white former Air Force veteran who was shot to death by a Black police officer while trying to climb through a broken window at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Trump called Babbitt an “innocent, wonderful, incredible woman” and labeled the Black officer who shot her a “thug.” Other Republicans have mourned her as a martyr.
Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of Black PAC, said the issue goes beyond the presidential race, noting that some Republican-controlled legislatures passed measures after the wave of protests in 2020 against institutional racism and police brutality, seeking to more severely punish demonstrators.
Shropshire, whose group works to increase African American political engagement and voter turnout, said the issue reinforces the GOP's long-standing commitment to "protecting whiteness, which is what this is fundamentally about.”
As for Democrats, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York tweeted before charges were filed that Neely's “murderer” was being “protected” while “many in power demonize the poor.” New York Mayor Eric Adams called Neely's death a “tragedy that never should have happened” but warned against irresponsible statements before all the facts are known.
Rafael Mangual, head of research for policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative New York think tank, said the case features deep legal ambiguity that many people from both parties are overlooking.
“I’ve been very put off to the degree by which politicians on the left have decried Daniel Penny a murderer and politicians on the right have come out and said, 'This is what we need to do,’ Mangual said. “I don’t want to live in a world in which maintaining public order falls to everyday straphangers.”
There was no such hesitation from Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called Penny a “hero," or Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who dubbed Penny a “Subway Superman" and once offered an internship to Rittenhouse.
Trump, now running for president for a third time, said this week that he hadn't seen the video but told The Messenger that he thought Penny “was in great danger and the other people in the car were in great danger.”
Helping fuel Republican anger is the fact that Penny's case is being handled by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is leading the prosecution of Trump on charges he paid hush money to cover up an affair during his 2016 presidential campaign.
“We must defeat the Soros-Funded DAs, stop the Left’s pro-criminal agenda, and take back the streets for law abiding citizens,” tweeted DeSantis, who is preparing to announce his 2024 presidential bid, repeating false claims that billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros orchestrated Trump's indictment.
“We stand with Good Samaritans like Daniel Penny," DeSantis wrote, including a link to a fundraising page for Penny. "Let’s show this Marine... America’s got his back.”
Former ambassador Haley told Fox News Channel that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, should pardon Penny. Ramaswamy donated to the defense fund for Penny via GiveSendGo, a site that also raised funds to support the insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on the day Babbitt was killed. It has collected around $2 million in donations for Penny.
During Neely's funeral Friday, the Rev. Al Sharpton offered an indirect response to Penny's supporters, saying that "a Good Samaritan helps those in trouble, they don’t choke them out.”
Williams, an ombudsman who can investigate citizen complaints about agencies and services, said prominent Republicans have been capitalizing politically on violence with racial overtones since 1988 political ads featuring Willie Horton, a Black murderer who raped a white woman while on a weekend furlough from prison. He also noted that many of the people now contributing to Penny's defense fund also are likely to have supported cutting social programs that might have benefited people like Neely.
“These folks are not saying, ‘Let’s let it play out, see what happens,'" Williams said. “They’re immediately making someone a hero who killed someone on a train who was screaming and yelling about being hungry.” | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2024-gop-hopefuls-rush-to-defend-daniel-penny-after-deadly-nyc-subway-chokehold/4350425/ | 2023-05-21T15:29:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2024-gop-hopefuls-rush-to-defend-daniel-penny-after-deadly-nyc-subway-chokehold/4350425/ |
What to Know
- A unanimous New York City Council has passed a “Homeless Bill of Rights"
- It not only codifies a long-standing right to shelter but would establish the right to sleep outside
- New York would be the first big U.S. city to establish the right if Adams allows the measure to become law
New York Mayor Eric Adams has hailed his city’s right to shelter as a hallmark of compassion for its most destitute. Now he must decide if he will extend that compassion by bestowing homeless people with the right to sleep outside.
The City Council unanimously approved a “Homeless Bill of Rights” last month that would make New York the first big U.S. city to establish an explicit right to sleep in at least some public places.
If Adams, a Democrat, allows the measure to become law, it could be a notable departure for the city, which has for years sent police and sanitation crews to clear homeless encampments as they arise.
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It also would run against the prevailing political headwinds in other places that have struggled with large numbers of people living in tents and other makeshift shelters.
The Los Angeles City Council passed a broad anti-camping measure two years ago. Then last year, the city outlawed tents within 500 feet (150 meters) of schools and day cares and banned sitting, lying, sleeping or storing personal property that would disrupt the flow of traffic on sidewalks, streets and bike lanes.
The changes were billed as a compassionate way to get homeless people off the streets and restore access to public spaces for other people. Sonja Verdugo, an organizer with the Los Angeles advocacy group Ground Game LA, called the measure “inhumane.”
Local
“Basically, you can’t rest anywhere outdoors if you’re unhoused,” she said.
Earlier this year, a “Right to Rest” proposal in Oregon died quietly after its sponsor could not muster support. It would have granted the right to use public spaces “without discrimination and time limitations that are based on housing status.”
Attempts to establish a similar Homeless Bill of Rights in California, including a right to sleep outdoors without fear of being confronted by police, also have faltered.
Some hope Los Angeles' newly elected Mayor Karen Bass will make good on a campaign promise to move people out of tents and cardboard shanties and into permanent housing.
Bass vowed to eliminate encampments lining entire blocks and have made the city's notorious Skid Row the embodiment of the country’s homeless crisis. Bass also promised to house 15,000 people by the end of her first year in office. The number comprises more than a third of the estimated 42,000 Los Angelenos without permanent shelter.
The increasing visibility of homeless camps has fueled public frustration and prompted politicians, including some moderate Democrats, to push to reduce their prevalence — to the chagrin of some advocates for homeless people.
“More and more, it’s simply illegal to be homeless all across the country — in Republican and Democratic cities,” said Mark Horvath, CEO of Los Angeles-based nonprofit Invisible People. “But it’s not like we can arrest our way out of this crisis.”
Aside from establishing the right to sleep outdoors, the Homeless Bill of Rights passed in New York would also codify the city's longstanding right to shelter, the only one of its kind among the country's biggest cities.
Among the nine rights in the measure are safeguards against being forced into facilities that don’t correspond to a person’s gender identity. It also gives people the right to apply for rental assistance and requires parents staying in shelters be given diapers for their babies.
“This is a sensible and compassionate policy response to unprecedented homelessness,” said Taysha Milagros Clark, a policy and data analyst for the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City.
"The bill of rights really encompasses an understanding that homeless people do have rights. They haven’t violated any laws or anything of the sort just by virtue of their homeless status," she said. "It is a stark departure from what this administration has done."
Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for Adams, said the mayor was still evaluating the measure.
“Since Day One of this administration, Mayor Adams has been focused on helping New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and connecting them with a clean, safe place to rest their heads at night," Levy said.
The mayor's subway safety program has resulted in more than 4,600 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness being connected to the help and shelter they need “to stabilize their lives,” Levy said.
It is uncertain how the proposed right to sleep outdoors might work in practice.
New York City has rules limiting the ability to set up a campsite. Most city parks close at 1 a.m. Privately owned spaces are off limits. Sidewalks and roads are required to be free of obstructions.
People are forbidden from lying down on benches or seats on the city's subway trains, though enforcement is lax.
New York City is required by law to guarantee space in its huge shelter system to anyone who needs it, but the system has been bursting partly due to an influx of migrants, many of whom crossed into the U.S. along the southern border.
Nearly 81,000 people were housed in the shelter system in the past week. City officials scrambled to find more space, including renting out entire hotels for families without permanent housing.
Some people choose to live on the streets because they find the city's shelters dangerous or too crowded, don't like their rules or curfews, or have trouble being around other people.
Jumaane Williams, New York City’s elected public advocate and a sponsor of the homeless rights measure now before Adams, said he would like the city to focus less on preventing encampments and more on addressing what he says are the roots of the crisis: rising housing costs, joblessness, racism, addiction and mental illness.
“I think we’re in dire situations for things that have been decades in the making,” Williams said.
The concept of a bill of rights for homeless people dates back more than a decade. In 2012, Rhode Island was the first state to adopt one, soon followed by Connecticut and Illinois.
“So far none of them have explicitly protected the right of a person to be able to sleep outside,” said Eric Tars, the legal director of the National Homelessness Law Center.
Five years ago, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the city of Boise, Idaho, could not stop people from sleeping outside if there was nowhere else for them to sleep. Doing so, the court suggested, would criminalize homeless people. The right to sleep outside only exists, the court ruled, if there is no shelter space available. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-has-a-right-to-shelter-but-will-it-establish-a-right-to-sleep-outside/4352203/ | 2023-05-21T15:29:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-has-a-right-to-shelter-but-will-it-establish-a-right-to-sleep-outside/4352203/ |
ATLANTA — Officers are investigating a double shooting that they said broke out in the parking lot of Trader Joe's overnight.
Police said it happened at the store off Peachtree Road near Buckhead Village.
According to Atlanta police, it appeared that several people were fighting in the lot when someone reportedly pulled out a gun and started shooting.
The person who opened fire then ran off from the scene and is not in custody, police said.
Meanwhile, both victims that had been hurt had non life-threatening injuries, according to police.
So far, there is no word on a suspect description. No other information was available from police. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/2-hurt-shooting-buckhead-trader-joes-parking-lot/85-7cbfc6e4-39df-47c5-9eef-f180e7e95d95 | 2023-05-21T15:42:56 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/2-hurt-shooting-buckhead-trader-joes-parking-lot/85-7cbfc6e4-39df-47c5-9eef-f180e7e95d95 |
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Family of a 1-year-old girl plan to honor her memory and lay her to rest Sunday.
Nirvana Genesis Oliver died Thursday, May 11 after she was pulled from a Sandy Springs pond in at an office complex.
Her mother, Asia Calabrese-Lewis is now accused of murder in the child's death. The toddler was expected to turn 2 years old next month on June 18.
An online obituary lists details for the service for "Baby Nirvana Genesis Oliver," which will be held Sunday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Chapel in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Those who wish to send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nirvana are asked to visit the sympathy store.
Last week, Calabrese-Lewis was seen on a security camera arriving at the Concourse office complex around 6 p.m. with 1-year-old Nirvana.
The complex is known for its distinct skyscrapers, commonly called the "King and Queen" buildings, right at GA-400 and Interstate-285.
Sandy Springs police responded shortly after, when they got a 911 call about a woman -- Calabrese-Lewis -- who "completely nude and dancing explicitly on cars," according to a warrant.
Nirvana's grandfather, Kenneth Oliver, explained that he and his son -- who lived with Calabrese-Lewis just about 100 yards away -- noticed the commotion across the street and went to the scene.
Oliver said when his son saw Calabrese-Lewis being arrested and asked her where the baby was, she reportedly responded, "F the baby." At that moment, police said they didn't know a baby was involved and then began their search for Nirvana, issuing a missing child alert.
1-year-old dies after pulled from pond in Sandy Springs
Officers started searching the complex that includes several retention ponds. Just about an hour and a half later, at 7:30 p.m., they found Nirvana's body along with a diaper floating nearby.
First responders rushed her to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, just on the other side of I-285, but doctors were not able to revive her.
What exactly happened that resulted in Nirvana's death remains unclear. Meanwhile, Calabrese-Lewis faces murder and child cruelty charges and remains in the Fulton County Jail. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/funeral-nirvana-oliver-sandy-springs-pond/85-cd65abbd-80fe-45e2-a80f-cb4aaf2f29f7 | 2023-05-21T15:43:02 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/funeral-nirvana-oliver-sandy-springs-pond/85-cd65abbd-80fe-45e2-a80f-cb4aaf2f29f7 |
OCONEE COUNTY, Ga. — A north metro sheriff's office is "deeply saddened" after the death of one of their own.
According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Scott Underwood died unexpectedly late Friday afternoon on May 19. The sheriff's office did not share more details on the cause.
The sheriff's office said Underwood was a native of Oconee County and "faithfully served this community" as a deputy sheriff for 21 years.
"He had genuine passion for his work in law enforcement and was beloved by all who had the privilege to work with him," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook.
According to the sheriff's office, Underwood was a "devoted" husband and father of two teenage sons.
"Please keep his family and his Sheriff’s Office family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as we grieve our tremendous loss and say goodbye to our friend and brother," they asked.
No arrangements have been made at this time. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/oconee-county-sheriffs-office-scott-underwood-dies/85-c8bdbbca-fd6c-4f96-956f-b9e74213bc0f | 2023-05-21T15:43:09 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/oconee-county-sheriffs-office-scott-underwood-dies/85-c8bdbbca-fd6c-4f96-956f-b9e74213bc0f |
Among the graduates walking across the stage this weekend to receive their degrees during commencement ceremonies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were more than 200 newly minted teachers.
Included in that number are 34 members of the inaugural class of the Teacher Scholars Academy, an honors-style program focused on developing community-minded educators to bolster the workforce that launched in 2019. Three others in the first class graduated early last December.
Thirty-one members of that cohort already have jobs lined up at schools in Nebraska and across the country, including Morgan Twiss, a Central City native who will teach second grade at Elliott Elementary in Lincoln starting this fall.
“I’ve pretty much always known I wanted to be a teacher,” Twiss said. “I like to figure out what motivates each student and build a relationship with them and figure out the best way to help them learn, and I continue to choose teaching because of those relationships.”
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The unique program, funded through a donation from the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, put 40 students in close proximity as they started on their educational journey at UNL.
They lived together on the same residence hall floor, took classes together immediately upon arriving on campus, and have participated in volunteer and service opportunities throughout the community.
The experience was designed to emphasize community building among students, both within the Teacher Scholars Academy, as well as in the places where they will work and live, said Braden Foreman-Black, the program’s coordinator.
“When they are able to build those relationships, they have more meaningful classes together and deeper conversations, both within the class and back in the residence hall,” Foreman-Black said. “We’re hoping they continue to have those conversations even after they graduate.”
Twiss said as students socialized with one another, she gained a better understanding of the diverse communities she had little exposure to growing up in a rural part of Nebraska, as well as how to navigate those differences in a positive way.
“Teachers have a growth mindset and you’re always learning and taking in new information about how to best serve your students,” she said. “I feel like the academy definitely equipped me with the skills to navigate that.”
Rowan Foort, who came to UNL from Mount Prospect, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, called the Teacher Scholars Academy “a community of college students who are all really driven and engaged in the same thing I was engaged in.”
Foort, who will teach social studies at Goodrich Middle School next school year, said the program gave additional mentorship support, which in turn led to research opportunities studying how teachers can best honor the individual experiences of each student.
“I’ve really learned how to approach differences with a skillful mind full of curiosity and inquiry and how to focus questions on building community,” Foort said. “The students you’re serving probably shouldn’t be the first people you are learning from, so it gave us a jumping off point to meet them where they are.”
Foreman-Black said the Teacher Scholars Academy was also designed to help new teachers manage the increasing politicization of the education profession and engage in those debates in a positive way.
“At the end of the day, whatever values you have, as a teacher your job is to support, mentor, and uplift all of your students,” Foreman-Black said.
Twiss and Foort started at UNL in the fall of 2019 and were among the millions of college students across the country that were forced to finish the school year remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While the academy was founded to address an anticipated shortage of teachers in the state, that crisis has worsened in recent years as teachers have retired or left the profession entirely, creating vacancies in many school districts.
According to the Nebraska Department of Education, there are 768 school positions that are unfilled with fully qualified personnel this year, and 208 positions left vacant altogether.
The majority of those vacancies occurred in Southeast Nebraska, according to the 2022-23 Teacher Vacancy Survey Report. A total of 71 jobs remain vacant in the region, which includes Lincoln and Lancaster County.
The second-largest vacancy — 59 unfilled jobs — was reported in the Omaha metro area, according to the survey.
Foreman-Black said UNL designed the program to help build more resilient teachers to fill those positions and to develop a community where they can bounce ideas off one another and find solidarity when challenges arise.
“We’re really hoping to battle that five-year timeline after graduation, when most people will change jobs or leave teaching,” he said, “so we’ll be keeping an eye on those retention numbers.”
Graduating members of the inaugural cohort of the Teacher Scholars Academy say they plan to lean on one another as they enter classrooms across the state this fall.
“The biggest thing Teacher Scholars has given me is the realization that my support network as an individual educator and researcher is much wider than just the school I’m at or my family or where I happen to be,” Foort said. “I have people who care about me and know what teaching is like and can make sure I’m taking care of myself, too.”
Twiss said her experiences in the Teacher Scholars Academy have given her confidence, but added she also has dozens of other teachers to lean on, ask for advice, or voice concerns to as she enters the workforce.
“The community piece doesn’t end even though we are graduating,” she said. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/first-class-of-teacher-scholars-academy-students-set-to-graduate-from-unl/article_7ec152b4-f5ab-11ed-95ea-df231a10cc34.html | 2023-05-21T15:46:14 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/first-class-of-teacher-scholars-academy-students-set-to-graduate-from-unl/article_7ec152b4-f5ab-11ed-95ea-df231a10cc34.html |
Lindsay Rogers is a self-described science nerd.
The daughter of a science teacher, she can still recall coming home from high school to regale her parents about all she had learned in class that day.
“I realized that I really like sharing knowledge with people,” said Rogers, the director of programs at the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. “I’m fascinated by science and learning how it works. And what I really, really like, is teaching that to people, sharing that passion with others.”
That is, in essence, the purpose of Spark Summer Learning, the foundation’s day camps for elementary school students, which are coming back new and improved under Rogers’ direction this summer after a hiatus last year.
The weeklong camps kick off May 31 and run through Aug. 4, with each week centered on a different aspect of STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math.
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The camps, open to all students entering first through sixth grades, will take place at Pound Middle School, 4740 S. 45th St., from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided and each week features a field trip.
Themes include exploring the artistry of animal adaptions at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo; a water park week where students get to visit a water park and design their own; and food science, where students will conduct experiments and create their own ice cream flavor.
“The goal really is to get students to have just this radically fun summer and, oh, by the way, learn more science,” said Rogers, a longtime science educator who most recently worked at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission before joining LPS’ foundation in February.
The foundation started the camps in 2018 to offer students another opportunity to learn during the summer. The program took a year off last year because of staffing issues during the pandemic but is back retooled, said Foundation President Wendy Van.
“Our team is super excited to provide a camp-like environment so kids can have a ball while they’re learning,” Van said. “We don’t want it to feel like school at all.”
The camps cost $250 a week per student plus a $10 activity fee. Additional siblings receive a 10% discount. Two weeks are shorter: May 31-June 2 and July 5-7 and are $175 a week. The foundation does offer scholarships but all slots are full, although the foundation is accepting donations to sponsor more students.
Rogers said the camps are a flexible option for parents during the summer since they can choose which days or weeks to have their children to attend.
It’s also a way for children to develop a love for science as well as skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, she said. According to Rogers, 92% of boys and 97% of girls lose interest in STEAM if not engaged by the fifth grade.
“That’s not to say that the schools in Lincoln aren’t doing a good job of teaching science. It’s just that we need more of it,” Rogers said. “It’s not something that we can rely just on the schools to get. We really need the community as a whole.” | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/radically-fun-lps-foundation-brings-back-summer-science-camps/article_9ed654d4-f351-11ed-8547-c733b9d9f520.html | 2023-05-21T15:46:20 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/radically-fun-lps-foundation-brings-back-summer-science-camps/article_9ed654d4-f351-11ed-8547-c733b9d9f520.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Washington County home was destroyed early Sunday morning by a fire, officials said.
Just after 2 a.m., Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue said they received multiple calls about a house fire on Jackson Quarry Road.
Due to the home’s rural location, authorities said they upgraded the fire to first alarm to ensure that water could be brought because of a lack of hydrants in the area.
According to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, around 40 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze which took almost two hours.
The home’s residents were all able to evacuate on their own and were uninjured, but fire officials said the home and all its contents were destroyed.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but an investigator is currently on the scene. | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/washington-county-home-destroyed-in-early-morning-fire/ | 2023-05-21T15:51:56 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/washington-county-home-destroyed-in-early-morning-fire/ |
MIDLAND, Texas — UPDATE: After ten days of Madeline Pantoja being missing, Saturday afternoon Mario Juan Chacon Jr. was taken into custody in connection to the Missing Person case, according to Midland Police.
Earlier Saturday, Midland Police found remains, identified as Madeline Pantoja, in the area approximately 3 miles east of County Road 190 and County Road 1160.
According to the Midland County Sheriff's Office detainee roster, Chacon was charged with first degree murder.
According to a press release released by the City of Midland, at approximately 3:30 p.m. today, Midland Police Department detectives arrested 24-year-old Mario Juan Chacon for the charge of murder in connection with the death of Madeline Pantoja.
The Midland Police Department initiated an extensive investigation and search on May 11, 2023, after Madeline was reported missing.
An autopsy will be performed in Dallas County, and the investigation is ongoing.
Next of kin has been notified.
Pantoja went missing on May 10; her keys, phone, purse and dog being left in her apartment.
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The Midland Police Department held a press conference Friday afternoon with an update on Missing Person Madeline Pantoja, who's been missing since May 10.
Mayor Lori Blong said the Police Department is working tirelessly on the investigation, and that due to it being an active investigation, they can't answer any questions.
She said there is no reason to believe there is a public threat to Midland.
The Chief of Police Seth Herman took the podium and said that since the initial report, the police department have worked 24 hours a day to solve this.
He said they have search about 60 square miles of remote property using human assets, drones and manned aircraft. They've also had over one dozen search warrants to search for Pantoja.
They've interviewed about 25 people so far and have also received over 20 tips from the public.
If evidence should suggest foul play, criminal enforcement actions should be taken without delay.
The police department advises the public shouldn't interfere with the investigation and engage in their own investigations, which could impede locating Pantoja. Any interference by any parties in their investigation will result in necessary charges to the charges.
They also said that there is now a $20,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the location of Pantoja.
She was last seen at 11:00 p.m. on May 10 at 1711 West Francis. There is no clothing description, and her phone and vehicle are still at her apartment.
People can call MPD at 432-685-7108 if they have any information. We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/midland-police-department-asks-for-help-finding-missing-person/513-2f0ff809-0a36-4f08-a4b9-fe770998108f | 2023-05-21T15:53:34 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/midland-police-department-asks-for-help-finding-missing-person/513-2f0ff809-0a36-4f08-a4b9-fe770998108f |
ABERDEEN, Md. — An investigation is underway after multiple townhomes caught fire in Aberdeen on Saturday night.
Volunteer firefighters from the Abingdon Fire Company responded to the 4700 block of Witchhazel Way for a two-alarm fire.
Volunteer Firefighters from @AbingdonFire and surrounding companies are on scene of a 2-alarm fire in the 4700 block of Witchhazel Wy in #Aberdeen. Eight townhouses are involved in fire. @HarfordCountyMD Disaster Assistance is on scene assisting the victims. pic.twitter.com/NAoIQ2yoP1
— Harford Co., MD Fire & EMS (@HarforCoFireEMS) May 21, 2023
When they arrived, fire officials began to put out the fire that had affected eight townhomes.
One firefighter was injured while attempting to put out the fire, their condition is unknown at this time.
The fire left 24 people and 6 animals displaced.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/24-people-6-animals-displaced-after-multiple-townhomes-catch-fire-in-aberdeen | 2023-05-21T15:56:18 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/24-people-6-animals-displaced-after-multiple-townhomes-catch-fire-in-aberdeen |
Two masked men -- one pointing a gun, the other brandishing an ax -- broke down the door of a North Philadelphia grocery store and demanded money. Philadelphia police hope video of the robbery helps them track down the suspects.
The robbery took place at the Yahya Grocery Store on the 800 block of West Venago Street around 2:25 a.m. Wednesday.
Surveillance video released by Philadelphia police Friday shows two men -- one in a gray New Balance hooded sweatshirt and the other in a black hooded coat -- mulling around outside the store. Both men appear to be wearing medical-style gloves. The man in the gray hoodie then picks up what appears to be an ax.
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You then see the man with the ax go inside and lift his weapon, beginning to slam it against something.
"Suspect #1 began hitting the security door with an axe while suspect #2 had a black firearm pointed at an employee," police said in a news release.
Another angle of the video then shows the ax man repeatedly striking the door while a worker -- who is blurred in the video -- raises his arms and appears to be saying something the the robbers. After several blows, you see the guy in the gray hoodie then kick in the door, sending it across the floor.
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"When the suspects broke through the security door suspect #2 continued to point the firearm at the employee demanding money," police said.
You see the gunman in black pull a bag out of his pocket and hand it to the ax man in gray.
The man with the ax then rifles through the register as the employee appears to have his hands up for much of the time. The man in black then appears to pick up some items off the floor before he and the man with the ax flee the store.
The duo "fled the store with two cartons of cigarettes and $750," police said. They dashed off down 9th Street.
Luckily, the store worker wasn't injured. The overnight clerk told NBC10's Miguel Martinez-Valle that he was scared and thinking of his family overseas.
Police asked anyone with information to contact them online or by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can be made anonymously.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ax-gun-robbery-philly/3569799/ | 2023-05-21T16:04:24 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/ax-gun-robbery-philly/3569799/ |
Dear readers, this month marks the 28th anniversary of this column. I am as shocked as you are. For those of you who remember the polished and insightful weekly columns by the late Paul Schweitzer and Judson McGehee’s weekly “Nature” pieces, my weekly contributions are as noteworthy and memorable as a garage sale classified ad.
Yet, here we are, more than two decades after President Clinton’s first term. The country was reeling from the horrors of the Oklahoma City bombing; “Braveheart” opened in movie theaters. And the internet was viewed with skepticism.
In Newsweek, February 1995, Charles Stoll wrote: “Visionaries see a future of telecommuting workers, interactive libraries and multimedia classrooms. They speak of electronic town meetings and virtual communities. Commerce and business will shift from offices and malls to networks and modems. And the freedom of digital networks will make government more democratic.
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“Baloney. Do our computer pundits lack all common sense? The truth is no online database will replace your daily newspaper, no CD-ROM can take the place of a competent teacher and no computer network will change the way government works.”
I do not share this to criticize Mr. Stoll’s futuristic astigmatism. When it comes to new technologies, I am a notorious late adopter. I still think that new-fangled Velcro is just a fad, by cracky. Otherwise, why would God have invented shoelaces?
Yet here we are, in May 2023. The good and the bad continue to vie for our attention from directions and via devices not even Arthur C. Clarke envisioned.
Much of what was is no longer with us. You may recall a time when an analogy to illustrate change was the collapse of the buggy-whip manufacturing industry. Or when cars were equipped with cigarette lighters. Or when enterprising children delivered the local newspaper to our homes. You may have been one of those enterprising children.
Fortunately, despite the incessant pressure of expanding technologies and changing habits, we still have a local newspaper and a staff of dedicated professional journalists — your correspondent excluded, of course. Twenty-eight years at the kiddy table has provided me with the opportunity to observe and appreciate the long line of editors and journalists who have published this newspaper.
I pause here to pay tribute to our departed colleague Randy Wilson. I still can’t believe he’s gone.
As a citizen, I am grateful to have a local newspaper with professional journalists. Who else is going to sit through six hours of public comment on the proposed relocation of the Flagstaff Medical Center and then write a coherent story that brings the facts to readers?
Also, we are blessed to have many talented columnists whose work appears weekly like those in High Country Running, Gardening Etcetera, London Zoo. And let’s not forget to acknowledge the value of Letters to the Editor. Where else would appear a curated dialogue of differing opinions about local issues?
OK, I’ll stop. Twenty-eight years of attempting to provide you with a modicum of distracting entertainment has triggered a pang of nostalgia.
Thanks for reading. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/carpenters-column-no-point-crying-over-spilled-ink/article_cf07f74a-f67e-11ed-bf2c-ab51663ec43c.html | 2023-05-21T16:09:09 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/carpenters-column-no-point-crying-over-spilled-ink/article_cf07f74a-f67e-11ed-bf2c-ab51663ec43c.html |
100 years ago
1923: George Newman of Flagstaff was badly hurt at Ajo last Friday when he fell 45 feet from a steel structure being erected at the mouth of a copper mine shaft, his life being saved by falling onto the back of a mule. George works for the Wisconsin Bridge & Iron company. He had been at Ajo about three weeks, working on the structure from which he fell. Just what caused his fall is unknown, but there were two mules below him, standing over some jagged rocks. He came down head first. He had several broken ribs and possibly internal injuries, but it is believed he will recover.
75 years ago
1948: With a campaign sponsored by the Flagstaff Woman’s Club to “get out the vote” expected to result in a near record turnout, Flagstaff voters will select seven councilmen in the biennial city election Monday. The Woman’s Club has been working on its campaign for a month, with letters to civic clubs and other organizations urging 100% balloting Monday. In accordance with state law, the city’s bars and buffets will be closed during the hours of voting.
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Jacqueline Cochran, famous speed flier, will use a point near Flagstaff as the outward terminus of an attempt at a new speed record, it has been learned here today. Charles A. Bonney, Chet Anderson and Darrow Thompson have been asked to serve as checkers at the turning point for the flight. The flight will start at Los Angeles and proceed eastward to a point about 10.5 miles east of Flagstaff, after which the famous aviatrix will return to her starting point. The purpose of the checkers is to verify the fact that the plane passes to the east of the turning point.
50 years ago
1973: Flagstaff’s 45th annual All-Indian Pow Wow will not take place. Pow Wow Committeeman Ken Brown said today an informal poll of members of the city council -- taken at Council’s work session Wednesday afternoon -- indicated there would not be sufficient votes at a regular city council meeting to obtain use of City Park facilities to stage the traditional Independence Day event. “We would love to go ahead with the show, but we don’t have approval from the council, so we can’t.”
The first antilight pollution ordinance in Flagstaff’s history will be up for public hearing before the city council Tuesday. The hearing is the second item on a long agenda at a meeting that is due to begin at 7:30 a.m. The code, prepared after some six months of study by a communitywide company headed by city planner William Kemp, has been roundly endorsed by various local astronomers. They maintain the effectiveness of their telescopes is being destroyed by light pollution from the city.
Beautiful. Marvelous. These words were repeated more than once Sunday evening. The reference was to Arizona’s beauty and, more specifically, its sunshine. The comments were made by some of the 22 foreign editors and writers who spent a whirlwind two days touring some of the scenic sites in the Northland.
The newsmen were guests in a promotional tour coordinated by Trans World Airlines, Holiday Inns and the National Geographic magazine. The visit here was but one of a series to introduce Europeans to the beauties of America. The tours, which are by invitation only, are designed to get into print the pictures and story ideas of the guests. Key stops in Flagstaff were made to the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory and Walnut Canyon.
25 years ago
1998: A Flagstaff resident spent Sunday night and Monday morning on Mount Elden immobilized with an injured leg that might have been fractured and a dislocated shoulder. According to a Flagstaff Fire Department report, Parish was hiking in the Devil’s Chair area (the south-facing side) of Mount Elden when he fell Sunday afternoon, seriously injuring himself. Parish, who couldn’t move, spent Sunday night and early Monday morning undetected until a passing hiker heard him screaming for help. He was in fair condition as of 2:30 p.m. yesterday, according to a Flagstaff Medical Center spokesperson.
According to a Flagstaff Police Department report, Kathy Jenkins heard Parish yelling for help and called police. Jenkins told police she decided to go hiking instead of attending her aerobics class. About 45 minutes to an hour into her hike, she heard Parish calling for help. “You could hear faint yelling and I thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s just my imagination,’” Jenkins said. “Then I thought, ‘No, nobody would be playing a practical joke at 6 a.m. in the morning.' So I went back and called the police.”
With a crane towering overhead and a chainsaw buzzing a few feet away on Monday afternoon, Kathy Erbe explained in frank terms why she doesn’t like that her neighbor is cutting down as many as 10 mature elm trees. But her Sunnyside neighbor said he has the right to cut down trees that are interfering with his sewer line and fruit trees. Erbe went to the City of Flagstaff for help, but didn’t find any there. “If I lived in west Flagstaff this would be different,” she said. “They don’t care about east Flagstaff.”
Although the city has no limits on the number of trees the neighbor can cut, it isn’t because he lives in Sunnyside, said Mark Sawyers, a Flagstaff city planner. “It has nothing to do with an east-west thing,” he said. Rather, because Sunnyside is an old neighborhood, it doesn’t fall under new restrictions that require residential developers to leave at least 50% of the tree canopy on a lot.
Susan Johnson has lived in Flagstaff for over 30 years and loves to delve into her adopted hometown’s past. She has written two books for the History Press, Haunted Flagstaff and Flagstaff’s Walkup Family Murders, and, with her son Nick, manages Freaky Foot Tours. You’ll find her hiking the trails with her corgi, Shimmer.
All events were taken from issues of the Arizona Daily Sun and its predecessors, the Coconino Weekly Sun and the Coconino Sun. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-history-foreign-newsmen-toured-the-area/article_b65a6a7e-f67f-11ed-88d5-9f88c5c05ffc.html | 2023-05-21T16:09:15 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/flagstaff-history-foreign-newsmen-toured-the-area/article_b65a6a7e-f67f-11ed-88d5-9f88c5c05ffc.html |
Please lift a glass this week and toast the longevity of High Country Running. This little venture turned 14 years old on May 10!
The idea that readers would appreciate a regular running column in the Arizona Daily Sun was born in 2009. Our first column was about the Flagstaff Running Series (back then, the “Flagstaff Summer Running Series” was already in its fifth year).
Guess who wrote that? If you said “Neil Weintraub,” you get a free pair of socks (with your registration in this year’s series; search for “Flagstaff Run Series” on RunSignUp.com).
In March 2023, Neil wrote his hundredth High Country Running column. That’s a huge milestone. Congratulations and thank you, Neil!
Neil obviously loves this column. He said, “I think what makes High Country Running so special is the diversity of voices who have kept the column fresh and lively over its 14 years!"
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In his columns, Neil usually shares the latest racing news, but occasionally he pens something more personal. One of my favorites was published July 2, 2022. It’s called “The joy of failure and the pride in trying.”
The only person who has written more of these columns than Neil is Myles Schrag. Myles coordinated the column from 2013 to 2018 and has written 122 columns so far, by my unofficial count.
True to his training as a journalist, Myles covers the local running scene in columns like this one, about the mural in Run Flagstaff (still a highlight of any trip to our wonderful local running store).
Before Myles, Karen London was the founding coordinating editor of this column. She served until 2013.
“I love how High Country Running has had contributors who are kids and octogenarians, new runners and world-class athletes, sprinters and ultra runners,” she told me. “It’s for everyone in our running community to share. And many non-runners love it, too, giving them a peek into the running vibe in Flagstaff, and pride about it as well.”
This column is written by our running community. Anyone can do it. Almost 200 different people have seen their bylines published here. But only a handful have written for all three coordinating editors. These include Janel Lanphere, Erin Strout, Steve Rhode, Neil Weintraub, Karen London, Myles Schrag and the Daily Sun’s Randy Wilson.
Randy was the managing editor who authorized this column’s launch, in fact, making him its “founding father.” Randy passed away in 2019, and we miss him.
If you want to see your name on a column, let me know! A column is a 500-word personal statement having something to do with running. It’s easy, and I’m happy to help.
High Country Running has always been a place where we share our lives as runners. If you have a news tip, column idea or some writing to share, send it in. Let’s keep this party going strong for another 14 years!
Julie Hammonds (runner@juliehammonds.com) has been the coordinating editor of High Country Running since May 2019. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/high-country-running-high-country-running-turns-14/article_d727402c-f69f-11ed-86a8-3bf4b4f28eef.html | 2023-05-21T16:09:21 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/high-country-running-high-country-running-turns-14/article_d727402c-f69f-11ed-86a8-3bf4b4f28eef.html |
For the second season in a row, Coconino sophomore Kaitlyn Tso was exceptional for the Panthers softball team this spring.
She was named the Grand Canyon Region's player of the year and earned spots on the region first team and 4A All-Conference second team. She also, for the second consecutive time, is the Arizona Daily Sun's softball athlete of the year.
Tso recorded 222 strikeouts and gave up just 59 hits in 119 innings this season to go with an ERA of 1.12. She threw six shutouts, three no-hitters and a perfect game this year.
She also led Coconino to its second consecutive region title and a record of 17-3 (11-2 Grand Canyon) as the Panthers reached the third round of the 4A state championship tournament.
“I feel like I took an extra step this year,” she said.
But, while she was already one of the top pitchers in the region, and the entire state, from the moment she stepped in the pitcher’s circle her freshman year, Tso made significant improvement in her hitting as a sophomore.
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She hit for an average of .479 -- second best on the team. She also led the Panthers with 40 RBIs. Her average increased drastically from a .337 the year prior.
“I know everyone focuses on her pitching, but she was a very solid offensive player for us this year,” Panthers manager Kimberly Dennis said. “Last year, she was focused on being a pitcher. Although she still was a good hitter last year, too, this year she just raised her level of making contact. Her average was higher, and she came up in big situations for us."
And much of that improvement came while still dealing with an injury.
Tso sprained her ankle during an exhibition tournament early in the year, forcing her to miss some time. Even when she returned, her ankle was taped and sprinting was difficult.
“When I came back I knew I had to push myself enough to help the team,” she said.
With all of the gains in skill and performance, perhaps the most impactful difference came in her leadership and simple enjoyment of the sport.
She is part of a special sophomore class that comprised six of the Panthers’ 15 players on the roster this spring. Many of them started or made regular contributions.
That camaraderie on a relatively young team made a difference in how she played.
“I think it’s pretty cool. A lot of us play together out of high school ball. And, personally, I think that will help us. But we’re going to miss the four seniors, too,” Tso said.
She added: “We were trying to go back-to-back in the region. Everything that happened beside taking a tough loss to Flagstaff was really fun.”
Dennis also noted that Tso made leaps in her maturity, hoping that trend continues.
“Her energy is very contagious to the rest of the team. So we want that energy to be high, because she can be a really fun, goofy individual that raises the spirits. But she also is so competitive and can get ultra-focused on herself and what she needs to do in the circle. So when she is doing both, it’s a real benefit,” Dennis said.
Tso will continue to play softball throughout the offseason. She’ll likely play on the Panthers girls basketball team as well.
She said her offseason goal is to increase her commitment to improvement in order to help the Panthers advance even further in the postseason next spring. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/tso-phomore-star-shines-again-for-coconino-softball/article_8afa4f90-f6a0-11ed-9087-7b612220bcfd.html | 2023-05-21T16:09:27 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/tso-phomore-star-shines-again-for-coconino-softball/article_8afa4f90-f6a0-11ed-9087-7b612220bcfd.html |
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, North Carolina – The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina is investigating a murder.
At around 7:15 a.m. Sunday, Rockingham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Ramon’s Shell along U.S. 220 in Madison, North Carolina for a report of a dead individual in the parking lot.
Information about the victim is not being released at this time as Rockingham County Sheriff’s Investigators work to identify the victim in order to notify the next of kin.
Rockingham County Sheriff’s Investigators believe this to be a homicide. They say the victim appears to have suffered several gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the murder happened around 4 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Ramon’s Shell.
Anyone who may have any information about the murder is asked to call the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at 336-634-3232 or Rockingham County CrimeStoppers at 336-349-9683. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/21/murder-investigation-underway-in-rockingham-county-nc/ | 2023-05-21T16:15:38 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/21/murder-investigation-underway-in-rockingham-county-nc/ |
LYTLE, Texas — The city of Lytle is currently under a boil water notice until Tuesday, officials say.
The city issued the notice beginning at 12:45 a.m. Sunday. and is expected to stay in effect until Tuesday.
All customers should boil their water before using for washing hands and face, brushing teeth and drinking.
Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The public water system officials will notify customers when the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact City of Lytle 830-709-3692 at 14916 Main Street Lytle, TX 78052 or you may contact Mayor Ruben Gonzalez (210) 897-6507 or James McGrath (210) 685-7708 or City Administrator Matthew Dear (210) 557-9124.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/city-of-lytle-under-boil-water-notice-until-tuesday-drinking-washing-contaminated-texas/273-f8d2046b-05ea-45b2-a397-c0ae347d58f2 | 2023-05-21T16:18:17 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/city-of-lytle-under-boil-water-notice-until-tuesday-drinking-washing-contaminated-texas/273-f8d2046b-05ea-45b2-a397-c0ae347d58f2 |
HOUSTON — Agitated and upset are just two words to describe the parents of a 6-year-old girl who said she was forced to change out of her dress while at school.
Jonathan Alexander said his daughter loves putting on dresses and she wears them to school nearly every day, but now the young girl is self-conscious after an incident that reportedly took place at Clear Lake City Elementary School.
Jonathan and his wife Kristie said a teacher's aide spoke to their daughter about the dresses she wore to school. Their daughter continued to wear dresses and a few days later, after going to school in a dress, the 6-year-old came back home wearing jeans.
“The first thing I asked was, ‘Did you have an accident?’ ‘No ma’am.’ ‘Ok, why did you change clothes?’ ‘The teacher made me change clothes because I was running around or playing and didn’t sit properly," Kristie explained of the conversation she had with her daughter.
Johnathan and Kristie said the next day they were sent a message by their daughter's teacher over an app used for parent-teacher communication.
The message read, in part, that, "...she was trying to maintain student dignity."
Jonathan said he believes that there was nothing wrong with the way his daughter wears dresses. He said all they are telling him and his wife is that she doesn't sit in the chair properly and you're able to see her underwear because the shorts underneath her dress were too baggy.
“Ever since the beginning of the year, my daughter has worn dresses. She wears shorts or tights or something under the dress," he said. “I do not believe that any 6-year-old is looking at another 6-year-old like that.”
Clear Creek ISD sent over the following statement:
“CCISD is not able to comment on student matters, however, the District will continue to reinforce with staff, parprofessionals, and substitute teachers what the dress code policy is in Clear Creek ISD.”
Jonathan and his wife said this is their daughter's first year at Clear Lake City Elementary School and, for now, they plan to keep her there. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/girl-wears-dress-to-school/285-9271430f-7e47-4627-89f7-29e22cbd16b3 | 2023-05-21T16:18:23 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/girl-wears-dress-to-school/285-9271430f-7e47-4627-89f7-29e22cbd16b3 |
PHOENIX — A good deed is going viral on Go Gilbert after a Valley couple found a lost wallet in a parking lot and returned it to its rightful owner, Navy veteran, Chris Lane who simply didn't know right away that he'd lost it.
The act of kindness is something we should all be practicing, according to Jaala James and her boyfriend Dante, who found the wallet in the Fat Cats parking lot in the east Valley.
"It's honestly a little disappointing that it's so surprising, you'd think that I don't know I would want someone to do the same for me," James explained.
Meanwhile, Chris and his wife Marcie were shocked by the kind gesture, because they said you just don't see it every day. They're undoubtedly grateful for getting it back because heading out Sunday was supposed to be for a fun family gathering.
"We were just going to have a night out with the kids, bowling typical family night. We spent like two and a half hours at Fat Cats, get in the car, it's not there, get home, it's not there, then panic starts to ensue," Chris said.
He said, he started panicking but couldn't find his wallet, a blow to the whole night out.
"Thinking about losing that, it just added way more stress than I needed to have on a Wednesday night," he added.
More stress ahead of another round of chemo, Chris has been battling cancer since January and just got new medical cards.
"Not only the driver’s license, credit cards, insurance cards, I got my medical info for my port procedure and I got that in my wallet so it's readily available in case something happens," he explained.
However, what happened just hours later was a welcomed surprise, all thanks to the kindness of strangers, who turned out to be Jaala and Dante.
"We were going over to my nephew's birthday party over at Fat Cats and we were walking in and messing around and saw the wallet on the ground, James added. When you lose something, it's like you hope to get it back otherwise you have to cancel all those cards just such a hassle."
"Just doing the right thing, that's all we can do, just pay it forward and continue to do the right thing and hopefully it spreads from there," Chris said.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/valley-couple-returns-wallet-to-navy-vet/75-59a7e352-45c6-44bd-ba37-7bd45a7bee82 | 2023-05-21T16:19:01 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/valley-couple-returns-wallet-to-navy-vet/75-59a7e352-45c6-44bd-ba37-7bd45a7bee82 |
Originally published May 19 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.When dispatch calls in a new wildfire, Cole Siemion and the other Great Basin Smokejumpers are trained to suit up and be ready to board a plane in two minutes.
Smokejumpers are highly trained wildland firefighters who parachute from airplanes 3,000 feet off the ground to reach the fires.
Their goals are safety and speed, and the work is difficult and dangerous.
What makes smokejumpers unique and specialized is the way they reach fires. Parachuting to wildfires allows them to reach some of the most remote and rugged terrain that may be located miles from any road or trail.
“Our primary mission is an aggressive, initial attack,” Siemion told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. “The vast majority of the time, the expectation is that we will be suppressing the fire until it is out. That might mean working all night. It might mean working until four in the morning, getting a few hours of sleep and starting again the next day.”
There are 65 members of the Great Basin Smokejumpers — or Boise Smokejumpers — based at the National Interagency Fire Center located near the Boise Airport who are training and preparing to spend the late spring, summer and fall fighting wildfires across the West and up into Alaska.
Due to a snowy spring, meteorologists said the fire season isn’t especially active right now in Idaho and the West, but officials are expecting wildfire risks to increase as temperatures rise. When that happens, Siemion and smokejumpers will often be the first responders to many fires they jump into.
The Boise Smokejumpers are part of the Bureau of Land Management, and their base is located at the National Interagency Fire Center, or NIFC. Between the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, there are nine smokejumper base locations across the United States. Three of the smokejumper bases are in Idaho (one in Boise, one in McCall and another in Grangeville), while the other bases are in Montana, California, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.
WHAT IS A SMOKEJUMPER?
Smokejumping is not an entry-level firefighting position, and smokejumper candidates must have previous fire experience, experience using chainsaws and hand tools and be able to pass a rigorous physical training test, according to the McCall Smokejumpers website.
Smokejumper candidates must also pass a multi-week training program where they spend time in the field and in classrooms. The training includes mock airplane exits and jumps, leadership skills, parachute landing techniques, tree climbing, navigation exercises, work with tools and chainsaws and practice parachute jumps.
Like many smokejumpers, Siemion gained experience as a member of a hotshot crew. According to the Department of Interior’s wildland fire jobs website, a hotshot crew is a mobile, specialized firefighting crew that works on the ground in rugged terrain on active and difficult areas of wildfires.
Siemion has worked as a smokejumper since 2015, when he started as a rookie with the McCall Smokejumpers.
Before that, he had never jumped out of an airplane before.
“Of course I was nervous standing in the door of an aircraft, but I’m still nervous even today having jumped for seven years,” Siemion said.
“The training is designed in such a way to ingrain safe habits, and I think our track record shows that the training works. Of course, jumping is thrilling. It’s fun. It’s exciting. But it’s also based on good, safe habits, and I always fall back on that.”
To date, Siemion has parachuted into wildfires 55 times and made 191 jumps altogether, including practice jumps.
Even as an experienced smokejumper, Siemion said the training is extensive and continuous. Each year, returning smokejumpers complete refresher training that includes suiting up, equipment checks, jump spot selection, landing procedures and malfunction procedures.
Great Basin Smokejumpers rig their own parachutes, and must demonstrate their skills packing chutes over and over again before jumping for real. They also track and document who rigged each chute, including the date and location. As of Thursday, Siemion has rigged 184 parachutes.
“The expectation is once we rig a chute, we have to have a system of accountability for who rigged that chute and maintain the documentation,” Siemion said.
Along with learning to pack parachutes and jump out of airplanes, Great Basin Smokejumpers also learn to sew so they can make, modify, repair and customize their gear. Outside of the active fire season, smokejumpers may be found in the loft at their base working with a sewing machine to make their own jump jackets, pants and gear bags. They also customize their own parachute helmets by combining a ski helmet with a wire cage face mask. Smokejumpers who obtain a Federal Aviation Administration qualification also learn to repair and patch their own parachutes, in case one is damaged out in the field.
Some fire personnel specialize in manufacturing gear and obtaining a FAA senior rigger qualification, which Siemion is working to obtain now. He said all Great Basin Smokejumpers develop some level of skill at sewing and repairing gear.
“We know best what our needs are, and we are always trying to make improvements,” Siemion said. “We might not be the fastest sewers in the world. But if we want to make adjustments, maybe that is finding a more comfortable jump jacket with better padding or lighter materials. With some proficiency at sewing, we are able to adjust much more quickly and nimbly than if we only relied on contracts with outside vendors.”
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SMOKEJUMPERS ARE CALLED OUT FOR A FIRE?
When the Great Basin Smokejumpers are called out for a fire from Boise’s National Interagency Fire Center, they could be heading anywhere in the West or up to Alaska.
Eight smokejumpers load into a plane and assess the fire from the air once they get close. If the fire is small, a minimum of two smokejumpers will parachute in. If the fire is larger, they might send all eight.
Working with a spotter, the smokejumpers select a landing zone and jump from the plane wearing the jump jacket and pants they may have sewn themselves and the helmet they customized. They carry a pack with personal gear, including water, food, a radio and a fire shelter.
Once the smokejumpers land safely, the crew on the plane will drop them cargo, which may include fire packs designed to sustain two firefighters for 48 hours, hand tools, sleeping bags, more water or chainsaws.
After working all day and night to fight a fire, the work isn’t done when a fire is out or smokejumpers hand off a larger spreading fire to a larger team.
Smokejumpers then must pack out up to 130 pounds of gear and hike out to a road, trail or helicopter landing spot to get picked up. Sometimes, that means a one mile hike. Other times, packing out could entail an eight mile hike off trail through rugged mountains to reach the closest suitable spot to land a helicopter.
For Siemion, it’s becoming a career.
He enjoys the different experiences that each fire offers, and he enjoys working with the other smokejumpers.
“Being a public servant working to protect people’s property and our shared natural resources is something I get satisfaction with,” Siemien said. “Most of all, it’s a pleasure working with a group of such highly motivated, hardworking, smart problem solvers. That is what it comes down to and it is what the Boise Smokejumpers is all about, as is the larger wildland fire community as well.”
WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK FOR THIS YEAR’S FIRE SEASON?
Due to a snowy spring and record snowpack across parts of Idaho and the West, there isn’t a lot of large fire activity in the United States now, said Nick Nauslar, a predictive services meteorologist at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise.
“Right now we are expecting a slower or even a delayed start to the fire season in parts of the Southwest, the mountains, Utah and Nevada and throughout a good part of California,” Nauslar said in a telephone interview. “However, a heat wave or two can quickly change things, as we’ve seen before.”
While the snowpack and melting snow provide moisture on the ground that may lead to a delayed start to the fire season, that moisture is also helping fuels such as grasses and shrubs grow, which will increase the risk for rangeland wildfires, particularly at middle elevations, as those fuels dry out Nauslar said. As a result, Nauslar said Idaho and parts of the West could start seeing grass fires in the next month or so.
Nauslar and other meteorologists and officials will continue to monitor fire risk and activity as temperatures increase and the risk levels change.
“One thing to caution people on is that just because we could have a delayed start to the fire season doesn’t mean there won’t be any fires,” Nauslar said. “If those big fires happen in your backyard or near you, it can have big effects on you even though on a broader scale it may not be a ‘bigger’ fire season. No matter the year, we always get fires and almost always get big fires across the West at some point.”
COULD YOU PASS THE MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SMOKEJUMPER?
According to the McCall Smokejumpers website, the minimum physical requirements a smoke jumper candidate must meet on the first day of training are:
- Seven pullups
- Twenty-five push-ups
- Forty-five sit-ups
- A 1.5 mile run in under 11 minutes (that’s a 7:20 per mile pace)
In smokejumper training, smokejumper candidates are also required to demonstrate packing out 110 pounds of gear over a distance of three miles in 90 minutes or less, according to the McCall Smokejumpers. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-s-elite-smokejumpers-serve-as-a-first-line-of-wildfire-response/article_7a83ca7a-f690-11ed-b86b-2fe35ea29516.html | 2023-05-21T16:26:33 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-s-elite-smokejumpers-serve-as-a-first-line-of-wildfire-response/article_7a83ca7a-f690-11ed-b86b-2fe35ea29516.html |
I live south of U.S. 30 in the Boone Grove area of Porter County. Every day I cross 30 in the morning on the way to the Valpo Y. I can remember often cruising through the stop light at 30 and Rt. 2 without materially slowing down. Those days are over. This stop light, despite the widened lanes and better traffic pattern, is now a consistent two-cycle stop light at 7:15 a.m. And with major developments planned along Rt. 2 south of Valparaiso, it’s not going to get any better.
Now, I would whine about this more loudly, except that business has recently begun taking me into west Lake County, namely the St. John area, on a more frequent basis. Oak Partners is in very preliminary due diligence for a possible new office in this fast growing area, and boy, do you want to talk about traffic? It's crazy out there, driving my blood pressure higher with every trip.
My wife Tracy and I were lamenting about all the new traffic in our lands the other day, one of us asking the rhetorical question, “Where are all these people coming from?” Well, any true Regionite knows the corresponding rhetorical answer we always provide to this question. We blame Illinois of course. In our minds they are all fleeing Illinois.
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Given the Region’s strange relationship with the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago in particular, this is always going to be our paranoiac answer, but given the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, it looks to be accurate as well. Between 2016 and 2020 the U.S. government census data tells us around 22,000 people migrated from Illinois to Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties in Indiana. That’s a lot of new houses, new neighborhoods and new traffic, and who knows what happened during the later COVID years.
From a business perspective, this trend has also been apparent. Oak Partners has a number of newer relationships with Illinois migrants. Of course, in getting to know our new friends we invariably ask what brought them to the area, and the answers are consistent: property taxes, home values and now the ability to work remotely. Mixed in are occasional comments about politics, but this isn’t as common as one might think.
There are indeed some material tax differences between the two states. On the property tax side, Lake County shows an average property tax rate of 2.63% of assessed value, while Porter county shows 1.84%. (source: Indiana.edu). In contrast, Illinois property taxes are based on an opaque assessment calculation, with multiple taxing authorities levying value based property taxes in some municipalities, leading the average property tax rate in the Chicago area to be roughly 6.68% of assessed value in 2021 (source: Smartasset.com). Quite a difference.
On the income tax side, the numbers are a little better. Indiana has a flat income tax of 3.15%, with some counties levying an additional 0.25% on income (source: Indiana DOR). Illinois, on the other hand, has a tax rate of 4.95%, but one very attractive tax rule for retirees is that Illinois does not levy income tax on Social Security, pension or IRA distribution income, which can be a major benefit.
As far as the money we spend, the tax rates are more attractive in Indiana as well. Sales tax in Indiana is a flat 7%. Illinois levies a sales tax rate of 6.25% but then also permits municipalities to levy sales taxes up to 4.75%, leading the average sales tax in Illinois to be 8.82%, and sales tax in the city of Chicago to be a whopping 10.25% (source: AARP).
And to top it off, Illinois still has an estate tax on estates over $4 million, which applies on all estate property domiciled in Illinois, regardless if the deceased owner was a resident of Illinois.
So, apparently all these tax differences can really add up, which in my experience is driving much of the in-migration being experienced in the communities of the Region.
Perhaps my favorite comment from a new former Illinoisan neighbor, exclaiming their excitement over “discovering” Indiana was “we just can’t believe how much money we are saving in taxes, and you know what? There are actually some good places to eat here as well.” To which I could only smile and respond, “Yes, we do eat here in Indiana, and sometimes we even eat out”. Welcome, Illinois friends.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or preserve against loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This material may contain forward looking statements; there are no guarantees that these outcomes will come to pass.
Marc Ruiz is a wealth advisor and partner with Oak Partners and registered representative of LPL Financial. Contact Marc at marc.ruiz@oakpartners.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/mind-on-money-more-illinoisans-discovering-indiana/article_cc05733e-f64b-11ed-a791-67c82f3982a7.html | 2023-05-21T16:39:08 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/business/mind-on-money-more-illinoisans-discovering-indiana/article_cc05733e-f64b-11ed-a791-67c82f3982a7.html |
1 dead, 1 critically injured in wreck south of downtown DeLand
A truck hit a guardrail and overturned a couple of miles south of downtown DeLand on Sunday morning, killing the driver and critically injuring the passenger, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A 20-year-old Orange City man was driving a 1993 Ford Ranger south on South Woodland Boulevard near State Road 472 around 3:40 a.m. when he drove off the road and hit a guardrail, causing the truck to flip into a ditch.
Warehoused?Volusia corrections director says about 1/3 or more of inmates have mental health issues
He and his passenger were ejected from the truck. Authorities took the driver to AdventHealth Fish Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger had critical injuries and was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not confirmed her identification, so the passenger's age and hometown weren't listed. The agency doesn't provide names in press releases.
The crash is under investigation. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/21/volusia-county-wreck-kills-1-critically-injures-another/70240937007/ | 2023-05-21T16:50:05 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/05/21/volusia-county-wreck-kills-1-critically-injures-another/70240937007/ |
PHOENIX — Arizona's schools chief says a judge should throw out a bid by two transgender girls to void a new state law prohibiting them from playing on teams designated for girls.
In a new court filing, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the 2022 statute protects "biological girls" from unfair competition and ensures they are not injured by those who are stronger and more powerful. Horne, a Republican elected in November, dismissed as unfounded the contention that the two girls have no advantage because they are either prepubescent or are taking puberty blockers.
Horne said even if that is true — a point he is not conceding — the girls have a legal remedy far short of being allowed to compete in sports designated for girls only.
"They can also seek an order requiring a co-ed team if this court ultimately finds that pre-puberty males have no advantage,'' wrote Dennis Wilenchik, one of the private attorneys hired by Horne after Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes disqualified herself from defending the statute.
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That "would be a much more reasonable proposed remedy'' than an order allowing the two girls to participate in girls-only sports, Wilenchik told U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Zipps.
The law in question
The state law requires public schools and any private schools that compete against them to designate their interscholastic or intramural sports strictly as male, female or coed. It specifically says teams designated for women or girls "may not be open to students of the male sex.''
Supporters said it was based on inherent physical advantages of "biological males."
The lawsuit does not challenge the entire law. It contends that, given that the two transgender girls have not entered puberty, the statute is unconstitutional at least as it applies to them.
One of the students attends The Gregory School, a private school in Tucson. The other is set to attend Aprende Middle School in Kyrene School District in Tempe.
Horne, through his lawyers, said the claim of the lack of a physical advantage is wrong. He cites several studies.
But, even absent such scientific conclusions, Horne wants Zipps to rule that allowing transgender girls to participate in girls' sports makes no sense.
Title IX
He contends it also undermines Title IX, the federal law passed in 1972 designed to prohibit discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal assistance.
"The purpose of enacting Title IX 50 years ago was to provide women with the same opportunities in sports as men,'' Wilenchik said. "Allowing transgender females to participate in women's teams eliminates that level playing field and erodes all the progress celebrated in women's sports. The alternative is not only illogical but unfair.''
Attorneys for the transgender girls, by contrast, read Title IX's ban on discrimination on the basis of sex to also encompass individuals who are transgender.
"Neither Title IX, its regulations, nor its guidance purport to define 'sex' as something that is determined at fertilization and revealed at birth or in utero,'' they told Zipps.
Horne's position is that even if Zipps does not agree with his claims that transgender girls have a biological advantage, she should not void the law, nor the part that affects pre-pubescent transgender girls.
Co-ed teams
"If … they have no advantage, as plaintiffs' assert, then there should be co-ed teams,'' Wilenchik wrote. "The logical solution then is not to put biological males on girls' teams, but to make those sports like the rest of life, coed. This is the solution that best addresses the needs of transgender females wishing to participate in sports who claim no physical advantage over biological females while still maintaining a level playing field.''
If they still want a court order, Horne's attorney told the judge, they remain free to ask her to order that certain sports be made co-ed, "which would be a much more reasonable proposed remedy.''
To a limited extent, that already occurred.
Before the law took effect, the Arizona Interscholastic Association, which governs high school sports, already had protocols to handle requests by transgender athletes to participate in sports case by case. Factors included a student's "gender story,'' including the age at which they became aware of the "incongruence'' between the sex assigned at birth and gender identity, and whether the student is undergoing gender transition.
Dr. Kristina Wilson, who was on the AIA's medical advisory board, testified that out of 170,000 high school athletes, there had been 16 requests by transgender individuals to compete.
Zipps has not set a date to consider the request to block enforcement of the law, at least as to these two plaintiffs.
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/arizona-schools-chief-argues-against-transgender-girls-lawsuit/article_cb869a0e-f683-11ed-b088-c7ad72928e7c.html | 2023-05-21T17:00:28 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/education/arizona-schools-chief-argues-against-transgender-girls-lawsuit/article_cb869a0e-f683-11ed-b088-c7ad72928e7c.html |
BLOOMINGTON — A 42-year-old Bloomington man was arrested for aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to someone over 60 years old.
According to court documents, Fawcettra N. Williams was arrested after battering a woman on Saturday in his home, punching her in the face.
Police were called and Williams fled, according to the arrest record. The woman was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with a fractured collarbone.
Williams' bond was set at $30,000 with 10% to apply, meaning he would have to post $3,000 plus court fees to be released from the McLean County jail.
Williams was ordered not to have contact with the victim or with a Bloomington address.
His next court date is 9 a.m. June 9.
A booking photo was unavailable over the weekend.
Photos: Police respond to Turnberry Drive shooting
Contact D. Jack Alkire at (309)820-3275.
Twitter: @d_jack_alkire
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-for-aggravated-battery-in-bloomington/article_8dd347ee-f74a-11ed-af06-1716a4ade00a.html | 2023-05-21T17:04:37 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-for-aggravated-battery-in-bloomington/article_8dd347ee-f74a-11ed-af06-1716a4ade00a.html |
BLOOMINGTON — It is true that a community is shaped and defined by its more prominent buildings. But it is also true that a place is defined —sometimes profoundly — by long-gone buildings deemed expendable and given up to the wrecking ball. In other words, sometimes what is missing says as much — or more — about the state of things than what is still there.
One such loss for the Twin Cities was the Irvin Theatre, located on the 200 block of East Jefferson Street in downtown Bloomington. For much of the 20th century, the Irvin was unquestionably the finest movie house in the Twin Cities.
Despite the theater’s longevity and influential sway over several generations of local moviegoers, the McLean County Museum of History held surprisingly few photographs of the area’s premier “popcorn palace.” As a not-for-profit institution, the museum depends on donations — including gifts of historical photographs—to boost the depth and breadth of its object and archive collections.
Happily, the dearth of quality Irvin Theatre photos ended last month with a donation from Jackie Rever of Lexington. Jackie gave the history museum 14 theater and theater-related photographs, including nine black-and-white 8-by-10s from the early 1930s showcasing the Irvin’s exterior. Several of these photos offer mesmerizing nighttime views with the marquee lights all ablaze.
The 800-seat Irvin (named for its first owner, Clarence E. Irvin) opened on Aug. 26, 1915. On the silver screen that night was the five-reel Paramount melodrama “Rags” starring Mary Pickford, one of the silent screen’s biggest stars. “Talkies” — that is, sound films — were still more than a decade away, so the Irvin boasted an impressive pipe organ from Chicago-based Kimball Co.
The Irvin was the first theater in the Twin Cities built specifically to show motion pictures. At this time, Bloomington’s other movie theaters were either repurposed downtown storefronts or venues originally designed for live theater and vaudeville. By the mid-1910s, though, movies had matured from nickelodeon shorts to aesthetically ambitious feature-length epics, and this emerging art form — one also wildly popular with the ticket-buying public — led to the design and construction of modern “picture houses” such as the Irvin.
As the Twin Cities’ leading movie theater, the Irvin was the local debut venue for many of the most celebrated films in Hollywood history. An abbreviated list of all-time greats that played there would include “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939; Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” In 1941; John Ford’s “The Searchers” in 1956; Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” in 1958; David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia” in 1964; and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” in 1972.
Yet by the 1970s, the declining fortunes of this legacy movie theater were tied to the declining fortunes of downtown Bloomington, as Eastland Mall and other retailers tied to automobile-driven east-side sprawl hollowed out the city’s once-vibrant core. Kerasotes Brothers Theaters Inc. — the last owners of the Irvin — converted it to a $1, second-run house, but that wasn’t enough to bring moviegoers downtown.
The once-grand Irvin’s end came on Jan. 7, 1982, with a showing of the depressingly awful Burt Reynolds’ comedy “Paternity.”
The theater stood empty and forlorn for more than five years before it was torn down in October 1987. The site is now a Second Presbyterian Church parking lot.
But thanks to Jackie Rever’s donation, a little piece — figuratively speaking — of this gone-but-not-forgotten theater is now preserved in the climate-controlled archives of the McLean County Museum of History. As is often the case, the story of how the donation made its way to the museum is in some ways as fascinating as the gifted items themselves!
Several of the donated 8-by-10s from the early 1930s are stamped “United Photo Shop,” a longtime Bloomington portrait and commercial photographer. Accompanying the photos was a yellowed United Photo manila envelope addressed to Abe Williams, who was a sign painter for Publix Great States Theatres, the theater chain that owned the Irvin.
It is believed Williams — at some undetermined date — gave the set of photos to Edward Roberds, a movie projectionist from Bloomington who worked for the same theater chain. These photos then remained in the Roberds family until Ed’s daughter, Jackie Rever, donated them earlier this year to the history museum.
Born in Bloomington in 1916, Ed Roberds attended Normal Community High, where he played left guard for the school’s 1934 undefeated football team. Pantagraph Sports Editor Fred Young dubbed Roberds and his teammates “ironmen,” and that nickname stuck to become the school’s very own, which it has kept to this day.
Before World War II, Roberds began working as a film operator, joining his uncle Clarence Roberds in the projection booths at the Irvin, Castle, and Normal theaters.
Once war broke out, Army Pfc. Ed Roberds found himself in the South Pacific as a “dog face” infantryman. On furlough in November 1944, he recounted to The Pantagraph his experiences during the grueling Bougainville Campaign in the Solomon Islands — nine days of continuous fighting on a hill overlooking a U.S. airfield with 20 yards separating the U.S. and Japanese lines. For his troubles, Roberds received both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
“Pfc. Roberds,” read the Bronze Star order, “exposed himself to enemy mortar fire and small arms fire while carrying food from the company ration dump to the front line positions. At other times he displayed courage and initiative while dispatching messages and evacuating wounded under fire.”
After the war, Roberds came back to the Twin Cities and married Vivian May, and they raised five children — three sons and two daughters. Ed also returned to being a movie projectionist, and in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked mostly at the still-standing Castle Theatre on East Washington Street, which was just one block south of the Irvin.
Roberds also worked as a projectionist for the Illinois Department of Corrections, showing films at the state prison in Pontiac for 15 years. During his career, local projectionists were unionized, and Roberds served as president of Local 193, International Alliance of Theatrical, Stage and Moving Picture Machine Operators.
Edward A. Roberds passed away suddenly on Oct. 17, 1972. He was 56 years old. Yet it is good to know that part of Ed’s story survives through the remarkable set of Irvin Theatre photographs donated to the history museum by his daughter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/donated-photos-shine-spotlight-on-bloomingtons-lost-irvin-theatre/article_eb7a3c08-f51b-11ed-84d3-5378a401084e.html | 2023-05-21T17:04:44 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/donated-photos-shine-spotlight-on-bloomingtons-lost-irvin-theatre/article_eb7a3c08-f51b-11ed-84d3-5378a401084e.html |
A man put a police officer in a chokehold before a bystander came to his aid during a struggle at a New Jersey mall, police said.
Deptford Township police said officers were sent to the Deptford Mall just after 7:30 p.m. Friday on a report of a disorderly man allegedly harassing patrons.
A uniformed officer found the man on the second floor of the mall and asked him to leave multiple times but he refused to do so and “allegedly became confrontational,” eventually taking a fighting stance, police said.
As the officer tried to arrest him on defiant trespass and disorderly conduct charges, a struggle ensued during which the man was able to put a chokehold on the officer, “effectively cutting off" his blood and oxygen supply, police said.
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During the struggle, a bystander interceded and helped the officer escape the chokehold and get the man into handcuffs, police said. The officer was treated by county emergency medical personnel for minor injuries, police said.
Michael Carberry, 43, of Mickelton, was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and defiant trespass and was taken to Salem County jail. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney; listed numbers in his name were not in service Sunday.
Chief Joe Smith said he would be “forever grateful” that “a mall patron had the bravery to intervene and assist our officer.”
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“Now, more than ever, we rely on the strength of community and the strength of each other,” he said in a statement.
The incident came two days after thousands gathered for the funeral of Deptford Officer Robert Shisler, who died May 7 from injuries suffered when he was shot March 10 during a struggle with an armed pedestrian that also left that person dead. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-bystander-comes-to-aid-of-officer-put-in-chokehold-by-man-during-deptford-mall-struggle/3570568/ | 2023-05-21T17:09:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-bystander-comes-to-aid-of-officer-put-in-chokehold-by-man-during-deptford-mall-struggle/3570568/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/pet-of-the-week-jamie-2/3262221/ | 2023-05-21T17:28:54 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/local/pet-of-the-week-jamie-2/3262221/ |
PENRYN, Calif. — An early Sunday morning police chase in Placer County ended in a deadly crash, officials say.
According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, the chase began around 2 a.m. when deputies tried to stop a car on Penryn Road near a gas station.
The suspect driver, only identified as an adult man, crashed his car near Penryn Estates Drive. Officials pronounced the man dead at the scene.
The investigation into the crash closed Penryn Road between Taylor Road and I-80 Sunday.
Watch more from ABC10: Oregon police arrest North Highlands man for DUII after crash that killed 7 on I-5 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/crash-during-chase-placer-county/103-77e4f36c-735b-407b-adc6-9a51eb44ab1b | 2023-05-21T17:31:52 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/crash-during-chase-placer-county/103-77e4f36c-735b-407b-adc6-9a51eb44ab1b |
ESSEX, Md. — Police are currently investigating a crash that occurred on Saturday evening.
Officers were called to Route 702 and I-695 in Essex.
According to investigators, the operator of a 2010 Kia Forte was traveling northbound when he collided with a guardrail.
The operator, 30-year-old Nicholas Helliwell, was ejected from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Anyone who may have information about this crash is asked to contact 410-307-2020. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/vehicle-crash-on-route-702-leaves-one-person-dead-on-saturday-night | 2023-05-21T17:40:10 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/vehicle-crash-on-route-702-leaves-one-person-dead-on-saturday-night |
A two-vehicle crash involving a Mandan police officer sent the driver of the other vehicle to the hospital Saturday evening.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which occurred about 6:15 p.m. in southwest Mandan, according to the Mandan Police Department. The officer was not injured. The department did not elaborate on the condition of the other driver.
Further details of the crash and names of the people involved weren't immediately released. A Police Department spokesman on Sunday said any further updates would come from the Patrol. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/1-injured-in-crash-involving-mpd-officer/article_6938c204-f7ec-11ed-9dd7-174946dd6622.html | 2023-05-21T17:56:52 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/1-injured-in-crash-involving-mpd-officer/article_6938c204-f7ec-11ed-9dd7-174946dd6622.html |
The driver of a vehicle that fled Bismarck police around midday Saturday was arrested later when the vehicle rolled and burned on River Road.
Derek Hopfinger, 36, of Bismarck, was arrested by Burleigh County sheriff’s deputies, according to Bismarck Police Sgt. Del Gallagher.
Police about 2 p.m. responded to a call of a reckless driver near South Washington Avenue and Bismarck Expressway. An officer found the vehicle near Third Street and Denver Avenue but did not pursue. The vehicle at one point drove in the wrong lane and at the police car, the sergeant said.
Authorities received another call about 2:15 p.m. that a vehicle had rolled and caught fire in the 7200 block of River Road. Hopfinger and a passenger fled but deputies caught them a short time later. Hopfinger is in custody on suspicion of reckless endangerment, fleeing police, DUI and driving under suspension, Gallagher said. The passenger does not face criminal charges but was taken into custody for detox. Neither was injured.
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A North Dakota Highway Patrol airplane and the Patrol’s bloodhound were deployed. The Bismarck Fire Department also responded, the sergeant said. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/driver-flees-bismarck-police-is-arrested-after-crash-on-river-road/article_ebee095a-f7f3-11ed-a341-5fc5eeb2f48c.html | 2023-05-21T17:56:58 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/driver-flees-bismarck-police-is-arrested-after-crash-on-river-road/article_ebee095a-f7f3-11ed-a341-5fc5eeb2f48c.html |
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On the evening of Saturday, May 19, dozens of protestors gathered outside of the Walton Arts Center to call for the CEO of the Walton Arts Center to resign.
Caitlin with the group Arkansans for Social Justice says she is supportive of the board members who resigned due to the Walton Arts Center's decision.
"Resigning demonstrates integrity and we are absolutely in support of those folks. We'd also like to add that Peter Lane and the rest of the exec. leadership team would follow suit."
They say the purpose of Saturday's event is to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community.
"Leave the queer community alone," Caitlin said in response to all of the "anti-trans and LBGTQ +" movements and legislation. "There are bigger problems."
The Walton Arts Center gave two statements explaining why it chose not to host the event. In its first statement, it cited "the divisive political rhetoric at this time."
Earlier this year, Arkansas lawmakers tried to pass a bill banning drag performances in front of minors.
"Bigoted and homophobic policies are not tolerated in this community," Caitlin said. "We also want new leadership that is more in touch with the needs of our community."
"I'm so happy to live in a city that will support a community to protest," said protestor Ashton Williams.
In a statement about the protest and resignations, NWA Pride's Director Richard Gathright wrote "Our team is working hard on providing a great 2023 Northwest Arkansas pride celebration. Pride is also a protest, and we stand in solidarity with everyone fighting the ongoing struggle for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging."
"Parents, you have the right to say I don't want my child there but you don't have the right to ban everyone else," Caitlin said.
5NEWS reached out to the Walton Arts Center for a response to the protest and the call for its CEO to be removed. The arts center referred us to its previous statement which says in part, "We understand that NWA Equality and the community it serves are well aware of safety concerns, as that is something they regrettably have to deal with on a daily basis." Adding that it regrets its decision.
NWA Pride's Youth Zone event is still going on this year. It's just happening at the Fayetteville Town Center. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/protestors-call-resignation-walton-arts-centers-ceo-pride-gay-drag/527-1795b675-14de-4878-a73d-f530ef58c130 | 2023-05-21T18:00:15 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/protestors-call-resignation-walton-arts-centers-ceo-pride-gay-drag/527-1795b675-14de-4878-a73d-f530ef58c130 |
The Kenosha Community Foundation invites Kenosha County residents to consider applying for scholarships currently available.
All applications for the Foundation’s scholarships must be submitted by email to scholarships@kenoshafoundation.org. The deadline for applications is Thursday, June 22. Application forms for the available scholarships can be found at the Foundation’s website www.kenoshafoundation.org.
The scholarships include:
Orgullo Hispano (Hispanic Pride) Scholarship
Established by the Kenosha Creative Space, Inc. in collaboration with Lomeli Butcher Shop, the Festival Orgullo Hispano, and support from the local Hispanic community, this NEW scholarship fund was established in January of 2023. This fund provides scholarships to any Kenosha County-based high school senior who identifies as Hispanic/Latino and is enrolling in an accredited higher education institution.
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The Kenosha Creative Space is committed to creating economic opportunities for local artists, musicians, creatives, entrepreneurs, and their local partner organizations. The partner organizations and individual supporters share the goal of using their collective resources for the mutual benefit of the creative community, and the community at large.
In 2016, the former KCF Executive Director Bob Schneider, and current Executive Director Amy Greil were founding members of the Creative Space’s Board of Directors and formalized a scholarship agreement that advances educational attainment among local Hispanic/Latino students.
Festival Orgullo Hispano had its inaugural celebration on September of 2022 and uses event proceeds for the annual scholarship award.
Cropley Scholarship
Established by the late Ward Cropley (the former head of classified advertising at the Kenosha News) and his wife Jesse Cropley, the fund provides scholarships to students currently enrolled in college and who are in financial need, “to help them continue and/or complete their education.”
Ward Cropley, who retired in 1962 after 43 years with the Kenosha News, established the scholarship endowment fund to provide financial assistance to deserving students. Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded 30 Cropley awards to area students totaling over $80,000.
Howard J. Brown Scholarship
The scholarship honors the late Howard J. Brown, former publisher of the Kenosha News and long-time member of the Kenosha Community Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation assumed management of the Brown Scholarship Fund in 2019.
Madrigrano-Friebus Scholarship
Established by Gina Madrigrano-Friebus, the scholarship is awarded to a Kenosha County undergraduate woman in their final years at Carthage College or UW-Parkside with an excellent academic record.
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Additional scholarships also available include: Irene Buri-Nelson Scholarship at St. James Church, Hartley Family Youth Sailing Scholarship, Doris Kreuscher Colombe Scholarship, Henry A. Link Scholarship, Mary Louise Link Scholarship, A. Allan & Isabel M. Jankus Scholarship, and theManny Mitka Scholarship.
This collection of scholarship funds represents restricted awards provided to particular schools and/or require involvement in a specified, outstanding extracurricular activity. Eligibility criteria vary widely based on the wishes of the donor-advisors and interested parties should contact the Foundation.
The Kenosha Community Foundation, organized in 1926 as a tax-exempt public charity, actively manages permanent endowments established by individuals, families, and business organizations. The foundation manages over $13 million in endowment funds and awards over $750,000 in grants andscholarships to Kenosha area non-profit organizations and students.
The Kenosha Community Foundation welcomes contributions to its 13 scholarship funds from the community at large and all donations are fully tax-deductible. Send donations to Kenosha Community Foundation, 600-52nd Street, Suite 110; Kenosha, WI 53140 and state the scholarship fund(s) you wish to support with the donation. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-community-foundation-announces-2023-scholarships-available-for-high-school-and-college-students-from-kenosha/article_71042134-f5a0-11ed-b75b-5f77c6b4c774.html | 2023-05-21T18:13:59 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-community-foundation-announces-2023-scholarships-available-for-high-school-and-college-students-from-kenosha/article_71042134-f5a0-11ed-b75b-5f77c6b4c774.html |
Memorial Day 2023 will be observed at various events across Kenosha County over the holiday weekend.
Here is a list of programs, compiled by the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services:
Kenosha/Navy Club Ship 40
What: Memorial Day Ceremony — to include singing of the National Anthem and “Eternal Father,” a flower and wreath dedication
Who: Navy Club Ship 40 Kenosha
When: Monday, May 29, 9 a.m.
Where: Navy Park, Sixth Avenue and 54th Street, Kenosha
Note: For more details, please contact Dick Stader at 262-654-9202.
Silver Lake/Legion Post 293
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What: Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, Silver Lake
Who: American Legion Post 293, Silver Lake
When: Monday, May 29, 9 a.m.; service in front of the American Legion Hall to follow immediately after the parade.
Where: 307 N. Cogswell Drive, Silver Lake
Note: For more details, please contact Dave Bleser 262-889-4767
Twin Lakes/Legion Post 544
What: Memorial Day Ceremony, Twin Lakes
Who: American Legion Post 544, Twin Lakes
When: Monday, May 29. Ceremony to start at Mound Prairie Cemetery at 9 a.m., then move to St. John’s Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. Parade from Lance Park to the American Legion Post 544 to begin at 11 a.m., with a ceremony to follow at the Legion post.
Where: 989 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes
Note: For more details, please contact Jim Schmidt 262-492-3073 or American Legion Post 544 at 262-877-3669.
Green Ridge/Legion Post 21
What: Memorial Day Ceremony
Who: American Legion Post 21, Kenosha
When: Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.
Where: Green Ridge Cemetery, 6604 Seventh Ave., Kenosha
Note: For more information please contact, Tom Visintainer 262-620-5646.
Sunset Ridge/Legion Post 552
What: Memorial Day Ceremony
Who: Sunset Ridge Memorial Park and American Legion David Leet Post 552
When: Monday, May 29, 11 a.m.
Where: Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Road, Kenosha
Note: The ceremony, open to all, takes place in front of the main office Serenity Mausoleum. Sunset staff will be on hand to direct attendees to the service location. Members of American Legion David Leet Post No. 552 will present the colors and provide a rifle salute, invocation and benediction. The Somers Fire Department is scheduled to be on hand to provide a patriotic flag presentation with its aerial truck.
The program includes the reading of names of all veterans who have been interred at the park in 2022 and 2023, honoring all Veterans everywhere. The keynote speaker is David Wiedenkeller, the “living historian.” Other features include a dove release; bag pipes and the playing of Taps; and Singer Morgan Kelsey performing the National Anthem. For more details, contact Roger Miesbauer at Sunset Ridge, at 262-652-7488.
Pleasant Prairie-VFW Post 7308
What: Memorial Day Ceremony
Who: VFW Post 7308, Pleasant Prairie
When: Monday, May 29, 11 a.m.
Where: Old St. Mark’s Cemetery, Ninth Court and 78th Street, Kenosha
Note: For more details, please contact John McCoy 262-358-2415.
Kenosha-VFW Post 1865
What: Memorial Day and Flag Retirement ceremonies
Who: VFW Post 1865, Kenosha
When: Monday, May 29. Memorial Day ceremony at noon; flag retirement ceremony at 1 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 1865, 6618 39th Ave., Kenosha
Note: For more details, please contact Post Commander Arran Edwards at 262-652-2751.
Kenosha-Vietnam Veterans
What: Memorial Day Ceremony — to include POW/MIA Service
Who: Kenosha Area Vietnam Veterans
When: Monday, May 29, noon
Where: Library Park, 711 59th Place, Kenosha
Note: For more details, please contact Rich Bowker at 262-694-1129.
Union Grove
What: Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony (rain or shine)
When: Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m.
Where: 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove
Parade: The fourth annual Memorial Day parade to honor residents of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove will be held Monday, May 29. All interested participants are asked to meet from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Racine County Fairgrounds. Use the Highway 45 fairgrounds entrance. Participants are invited to decorate their vehicles with signs thanking the veterans, and to wave flags out their windows. Vehicles will leave the fairgrounds at approximately 2:15 p.m. and travel on Highway 11 to the grounds of Southern Wisconsin Center Center and the Wisconsin Veterans Home. The parade will include units from the Kansasville fire Department and Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Department.
Note: For more information, please contact Memorial Day Program Coordinator/SWVMC Office Representative Marina Johnstone at 262-878-5660, ext. 106, or marina.johnstone@dva.wisconsin.gov. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/memorial-day-programs-ceremonies-set-to-be-held-across-kenosha-county-area/article_b9e8d84a-f690-11ed-b690-a7879ed0a6fc.html | 2023-05-21T18:14:05 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/memorial-day-programs-ceremonies-set-to-be-held-across-kenosha-county-area/article_b9e8d84a-f690-11ed-b690-a7879ed0a6fc.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Sunday, dozens headed to the Sedgwick County Extension Office for the third annual ICT Veg Fest.
Shoppers could find vegan and gluten-free eats, handmade soaps, adoptable pets, decor, and much more.
The owner of CM Goodies said she saw a need for more vegan and gluten-free items in the ICT and started to create events to allow vendors to share their products.
That is how ICT Veg Fest grew into what it is today.
“This is an opportunity for them to come and see all of these wonderful vendors who, whether they have their own brick and mortar or they are doing pop-ups, or they are a small little baked goods from their house, it gives them a chance to see that there are options in the city of Wichita,” ICT Veg Fest Host and Creator Nicole Mullen said.
The event grew so much in its third year the fest moved to Sedgwick County Extension Office to allow for more than 40 vendors.
The event also brings together small businesses and shoppers who share a common goal of living a planet-conscious lifestyle and who are ready to learn and take new steps to positively impact the world. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/vegan-and-gluten-free-items-highlighted-at-ict-veg-fest/ | 2023-05-21T18:32:26 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/vegan-and-gluten-free-items-highlighted-at-ict-veg-fest/ |
MERRILLVILLE — Celebrating the resilience of the African-American community, the town is hosting a Juneteenth Freedom Festival.
The celebration is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. June 17 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway.
“It is very important for the town to celebrate Juneteenth to highlight and celebrate African-American achievements in Northwest Indiana,” said Merrillville payroll administrator Robyn L. Johnson, a chairwoman of the festival.
“If the town is genuine in their efforts of inclusion and equality, we must make strides daily, and this is just one large step to show what we hope to continue to do.”
Jeremy Pekarek, an archivist at Indiana University Northwest, will set up an educational display explaining Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is celebrated on and around June 19 to celebrate the end of slavery. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but the news that slavery had been abolished didn't reach enslaved African Americans in Texas until June 19, 1865.
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“The town of Merrillville hosting a Juneteenth event is a great way to honor this day and celebrate the freedom of African Americans,” Town Councilman Richard Hardaway said. “It is also an opportunity to educate people about the history of slavery and its impact on our society today. I hope this event will bring people together and promote unity and understanding.”
In addition to the educational display, the event will feature a variety of entertainment and more than 20 vendors, said Merrillville Planning and Building Director Sheila Shine, another event chairwoman.
Shine said DJ T. Black will provide music and serve as the emcee for the day. The Steven Mann Band, Voices of Love Gospel Choir, Bri's Dance Studio and Divine Goddess Dance Company will perform. And eight Corvette cars will be on display.
The Community HealthNet Health Centers will have a tent on site, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana will have a S.T.E.M. display. The Impact Church will provide bouncy houses and have volunteers to work a children’s area.
“I am very pleased to see us bring our community together, and I will always support events that contribute to building on our strengths,” Town Council President Rick Bella said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/merrillville-celebrates-juneteenth-at-freedom-festival/article_21f3a77a-f665-11ed-bf8f-b7e2553276c9.html | 2023-05-21T18:45:24 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/merrillville-celebrates-juneteenth-at-freedom-festival/article_21f3a77a-f665-11ed-bf8f-b7e2553276c9.html |
OLNEY (KFDX/KJTL) — The city of Olney has issued a water boil notice for utility customers due to a damaged pump at the water plant. According to the City of Olney Facebook page, the boil order was issued because of high turbidity levels from a damaged chemical pump.
According to the post, “This is solely a precaution to utility customers until samples are taken and reviewed. We will keep everyone posted on the status on both Code Red and Facebook.”
The post went on to say, “To ensure the destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.”
“When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the City and its water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.”, according to the post.
The boil order is expected to be in effect until Tuesday, May 23, 2023. If you have questions or concerns, contact Olney City Hall at (940) 276-2011 during business hours. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local/boil-order-issued-for-olney-utility-customers/ | 2023-05-21T18:47:36 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local/boil-order-issued-for-olney-utility-customers/ |
WATERLOO – The University Avenue reconstruction project was recognized this week at the Iowa Engineering Conference in Des Moines. It received the 2023 Grand Conceptor Award which signifies the year's top engineering achievement in the state of Iowa.
University Avenue ownership was transferred from the Iowa Dept. of Transportation to the city of Waterloo. Partnering with AECOM Technical Services, a design resulted that transformed the highway into a four-lane 'complete street' which means it is walkable and bike-able, in addition to an array of aesthetic enhancements from LED lighting to landscaping.
States where the most households own more than the typical 2 vehicles
States where the most households own more than the typical 2 vehicles
If you are one of the millions of Americans who commutes to work every day or otherwise relies on a car to get around, you are among the majority . Most Americans have access to at least one vehicle , and in fact, the average American household owns two. Around 8% of Americans don't own any vehicles, while two is most common, and 1 in 5 households owns three or more vehicles, according to Census Bureau data.
Stacker ranked states which had the largest portion of households that own more than the typical two vehicles using Census Bureau data from 2021, the most recent data available.
Whether your household has more than one vehicle depends in part on where you live. For instance, the states where the largest portions of the public own three or more vehicles are what some people call "flyover" states and mountainous regions of the U.S., where other forms of transportation are likely not as easily accessible.
Similarly, rural areas tend to have a higher percentage of these many-vehicle-owning households. For this list, Stacker used Census Bureau data on metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas to determine the percentage of eligible households located in urban and rural areas, respectively. Percentages do not add to 100 because some of the population live in areas defined as mixed metropolitan by the Census Bureau.
Owning a vehicle is not cheap, so it's no surprise that households that own three or more vehicles also tend to boast above-average household incomes.
debr22pics // Shutterstock
Mountainous states lead the U.S. in vehicle ownership by household
Among states with the largest concentration of households with many vehicles, so-called "flyover" states top the list. These central states—which have fewer inhabitants than the East and West Coasts—are called "flyovers" due to the high number of cross-country flights that pass over them.
There are likely several factors that led to this, including more limited access to alternative forms of transportation, a larger rural population , and greater average household size .
Stacker
51. District of Columbia
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 4.04%
- Those households' median income: $210,000
4% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Alan Budman // Shutterstock
50. New York
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 14.32%
- Those households' median income: $141,800
13% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
18% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
ND700 // Shutterstock
49. Florida
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 16.71%
- Those households' median income: $109,100
16% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
21% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Civdis // Shutterstock
48. Louisiana
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 17.10%
- Those households' median income: $98,000
16% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
21% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock
47. Massachusetts
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 17.60%
- Those households' median income: $162,000
17% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
rSnapshotPhotos // Shutterstock
46. Rhode Island
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 18.29%
- Those households' median income: $134,000
18% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Imagenet // Shutterstock
45. New Jersey
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 19.93%
- Those households' median income: $160,000
20% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Yauhen_D // Shutterstock
44. Illinois
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 20.01%
- Those households' median income: $116,000
18% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
25% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Bilanol // Shutterstock
43. Vermont
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 20.07%
- Those households' median income: $115,000
19% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
20% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Imagenet // Shutterstock
42. Delaware
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 20.26%
- Those households' median income: $116,300
20% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
David Smart // Shutterstock
41. Maine
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 20.75%
- Those households' median income: $105,000
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
21% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
SKT Studio // Shutterstock
40. West Virginia
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 20.86%
- Those households' median income: $96,000
17% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
22% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Alizada Studios // Shutterstock
39. Pennsylvania
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 21.10%
- Those households' median income: $115,650
20% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Christian Hinkle // Shutterstock
38. Michigan
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 21.25%
- Those households' median income: $108,900
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
22% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Bilanol // Shutterstock
37. Connecticut
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 21.30%
- Those households' median income: $153,000
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Miro Vrlik Photography // Shutterstock
36. Alaska
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 21.36%
- Those households' median income: $135,300
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
9% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
oksana.perkins // Shutterstock
35. Nevada
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 22.21%
- Those households' median income: $112,700
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
35% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
trekandshoot // Shutterstock
34. Ohio
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 22.22%
- Those households' median income: $105,200
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Denise Kappa // Shutterstock
33. Arizona
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 22.25%
- Those households' median income: $110,500
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Allison J. Hahn // Shutterstock
32. Maryland
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 22.99%
- Those households' median income: $152,000
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
Data not available about how many rural households have more than 2 vehicles
tokar // Shutterstock
31. Texas
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 23.10%
- Those households' median income: $107,000
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
23% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Roschetzky Photography // Shutterstock
30. New Hampshire
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 23.92%
- Those households' median income: $137,100
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Rise Up Aerial // Shutterstock
29. Mississippi
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.06%
- Those households' median income: $87,200
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
TLF Images // Shutterstock
28. South Carolina
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.07%
- Those households' median income: $95,000
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
24% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Kristi Blokhin // Shutterstock
27. Kentucky
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.17%
- Those households' median income: $94,300
20% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
25% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
anthony heflin // Shutterstock
26. Indiana
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.33%
- Those households' median income: $99,000
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
K.E.V // Shutterstock
25. Arkansas
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.49%
- Those households' median income: $85,000
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
26% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
shuttersv // Shutterstock
24. Missouri
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.65%
- Those households' median income: $99,400
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Sabrina Janelle Gordon // Shutterstock
23. Georgia
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 24.96%
- Those households' median income: $104,700
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
27% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Gorloff-KV // Shutterstock
22. Oklahoma
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 25.26%
- Those households' median income: $89,000
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
lumen-digital // Shutterstock
21. Oregon
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 25.37%
- Those households' median income: $110,000
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
35% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Stephanie Braconnier // Shutterstock
20. Hawaii
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 25.53%
- Those households' median income: $157,500
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
27% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Alexandre G. ROSA // Shutterstock
19. New Mexico
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 25.83%
- Those households' median income: $91,400
25% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
turtix // Shutterstock
18. North Carolina
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 25.88%
- Those households' median income: $97,000
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
28% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Bilanol // Shutterstock
17. California
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 26.33%
- Those households' median income: $129,000
26% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
29% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
ADLC // Shutterstock
16. Tennessee
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 26.62%
- Those households' median income: $97,000
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
30% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Gorloff-KV // Shutterstock
15. Virginia
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 26.80%
- Those households' median income: $125,000
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
31% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Foolish Productions // Shutterstock
14. Wisconsin
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 26.88%
- Those households' median income: $105,100
22% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
29% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
James Meyer // Shutterstock
13. Alabama
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 26.93%
- Those households' median income: $92,000
26% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
31% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Kevin Ruck // Shutterstock
12. Colorado
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 27.01%
- Those households' median income: $124,700
26% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
33% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Ann Cantelow // Shutterstock
11. Washington
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 27.98%
- Those households' median income: $124,000
27% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
31% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Bilanol // Shutterstock
10. Kansas
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 28.69%
- Those households' median income: $97,900
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
32% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
SkunkChunk // Shutterstock
9. Iowa
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 28.93%
- Those households' median income: $96,410
24% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
31% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Allison J. Hahn // Shutterstock
8. Minnesota
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 29.97%
- Those households' median income: $113,000
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
35% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Sandra Burm // Shutterstock
7. Nebraska
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 30.74%
- Those households' median income: $100,000
21% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
38% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
6. South Dakota
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 33.56%
- Those households' median income: $95,300
23% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
33% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
5. Wyoming
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 33.58%
- Those households' median income: $94,000
Data not available about how many urban households have more than 2 vehicles
35% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
4. Idaho
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 34.47%
- Those households' median income: $93,300
31% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
38% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Charles Knowles // Shutterstock
3. North Dakota
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 34.84%
- Those households' median income: $100,000
27% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
38% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Kirkam // Shutterstock
2. Utah
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 35.15%
- Those households' median income: $122,100
34% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
37% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Jason Finn // Shutterstock
1. Montana
- Share of households that own more than 2 vehicles: 36.45%
- Those households' median income: $92,840
27% urban households have more than 2 vehicles
34% rural households have more than 2 vehicles
Data reporting by Dom DiFurio. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
Jim Black // Shutterstock
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Ron Winegar speaks during a press conference in November 2022 at City Hall regarding the investigation of former Boise Police Capt. Matthew Bryngelson. Winegar, who was formerly Boise’s interim police chief, was selected by Boise Mayor Lauren McLean to be Boise’s next chief of police.
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said in October she was going to hire a firm to conduct a search for the next police chief. Instead, she ended up appointing longtime Boise Police member Ron Winegar, who had been the interim chief since October.
The Boise City council was enthusiastic and unanimously approved him, citing his passion, leadership and thoughtfulness. However, the city never posted the job opening, took applications or conducted interviews. And it turns out the city code is silent on whether that is allowed.
“City code gives the mayor — the elected executive of the city — the authority to appoint department directors with the affirmative vote of city council,” city spokesperson Maria Weeg said. “The code is silent on the selection process and when taken with our internal policy giving city council and the mayor’s office authority to determine the processes by which they choose their staff it seems clear the mayor is free to determine a selection process that is appropriate for a given vacancy.”
What McLean did — appoint a police chief — is not necessarily abnormal. Professor of Law at the University of Idaho College of Law John Rumel said that often in politics, people understand that the mayor ought to have the ability to choose his or her inner circle.
For example, the president of the United States doesn’t post the job opening for secretary of state or any other cabinet position.
However, Rumel reviewed several hiring policy documents provided to the Idaho Press by the city and said it shouldn’t be so unclear for the public to find out whether the mayor has the authority to make such a personnel action. It’s easily clarifiable, Rumel said, by adding into the code what the mayor can do.
In general, competitive hiring for civil service positions helps ensure the best applicants get the job. They also make cronyism harder. But there’s nothing in Boise’s written policy that expressly answers whether the police chief job should have been posted, he said.
Rumel said in his experience, high-level positions like police chief, “because they’re viewed as at the pleasure of the mayor ... often are exempted from the competitive hiring.”
“I just think it hasn’t been addressed,” he said.
Former Nampa Mayor Tom Dale had to appoint a couple of police chiefs, a finance director and a fire chief during his tenure, he said. He said his first choice was always to promote from within, but that once he opened up a position to a nationwide search.
Dale said often he took applications and used an advisory committee. In 2002, after the police chief died, it was obvious who the replacement would be, Dale said, and he didn’t remember if there was an advisory board in that situation.
McLean did not assemble an advisory board when she appointed Winegar, Weeg said.
“It’s not required to do a job posting,” Dale said. “It kind of depends on the situation. If there’s just one person who stands above all others, as the person who should take that position, the mayor is free to make that choice.”
Former Police Chief Ryan Lee was selected after a nationwide search.
McLean had previously faced criticism for the hiring process of Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer, who was appointed in 2020. The city conducted a nationwide search and narrowed the options down to two candidates. Both came to Boise and went through interviews with community stakeholders, fire department staff and union leadership, as previously reported.
Then in November 2020, McLean picked Niemeyer, who was not one of the finalists and had not taken part in questioning from the public and press. He did not apply for the job, the Idaho Press reported at the time, rather the mayor had reached out to him.
“With the way that this was announced, we never had the chance and the opportunity to really objectively evaluate Mr. Niemeyer’s qualifications and his work history and his expertise,” Councilmember Holli Woodings said at the time. “At that point, when it’s already been introduced to the community, you can’t separate any of those things from the human factors and the very real implications of making any decision other than to confirm. That’s what kept me up at night for the last week.”
Woodings ultimately voted for Niemeyer, who was previously Meridian’s Fire Chief for over 10 years.
And this time around, McLean faced no public criticism from council members.
“Really excited to have you here permanently in this very important position, and it’s a very important moment in time for our city as we navigate how we police in the 21st century,” Wooding said earlier this month before voting to appoint Winegar. “So thank you for heeding the call.”
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County. Contact her at 208-465-8107 or ckomatsoulis@idahopress.com and follow her on Twitter @CKomatsoulis.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County for the Idaho Press. She previously worked at a newspaper in rural Nebraska. She's from the D.C. area and went to school in Boston, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she loves watching football, spending time with Kyoko and Pickles, exploring and going on road trips with her best friends. She welcomes news tips in English or Spanish. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/what-boise-city-code-says-about-mayor-mclean-appointing-a-police-chief-without-a-search/article_322425e6-f347-11ed-9dcc-a7600bee7d17.html | 2023-05-21T19:03:21 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/what-boise-city-code-says-about-mayor-mclean-appointing-a-police-chief-without-a-search/article_322425e6-f347-11ed-9dcc-a7600bee7d17.html |
TEXAS, USA — Who's in the mood to go fishing for FREE?
Saturday, June 3, is Free Fishing Day in Texas. Once a year, Texas Parks and Wildlife allows everyone to fish in any public body of water without a fishing license. The fun begins at midnight and runs until noon.
Fishing is a fun, affordable way for families and friends to spend time together outdoors. Try fishing for free (without a fishing license) in state parks, or buy your fishing license to help support healthy fish populations and their habitats.
You can find places to fish at https://bit.ly/TxFishing.
Daily bag and size limits will still apply, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Check fishing regulations at https://bit.ly/TexasFishingRegs.
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.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/free-fishing-day-in-texas-is-june-3-fish-parks-wildlife-san-antonio-lakes-rivers-ocean/273-10ddb8f5-f670-4901-8606-929e81f79f4a | 2023-05-21T19:17:12 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/free-fishing-day-in-texas-is-june-3-fish-parks-wildlife-san-antonio-lakes-rivers-ocean/273-10ddb8f5-f670-4901-8606-929e81f79f4a |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Residents in Port Aransas got the chance to purchase dozens of peculiar items that wash up on Padre Island throughout the year at the 'Tony's Trash to Treasure' event.
The proceeds raised benefit the nonprofit Amos Rehabilitation Keep, better known as 'Friends of the Ark'. The organization is dedicated to rescuing injured wildlife and outreach.
Reserve Director at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Jace Tunnell said there is an assortment of items that wash up on the beach. While holding a creepy doll, he told spectators at the event, "I promise you, your life will never be the same after you go to bed with this in your house."
Proud owners of their new creepy dolls Jill and Roger Brodnax are volunteers with Friends of the Ark. Jill told 3NEWS, "They're creepy but they don't really creep me out, but this one does. She's kind of spooky."
Port A resident, Deno Fabrie said, "I didn't get a few things that were really exciting."
What was exciting was the amount Fabrie was able to donate towards the Friends of the Ark's mission. "I gave them 200 so I hope that helps the ark." Fabrie.
Jill and Roger Brodnax were pleased with the turnout, they explained. "We're building a new hospital, over here at Friends of the Ark. We do fundraise for them. And so, this just contributes to that."
Tunnell said, "We take pictures of a lot of the things washing up, because we want to educate people." He told 3NEWS that although these unique items washing up on shore are cool, he's hopeful this will inspire more conservation efforts.
"In the effort to try to educate people, we think that that could lead to conservation and protection of not only sea turtles, and birds but just of the places we like to go," Tunnel said.
'Tony's Trash to Treasure' event is named after ornithologist birdwatcher Tony Amos. His son Michael is keeping his legacy alive. "Your legacy is not about so much of all the great things that you said," he said. "It's much more about what you've done over time. Consistently. That's my dad's lesson to me for sure."
Click here for Mission Aransas Reserve's YouTube channel where they post all sorts of treasures that wash up from high tides.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Sean Strawbridge resigns as Port of Corpus Christi CEO
- Valero officials: No 'offsite concerns' nor injuries reported during refinery fire
- Anglers reel in massive 14-foot shark on Padre Island
- Trestle Trail, if approved, will connect the city's Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve, Flour Bluff
- Here's when you can watch the 2023 solar eclipse over Corpus Christi
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Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/how-padre-island-trash-turns-into-treasure/503-b838157c-23ad-491e-a5d7-634a3cf11017 | 2023-05-21T19:17:18 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/how-padre-island-trash-turns-into-treasure/503-b838157c-23ad-491e-a5d7-634a3cf11017 |
Black bear spotted in Taunton; long-time shelter dog touches hearts: Top stories
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.
Top stories this past week included:
More of our picks for Greater Taunton All-Scholastics teams. This week, we highlighted some stellar local athletes in: swimming (co-ed) and wrestling.
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a completely renovated multi-family home in Taunton that sold for $610,000. The Granite Street house was built in 1860, and features brand-new bathrooms, gleaming hardwood floors, wood beam details, and new granite countertops. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Black bear spotted walking all over Taunton, caught on camera by many surprised residents
No lions.
No tigers.
But yes, a bear!
And Tauntonians were certainly saying "oh my" when a black bear cub was spotted in Taunton this past week.
Visit TauntonGazette.com for the latest bear cub updates.
Bear visits Taunton:Black bear spotted walking all over Taunton, caught on camera by many surprised residents
Pet of the Week: King has spent half his life in a shelter; help him find a home
Every week, the Taunton Animal Shelter shares a Pet of the Week who is available for adoption and in need of a new and loving home.
This past week, King, a young Rottweiler mix, had a story that resonated with readers, because King has spent almost half of his life in a shelter.
He has lots of energy, but also loves lounging and belly rubs.
Visit TauntonGazette.com on Sundays to meet the latest Pet of the Week.
Pet of the Week:King has spent half his life in a shelter; help him find a home
Bridgewater-Raynham students are all dressed up for their junior prom
It's that time of year: prom season!
High school students are dressing to the nines and gearing up for unforgettable memories with friends.
Recently, it was Bridgewater-Raynham's turn, for junior prom.
Prom season:Bridgewater-Raynham students are all dressed up for their junior prom
Middleboro student sues. Why Liam Morrison says his 'two genders' shirt is protected speech
Twelve-year-old Liam Morrison and his family filed a lawsuit against the town of Middleboro and school officials after he was sent home from school twice for wearing a controversial shirt that school officials said broke the dress code.
Morrison spoke in front of the Middleboro School Committee at a meeting in April and said that the school violated his right to freedom of speech.
Middleboro student sues:Why Liam Morrison says his 'two genders' shirt protected speech
Raynham votes to save animal shelter and dam
At Rayham's recent Annual Town Meeting, the town approved a $48.2 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024.
Among the approvals:
Funding for the animal shelter, and the town voting to save Kings Pond dam and bridge after all.
Raynham Town Meeting:Raynham votes to save animal shelter and dam. Here's what it will cost and what comes next
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached atkfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/taunton-gazette-top-5-black-bear-dog-adoption-prom-student-sues/70237021007/ | 2023-05-21T19:21:39 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/21/taunton-gazette-top-5-black-bear-dog-adoption-prom-student-sues/70237021007/ |
Mike Trout, 31, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, is a center fielder with the Los Angeles Angels and was the 2014, 2016 and 2019 American League MVP.
Friday: Did not play in a 5-4 win over the visiting Twins in a series opener.
Saturday: Went 1 for 3 with a walk and struck out twice in a 6-2 loss to Minnesota. He batted second and played center field
Sunday: Left-hander Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.00) will start for the Twins in the 4:07 p.m. game. Trout has not faced him.
Stats: Trout began Sunday hitting .281 (47 for 167) with 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and 31 runs scored in 43 games. He has walked 20 times and struck out 52 times. His on-base percentage is .373, his OPS .894. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-twins-beat-angels-6-2/article_a79db7c0-f800-11ed-b890-2b0df3c4f8e2.html | 2023-05-21T19:24:51 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-twins-beat-angels-6-2/article_a79db7c0-f800-11ed-b890-2b0df3c4f8e2.html |
Holy Spirit rowers, from left, Chloe Cooke, Juliana Gorka and Alexandra Solari at the Atlantic County High School Rowing Championships on May 14 at Lake Lenape. On Saturday, they were part of the Spartans' varsity eight that finished second at the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia.
Guy Gargan, Staff Writer
The Holy Spirit girls varsity eight competes May 143 at the Atlantic County High School Rowing Championships at Lake Lenape.
The Holy Spirit High School girls varsity eight finished second in its final at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The Spartans finished in 5 minutes, 10.59 seconds, a bit less than a boat-length behind Mount St. Joseph, which won in 5:06.77. The category had 27 crews.
The Holy Spirit crew included bow Alexandra Solari, Ava Buccafurni, Gwen Amalfitano, Juliana Gorka, Allison Lee, Taya Anderson, Olivia Bencze, stroke Chloe Cooke and coxswain Sarah LaVigna.
“The kids did a great job, so I’m happy for them,” Holy Spirit coach Joe Welsh said. “I think they found out something about themselves today. You never know in a big race like that with people coming from all over the place. So just making the final was a big feat for the kids.
"You never know what lane you’ll be in. We ended up in lane-1, which is typically a lane you don’t want in Philly, but the kids came through.”
The two-day Stotesbury Cup, held on the Schuylkill River, is considered the largest scholastic regatta in the world. Time trials were held Friday in most of the 31 divisions, followed by semifinals. All the races were 1,500 meters.
The Holy Spirit girls lightweight four finished third in its final in 5:51.19. Montclair won in 5:43.02, and Lake Brantley, of Alamonte Springs, Florida, was second in 5:50.72.
The Spartans' lineup consisted of bow Grace Fishbein, Melissa Ledwold, Summer Stevenson, stroke Caroline Spina and coxswain Gia Rynkiewicz. Ocean City placed fourth in the girls lightweight four final, Egg Harbor Township was fifth and Oakcrest finished sixth.
The Atlantic City girls varsity four and junior eight both placed fifth in their finals. The Vikings' varsity four finished in 5:45.43 in a division that had 46 boats. The crew consisted of stroke Grace Gaskill, Lexi Gormley, Claire Kelly, Melissa Tran and coxswain Tasnova Tayeba. Blair Academy was the winner in 5:33.89
The A.C. junior eight crossed the line in 5:23.96. The lineup included stroke Maggie Morgan, Kaitlynn Do, Zuzanna Turska, Lauren Fox, Anna Tran, Gabriela Tayoun, Sophia Mammucari, bow Mardiha Ahmed and coxswain Isabella Gravely. Mount St. Joseph won the 41-boat category in 5:11.59.
The Holy Spirit boys lightweight double crew of Mike Rodriguez and Nick Sarno was fifth in its final in 5:23.19. Haverford School won the 21-boat category in 5:06.67.
In the inclusion/adaptive double division, the Holy Spirit crew of Anthony Garufi and Eric Martino placed third in a three-boat final in 11:14.62. Conestoga won in 11:01.20.
No area boys varsity eights made the finals. St. Augustine Prep finished sixth in 4:37.64 in semifinal 1, and Egg Harbor Township placed sixth in 4:38.74 in semifinal 2.
Ocean City HIgh School Girls Lacrosse hosts Lenape High School
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Holy Spirit rowers, from left, Chloe Cooke, Juliana Gorka and Alexandra Solari at the Atlantic County High School Rowing Championships on May 14 at Lake Lenape. On Saturday, they were part of the Spartans' varsity eight that finished second at the Stotesbury Cup in Philadelphia. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/holy-spirit-girls-varsity-eight-finishes-second-at-stotesbury-cup/article_d20705fc-f779-11ed-95b5-af03e5dbee6d.html | 2023-05-21T19:24:57 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/holy-spirit-girls-varsity-eight-finishes-second-at-stotesbury-cup/article_d20705fc-f779-11ed-95b5-af03e5dbee6d.html |
The Ocean City Nor’easters opened the USL League Two season with a 1-0 win over Real Central New Jersey on Saturday at Rider University in Lawrenceville.
O.C. midfielder Sander Roed scored the game’s only goal in the 53rd minute after a cross from defender Nick Pariano. The game was the Nor'easters' first under head coach Matt Perrella, who played his college soccer at Rider.
OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Nor’easters are back for another season in the exciting and high…
The Nor’easters will play Lehigh Valley United at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
The O.C. home opener is at 7 p.m. Friday against Philadelphia Lone Star FC at Carey Stadium in Ocean City. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/ocean-city-noreasters-open-season-with-1-0-win-over-real-central-new-jersey/article_130abb6e-f7fe-11ed-be62-6bbe46e12e56.html | 2023-05-21T19:25:03 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/ocean-city-noreasters-open-season-with-1-0-win-over-real-central-new-jersey/article_130abb6e-f7fe-11ed-be62-6bbe46e12e56.html |
The Bay Area Hospital celebrated National Hospital Week on May 7 to 13 in a plethora of ways.
“We have so much to celebrate with our caregivers. They have taken on unimaginable challenges over the last few years and have risen to the occasion in service to our community,” said Kim Winker, Bay Area Hospital’s director of marketing and communications.
One of the many ways hospital week is celebrated is with local children. Bay Area Hospital invited local schools to honor their healthcare team by participating in an art project. This year the team was inspired by the theme, “Living Beautifully for One Another."
“We send the invitation out in February. What comes back to us in April is imaginative and diverse, yet it always comes together to form something beautiful,” said Chaplain Coordinator Lindsay Moore. “Each school is sent an invitation and the same writing prompt, and teachers and students devise their own interpretation of the words.”
Their creativity is a one-of-a-kind display on exhibit at Bay Area Hospital for the entire month of May. The ages of the students range from preschoolers to 8th-graders. Each puts their time and talents into their project to show appreciation for hospital staff.
The team at the hospital is grateful for the cheerful art that brings joy into their space. This year they got so much art that they had to spread it to every floor of the hospital.
“People love to visit the different exhibits throughout the facility. It spreads joy to every person that passes,” Winker said.
This year’s participating schools include: Bright Beginnings Learning Center, Christ Lutheran School, Eastside School, Gold Coast Christian, Hillcrest Elementary, Kingsview Christian School, The Lighthouse School, Madison Elementary, Marshfield Jr. High School, Millicoma School, North Bay Elementary, North Bend Middle School, Riverview Christian School and SCESD Early Childhood Special Education. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/local-schools-create-art-for-bay-area-hospital/article_23dbf576-f5cd-11ed-af95-3b52bd995091.html | 2023-05-21T19:51:49 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/local-schools-create-art-for-bay-area-hospital/article_23dbf576-f5cd-11ed-af95-3b52bd995091.html |
Law enforcement officials are investigating after a toddler drowned in a pool on Sunday.
According to police, at about 12:17 p.m., first responders arrived at a property along the 600 block of Lawler Place in the city's Somerton neighborhood, where a three-year-old girl had fallen into a pool.
The toddler was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced just before 1 p.m.
Officials said the incident is currently under investigation.
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Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/3-year-old-girl-drowns-in-northeast-philadelphia-pool/3570611/ | 2023-05-21T20:04:10 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/3-year-old-girl-drowns-in-northeast-philadelphia-pool/3570611/ |
A break in a water main, along Germantown Pike in Plymouth Township, caused many local homeowners to be without water on Sunday, officials said.
Officials at Aqua, the utility company that serves that community, the water main break occurred at 6:15 a.m.
Township officials, at about 9: 30 a.m., warned residents that there was a major break in a water main that was effecting the "majority of the township."
Sunday morning, crews closed Germantown Pike between Plymouth Road and Chemical Road in both directions as well as the off ramp from the PA Turnpike at Norristown.
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By 1 p.m., the main had been capped, but westbound Germantown Pike remained closed.
As of about 2 p.m., Aqua said "a small section of approximately 10 customers within the immediate area" still do not have water service.
Officials said that repairs are expected to be complete by 9:15 p.m. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/water-main-break-impacts-majority-of-plymouth-township/3570601/ | 2023-05-21T20:04:22 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/water-main-break-impacts-majority-of-plymouth-township/3570601/ |
Somers Independence Day celebration organizers have announced registration is underway for the 2023 parade, and unveiled the return of the community’s ice cream social.
This year’s theme will be “Home of the Free: 2023” as the parade returns for its 55th year on Tuesday, July 4, at 2 p.m. Registration is now open and required for all those who are interested in participating in the parade.
The parade will kick off at Shoreland Lutheran High School at 2 p.m. and continue east 1.3 miles down 12th Street ending at Somers Elementary School. Staging will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. The parade typically lasts about one hour depending on the number of entries.
All types of entries will be accepted until June 23. The registration form can be found at somers.org or picked up at the Village Hall at 7511 12th Street. A list of rules and expectations for participants is listed on the form.
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Local veterans are welcome and encouraged to contact the parade chair or complete an entry form to participate in the parade.
Among entertainment groups already lined up for the 2023 parade are the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, Dinder Brothers Circus, Milwaukee Tumblers, Jolly Giants Stilt Walkers, Shoreland Lutheran High School Band, Mike Schneider Polka Band, a mariachi band, Rambler Band, Lutheran VanGuard Marching Band, and River City Rhythm. Somers Elementary will also be representing themselves at the event.
The Ice Cream Social sponsored by Festival Foods of Somers is returning this year and will be held at the Village Hall immediately after the parade until about 4 pm. There will also be face painting, balloon animals and other family entertainment on site. Prior to the parade, concessions will be available for purchase at the high school and will benefit the Shoreland Lutheran High School Booster Club.
Questions may be directed to the parade chair J. Schantek at 262-818-4448. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/registration-open-for-somers-independence-day-parade-ice-cream-social-to-return/article_6f133492-f5c2-11ed-b1ac-ef71ed7fb47a.html | 2023-05-21T20:06:51 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/registration-open-for-somers-independence-day-parade-ice-cream-social-to-return/article_6f133492-f5c2-11ed-b1ac-ef71ed7fb47a.html |
Kenosha native Robert Jake, who works year-round at a call center in Illinois, also spends months preparing for the annual Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship in Dodgeville.
At the end of April Jake came home victorious with awards for "Best in Show," and first place in "Classic Grilled Cheese Plus One Extra Item," "Classic Grilled Cheese Entry" and "Dessert Entry."
Jake has been competing in the state chamionship since 2016 with his late wife Roberta. Since her death, Jake, along with his daughter Elisia Chavez and their friends and family compete in Roberta's memory and utilize her award-winning lobster grilled cheese recipe.
This year, Jake was bumped up to the Professional category, which is reserved for professional chefs and workers in the food industry. The category also includes competitors who have won three trophies or more in the past competitions.
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How was the Professional category?
That just absolutely scared me. It was nerve-wracking, and when you're cooking there you're under a time limit. There's a lot of stress, and then being up there with the guys that know how to cook and what they're doing and are professionally trained... that just adds a lot more stress. At the end of the day, I was sure glad it was over with, and when they started announcing the trophies and the winners it was such a relief.
How did it feel to win?
It was very exciting. I never thought that I would win in the Pro Division. I'm not a professional chef, or cook or anything like that, but I've done so well over the last few years in the competition they bumped me up to the pro. I thought I would have absolutely no chance. I've seen these guys cook before and I'm not at their quality, so I bumped up my techniques a bit. I did a lot of research on new recipes.
How do you prepare?
You have only so much time to cook there (and) you can only use their frying pan. So when I made the lobster grilled cheese, I had to pre-cook the lobster at home to make sure it's the way I wanted, and then heat it up really quick in a frying pan there.
We get hotel rooms up there and we get up super early and we start grinding cheese. We spend the next hour and a half to two hours grinding cheese, and that really helps compared to the pre-bought ground cheese or the slices of cheese. It just melts so much nicer.
What is key to the perfect grilled cheese?
For the competition, there's there are a few things you need to do. First, people eat with their eyes first, so you have to make a very nice looking grilled cheese sandwich. You want to make sure that the butter spread that you use is spread evenly across everything ... you're not over-saturating the butter (and) you want to make sure that the cheese melts properly. There are a few cheeses I would not use during competition like cheddar because it's hard to get a nice even melt on it.
Mayonnaise or butter for the bread?
I'll use one stick of butter for each group of sandwiches and then it's two big tablespoons of mayonnaise. I will mix it all together when it's at room temperature because you need the butter sauce. Then for different sandwiches I'll use different spices to add to the butter to make it a compound butter. For the lobster grilled cheese I added Old Bay seasoning.
Do you test your recipes?
Yes, my mom invites her friends over and I make different grilled cheese sandwiches. They all get little sections and do a taste test for me and (suggest things like) a different bread or maybe a different spice in the butter. They're very, very good about letting me know what's going on. At work it's basically the same thing. They know I'm going to take off for the competition, so they usually ask me to come in a few days before and to make sandwiches for everybody. That way everybody at work can taste test as well.
Do you vary recipes from year-to year?
I try to do something different. One year I made sauteed mushrooms with three different types of mushrooms with onion, and I used a Havarti cheese on it. Oh boy, that was such a good grilled cheese.
Where did inspiration come from this year?
The big winner this year that I got to the Best of Show for was my "egg in a nest" grilled cheese sandwich, which basically has holes in the bread and you put egg in it. I wanted to go above that, so I found a farmer who has quail eggs. I made a quail egg in the nest with a bourbon bacon jam. I practiced several times at home, but it wasn't coming out as good as I wanted it to. I tried it at the competition and everything lined up perfectly.
And the other sandwiches?
The first sandwich was a classic grilled cheese sandwich. In that one you use one cheese, bread and then your butter. I found at the cheese stores some chicken soup cheese. It's made with chicken broth and it has a very unique taste to it.
The second one was the lobster grilled cheese. That's my wife's recipe. In my final one I wanted to do a tribute to Wisconsin fruit farmers, so I did a cherry cranberry and apple chutney, and I put the chutney, which was homemade, under bread and then I added a nice mild white cheese to it and that was on Texas Toast.
What's the hardest part?
The hardest part is actually when you're there and they tell you to raise your spatula. So when you start, they want you to the raise the spatula, which means that you're ready to go. And then they say cook, and you put your spatula down and you start making your sandwich. That's when it's the hardest part for me. I worry if I don't have everything in the right place. What if I forgot the cheese in the cooler? All that stuff starts going through your head because you're under the pressure of the competition.
What's your favorite part?
We do this in honor of my wife. We gather all her friends, my friends and my daughter to compete. All of us compete in memory of my wife. Every year we go back, and that's why every year I do my lobster grilled cheese because of my wife. That was her award-winning recipe. We get a good crowd of people show up every year to cheer us on and to compete, so that's the best thing about doing it.
Other friends and family compete?
My daughter (competes) and I'm so proud of her. She has her own ideas about recipes and what she wants to try. She actually does quite well. She's won two trophies over the last few years and I can't be prouder of her for doing that. Other friends of the family (who compete) would always ask me about (competing). I give them some clues. They then run with their own recipes and they do quite well. I'm just so happy that everybody's having fun.
Suggestions about competing?
Someone who has never been in a competition before can do very, very well. As long as they can make a sandwich and keep (their) cool during it, (they) can do well. I was beat by beginners all the time. Someone comes up with a new recipe, new idea, their sandwich looks better than yours -- anybody could win and that's the great thing about it. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/snapshot-longtime-kenosha-resident-robert-jake-wins-best-of-show-at-the-10th-annual-wisconsin/article_6fed0096-f1d5-11ed-b880-cf5046965224.html | 2023-05-21T20:06:58 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/snapshot-longtime-kenosha-resident-robert-jake-wins-best-of-show-at-the-10th-annual-wisconsin/article_6fed0096-f1d5-11ed-b880-cf5046965224.html |
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