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EVERETT, Wash. — Authorities are investigating after twin infants were exposed to fentanyl in an Everett hotel room.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called just after 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday for an unresponsive baby at a hotel in the 130 block of 128th Street SW. The parents told medical personnel the 11-month-old may have been exposed to cleaning chemicals they used in the hotel room, but a spokesperson said the baby was unresponsive to treatment for chemical exposure.
When emergency crews administered Narcan to the child he regained consciousness, the spokesperson said. Three children – the 11-month-old boy, his 11-month-old twin sister and an 11-year-old boy - were taken to the hospital. The SCSO said the 11-month-old infants tested presumptive positive for fentanyl at the hospital, while the 11-year-old did not test positive.
Detectives learned the 36-year-old mother and 39-year-old father were caring for the three children when the incident happened. Fentanyl and meth were found in the hotel room where they lived, according to the spokesperson.
All three children were released from the hospital and are now in the custody of Child Protective Services, according to the SCSO. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/11-month-old-twins-fentanyl-exposure/281-492ce61e-7dcf-4fce-9cbb-8c9901a5c935 | 2023-05-25T21:11:49 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/11-month-old-twins-fentanyl-exposure/281-492ce61e-7dcf-4fce-9cbb-8c9901a5c935 |
WASHINGTON, USA — The effort to bring Tokitae home to the Puget Sound region has swelled into a massive endeavor, bringing billionaires and animal advocates together after decades of her living in captivity in south Florida.
However, getting Toki home is only part of the complex challenges facing those pushing to transport her back to Washington state. Ensuring Toki is protected from tourism and potential predators is an important aspect of this operation.
The current plan, once she is flown over from Miami, is to construct a sea pen somewhere near the San Juan Islands, where Toki originally hails from.
Raynell Morris with the Lummi Nation says they've been discussing safety plans around Toki for several years. In addition to the net of the pen, Morris says there will be a setup in place to keep boats from getting too close.
There also will be a paid security team to monitor the area.
"We have an initial team identified that would be part of the operational team for the sea sanctuary and that includes monitoring and being with her 24-7, 365 days. whichever location it is, we know that is a constant," Morris said.
All the specifics of the plans remain private, but Morris emphasizes the safety of Toki is the top priority.
Howard Garrett with the Orca Network says these privacy measures are necessary.
"She will be under a very tight security force that will have a you know, make a bubble around her like Secret Service, you know, to make sure that she is not disturbed in any way and that'll frustrate me and everybody else who wants to get closer, but I'm afraid that's in her best interest," Garrett said. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/how-advocates-plan-ensure-tokitaes-pen-secure/281-5ec396a6-db72-4d4e-83b7-94e13a23db8c | 2023-05-25T21:11:55 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/how-advocates-plan-ensure-tokitaes-pen-secure/281-5ec396a6-db72-4d4e-83b7-94e13a23db8c |
The Times-Dispatch is thrilled to once again honor area employers through our Top Workplaces contest.
It’s our chance to put the spotlight on those in our region who go above and beyond for their workers. These are the jobs in which employees feel nurtured, motivated and excited.
How do we know? Because employees at more than 1,400 businesses — from small operations to mega firms — were asked to take part in surveys that included 24 questions about workplace culture and values. That information was collected by our partner, Exton, Pennsylvania-based Energage, which crunched the numbers and gave us the honorees you see in this section.
The list includes many names you’re probably familiar with, including several with such successful programs that they return year after year. Equally important are the newcomers bringing fresh ideas and innovation to market.
People are also reading…
Today, we salute all the winners.
And if you know a business we should honor next year, we’d love to hear about it at richmond.com/top-workplaces.
Congratulations! | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/top-workplaces-times-dispatch-richmond/article_36ad3f5c-eaab-11ed-a6d5-2382d3b07382.html | 2023-05-25T21:12:32 | 1 | https://richmond.com/business/local/top-workplaces/top-workplaces-times-dispatch-richmond/article_36ad3f5c-eaab-11ed-a6d5-2382d3b07382.html |
Here are the Top Workplaces in Richmond 2023.
This is the 10th year The Times-Dispatch has partnered with Energage, an employee survey company based in Exton, Pennsylvania, to celebrate exceptional workplaces.
For 2023, 1,473 organizations were invited to survey their employees. Based on employee-survey feedback, 102 have earned recognition as Top Workplaces, an all-time high.
Top Workplace Awards, Mega Companies
1. Markel
2. CarMax
3. Capital One Financial Corporation
4. Estes Express Lines
5. Chesterfield County Government
6. Patient First
Top Workplace Awards, Large Companies
People are also reading…
1. Indivior
2. The Country Club of Virginia
3. Greystar, Real Estate
4. Pinnacle Living
5. Genworth
6. Elephant Insurance
7. EAB
8. Apex Systems
9. Atlantic Union Bank
10. T-Mobile
11. Allianz Partners (AGA Service Company)
12. Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
13. Ensemble Health Partners
Top Workplace Awards, Midsize Companies
1. Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
2. Davenport & Company LLC
3. DPR Construction
4. Williams Mullen
5. Richmond Ford
6. Paymerang, LLC
7. Premium Distributors of Virginia - Richmond
8. Commonwealth Commercial Partners
9. Woodfin - Your Home Team
10. Marsh McLennan Agency
11. The Steward School
12. SERVPRO of Chesterfield
13. SOAR365
14. JenCare Senior Medical Centers
15. Masonic Home Of Virginia
16. Summit Human Capital LLC
17. Colliers International
18. Performance Food Group
19. Century Supply Chain Solutions
20. Keiter
21. James River Insurance Company
22. Panda Restaurant Group
23. Elk Hill Farm, Inc.
24. Super Radiator Coils
25. Iron Bow Technologies, LLC
26. United Network For Organ Sharing (UNOS)
27. Commonwealth Primary Care
28. JES Foundation Repair
Top Workplace Awards, Small Companies
1. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Base Camp
2. Mango Salon
3. Brandito, LLC
4. Strategic Risk Associates
5. Independent Container Line Ltd.
6. Robert Half
7. Richmond Window Corporation
8. Geoff McDonald and Associates, P.C.
9. EMS Ventures
10. Monument Consulting
11. Napier ERA
12. Unboxed Technology
13. Web Business Solutions
14. Terazo Inc.
15. EDC
16. Richmond National
17. Virginia Business Systems
18. Virginia Risk Sharing Association
19. Cutz For Guys
20. Ippon Technologies
21. Eagle Construction of Va., LLC
22. Auditor of Public Accounts
23. PRG Real Estate
24. SouthState
25. Weidmueller
26. Siewers Lumber & Millwork
27. Trolley Hospitality Companies
28. The London Company of Virginia
29. DVD Networks
30. Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.
31. Virginia Asset Management
32. Glave & Holmes Architecture
33. Children's Museum of Richmond
34. The Yeatman Group
35. Call Federal Credit Union
36. Gumenick Properties
37. SanAir Technologies Laboratory
38. A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc.
39. Town of Ashland
40. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley
41. Christina Pendleton & Associates, P.C.
42. Insight Global
43. Swedish Match North America LLC
44. Cornerstone Homes
45. Total Quality Logistics - TQL
46. Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery
47. Journey Health & Lifestyle
48. CGI
49. Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams, Inc.
50. Behavioral Health Services of Virginia
51. Capital Square Realty Adv
52. KidMed Pediatric Urgent Care
53. ThompsonMcMullan, P.C.
54. West Shore Home
55. H. J. Holtz & Son Painting
Here are the Top Workplaces for 2023
A total of 1,471 companies, nonprofit organizations and government divisions were asked to participate and 131 were surveyed, an all-time high in the 10-year history of the program. A total of 48,340 were surveyed.
Employers are looking to get more people in office seats in 2023. It reflects the push and pull over working conditions in a post-COVID-19 bus… | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/employment/2023-top-workplaces-in-richmond/article_69be0512-f838-11ed-a04b-1b022809f72e.html | 2023-05-25T21:12:38 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/employment/2023-top-workplaces-in-richmond/article_69be0512-f838-11ed-a04b-1b022809f72e.html |
WATERLOO — A Waterloo man who was found dead in Elmwood Cemetery earlier this month died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
The deceased was identified as 31-year-old Moses Batemon.
Batemon died May 9 of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was ruled suicide, according to the agency.
A maintenance worker found the body under a tree shortly before 1 p.m. that day. A firearm was found at the scene.
Photos: Body found in Elmwood Cemetery, May 9, 2023 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cause-of-death-released-for-man-found-dead-in-cemetery/article_c9ca96fa-fb1c-11ed-81e4-dba5587cde8d.html | 2023-05-25T21:16:10 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cause-of-death-released-for-man-found-dead-in-cemetery/article_c9ca96fa-fb1c-11ed-81e4-dba5587cde8d.html |
YORK, Pa. — The FOX43 Blood Drive returned to York Township just in time before the busy Memorial Day weekend.
The American Red Cross (ARC) prepared for fewer donations due to holiday travel plans. However, that didn’t stop members of ARC from encouraging eligible blood donors to ‘respond to the call.’
“A blood drive like this today right before a long weekend, a holiday weekend, is very important because a lot of people are traveling, so they’re not available,” said Bonnie Wolf, Thursday’s event organizer for ARC.
This year’s blood drive was once again hosted at the York Jewish Community Center (JCC). The venue is large enough to accommodate donors from across York County. Thursday’s drive is estimated to collect about 70 units of blood, a substantial decrease in donations compared to previous drives.
“If we collected 600 units of blood on a holiday Monday we’re probably going to collect 150 [units],” Wolf said.
Though fewer donations were expected, the Red Cross remained undeterred and welcomed more than 50 donors during Thursday’s drive.
“In times when one area doesn’t have the blood that they need, we can move blood around the country,” Wolf said.
Regardless of the amount raised, all the blood donated from Thursday’s drive will help more than 200 patients across the region.
“Healthy donors just mean the world to people in the hospital, their blood donation is one of the tools that a doctor needs to help someone recover from an injury or disease,” Wolf explained.
For any prospective donors that couldn’t make it out to Thursday’s blood drive, the next American Red Cross - FOX43 blood drive is August 24 at the JCC in York. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/blood-drive-red-cross-donate-memorial-day-weekend/521-87655356-38ae-45a6-9837-fbf76cc049c3 | 2023-05-25T21:20:39 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/blood-drive-red-cross-donate-memorial-day-weekend/521-87655356-38ae-45a6-9837-fbf76cc049c3 |
CARLISLE, Pa. — The remains of five more Native American children who died at a notorious government-run boarding school in Pennsylvania over a century ago will be disinterred from a small Army cemetery and returned to descendants, authorities said Thursday.
The remains are buried on the grounds of the Carlisle Barracks, home of the U.S. Army War College. The children attended the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced to assimilate to white society as a matter of U.S. policy.
The Carlisle school put children through harsh conditions that sometimes resulted in their deaths. Founded by an Army officer, the school cut their braids, dressed them in military-style uniforms and punished them for speaking their native languages. European names were forced upon them.
The Office of Army Cemeteries said the latest disinterment of remains will take place beginning Sept. 11. It will be the sixth such disinterment operation at Carlisle since 2017 as the military transfers remains to living family members for reburial. Twenty-eight children have been returned so far, according to cemetery officials.
The remains to be moved this fall include those belonging to 13-year-old Amos LaFromboise, of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe of South Dakota, who died in 1879, only 20 days after his arrival at the school. The tribe had written to the U.S. Army’s cemetery office in March to urge a faster return of the boy, who has been described as a son of one of the tribe's most celebrated leaders. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate want to bury him next to his father on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota.
The other students to be moved died between 1880 and 1910 while attending the Carlisle school, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries. They are Edward Upright from the Spirit Lake Tribe of North Dakota, Beau Neal from the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, Edward Spott from the Puyallup Tribe of Washington state, and Launy Shorty from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana.
More than 10,000 children from more than 140 tribes passed through the school between 1879 and 1918, including famous Olympian Jim Thorpe.
Starting with the Indian Civilization Act of 1819, the U.S. enacted laws and policies to establish and support Native American boarding schools across the nation. Hundreds of thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their communities and forced into boarding schools that focused on assimilation.
The federal government has been investigating its past oversight of the boarding schools. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/remains-5-native-american-children-disinterred-in-pennsylvania/521-b151ca3b-c629-4305-89fe-ba70f8a55b29 | 2023-05-25T21:20:46 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/remains-5-native-american-children-disinterred-in-pennsylvania/521-b151ca3b-c629-4305-89fe-ba70f8a55b29 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Emergency crews are at a Lancaster County treatment plant where a man reportedly fell 20 feet into an empty tank, according to police.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. at the Ephrata Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant on South Reading Road.
Crews at the scene say the victim, who is reportedly a male in his 30s, fell 20 feet into an empty tank. He was reportedly working as a subcontractor on the roof of the building.
At this time, his condition is unknown. He was taken to Lancaster General via an ambulance.
This is a developing story. FOX43 has a crew at the scene and will provide additional information as it becomes available. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/reports-man-fell-15-feet-empty-water-tank-lancaster-county/521-d8d10b8e-376b-40a4-baba-c0d6482b5fb4 | 2023-05-25T21:20:54 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/reports-man-fell-15-feet-empty-water-tank-lancaster-county/521-d8d10b8e-376b-40a4-baba-c0d6482b5fb4 |
If you're looking to update your appliances or invest in products that help conserve water outdoors, now is the time to buy. Texas' tax-free weekend for ENERGY STAR® appliances and water-efficient products is back this Memorial Day weekend.
The 2023 tax-free ENERGY STAR Sale Tax Holiday begins Saturday, May 27 and ends at midnight Monday, May 29.
"Older, inefficient appliances and outdated water systems can put a tremendous strain on our power grids and water supplies,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “By taking advantage of these sales tax holidays, Texans can make upgrades that will help alleviate those pressures and lower their utility bills — while saving money on state and local sales taxes.”
While some items may be rated as Energy Star appliances, only the following appliances and household equipment are eligible to be bought, rent or leased tax free:
- Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less
- Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less
- Ceiling fans
- Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
- Clothes washers
- Dishwashers
- Dehumidifiers
Along with saving on sales tax, appliances that are ENERGY STAR-rated decrease monthly utility bills by reducing water and energy use, according to Texas Comptroller's Office.
It is not just appliances. You can also purchase, tax-free, certain water-efficient products and landscape plants. The Texas Department of Agriculture says these plants use less water and can be identified by the EPA WaterSense® tag. Timers, soaker hoses and mulch also qualify.
Texas News
News from around the state of Texas.
Products inside the home also qualify, including toilets, showerheads and bathroom faucets.
However, be aware that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges by the seller are part of the item's sales price. So, if the total price exceeds the state's cap, you'll have to pay tax on the entire purchase price.
Some items do not qualify and are taxable, even if they are labeled with ENERGY STAR.
- Water heaters
- Clothes dryers
- Freezers
- Stoves
- Attic fans
- Heat pumps
- Wine refrigerators
- Kegerators
- Beverage chillers
The Texas Comptroller's office expected Texas shoppers to save an estimated $14.3 million in state and local sales tax during the annual Memorial Day weekend sales tax holiday.
Get updates on what's happening in North Texas to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/save-on-water-efficient-and-energy-star-appliances-during-sales-tax-holiday-weekend/3265349/ | 2023-05-25T21:22:34 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/save-on-water-efficient-and-energy-star-appliances-during-sales-tax-holiday-weekend/3265349/ |
Authorities in east Texas have jailed an 18-year-old man on capital murder charges in the shootings of his parents, sister and brother.
Police in the small town of Nash, Texas, say officers responding to a report that a man had harmed his family and was threatening to kill himself on Tuesday found Cesar Olalde barricaded inside a home. They were told that multiple people were dead inside.
Olalde later called police, saying "he had pulled the trigger, and shot his family," according to a probable cause affidavit by Nash Police officer Craig Buster.
The officers persuaded Olalde to surrender and then found the bodies of his parents, Reuben Olalde and Aida Garcia, older sister Lisbet Olalde and younger brother Oliver Olalde in a bathroom.
"It appeared as if the victims had been shot at various places in the residence and drug to the bathroom," according to the affidavit. "Multiple spent cartridge casings" were found on the floor of the home, and "blood spatter on multiple surfaces."
The affidavit said a co-worker of Lisbet Olalde had gone to the home because the woman had failed to arrive at work and, with a family member, forced his way inside where he was confronted by Cesar Olalde, who pointed a firearm at him.
The co-worker told police that Olalde said "he had killed his family because they were cannibals, and they were going to eat him," the affidavit states.
Texas News
News from around the state of Texas.
Bowie County court records show Olalde was ordered held on a $10 million bond. His listed defense attorney did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday.
Nash is a town of about 3,800 on the western edge of Texarkana near the Arkansas state line. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-teen-accused-of-killing-parents-siblings-he-said-were-cannibals/3265342/ | 2023-05-25T21:22:41 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-teen-accused-of-killing-parents-siblings-he-said-were-cannibals/3265342/ |
TEXAS, USA — This story started with a lie.
“Yeah, my sister, that’s so not like her to not tell the truth,” Greg Dace joked.
Why was Dace’s sister, Carla McCullough, dishonest?
“Beause I love him so,” McCullough said, with tears in her eyes.
To understand how love could compel someone to lie, you have to understand what compels Dace.
In college, Dace became a DJ and he loved it.
“I would do it for free,” Dace said.
Eventually, though, he got married, had a family and quit being a DJ for a job in sales. Throughout the years, he always said he wanted to be a DJ again, which is why he recently decided to do it before it’s too late.
Last year, Dace was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, just a few years after losing his mom and sister to cancer.
“I thought it was a good time to go ahead and invest into it,” he said.
Being a DJ was his dream. Unfortunately, medical bills made equipment impossible to afford.
Knowing that, McCullough lied and told her brother that she’d set up a meeting with a cancer support organization. However, when the meeting started, she hit him with the truth.
“Sam Pack Auto Group is granting you a Little Wish,” she told him.
Sam Pack Auto Group gave Dace a $500 gift card to help pay for gas and other necessities during treatment, and another $1,500 to fix his truck and perhaps, most importantly, DJ equipment.
He has a long road ahead, but Dace said this wish helps strengthen the journey.
“It gives me so much encouragement to know someone that doesn’t even know me and invested in me,” Dace said. “It’s given me so much hope.”
Ain’t that the truth.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/little-wish-cancer-patient-djing/287-f6159569-a1bc-4ae9-981e-1e5f99a911cc | 2023-05-25T21:23:21 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/outreach/little-wish-cancer-patient-djing/287-f6159569-a1bc-4ae9-981e-1e5f99a911cc |
SAN ANTONIO — Texas authorities say a 44-year-old San Antonio man wanted on multiple warrants – including multiple allegations of child sexual assault in Henderson County – has been added to the state's list of Most Wanted Fugitives.
Steven Clay Leifeste has been on the run since March of 2021, when the Bexar County Sheriff's Office issued arrest warrants for evading arrest, unauthorized use of a vehicle and violating probation against him. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for anonymous tips leading to Leifeste's arrest.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) says Leifeste previously served prison time after being convicted of aggravated assault and failure to stop and render aid. He has also faced charges of credit card/debit case abuse targeting an elderly person, forgery and DWI.
He stands about 5 feet 11, weighs about 215 pounds, and has tattoos on his back and left shoulder, according to DPS. His most recent photo, seen above, is from 2013.
DPS says Leifeste should be considered armed and dangerous. Any information on his whereabouts can be provided by calling 1-800-252-8477, submitting a tip through the DPS website or submitting the tip via Facebook, under the "About" section.
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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/texas/texas-most-wanted-san-antonio-man-leifeste-police-crime/273-c1d7d380-dd9f-4590-845c-efced6c42648 | 2023-05-25T21:23:27 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-most-wanted-san-antonio-man-leifeste-police-crime/273-c1d7d380-dd9f-4590-845c-efced6c42648 |
DALLAS (KDAF) — It is now coming to the end of the month of May, however, the fun never ends!
There is so much that will be happening this weekend. Make sure to plan ahead and get the most out of each experience! So don’t hesitate, to look at these events we found happening over the weekend.
Dallas Comedy Club Presents: This Just Happened | Mainstage Theater | May 25
The Dallas Comedy Club will host their stand-up improv show, This Just Happened. “This Just Happened is a monthly comedy showcase at Dallas Comedy Club. This is not a regular standup show. Comedians are asked to ditch their regular routines and perform standup jokes based on what is happening NOW!,” the description read.
BUSH Live in Concert | The Pavillion Toyota Music Factory | May 26
This early 90s band recently released their new album, The Art of Survival, last year and now are on tour. They will be performing at The Pavillion Toyota Music Factory with openers Toronto band, Our Lady Peace and indie artists DEVORA. Tickets here.
Pure Land Farm | McKinney, TX | May 26
The Farmer’s Market will be open Saturday at 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am. Picking carrots, beets, onions, garlic, cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, and sunflowers. Blackberries will be scant for a couple more weeks! Spots will open up on Thursday, May 25th at 10 am and fill up quickly! Get tickets here.
AAPI Night Market Block Party | KRIO – Bishop Arts | May 27
As AAPI Month comes to an end, the foodie Facebook group, Asian Grub Hub DFDUB will partner with Make-A-Wish Foundation, for their second annual AAPI Night Market Block Party. The free event will be held at Bishop Art’s Krio. Over 20+ food vendors will be in attendance. Proceeds from their silent auction and/ or purchase of MAW FastPASS wristbands will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation: North Texas.
Memorial Day at the Dallas Arboretum | Dallas | May 27
This event will be held during Memorial Day Weekend. “Come out to the garden and enjoy activities for the whole family! Your kids will love to pop bubbles, pet farm animals and listen to stories,” Dallas Arboretum said. Fun for the whole family, more information here.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival | Waxahachie | May 27, 28, & 29
This Memorial Weekend will be the last weekend for the popular Scarborough Renaissance. The festival’s last day is May 29. For tickets and more information click here.
Carry the Load Dallas Memorial March | Reverchon Park | May 28 & 29
The Dallas Memorial March is a two-day event to honor our heroes, embrace the fallen, and educate communities on how to celebrate Memorial Day. For more information, visit here.
PGA Frisco’s First Major | PGA Frisco | May 25, 26, 27,& 28
The Fields Ranch East will be held at PGA Frisco. The 83rd KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship takes place at the new 600-acre home of PGA of America. It will be home to six major championships that will be hosted over the next 12 years. More information here.
Carne Asada Fest 2023 | Dallas | May 28
Over 25 of the best authentic street food vendors will be in attendance. There will be live music, art, and more! FREE Carne Asada for the first 100 people. Get your tickets here. | https://cw33.com/news/local/find-out-what-happening-memorial-weekend-carry-the-load-march-aapi-night-market-and-more/ | 2023-05-25T21:28:53 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/find-out-what-happening-memorial-weekend-carry-the-load-march-aapi-night-market-and-more/ |
A Clarion man pleaded not guilty to sexual abuse Tuesday.
According to court records, 29-year-old Erik Eduardo Estrada is facing up to 10 years in prison after being charged with third-degree sexual abuse May 10.
The affidavit states that around 3 a.m. Feb. 4 Estrada forced himself on a woman at a residence in Goldfield. The alleged victim was on the couch and attempted to stop Estrada. DNA evidence matching Estrada's was collected at the scene.
A jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 22.
North Iowa history in photos: Mason City street scenes of the early 1900s
1937 Downtown MC.jpg
Cigar and peanut wagon on Federal 1909.jpg
Parade for the July 4th 1910.jpg
1920 Ford dealeship in Mason Cityr.jpg
1901 Uncle Tom's Cabin Parade MC IA.jpg
1910 Fire Department MC.jpg
1920s Birdsall's Ice Cream Store same location today..jpg
1910busy intersection standard oil wagon.jpg
1920 Commercial Bank on Federal with parked motorcycle.jpg
1915 Charles Hotel at Central Park with Trolley.jpg
1930 2nd St SE and Federal facing North Best.jpg
1915 Iowa Hardware Mutual Office Bldg old metalcraft bldg.jpg
1930s Jefferson Lines buses at the downtown depot MC.jpg
1915 State st North of delaware facing NE2.jpg
1930 East side Federal to State street.jpg
1915 Street scene at Charles Hotel with Trolleyand Olympia Billboard.jpg
1934 buildings being torn down Federal Ave 1.jpg
1918 North Iowa Fair 19th SW at Federal (Southport Mall site.jpg | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/clarion-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexual-assault/article_830c973c-fb2a-11ed-b51c-8b1a192cd9d0.html | 2023-05-25T21:39:56 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/clarion-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexual-assault/article_830c973c-fb2a-11ed-b51c-8b1a192cd9d0.html |
FCHS students of social studies instructors Murray Anderson and Katie Osterman received a present-day history lesson on the United States federal government from U.S. Republican Senator Charles Grassley on Tuesday.
“All these young people have studied government or will,” Grassley said. “It is an opportunity to discuss what a senator does.”
Grassley said even the best teachers and literature can leave a void, which can be filled by such in-person visits. He noted that students often travel to meet with him in Washington, DC, including 4-H and FFA groups and history contest groups.
“I try to get to 10 to 12 high schools a year,” Grassley said. “I’ve been doing it that way for 43 years.”
Grassley provided students a glimpse of the typical life of a U.S. senator, saying that official business typically doesn’t begin until 10-10:30 a.m. on most days. However, he said most senators are in the office before 9 a.m. He said there may be staff briefings as well as radio, television, and newspaper communications between 9-10 a.m. Grassley added that committee meetings are often in the afternoon, but may be in the morning. He noted that many times, senators will have to drop everything they are doing for votes or amendments.
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“I don’t miss votes,” Grassley emphasized.
Students asked many well-informed questions of Sen. Grassley. Those questions ranged from Title 42 border policy implementation and expiration, school shootings, and universal healthcare. He said he would be in favor of the reinstatement of Title 42 border policy.
“I don’t want the federal government running all healthcare,” Grassley said. “I’d do everything I could to ensure people have proper healthcare short of the government running it.”
Grassley also addressed questions regarding security concerns with China’s weather balloon that crossed most the continental U.S. before being shot down as well as Tik Tok use on social media. Grassley called both national security issues.
“It probably upsets a lot of young people (to say this),” said Grassley of Tik Tok. “It’s a threat to our national security. I think today I’d vote to not have Tik Tok in our country.”
“Unless it’s classified, we should have that information China got by flying that balloon over the United States,” Grassley continued.
Asked about the future of artificial intelligence, Grassley said he’s heard some scary things about how it will take jobs away from people, but that it may offer advantages to help businesses and industries. Regarding electric vehicles, Grassley said the market should dictate the vehicles and technology that are used. He questioned whether goals being set right now are realistic and noted that, right now, it can take 30 minutes or more to charge an electric vehicle while it is mere minutes to fill a gas vehicle.
Grassley told students he believes high inflation is the direct result of the Biden Administration and bad fiscal policy. He cited a Democratic economist, Larry Summers who formerly served as U.S. Treasury Secretary, who said the economy had turned for the better by December 2020, which was before President Joe Biden was sworn into office. Grassley also cited tremendously high federal spending by the current administration and commended Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for his negotiations on the nation’s debt ceiling.
As an educational experience, students were able to observe local media interviews with Sen. Grassley after his question and answer session with them.
Asked if he was aware of reports of the current Administration meeting with World Health Organization officials to sign over U.S. sovereignty on healthcare via international treaty and whether Congress was doing anything about it, Grassley said the President and the Administration do not have Constitutional authority to do any such thing. He voiced concerns about WHO leaders and China not being forthcoming as they should be regarding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grassley noted the U.S. finances the WHO to a larger extent than China.
“Only if the Congress and the President let them do it, (could that happen),” said Grassley.
Grassley also responded to a question about whether there is need for livestock food labeling requirements pertaining to origin and health-related contents for American consumers.
“You ought to know where your meat comes from,” Grassley said. “I would support legislation that states that it ought to be labeled that way.”
Grassley also noted that the large renewable energy push could potentially have future consequences, such as electricity brownouts, if it is not handled responsibly. He noted how wind turbines froze up during a winter ice storm in Texas a few winters ago, which contributed to a large electric outage there. He also cited California regulations pertaining to increased use of electric cars that were coupled with warnings there not to use them at times.
“We’re (potentially) kind of in a bad situation,” said Grassley of rapid renewables expansion. “We should have enough redundancy through the coal and natural gas.”
Grassley was visiting many venues in 13 Iowa counties during a weeklong recess of the U.S. Senate.
Rob Hillesland is community editor for the Summit-Tribune. He can be reached at 641-421-0534, or by email at rob.hillesland@globegazette.com. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/grassley-discussed-workings-of-nations-capitol-with-fchs-students/article_64dadfd2-fb2d-11ed-b1f7-0f48d1a6c5de.html | 2023-05-25T21:40:02 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/grassley-discussed-workings-of-nations-capitol-with-fchs-students/article_64dadfd2-fb2d-11ed-b1f7-0f48d1a6c5de.html |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Fifty-seven San Angelo students are now 2023 graduates.
On May 24, the PAYS class walked across the stage at Angelo State University's CJ Davidson Center.
The ceremony began with welcomes from academic alternatives coordinator Claudia Becerra and graduate student Sergio Garza, followed by national and state pledges and a speech by assistant principal Bernardina Riojas.
One student speaker, Carlos Jaime, described his time at PAYS and told the audience and his fellow graduates what he is going to miss the most.
"I mean, no one likes to be told in order to graduate, you have to attend another school where your friends are not. Ultimately, it was the best decision for me and all of us because we are here tonight graduating," Jaime said. "We come from different backgrounds and we have different stories but we are all here at the same finish line."
Diplomas were handed out by school board president Dr. Taylor Kingman, board vice president Ami-Mizell Flint, board treasurer Bill Dendle and board trustee Dr. Kyle Mills.
The ceremony was recorded and can be watched at SanAngeloISD and it will also air on Channel 4 for the next two weeks afterwards. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/pays-class-celebrates-2023-commencement-ceremony/504-d0ca24d7-47a7-434d-a370-a8b40547d84b | 2023-05-25T21:46:13 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/pays-class-celebrates-2023-commencement-ceremony/504-d0ca24d7-47a7-434d-a370-a8b40547d84b |
AUSTIN, Texas — A 42-year-old woman was arrested in connection to a fire started in a trash bin near the Texas Attorney General’s Office Wednesday night in Austin, according to the AG’s Office.
A statement released by the AG’s Office said the woman was seen tossing what appears to be a lit cigarette into the trash bin behind the building.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety said they questioned the woman over possible political motivations for the fire and determined that it was unintentional.
In a tweet that was posted Wednesday night, the AG's Office said anyone with information about the person of interest was being asked to call the Austin Fire Department.
Also in the tweet, two surveillance videos were posted showing what appeared to be a person on a loading dock near a trash bin that had a fire burning inside.
At one point in one of the videos, which each has a timestamp of Wednesday just before 7 p.m., two people can be seen walking around the trash bin. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-attorney-general-fire-arrest/285-2fa59f3b-faf9-4919-a586-4bd7936fb83f | 2023-05-25T21:46:19 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-attorney-general-fire-arrest/285-2fa59f3b-faf9-4919-a586-4bd7936fb83f |
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau has been renamed. Check it out
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau unveiled its 10-year Destination Master Plan and the new regional brand Thursday, May 25.
"This entire process proves that when we decide to do it, we can do it," Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. "We can cooperate and think of ourselves as one large community."
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau announced it has rebranded and has officially changed its name to Visit Shreveport-Bossier (VSB).
This rebranding began in 2019. MMGY Global and MMGY NextFactor were chosen to guide Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau in the regional rebranding efforts.
In the past four years, VSB and MMGY heard from more than 1,200 people in sessions, town-hall forums and resident-sentiment surveys.
“We took in all that information, analyzed it, and then held a mirror back up to the community," said Stewart Colovin, EVP Global Brand Strategy, MMGY Global. "We found Shreveport-Bossier is a diverse, creative, community-minded place. And you’re real. You don’t put on airs. And they were like, ‘Yeah! That is who we are!’”
According to VSB, in 2019, more than 9 million day and overnight visitors spent $681 million in Shreveport-Bossier. In 2021, that economic impact jumped to $819 million. That money comes from outside the region and benefits the local Shreveport-Bossier communities.
The proposed 10-year master plan focuses on six key elements:
- Increase and diversify community collaboration
- Accelerate mixed-use development, placemaking and mobility in the two urban waterfronts
- Prioritize support for local creative entrepreneurs in art, culture, film, food, music, retail and more
- Capitalize on surging demand for sports tourism
- Increase visitor volumes in the meetings and conventions sector
- Accelerate business development in outdoor recreation and upgrade event venues
The main theme of this master plan is to unite Shreveport and Bossier City.
“Ultimately, this plan is about building a better Shreveport-Bossier long-term, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, and sharing a ‘whole lotta US’ to the world,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
Things do this Memorial Day weekend in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/the-shreveport-bossier-convention-and-tourist-bureau-has-been-renamed-check-it-out/70257632007/ | 2023-05-25T21:47:55 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/the-shreveport-bossier-convention-and-tourist-bureau-has-been-renamed-check-it-out/70257632007/ |
What's happening with REV Entertainment? Next steps announced
The City of Shreveport announced Thursday, May 25, that a selection committee has recommended a firm to perform the feasibility study on the REV Entertainment endeavor.
The selection committee consisting of Mayor Tom Arceneaux, Director of Finance and SPAR Director met on May 23 to review the four proposed firms.
The four proposals received were from:
- Baker Tilly: It’s the 10th-largest accounting practice in the country. It is also involved in another project with REV Entertainment.
- B & D Venues: It’s an architectural and planning firm that has worked on numerous stadium and arena projects, especially in the Washington, D.C., area.
- Samuel A. Ramirez and Company: An investment banking firm that employs several people with experience in financing and marketing minor-league baseball stadiums and is associated with other mixed-use developments.
- Fast Forward Consulting: It’s a local firm whose expertise is mostly in human resources consulting.
More:What's to come of professional baseball in Shreveport?
The committee recommended Baker Tilly to do the work. The next step is for Baker Tilly to send a proposed contract for review.
On March 23, REV Entertainment and Arceneaux hosted a news conference at Independence Stadium. During the press conference questions such as funding and timelines were answered by President of REV Entertainment Sean Decker and Arceneaux.
Funding was at the top of the list. Arceneaux clarified that the city would not use general obligation bonds or dedicate property taxes to this project but would have to pay debt services on it.
Arceneaux also said that the City of Shreveport would be conducting a feasibility study. Once the study is completed REV Entertainment can began Phase 1, which will include the development of a ballpark and likely a hotel.
There are three phases to REV Entertainment's project plan.
- Phase One is a mixed-use development including the ballpark and possibly a hotel.
- Phase Two is adding assets for the State Fair and more demand drivers such as livestock.
- Phase Three is based on the market and could result in residential development.
During the news conference, Decker said that the completion of all these phases are dependent on the community and its market, but he did say he hopes to have Phase One completed and running by April 2026.
More:Is baseball coming back to Shreveport? Mayor announces first steps at Fair Ground Field
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/whats-happening-with-rev-entertainment-next-steps-announced/70258357007/ | 2023-05-25T21:48:01 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/whats-happening-with-rev-entertainment-next-steps-announced/70258357007/ |
A stretch of Interstate 75 in Miami County was dedicated Thursday in memory of a motor carrier enforcement inspector killed in the line of duty in November 2019.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol MCEI Kimra Skelton Memorial Highway marker will be displayed in both north and south lanes of Interstate 75, between state Routes 41 and 36.
“Today’s highway dedication is in remembrance of Kimra, a devoted motor carrier enforcement inspector of the Ohio State Highway Patrol,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Her attention to detail in dealing with commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and ensuring the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles within Ohio, is what service with a purpose looks like.”
Kimra Skelton, 49, of Arcanum was killed when her state vehicle was struck by a pickup truck the morning of Nov. 27, 2019, while she was parked in a crossover on Interstate 75 in Troy.
Skelton had been a member of the patrol since October 2005, a job her father once held. She was survived by her husband and two children.
Credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Investigators said Christopher G. Coorough, 45, of Kettering was driving a Ford F-250 north on I-75 at 6:45 a.m. Nov. 27, 2019, when the pickup truck went off the left side of the highway and hit Skelton’s parked vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coorough was treated for minor injuries at Kettering Health’s Troy Hospital.
Coorough pleaded guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in Miami County Common Pleas Court and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, suspended 30 days, and was ordered to complete two years of probation. His driver’s license also was suspended for two years.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/stretch-of-i-75-in-miami-county-named-for-motor-carrier-inspector-killed-on-duty/KDL7YFKIZVEK3NBYIYFVDY3MEI/ | 2023-05-25T21:49:49 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/stretch-of-i-75-in-miami-county-named-for-motor-carrier-inspector-killed-on-duty/KDL7YFKIZVEK3NBYIYFVDY3MEI/ |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Public Schools held a vigil for the 19 students killed this school year Thursday afternoon.
The names of each student were read out loud along with their ages, then on the back of the sign was when each student would have graduated.
“Dylan King, Matthew A. Henson Elementary school, 8-years-old," announced Dr. Sonja Santelises, the CEO of BCPSS.
RELATED: 'He was so thoughtful and sweet': Police identify 8-year-old student killed Friday
Holding a box of tissues and fighting back emotions, Izaiah Carter’s mother Michelle Hines spoke with reporters about her frustration with the lack of change to stop students from dying.
“We didn’t talk about how this is going to stop, you didn’t tell us what the initiative is so why are we having a remembrance event for children killed, and the idea is this year it was 19 and last year it was less. Why does this happen every year," asked Hines.
Carter was shot and killed at a park near Patterson High School in March.
RELATED: Patterson High School student shot, killed at Joseph E. Lee Park
Since then, other students have been killed.
Hines was the only mother up there holding her child’s name.
“Our children are dying, like I don’t see how this makes sense whatsoever, I get that this was a nice idea this was a cute event," said Hines.
"I’m the only mother holding a sign cause I asked to hold it. Where are the other mothers who didn’t know about it cause they didn’t know about it," said Hines.
Hines says she’s in a support group with other mothers who lost their children to violence.
She says none of them knew about the Day of Remembrance ahead of time and she’s upset they didn’t get a chance to speak about the types of people their kids were.
Santelises shared her anger with the loss of life.
“The slaughter is not normal and we can not accept it as normal or we are not only lost as individuals but we are lost as a community," said Santelises.
19 students lost to violence and 19 families trying to grieve. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/bcpss-honors-19-students-killed-during-the-school-year-with-day-of-remembrance | 2023-05-25T21:50:47 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/bcpss-honors-19-students-killed-during-the-school-year-with-day-of-remembrance |
County leaders vote to split $6M among 9 municipalities for parks, infrastructure
The Alachua County commissioners have agreed to distribute $6 million of anticipated Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax money evenly among the nine municipalities in the county.
Half of the money must go towards Wild Spaces and Public Places projects and half towards infrastructure such as roads and fire stations. Each municipality will get about $667,000.
But not all are thrilled about the distribution share.
“This wasn't really the way to go,” Gainesville City Commissioner Casey Willits said about the decision to split the money evenly. “They should have been more generous, particularly to Gainesville.”
More:Commission approve $3M settlement after halting housing project
More:After months of renovations, Gainesville's Westside Pool reopening just in time for summer
In addition to its share of the $6 million, Gainesville will also receive a separate $6 million grant from the county for the designated Wild Spaces and infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Alachua County voters overwhelmingly approved an extension of the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax that included using funds on affordable housing, parks, conservation land and roads.
Each municipality will be awarded a unique amount of Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax money from the state, though the amount varies wildly from over $20 million annually in Gainesville to $44,000 in La Crosse. The idea behind the even distribution of some of the county’s money is to help bolster some municipalities who won’t receive a large portion of that surtax money.
Gainesville city commissioners decided last week to agree to the even split methodology, though not all commissioners were fully on board.
Willits said the method undervalues Gainesville’s recreational contributions to the county.
“This could have been an opportunity for Alachua County to recognize exactly the volume of services that the City of Gainesville’s parks, recreation and cultural affairs provides to all people in the county. People come into Gainesville to experience our parks,” Willits said. “This would have been an opportunity to really help the City of Gainesville turn some of our park plans into that county-wide significance.”
County Commissioner Ken Cornell emphasized that cities must use the money for projects that have an impact on the county as a whole.
“When they submit the proposals, I’m looking for county-wide significance,” he said. “How we determine that I think is up to us and our sole discretion.”
The money will come in the form of reimbursements. Cities will have to propose projects to the county and once approved they will move forward with an interlocal agreement that will eventually result in a reimbursement of funds used to execute the project. | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/county-to-distribute-6-million-to-cities-for-parks-infrastructure/70253571007/ | 2023-05-25T21:51:03 | 0 | https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/county-to-distribute-6-million-to-cities-for-parks-infrastructure/70253571007/ |
Arizona Game and Fish officials shoot, kill mountain lion after dog attacked in Prescott
Arizona Game and Fish officers said they shot and killed a mountain lion in a northwest Prescott neighborhood Sunday night after a resident reported it attacked his dog in their backyard.
According to a statement from the department, the mountain lion killed, an adult female between 3 and 5 years old, is believed to be one of several mountain lions that have killed three dogs and injured three more over the past four weeks.
Game and Fish said that another mountain lion was also present during the dog attack that produced the call Sunday, with the caller stating it acted aggressively toward him.
"In addition to the mountain lion that exhibited aggressive behavior toward the dog owner Sunday night, a mountain lion also appeared within 10 feet of a mother and child two weeks ago in their backyard. These behaviors, along with the fact the mountain lions continue to be seen in proximity to homes and people, make them a public safety threat," AZGFD said in the statement.
Wildlife officers with the department are continuing to patrol the area in hopes of finding one or more of the other mountain lions lingering in the vicinity, the department said.
Officials advised any Prescott residents who see a mountain lion in areas of human development or exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior should call the department dispatch at 623-236-7201. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/05/25/game-and-fish-kill-mountain-lion-prescott/70257939007/ | 2023-05-25T21:52:18 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-breaking/2023/05/25/game-and-fish-kill-mountain-lion-prescott/70257939007/ |
Man arrested, suspected of setting fire to 2 churches in Douglas, Ariz.
A man was arrested Tuesday suspected of setting two separate fires at local churches in Douglas, according to police.
The man was identified by Douglas police as Eric Ridenour, 58.
Just before 11 a.m. on Monday firefighters received reports of smoke coming from St. Stephen Episcopal Church located on D Avenue and 11th Street, according to Douglas Fire Department spokesperson Matt King.
King said the area was filled with heavy smoke and the fire took a while to put out as it had extended quickly.
At about noon, firefighters were notified of a second fire at First Presbyterian Church, located on the same block. The fire extended into the basement and the attic, consuming the roof of the structure.
No one was injured in the fires, King said.
Police said investigators determined both fires were intentionally started and identified Ridenour as a person of interest. Authorities searched Ridenour's home located outside of Douglas and detained him.
Ridenour was booked into Cochise County Jail and was waiting to be transferred to federal custody.
The motivation behind the suspected arsons was still under investigation, police said.
Other agencies that helped in the investigation were the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gilbert Fire Department.
Reach the reporter at laura.sepulveda@gannett.com or on Twitter at @lauradaniella_s. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/05/25/douglas-churches-set-on-fire-man-arrested-suspected-arson/70258073007/ | 2023-05-25T21:52:24 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/05/25/douglas-churches-set-on-fire-man-arrested-suspected-arson/70258073007/ |
BENBROOK, Texas — Police in the Tarrant County city of Benbrook are asking for help finding a 13-year-old girl who hasn't been seen for more than a week.
Police say Alyiah Powell is described as a runaway but that they are concerned about her well-being because investigators believe she has been "associating with people connected to human trafficking."
Powell was last seen on Wednesday, May 17, at the McDonald's at 4420 Western Center Boulevard in Fort Worth. Police say they believe she could be in Dallas
She's described as being 5-foot-7 and weighing 100 pounds, with pink highlights in her brown hair and hazel eyes. Police say she reportedly has a tattoo of "1952" on her left-hand knuckles and an unknown tattoo on one of her feet. According to police, she may have a nose/lip ring and fake eyelashes.
Anyone who may have information on her whereabouts is urged to call Benbrook police at 817-249-2752 or Crime Stoppers at 817-469-8477. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/benbrook-police-concerned-13-year-old-runaway-ask-help-finding-her/287-03843b8c-bd76-4131-bb82-8214048d10ea | 2023-05-25T21:56:18 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/benbrook-police-concerned-13-year-old-runaway-ask-help-finding-her/287-03843b8c-bd76-4131-bb82-8214048d10ea |
FAIRFIELD, Texas — Efforts to save Fairfield Lake State Park took an apparent step in the right direction Thursday, as state park officials gave approval to buy the land the park sits on, officials announced.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to authorize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to "take all necessary steps to purchase" around 5,000 acres in Freestone County, including Fairfield Lake State Park.
The total amount of funding approved by the commission was not announced in a release Thursday, but a private developer had agreed to buy the land for around $110 million earlier this year.
"This action reinforces the continued commitment and support of state leadership, TPW Commission and TPWD to saving the park while adding new park land for all Texans now and in the future," the TPWD announced in a statement.
The TPWD commission also discussed scheduling a meeting in June "to explore additional legal options to save" the park.
The park had operated on a 50-year lease in Freestone County, but the lease expired this year and the state's bid to buy the park fell short. Todd Interests, a Dallas-area private development group, was expected to to finalize a purchase of the property for around $110 million.
The park closed in February but temporarily reopened for day-use in March, while state officials worked on a long-term solution to keep the park open.
The park was already in the process of being decommissioned, TPWD officials said, but it developed a plan for a temporary reopening on March 14 after a meeting of the Texas House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
A Vistra spokesperson said the company has leased the land to the state at no cost and gave the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department a two-year notice that it intended to terminate the lease effective October 2020. The spokesperson said Vistra encouraged the state to submit a bid to buy the entire property — but the state did not submit a bid.
The state leased the 1,460-acre park from Texas Utilities in 1971-1972 and opened it in 1976, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Previous Coverage: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-wildlife-commission-gives-approval-to-buy-fairfield-lake-state-park-potentially-saving-it-from-closure/287-98f92a2d-55b4-4211-8ab8-21b01e5eb689 | 2023-05-25T21:56:24 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-parks-wildlife-commission-gives-approval-to-buy-fairfield-lake-state-park-potentially-saving-it-from-closure/287-98f92a2d-55b4-4211-8ab8-21b01e5eb689 |
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office deputy was indicted Thursday for child porn.
According to the indictment filed in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, Timothy James Durel received child porn between July 2013 and March 2021 in Placer County.
The indictment says Durel used an iPhone 12 Max, Toshiba laptop, SD card and the internet to receive one or more depictions of a minor engaging in a sex act.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to ABC10 that Durel used to work for them as a deputy and he was released from employment in March 2021.
Durel’s Knowlton Court home in Roseville was raided by federal agents the same month, though they declined to identify whose home it was and why they were there at the time. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/former-sacramento-deputy-timothy-durel-indicted-for-child-porn/103-92942b74-6ab3-4caa-b0ce-6597505bd169 | 2023-05-25T21:57:11 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/former-sacramento-deputy-timothy-durel-indicted-for-child-porn/103-92942b74-6ab3-4caa-b0ce-6597505bd169 |
BOISE, Idaho — The Boise Police Department is looking for a missing vulnerable 59-year-old man named Paul. Police and Paul's family are worried about the man's safety "due to ongoing health concerns."
Paul was seen on surveillance video around 10 a.m. Thursday on South Vista Avenue in Boise. Police said he was seen again around 10:30 a.m. in the area of West Overland Road and South Bird Avenue.
The missing man was last seen wearing dark-colored sweats, a gray t-shirt and dark slippers, according to Idaho State Police. He is described as 5-foot-8, 175 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.
According to Boise Police, Paul is believed to be driving a dark green 2002 Suzuki Esteem, with an Idaho license plate 1AJB81U. ISP said he could be headed to Mountain Home or Jerome.
Photos of Paul and the Suzuki Esteem on surveillance video Thursday are included in the Facebook post below:
Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at 208-377-6790 or Crime Stoppers at 208-343-COPS (2677).
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See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-department-looking-for-missing-vulnerable-adult/277-87276afd-c1b7-4df1-9337-573f08974e86 | 2023-05-25T21:57:17 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/boise-police-department-looking-for-missing-vulnerable-adult/277-87276afd-c1b7-4df1-9337-573f08974e86 |
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BLOOMINGTON — A Heyworth woman pleaded guilty Thursday in two pending cases involving damage to property and drug possession.
Lanee Rich, 20, was initially charged in November 2021 with criminal damage to government supported property, accused of damaging a video camera owned by the Bloomington Police Department while she was in an interview room. She was charged in March 2022 with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and two misdemeanor traffic charges involving cannabis.
She pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of criminal damage to government supported property and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. Assistant State’s Attorney Spencer Chikahisa said in the drug case, she had alprazolam that was individually packaged for sale.
The remaining charges in the drug case as well as two unrelated felony cases and a traffic case were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Rich was sentenced to 30 months of probation on each of the guilty counts, and she was ordered to undergo substance abuse evaluation and complete all recommended treatment.
She was also sentenced to six days in jail on each count, but Judge William Yoder said given the days she already spent in custody, those are “time-served sentences.”
To investigate the most commonly cited reasons for not seeking treatment for substance use disorder, Zinnia Health reviewed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph
Bryant Lewis
Bryant Lewis, 28, of Bloomington, is charged with home invasion causing injury, a Class X felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Derek Roesch
Derek Roesch of Saybrook was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 in McLean County Law and Justice Center with several counts, including:
-Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon while on parole, Class 2 felony
-Two counts of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, class 2 felonies
-One count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon while on parole, class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 1 felony
-Unlawful possession of cannabis (greater than 2000 grams but less than 5000 grams), a class 2 felony
-Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, psylocibin less than 15 grams, a class 4 felony
-Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams, a class 3 felony.
-Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor
Justin M. Mata
Justin M. Mata, 28, no address given, is charged with possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. He was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and his next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
Marcus D. Wesley
Marcus D. Wesley, 36, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle (Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 3 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Phillip Tinch
Phillip Tinch of Normal was charged Thursday, Nov. 10 at the McLean County Law and Justice Center with several felonies including:
- Five counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, more than one but less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 1 felony.
-One count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, less than one gram of a substance containing cocaine, a Class 2 felony.
Trisha L. Hanke
Trisha L. Hanke, 36, is charged with theft of over $10,000 (Class 2 felony). Court documents indicate she knowingly took $14,000 belonging to a Love's Travel Stop, in LeRoy, where she was employed.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William B. Givens
William B. Givens, 49, no address given, is charged with unlawful possession of five to 15 grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, possession of less than five grams of meth with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony, possession of five to 15 grams of meth, a Class 2 felony, and possession of less than five grams of meth, a Class 3 felony. His next appearance is Dec. 30.
Connor Wood
David L. Oliver
David L. Oliver, 51, of Bloomington, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault.
Kenneth E. Funk
Kenneth E. Funk, 27, is charged with residential burglary (Class 1 felony) involving an apartment in Lexington on Dec. 31, 2022.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Charges have been filed against Jordan R. King, 34, for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Holly M. Isaacson
Isaacson
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kenneth L. Minton
Kenneth L. Minton, 51, is charged with aggravated home repair fraud (Class 2 felony) and theft (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, is charged for violation of the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Britley L. Hilger
Britley L. Hilger, 32, is charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony) after she supposedly punched a McLean County Detention Facility officer in the chest.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jasmine L. Smith
Jasmine L. Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (Class 2 felony) and five counts of endangering the life or health of a child (Class A misdemeanors).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jackie S. Claypool
Jackie S. Claypool, 46, appeared for a Friday bond court hearing for two new cases which charged her for one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), four counts of forgery (Class 3) and one count of deceptive practices (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noah R. Demuth
Noah R. Demuth, 22, of Evanston, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony, aggravated battery in a public way, a Class 3 felony, mob action, a Class 4 felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. His next court date is Feb. 17.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Brandon L. Parsano
Brandon L. Parsano, 39, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony. His next appearance is Feb. 17 for an arraignment.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Alexander N. Williams
Alexander N. Williams, 24, was charged Feb. 2 with the following:
3 counts of unlawful delivery of cannabis between 30 and 500 grams - Class 3 felonies. 2 counts of armed violence - Class X felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 2,000 and 5,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 1 felony. 1 count of unlawful possession of cannabis between 500 and 2,000 grams with the intent to sell - a Class 2 felony. 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon - Class 3 felonies. 1 count of unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon - a Class 3 felony 3 counts of violating the Illinois FOID act - Class 3 felonies.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano
Carlos H. Sanchez-Solozarzano, 22, was charged with 1 count of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony.
PROVIDED BY MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jaylin S. Bones
Jaylin S. Bones was charged with four counts of first-degree murder stemming from a homicide in Bloomington last year. A McLean County grand jury also returned a bill of indictment charging him with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jordan R. King
Jordan R. King, 34, was charged with violating the Illinois Violent Offender Against Youth Act (Class 2 felony) a second time in under a month.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dominique M. Banks
Dominique M. Banks, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony). The incident happened in October 2022 and involved one victim.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Austin T. Daugherty
Austin T. Daugherty, 29, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) after he entered an Avis Car Rental, 3201 Cira Drive, in Bloomington, without permission and with the intent to commit theft.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Sandra M. Lewis
Sandra M. Lewis, 77, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing MDMB-4E-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, with the intent to deliver (Class X felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Samantha E. Morris
Samantha E. Morris, 40, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer (Class 2 felony) after supposedly spitting on a Colfax police officer.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nolan C. Love
Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Nikkita L. Sandefur
Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Katlin M.B. Wilson
Katlin M.B. Wilson, 32, is charged with aggravated identity theft (Class 2 felony) after being accused of fraudulently obtaining money exceeding $300 but not exceeding $10,000 from a 60 year old man.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Eli C. Garozzo
Eli C. Garozzo, 20, is charged with two counts of home invasion, a Class X felony, two counts of attempted armed robbery, a Class 1 felony, and two counts of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony. His bond was set at $200,000 as a 10% bond, meaning he must pay $20,000 plus fees to be released. His next appearance is an arraignment on April 13.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tysean T. Townsend
Tysean T. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), three counts of child abduction, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and obstructing justice (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Curtis J. Byrd
Curtis J. Byrd, 31, is charged with two counts of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of fraud and two counts of financial institution fraud (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Noral K. Nelson
Noral K. Nelson, 31, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm (Class 4 felony) after he was arrested in connection to a shooting along the 1500 block of S. Main Street.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Charles J. Tankson
Charles J. Tankson, 23, was charged with burglary (Class 2 felony), theft and two counts of unlawful use of a debit card (Class 3 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Davis, Micah S
Davis was charged with 3 counts of arson, Class 2 felonies, and 3 counts of criminal damage to property, Class 4 felonies.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Livingston, Joshua D.
Livingston was charged with 2 counts of possessing stolen vehicles, Class 2 felonies, possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and criminal damage to government property, a Class 4 felony.
His next court date is May 5 at 9 a.m.
PROVIDED BY THE MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Kevin L. Ewen
Kevin L. Ewen, 42, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing and was charged with aggravated battery (Class 2 felony), obstructing a peace officer (Class 4 felony) and two counts of resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Emmanuel K. Mpay
Emmanuel K. Mpay, 23, appeared in a Thursday bond court hearing following a grand jury indictment for two counts of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Ahmad S. Manns
Ahmad S. Manns, 19, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing and was charged with cannabis trafficking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Dylan R Mann
Dylan R Mann, 31, appeared Friday in bond court following four grand jury indictments for two separate cases relating to aggravated assault and battery.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tony L. Jackson
Tony L. Jackson, 50, was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), domestic battery, violation of an order of protection and driving while license revoked or suspended (Class 4 felonies).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
William R. Linden
William R. Linden, 79, was released Tuesday on felony burglary charges for trying to pass a forged check at Busey Bank.
Zadek U. Moen
Zadek U. Moen, 20, is facing six felony drug charges after being arrested by the Illinois State Police on Thursday.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Zachary T. Willis
Zachary T. Willis, 27, is charged with aggravated domestic battery by strangulation (Class 2 felony) and domestic battery subsequent offense (Class 4 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Cecily M. Sexton
Cecily M. Sexton, 39, was charged with two counts of burglary, a Class 2 felony; one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony; financial institution fraud, a Class 3 felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Tonisha A. Jackson
Tonisha A. Jackson, 27, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
James A. McConnaughay
James A. McConnaughay, 53, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. McConnaughay is charged with unlawful possession of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine (Class 2 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Jessica M. Longberry
Jessica M. Longberry, 38, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland. Longberry is charged with burglary (Class 2 felony) and forgery (Class 3 felony).
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Barry D. Guyton
Barry D. Guyton, 26, was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (Class 2 felonies) two counts of unlawful possession of 15-100 of cocaine with the intent to deliver with one being a Class X felony and the other being a Class 1 felony.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Keon E. Spiller
Keon E. Spiller, 22, appeared in a Friday bond court hearing before Judge Amy McFarland and was charged with attempted escape after his jury trial reached a verdict.
MCLEAN COUNTY JAIL
Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.
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Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/heyworth-woman-takes-probation-in-plea-deal-on-damage-drug-cases/article_0c644f96-fb28-11ed-a521-a7bfd367f0d5.html | 2023-05-25T21:58:37 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/heyworth-woman-takes-probation-in-plea-deal-on-damage-drug-cases/article_0c644f96-fb28-11ed-a521-a7bfd367f0d5.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)– More area seniors will be able to take part in the Meals on Wheels program thanks to a big donation from Wallace Subaru.
The Johnson City dealership presented a $48,392 check to the Northeast Tennessee chapter.
“We’re going to be able to feed more of our seniors in the area. It’s about maintaining people’s independence,” said Jason Cody, the Executive Director for Meals on Wheels of Northeast Tennessee. “That’s where our seniors want to be is to stay at home as long as possible and giving them a nutritional, a hot meal every day.”
Each day Meals on Wheels distributes 1,400 meals out of their Johnson City kitchen. Last year, they served 309,118 meals across the region.
“Coming out of Covid- there is a greater need,” said Cody. “Unfortunately the waiting list is growing for services like this as our population ages in place. There are more needs.”
The donation is part of the Subaru Share the Love event where the car maker and local dealerships donate money to a local or national charity of a car buyer’s choosing between November and January.
“There’s a lot of people in our community who are older and aging and getting a warm meal and having an interpersonal relationship with another human being is very important and we take it for granted- those of us who are able to get out of our house and do that,” said T.C. Baker, the executive manager of Wallace Subaru Johnson City. “Helping seniors maintain their independence and stay at home is something we’re committed to at the dealership.”
Subaru donates $250 and the dealership matches it. The national charities are Make a Wish, the National Parks Service, or the ASPCA. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wallace-subaru-of-johnson-city-donates-48k-to-meals-on-wheels/ | 2023-05-25T22:03:12 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wallace-subaru-of-johnson-city-donates-48k-to-meals-on-wheels/ |
ELLSWORTH -- A lawsuit attempting to prevent the city of Ellsworth from leasing a new police station has been dismissed.
Last October, the Ellsworth city council voted to sign a 20 year lease for a building that would become the city's new police station.
After the meeting, one of the councilors filed a lawsuit on the grounds that the council did not give the city proper notice about their decision.
As of Tuesday, the case has been dismissed.
Ellsworth city manager Glenn Moshier says he is relieved that the case is over and is looking forward to the possibilities the new police station will bring.
"The judge found that the plaintiffs didn't have standing in order to file the suit and he found that based on that ultimately that they didn't suffer any harm in the action that the council took." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-to-prevent-ellsworth-police-building-lease/article_2dfdc9da-fb3b-11ed-8011-135dd1540dcd.html | 2023-05-25T22:03:19 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-to-prevent-ellsworth-police-building-lease/article_2dfdc9da-fb3b-11ed-8011-135dd1540dcd.html |
STATEWIDE -- The university of Maine board of trustees voted Monday to approve an increased system-wide budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
The budget includes a more than $1,000 tuition increase for in-state students and a higher increase for UMaine students from out of the state.
Tuition rates were kept flat for the last three fiscal years and are now rising for students at all seven UMaine campuses.
UMaine president Joan Ferrini-Mundy says the rise in tuition and room fees is necessary to keep UMaine's R1 research status and DI sports division, as well as connect students with world-class professors and educators -- she adds that tuition increases are a last resort for funding.
Vice president for finance and UMaine's chief business officer Kelly Sparks says students eligible for Pell grants may not be affected by the rising prices as their tuition could be offset. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/university-of-maine-trustees-approve-system-wide-budget-increase/article_e5914a40-fb3b-11ed-aa4a-af3f5f12e74a.html | 2023-05-25T22:03:21 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/university-of-maine-trustees-approve-system-wide-budget-increase/article_e5914a40-fb3b-11ed-aa4a-af3f5f12e74a.html |
ATLANTA — For Atlanta residents needing affordable housing, easier access to resources may be around the corner with help from a $1.4 million investment, according to an announcement from Mayor Andre Dickens.
The new investment will be used to help build a Housing Help Center and expand the Safe and Secure Housing Program.
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, who has developed several affordable housing initiatives within the community, praises this investment.
Keeping landlords accountable
Not only does Bakhtiari approve of the initiative, but she also hopes these funds will help hire more people to keep landlords accountable.
$800,000 of the investment will go towards the already existing housing program, which is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting property violations, particularly in areas with violent crime.
Those funds will be specifically used to hire more staff for the City Solicitor’s litigation team so that more cases can be prosecuted in the coming year.
“We have the great resignation we're dealing with where a lot of people are leaving the public sector to go private," Bakhtiari said. "So this is going to help make that more competitive and get the help that we need so that we can actually complete these initiatives."
Bakhtiari, who represents Atlanta Council District 5, has worked on providing free access to lawyers for residents to fight evictions and has helped adopt a housing voucher program, among other initiatives.
“The city does have the largest wealth gap in the country. Half parts of my district are more now poor per square mile than areas of Buckhead," she said. "Areas that were have been that are historically Black that were always affordable, are now selling parts of Reynoldstown."
The city said more than 50 properties had been flagged as high-priority because of the number of code violations and violent crimes. The mayor’s office believes this investment will also help address this quicker.
Establishing a Help Center
In addition to funding the housing program, the remaining $600,000 will be used to establish a help center, which will be a “one-stop shop for Atlanta residents seeking affordable housing resources,” according to the mayor's announcement.
Dickens believes this “one stop shop” is desperately needed since many of the resources available to residents are scattered across the city, making it hard for them to find the help they need.
In addition to centralizing the city's housing resources, the center will also:
- Connect residents with properties offering income-restricted housing
- Provide a comprehensive list of other housing resources (including owner-occupied rehab and access to legal counsel)
- Help residents report violations of the City’s Housing Code so the city can take action
“I think this is the first time in a long time when we’re looking at housing from every single angle," Bakhtiari said.
While the investment has earned praise, the Housing Justice League tells 11Alive that it should help tenants with uncooperative landlords, evictions and poor housing conditions instead.
"Stronger legislation is needed, with real enforcement," according to a statement given to 11Alive, which reads in part.
The Housing Help Center will be at City Hall and available “virtually via a website and hotline,” the announcement said. Officials expect the center to be launched by the end of summer. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/14-million-investment-expand-atlanta-affordable-housing-programs/85-df5b129f-a3e6-4e57-90ee-ad554479716d | 2023-05-25T22:05:30 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/14-million-investment-expand-atlanta-affordable-housing-programs/85-df5b129f-a3e6-4e57-90ee-ad554479716d |
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are getting ready for a bustling weekend on the waters in Georgia.
Just an hour north of metro Atlanta sits the state's busiest lake, where millions of people visit each year. DNR officials said they are planning for a record weekend on Lake Lanier based on the expected forecast.
Game wardens said they will begin to see traffic on Lake Lanier as soon as Thursday evening. That's why the DNR is partnering with the Georgia State Patrol and others for their Belts and Jackets Safety campaign to remind visitors to buckle up in cars and put on their life vests on boats.
DNR spokesperson Mark McKinnon said this weekend marks the official start of summer and they want to make sure all visitors enjoy the lake safely.
“We want Georgians and those who travel through Georgia every day of the year to be safe on the highways and the waterways," adds McKinnon.
In 2022, officials said they responded to over 50 drownings and 23 boating-related deaths in Georgia, adding they've responded to 16 deaths just this year.
They said in most cases, fatalities could have been prevented by simply wearing a life jacket. They're also reminding folks to never drink and go boating, and make sure they follow boating and navigational rules. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-lakes-safety-memorial-day-weekend/85-4c0a001e-0f45-4ed6-990f-ba25735bc9b5 | 2023-05-25T22:05:36 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-lakes-safety-memorial-day-weekend/85-4c0a001e-0f45-4ed6-990f-ba25735bc9b5 |
ATLANTA — The family of a Georgia Tech graduate is marking a somber date and Atlanta Police are asking for the public's help.
A decade ago, someone shot and killed Patrick Cotrona. Now, police are releasing an age-progressed sketch of a suspect, which gives his sister hope someone will come forward.
“No matter how much time has passed it still hurts on a regular basis,” Patrick's sister Kate Cotrona Krumm said. “Patrick was the quintessential nerd-- books and programming and gaming he was at DragonCon every year.”
According to Atlanta Police, on May 25, 2013, they were called out to the intersection at Flat Shoals Avenue and May Avenue around 11 p.m.
“He was walking with two friends to a local watering hole in east Atlanta when they were approached by an armed suspect who announced a robbery and for reasons unknown, the suspect shot Patrick,” said Atlanta Police Detective Scott Demeester.
APD said there were two other robberies that night. They have connected those robberies to the same suspect, and they believe another person could have been driving the shooter in a Dodge.
In the 10 years since Patrick’s death, there have been memorial signs, walks and even an Instagram page dedicated to finding his killer. However, there are still no leads.
Take a look at the sketch of the shooter from 2013 (left). And this is what that same suspect could look like today (right).
“The current one looks to me like someone would look at that and know that person you can see their humanity,” said Krumm.
Krumm hopes 10 years later someone will finally come forward-- a tipster, a witness, or even the shooter himself.
“Maybe it wasn’t your intention to kill my brother maybe… it was an accident, maybe it was just spur of the moment. I don’t know but step forward, take responsibility for your actions,” said Krumm.
If the sketch looks familiar or if you have any information at all, please call CrimeStoppers or Atlanta Police. There’s a $25,000 reward and you can remain anonymous. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-tech-grad-patrick-cotrona-cold-case/85-78adde3d-bbb1-402a-98d7-836834ee47a5 | 2023-05-25T22:05:42 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-tech-grad-patrick-cotrona-cold-case/85-78adde3d-bbb1-402a-98d7-836834ee47a5 |
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — It’s been almost a decade since a Georgia toddler died after being left in a hot car, and now the case against his father has been dropped.
Justin Ross Harris, the man accused of leaving his toddler in a hot car back in 2014, will no longer be pursued by the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
Two years after little Cooper’s death, his father, Harris was convicted of his murder and several other crimes relating to the toddler’s death.
He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
However, this isn’t where the story ends. In 2022, the Georgia Supreme Court made the decision to reverse the conviction, believing the jury “heard and saw an extensive amount of improperly admitted evidence."
The evidence being referred to stems from a 2016 sexual assault case, where Harris was accused of abusing a 16-year-old girl.
While Harris will continue to serve time for sexual abuse charges, the court concluded that the evidence presented from this case shouldn't have been included in the murder trial.
Following the court’s decision, the Cobb County District Attorney's office announced back in 2022 that they planned to file a motion for reconsideration in the case.
However, after reviewing the case for 11 months, it was determined that much of the evidence initially presented in the trial couldn't be used – following the ruling from the court.
The DA’s office then made the “difficult decision to not retry Justin Ross Harris on the reversed counts of the indictment,” according to a release.
Harris will continue to serve a 12-year sentence for charges involving the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old. He was “convicted of the remaining counts of the indictment, including Criminal Attempt to Commit Sexual Exploitation of Children and Dissemination of Harmful Material to Minors,” the release added.
What happened to Cooper Harris?
The 22-month old boy was left strapped in the rear-facing car seat in the back of an SUV, outside an office building where Harris worked.
While his father was supposed to drop him off at daycare, Cooper never made it. His father arrived at his job at Home Depot and left the child in the car.
Cooper was inside the SUV for roughly seven hours in the Georgia summer heat, dying of hyperthermia June 18, 2014.
Cooper was previously described by his mother as sweet and vibrant. June will mark nine years since his tragic death. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/justin-ross-harris-toddler-hot-car-death-case-dropped/85-542ead8a-f9a6-4fc0-929b-870a95c9e617 | 2023-05-25T22:05:49 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/justin-ross-harris-toddler-hot-car-death-case-dropped/85-542ead8a-f9a6-4fc0-929b-870a95c9e617 |
ATLANTA — Efrem Ayers drives a truck in metro Atlanta and said Memorial Day weekend is one of the calendar’s most lane-clogging holidays.
"I love holidays, but it’s the traffic," Ayers said at a QT truck stop in Doraville Thursday.
Its traffic is driven largely by nonprofessionals seeking leisure destinations. Georgia's Department of Transportation uses traffic counts from previous holiday weekends to predict what this one will be like.
GDOT forecasts heavy travel on highways in metro Atlanta – plus leading into Chattanooga, Macon and Savannah.
Lighter travel is predicted for I-85 at the South Carolina and Alabama state lines, and I-20 into Alabama – plus the interstates leading into Florida. I-20 at Augusta will have moderate traffic.
In metro Atlanta, GDOT expects congestion Thursday, with rush hour starting around noon Friday. There will also be congestion much of Saturday, with lighter traffic Sunday and Monday.
GDOT aims to ease traffic as much as it can by calling a temporary halt to some road repair projects.
"For the most part, we ask our contractors to pull any sort of impediment to the traffic this weekend so people can get to where they’re going throughout the weekend," said Natalie Dale, a spokeswoman for GDOT.
GDOT said the days following Memorial Day will mark the start of a lot of new road repair projects around the state, continuing into the summer and perhaps beyond.
Dale added fatalities typically increase during holiday weekends like this one, including more distracted and impaired driving crashes. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/memorial-day-traffic-forecast-atlanta/85-99c1c42c-80b3-44cd-8aa6-9254f0617320 | 2023-05-25T22:05:55 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/memorial-day-traffic-forecast-atlanta/85-99c1c42c-80b3-44cd-8aa6-9254f0617320 |
ATLANTA — On Thursday, May 25, the Cobb County District Attorney's Office said they would not attempt to re-try Ross Harris in connection to the death of his son, Cooper.
It comes nearly a year after Georgia Supreme Court decided to reverse the murder conviction for Harris last June, closing the book on a nearly decade-long quest for justice in the death of Harris' son, Cooper.
Last June, the state's highest court said its decision to reverse the murder conviction wasn't made because it felt he hadn't committed murder - it said, basically, the case had been improperly tried by the Cobb County District Attorney at the time.
That's because the Cobb DA essentially tried two cases at once - and shouldn't have, at least according to the Georgia Supreme Court.
In addition to being convicted for his son Cooper's death in 2014, Harris was also convicted of sex crimes for sending sexually explicit communications to underage girls.
The Court's opinion said the basic fact that Harris was responsible for his son Cooper's death was "undisputed" but said much of the evidence presented in court for the murder case really was only relevant to the sex crimes case, and "did little if anything to answer the key question of (Harris') intent when he walked away from Cooper."
"The big problem is they took two cases and brought them together in one trial," explained 11Alive legal analyst Page Pate. "The charges involving the death of Cooper - obviously those were the murder charges, cruelty to children charges. And then they had these unrelated charges relating to Harris’ communications, mostly text messages, to an underage female that were very sexual in nature.
"They brought those two charges together in one trial, and the Supreme Court said, 'Wait a minute.' All of that evidence relating to his texting these underage girls should not have been considered by the jury when they're deciding the murder case and it was unfairly prejudicial – it made Harris look like a bad guy, and obviously he was, the jury convicted him on the sex crime charges, but they should not have had that evidence bleed over into the murder case.
"Only the texts and messages he was sending on the day Cooper died should have been relevant and should have been admitted at trial. That’s what the state Supreme Court said."
But Harris will remain in jail. As part of his sentencing, he received 12 years in prison for those communications - that conviction remains in place, and he will continue serving those 12 years.
Meanwhile, Pate explained that the Supreme Court's ruling allows for the current Cobb County District Attorney to re-try the case.
"The Supreme Court did find there was sufficient evidence of the murder charges, so that’s why they can re-try him again. There was sufficient evidence if you take away all of the information about the underage females, the sex crimes," Pate said. "I think in this case the Cobb County DA will go back and re-try him on those murder charges."
He said that decision could be made "probably within the next few months."
Then, he would face a second murder trial as he continues to serve his prison time on the sex crimes conviction, Pate said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/ross-harris-trial/ross-harris-hot-car-death-conviction-overturned-prison-sentence/85-ab2efa28-3972-4248-8c42-2a9a8114a304 | 2023-05-25T22:06:01 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/ross-harris-trial/ross-harris-hot-car-death-conviction-overturned-prison-sentence/85-ab2efa28-3972-4248-8c42-2a9a8114a304 |
The reward has increased to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of a top 10 fugitive on the FBI's most wanted list accused of kidnapping and murdering a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia more than two decades ago.
I’riana DeJesus was first reported missing in late July of 2000. She was later found strangled to death inside an apartment building on 8th and Pike streets – a few blocks from where she lived - in Philadelphia in early August of 2000.
Investigators later identified Alexis Flores as a possible suspect in DeJesus’ kidnapping and murder after he was arrested in Phoenix on forgery charges in 2004. By the time DNA evidence linked Flores to DeJesus’ murder however, he had already been deported to his native Honduras.
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Flores has been on the run since then and was named to the FBI’s list of top 10 most wanted fugitives.
On Thursday, the FBI announced the reward for information leading to Flores’ arrest increased from $100,000 to $250,000.
Flores is described as a slim Hispanic man with a light complexion, black hair and brown eyes standing 5-foot-4 and weighing between 130 and 140 pounds. He also has scars on his forehead and right cheek.
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Investigators said he also has used the aliases Mario Flores, Mario Roberto Flores, Mario F. Roberto, Alex Contreras and Alesis Contreras. He also has used the following dates of birth: July 18, 1975, July 18, 1982, September 15, 1980 and July 17, 1982. If you have any information on Flores’ whereabouts, call the FBI’s Philadelphia office at 215-418-4000 or submit a tip on the FBI website. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/reward-increases-for-fugitive-on-fbis-most-wanted-list-accused-of-murdering-philly-girl/3573724/ | 2023-05-25T22:07:31 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/reward-increases-for-fugitive-on-fbis-most-wanted-list-accused-of-murdering-philly-girl/3573724/ |
WESTFIELD, Ind. — New population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau show Westfield remains one of the fastest-growing cities in America.
According to the Census Bureau, Westfield’s population grew 7.7 percent in 2022, pushing the city’s total population last year to 54,605.
The new figures mirrored Westfield’s growth in 2021, when the city’s population also grew by 7.7 percent, making it the fastest-growing city in Indiana among those with at least five thousand residents.
For 2022, Westfield remained Indiana’s fastest-growing city and the only Midwestern city to crack the top 15.
“The census figures are a testament to the desirability of Westfield,” said Mayor Andy Cook in a statement shared with 13News. “We have created a city where people want to live, work, and feel safe" | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/westfield-ranks-among-fastest-growing-cities-in-the-us-census-bureau/531-447ff283-18df-4cec-a5bc-8a0507449a04 | 2023-05-25T22:11:34 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/westfield-ranks-among-fastest-growing-cities-in-the-us-census-bureau/531-447ff283-18df-4cec-a5bc-8a0507449a04 |
Artist Jasmine Cho makes exquisite portraits that champion famous and forgotten Asian Americans. Her canvas?
“Cookies, I’ve always said, are the perfect platform for education, activism and healing because they are one of the most disarming, inviting and surprising mediums,” said Cho, who is also a baker.
She believes her art comes in part from a sense of not belonging that she felt growing up. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but Cho's cookies bring attention to AAPIs every month.
The Korean American self-described “cookie activist” has gained fans over the last several years for her finely detailed cookie faces. Actors Awkwafina, Daniel Dae Kim and Tamlyn Tomita are among those who've gushed about receiving the cookie treatment.
The city of Pittsburgh, where she has lived since 2009, even issued a “Jasmine Cho Day” proclamation in 2020.
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In 2016, Cho was contentedly making cute character cookies for her online bakery, Yummyholic, when she turned flour, sugar, butter and other ingredients into cookie likenesses of a friend for a birthday party. The cookies quickly grabbed social media attention. Others wanted them done too.
“I suddenly have this platform or this medium that everyone is paying attention to,” Cho said. “It felt like a sort of superpower.”
She had an “aha moment” of how to use her great power with greater responsibility.
The 39-year-old, who grew up in Southern California and New Mexico, always took notice when Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders weren't present in a movie, TV show or history book. It contributed to her questioning her own sense of belonging in America.
“That was always a pain point for me growing up,” said Cho, who recently completed a master's degree in art therapy. “So, I kind of always had this question: ‘I wonder if I could use this point of joy for me to address this pain point?’ And cookies was the answer.”
A few months after making those first cookie faces, Cho held her first portrait gallery show. She made cookies of Asian American Pittsburgh natives like actor Ming-Na Wen and Leah Lizarondo, the founder of 412 Food Rescue, which distributes unsold fresh food to people in need in the Pittsburgh area. Lizarondo also founded an app, Food Rescue Hero, that is active in over 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
Lizarondo remembers how surprised she was to find Cho had cookie-fied her. For the Filipino American, the tribute was definitely not a waste of food.
“I shared it as widely as I could as I was so proud to be among the people she did cookie portraits of,” Lizarondo said by email.
While cookies and cake tributes might come off as silly, Lizarondo saw something different in Cho's art.
“It is such an accessible way to catalyze conversation,” said Lizarondo.
A one-woman crew, Cho needs between four and six hours for one portrait. She draws the cookie face by hand, fills it in with icing and then lets it dry.
Her “art-ivism” has taken her interesting places. In 2019, she wrote and illustrated a children's book, “Role Models Who Look Like Me.” In the last few years, she has made over 20 virtual and in-person appearances at universities, elementary schools and conferences. If she isn't giving a speech, she's leading a cookie-decorating workshop.
The biggest thrill is when young Asian Americans, particularly females, feel inspired.
“They tell me things like, ‘I learned more in your 15-minute talk than I have in my whole class that’s about Asian American history,’ or something like that,” Cho said.
At a time when demanding to see Asian American history included in school curricula can get you branded as “woke," even Cho’s seemingly innocuous cookies can be a target. Ahead of a university visit last February, someone Cho thought was a student journalist asked to talk to her. Cho later learned that person wasn't a student but part of a far-right group. The school decided to increase security for the event — something that stunned her.
“It’s just cookies,” Cho said. “But, not to diminish the intent of what I’m actually using the cookies to do... Unfortunately, even something like cookies could be seen as a threat because of what they symbolize.”
They're definitely not just cookies. They can evoke poignant moments.
Cho made a cookie portrait of Betty Ong, an American Airlines flight attendant who died on 9/11. Ong was credited as the first person to raise the alarm about the terrorists’ hijacking, passing along crucial information from a phone on the ill-fated plane. One of her nieces spotted Cho’s creation on Instagram and contacted her.
“For a family member to reach out and just thank me for sharing her story in the way that I did ... reminding me of the tenderness that comes with this work, the importance of it,” Cho said. “I don’t ever want to upset a family member in any way. I’ve been very grateful that those who I have heard from understand my intention.”
Cho estimates she has between 50 and 70 of the cookie portraits now boxed up in storage. Some she dreams of giving to the subject ( Michelle Yeoh, if you're reading this.). Others she would love to display, as well as publish a picture book of them.
Even with praise from families, celebrities and Instagram, Cho still has moments when she can be dismissive of her own work. “I’ll be like, ‘I’m just making cookies. What am I really doing?’”
But then she feels re-energized when encountering audiences who have never heard of figures like civil rights activist Grace Lee Boggs or diver Sammy Lee, the first Asian American man to earn Olympic gold.
"Part of what keeps me going is one day, I do hope that my work maybe becomes irrelevant because everyone has access to this history and awareness of it.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/championing-famous-and-forgotten-asian-americans-this-artist-uses-cookies-as-her-canvas/article_80b96062-fa7d-11ed-b5b6-8fecead233d9.html | 2023-05-25T22:16:29 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/championing-famous-and-forgotten-asian-americans-this-artist-uses-cookies-as-her-canvas/article_80b96062-fa7d-11ed-b5b6-8fecead233d9.html |
Here's what's on the agenda this holiday weekend
• American rappers Do Or Die drop the beats this Friday at Hobart Art Theater (322 Main St.) in Hobart. They originally hail from the West Side of Chicago and have collaborated throughout the years with Twista and other notable rappers. Do Or Die enjoyed mainstream success right out of the gate, with their 1995 platinum single "Po Pimp," which peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Many more singles have followed over the years and over the course of the group's 10 albums. Showtime is 7 p.m. and opening the concert is special guest, Inspire. Tickets range from $25 general admission to $35 for reserved.
American English returns yet again to the Hobart Art for a run through of music from the Fab Four's short, but super productive career. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 to $25 in advance. More at brickartlive.com.
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• "Acoustic Thursday" at Montego Bay Grille (322 Main St.) in downtown Hobart welcomes a group of songwriters from the Chicagoland music scene for its latest monthly Songwriter's Showcase Night. Appearing tonight in a series of short performance sets will be father/daughter duo Mike & Shelly Gajdik (ex- Hoi Polloi), Joe Hiestand (aka Old Man Joe), Kyla Webb (of Skirts), Carl Anthony Leach and Joe & Ally Christian. Songwriters interested in taking part in the June or July showcases should contact Danny Lemmon directly at dannylemmonmusic.com.
• The 11-piece Pink Floyd tribute group, Echoes of Pompeii, will perform a free concert at Hard Rock Cafe Stage on Friday. "It's as if as if they (the audience) were riding a celestial roller coaster," said band leader Jeremy Andrews of the group's performance. "We grab them with our state of the art visuals such as lasers, lights, video and iconic images that Pink Floyd was well known to produce. We play all eras of Pink Floyd music." On Saturday, the Cafe Stage features a diversity of musical genres presented by guitarist Mike Dangeroux. Born in Chicago and playing guitar since 8-years-old, this artist has recorded with a wide array of artists over the years. Music begins at 8 p.m. on both nights. More: hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
• While on the topic of free music at Hard Rock Casino, a special concert will happen tonight on the Cafe Stage, as NWI country artist Nate Venturelli performs an acoustic concert at 8 p.m. Joining Venturelli for this rare Thursday evening show are special guests -- NWI singer Eliana Weston (facebook.com/ElianaWeston), Abby Kasch, a contestant on Season 16 of the NBC-TV series, "The Voice" (facebook.com/AbbyKaschMusic), and Crown Point singer/songwriter Frank Ruvoli (facebook.com/frank.ruvoli).
• Bluegrass combo Strings Beyond Description delivers the goods live from 8 to 11 p.m. at Finnigans Pub (1074 Joliet St.) in Dyer. Saturday features the groovy sounds of Soulfinger at 9 p.m.. "Open Stage Nights" are featured twice weekly on Sundays and Tuesdays at 9 p.m., with Fridays "Karaoke Night." Rick and Gio (of American Prayer) team up next Wednesday for the pub's weekly acoustic night. More: 219-865-9896 and finnegansdyer.com.
• Tonight is Karaoke Night (8-11 p.m.) at Leroy's Hot Stuff (333 W. U.S. 20) in Porter. On Friday, the cantina stage features a group of rockin' cats by the name of Gato. The always fun to watch Jill Armenta brings her party rock group Zodiac to the stage on Saturday for a night of pop/rock covers. The weekly Sunday Blues Jam returns this week starting at 7 p.m. This Sunday jam is the Blue Steel Society's "Food Drive", featuring special guest artist, Nora Jean Wallace, so one needs to bring some non perishable food items to attend. Steepwater guitarist/vocalist Jeff Massey performs next Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. More: leroyshotstuff.com or 219-926-6211.
• Hubby and wife musical duo Amy & Scott Hicks will perform an acoustic set from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Friday at Legacy Fields (851 Center Ross Road) in Crown Point before the start of the Memorial Day Weekend's Lake County Corn Dogs baseball game. Amy will also be doing the national anthem prior the game. More: facebook.com/amyhicksmusic.
• Local cover band NAWTY is keepin' busy this weekend with a trio of performances. First up is tonight's stripped down 7-10 p.m. Nawty Lite performance at Bar 20 (6120) in Portage. The whole band returns for a 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. gig at Blue Chip Casino on Saturday at the Rocks Lounge stage (777 Blue Chip Drive) in Michigan City, and wrapping up the weekend will be an outdoor Sunday performance at Jellystone Park (7719 Redwood Road) in Plymouth from 8-11 p.m. More: facebook.com/NAWTYBAND
• Acoustic guitarist Greg Guidotti takes stage tonight from 7-10 p.m. at Northwoods Falls (8101 Wicker Ave.) in St. John. On Friday at 7 p.m., the eclectic rock of NWI's Nomad Planets is featured. The veteran Region band delivers a nice selection of great original songs (largely from the pen of vocalist/guitarist Mark Mybeck), mixed with some unique covers that will surprise and please. If you have a chance to pick up one of their CDs at the gig, I recommend you do so, as these guys really have great songs and production. Then on Saturday, the grooviness of Return 2 Soul returns to the venue for a night of R&B, funk and dance music. More: northwoodsfalls.com or 219- 351-5148.
• Chad Clifford of The Crawpuppies will give solo acoustic performances of both his original songs and cover songs this week. Catch him tonight at The White Rhino (101 Joliet St.) in Dyer from 7-10 p.m. Then again on Friday at Four Winds Casino (3000 Prairie Ave.) in South Bend.
• Friday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Don Quijote Restaurant (119 E. Lincolnway) in downtown Valparaiso, local music fans will have one last chance to see and hear gifted Northwest Indiana guitarist Marco Villarreal before he jets off to San Francisco to make the Region proud.
Villarreal has been invited to sit in with the amazing Miles Davis Electric Band (MEB), a heritage group which consists of former sidemen and band mates of the legendary trumpet master. On Sunday, the Hobart native will join this world famous and globally respected group on stage at the Miner Auditorium as part of the ensemble closing out the four day festival called "The Music of Miles Davis: A Celebration." More: facebook.com/MarcoVillarrealGuitar.
• My friendship with the NWI rock band DYLLYNGYR (pronounced Dillinger) goes back to the late 1970s, when we were all in high school together. The guys will join me in studio from 6-9 p.m. to perform a few live tunes while helping to pick songs to spin on my WIMS-AM/FM "Needle Drop" radio program. The show is simulcast, so tune in at any of the following spots on the radio dial -- AM-1420, 106.7FM, and 95.1FM -- or listen via the Tune-In App or via the stream at wimsradio.com.
• The June 9 double headline concert at Hobart Art Theater by The Soundz Of Santana and The All My Brothers Band is a tribute to two of the most influential "jam bands" of the rock era. Tickets & info for all shows: brickartlive.com.
Listeners will have opportunities to win pairs of tickets to the concert by tuning in next Tuesday (5/30) from 7-8 p.m. to Lakeshore Public Radio's weekly celebrity interview/music program, "Midwest BEAT with Tom Lounges." Members of The All My Brothers Band (facebook.com/AllMyBrothersBandChicago) will guest on the program, which streams live in real time at lakeshorepublicradio.org. | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/local-scene-make-musical-memories-this-memorial-weekend/article_0b7c2be8-fa75-11ed-8624-c7a4208c0b1d.html | 2023-05-25T22:16:35 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/local-scene-make-musical-memories-this-memorial-weekend/article_0b7c2be8-fa75-11ed-8624-c7a4208c0b1d.html |
PORTER — A 56-year-old LaPorte woman whose vehicle was T-boned on U.S. 20 died Wednesday, Porter police said.
The deceased was identified by the Porter County Coroner's Office as Shellie Games.
Police say they were called out at 3:41 p.m. Wednesday to the crash site, where they learned Games had been driving a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro east on the highway. Her vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a 2007 Ford Edge that was crossing the highway southbound on Wagner Road.
"Both vehicles sustained extensive damage," police said. "U.S. 20 was closed in both directions for approximately two hours while the crash scene was investigated."
The 19-year-old Valparaiso woman driving the Ford refused medical treatment at the scene, and family transported her to the hospital, according to police.
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Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Hammer told jurors during opening arguments Tuesday afternoon that, "this is not a small amount by any means."
Games was taken to the nearby Porter Northwest Hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries.
"This crash is being investigated by Porter Police Department Crash Reconstructionist Lt. Jason Holaway," the department said. "Drugs and/or alcohol are not believed to be factors at this time."
The coroner's office said autopsy and toxicology results are pending.
Officials expect the investigation to take several weeks.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact Holaway, 219-926-7611 or jholaway2@townofporter.com.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
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An Indianapolis man died of a fentanyl poisoning last year. The man who gave it to him was recently implicated in his death
Jason Platipodis (right) poses with his triplet siblings Jessica and Jeff. They are the first set of triplets successfully born in Valparaiso.
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County 911 dispatchers answered a call around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022. The voice of a 6-year-old girl traveled through the receiver. She told dispatchers she couldn't wake her father and needed help.
Indianapolis police and medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to do a welfare check on the girl's father at his apartment in the 7000 block of River Walk Drive. The medics found Jason Platipodis, 40, deceased.
Jason's brother, Jeff, who lived in the area, arrived at Jason's apartment and grabbed Jason's phone. While scrolling through messages, he saw texts between Jason and a contact called "Johnny Boy." Messages showed that Johnny Boy had acquired some sort of drugs and given them to Jason.
Jason had a history of drug abuse but had been clean for six years. Jeff was shocked.
"I saw him every day. We worked together," Jeff said. "If he had relapsed, I would have known."
Jeff brought Jason's phone to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and handed it to a detective, which was the beginning of an investigation that would last over a year into how Jason died and who would be held responsible for giving him the lethal substance that ended his life.
Fighting for Jason
Jonathan Spurling, 38, of Valparaiso was charged March 22 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, for his role in Jason's death. If convicted, he is looking at 20 to 50 years in prison.
A law passed in 2018 gave prosecutors the ability to file charges against anyone who allegedly provided a drug that resulted in death, but the cases are difficult to prove. The charges against Spurling are one of few cases in Indiana in which charges have been filed since the law was passed.
In the Region, charges related to this statute are seldom filed. There have been seven cases charged in Lake County, six in LaPorte County and three in Porter County, according to data from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Shortly after Jason's death, his uncle Scott Westergren said he read an article about a woman named Susan Fox who lost her son, Nathan May, to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Fox had worked to collect evidence that implicated the man who provided the lethal drug to her son. She presented the evidence to police, who involved the Drug Enforcement Administration. Charges were filed in June against the man who provided the drug.
Westergren sent an email to her. She responded and connected him with the DEA agents who worked on her son's case.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said families have taken a crucial role in these cases when it comes to gathering evidence.
"It’s really the families who are driving this," Cooke said. "Every time [law enforcement] investigate or come upon an overdose victim, I don’t think the thought is, ‘this is a homicide.’ It’s really the families of the victims who are getting involved and going to state local law enforcement.”
Westergren said he knew the case was being investigated but was not aware of the details until charges were filed.
“I am so grateful that the DEA and Indianapolis police were able to pursue these charges,” he said. "We got to fight for Jason."
Jason's story
Jason, a triplet, grew up in Valparaiso. His triplet brother, Jeff, said Jason worked as a carpenter. The two lived in Indianapolis but would drive back to the Region every weekend to work on a home improvement project. Jason loved fishing and spending time with his daughter. Jeff described him as a "family man" who always had a smile on his face.
"He's the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back," Jeff said. "He was a good dad, a hard worker, a family man."
Jason Platipodis poses with his nephew. His family remembers him as someone who enjoyed bringing all generations of his family together for ac…
Jason was prescribed an opioid pain reliever for back pain early in adulthood, Westergren said. He said their family has a history with substance abuse but believes the prescription could have been the catalyst that fueled Jason's opioid abuse. When Jason's daughter was born, he worked to get sober and "transformed."
"He’s dearly missed," Westergren said. "There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him."
His triplet sister, Jessica, said she remembers him taking all his nieces and nephews swimming, boating and fishing. He wanted to involve the "younger generation" in every activity.
“He was the glue to our family," she said. "He always tried to get our family together while he was out in Valparaiso.”
By bringing awareness to the circumstances surrounding Jason's death and the charges filed against his alleged dealer, the family said they hope it can bring awareness to substance-abuse disorders and bring justice to other victims of drug poisonings.
Proving their case
Investigations related to dealing a controlled substance resulting in death are handled as homicide investigations, LaPorte County Drug Task Force Sgt. Kyle Shiparski said.
Techniques used to investigate are similar. Detectives rely on evidence from cellphones, witnesses toxicology reports and forensic evidence on scene. The difficulties lie in proving that a person died from a specific instance in which they were supplied a drug and subsequently ingested it.
This can be hard, Shiparski said, if a person has multiple suppliers or died with a combination of drugs in their system. More challenges include underlying conditions or other risks surrounding death. The cases are not black-and-white.
“What we’re seeing with these cases is, they’re much harder to prove and investigate," Shiparski said. "And when they get in front of a jury, they become even harder to prove in that setting.”
The deaths are often labeled as accidental overdoses, Shiparski said. Once the cause of death is determined, investigators can begin to explore the case, searching into what happened on scene. Law enforcement are reliant on cellphones and witnesses to provide information, and a timeline of events is created.
Official cellphone data showed that Jason communicated with Spurling in the days before his death. According to court documents, Spurling traveled to a location in the Chicago area to obtain drugs from another source. Jason asked Spurling to "grab me a couple," purportedly referencing the drugs Spurling was purchasing. The men planned to meet up Jan. 2, 2022 at Spurling's home in Valparaiso. After obtaining the drugs, Jason and his daughter, who were in Valparaiso that weekend, subsequently drove back to Indianapolis.
In one of the messages, Spurling said: "Promise it did the trick but wasn’t overwhelming?" Investigators believe this indicates that Spurling knew the drug had the potential to have an "overwhelming" effect. Spurling told police he gave Jason heroin and nothing else, according to court documents.
Shiparski said there are some people who do not agree with how the law reads. The language of the law targets anyone who "knowingly manufactures or delivers" a drug that results in death, but the ultimate goal is to find the drug dealers who are widely distributing the counterfeit pills.
“You try to climb that ladder and hold the initial source of supply accountable,” Shiparski said.
Kristen Martin, founder of Gary Harm Reduction, said she believes laws related to dealing resulting in death are counterproductive to curbing the drug epidemic in the United States. She said stricter laws could instill fear in people who are using drugs, making them scared to ask for help.
"If we’re charging people, no one is going to want to ever call for help if somebody is overdosing," Martin said. "They’re going to leave more people left for dead.”
Martin said some trust has been built in communities of people who use drugs, erring on the side of nonjudgment and leading with compassion to help people struggling with substance abuse to find help. Martin and other organizations offer free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs. She worries that if laws surrounding the prosecution of individuals who deal or use drugs villainize those who are struggling with addiction, it will do more harm than good.
“There’s a fine line between drug dealer and drug user,” Martin said. “It’s not getting at the root of the problem. How is ruining someone else’s life by putting them in prison going to help the issue?”
Seeking justice
Spurling, who posted bond April 4, is set to stand trial May 30 in Marion Superior Court, according to online court records. The family has traveled from Valparaiso to attend some of the court hearings and plan to attend the trial.
Jason's family said they will continue to bring awareness to the law that they believe will help them get justice for their brother.
"We understand it’s not going to bring Jason back, but it could save another family from going through what we went through," Jessica said. "Something needs to be done. People who are dealing need to be held accountable."
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
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Crysta Carrico
Cynthia Cruz
Cory Hebda
Prince Pugh
DeMario Young Jr.
Tyler Roark
Christopher Deming
Mitchell Demeter
Cassidy Stewart
Colin Page
Martell Joe
Willie Key Jr.
Stephen Williams
William Jackson
Brittany Jeleniewski
Janese Moore
Shawn Sparks
Bryce Parlin
Matthew Martin
Solitaire Johnson
Edward Levine
Michael Gilpin
David Caldwell
An Indianapolis man died of a fentanyl poisoning last year. The man who gave it to him was recently implicated in his death
Jason Platipodis (right) poses with his triplet siblings Jessica and Jeff. They are the first set of triplets successfully born in Valparaiso.
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County 911 dispatchers answered a call around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022. The voice of a 6-year-old girl traveled through the receiver. She told dispatchers she couldn't wake her father and needed help.
Indianapolis police and medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to do a welfare check on the girl's father at his apartment in the 7000 block of River Walk Drive. The medics found Jason Platipodis, 40, deceased.
Jason's brother, Jeff, who lived in the area, arrived at Jason's apartment and grabbed Jason's phone. While scrolling through messages, he saw texts between Jason and a contact called "Johnny Boy." Messages showed that Johnny Boy had acquired some sort of drugs and given them to Jason.
Jason had a history of drug abuse but had been clean for six years. Jeff was shocked.
"I saw him every day. We worked together," Jeff said. "If he had relapsed, I would have known."
Jeff brought Jason's phone to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and handed it to a detective, which was the beginning of an investigation that would last over a year into how Jason died and who would be held responsible for giving him the lethal substance that ended his life.
Fighting for Jason
Jonathan Spurling, 38, of Valparaiso was charged March 22 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, for his role in Jason's death. If convicted, he is looking at 20 to 50 years in prison.
A law passed in 2018 gave prosecutors the ability to file charges against anyone who allegedly provided a drug that resulted in death, but the cases are difficult to prove. The charges against Spurling are one of few cases in Indiana in which charges have been filed since the law was passed.
In the Region, charges related to this statute are seldom filed. There have been seven cases charged in Lake County, six in LaPorte County and three in Porter County, according to data from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Shortly after Jason's death, his uncle Scott Westergren said he read an article about a woman named Susan Fox who lost her son, Nathan May, to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Fox had worked to collect evidence that implicated the man who provided the lethal drug to her son. She presented the evidence to police, who involved the Drug Enforcement Administration. Charges were filed in June against the man who provided the drug.
Westergren sent an email to her. She responded and connected him with the DEA agents who worked on her son's case.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said families have taken a crucial role in these cases when it comes to gathering evidence.
"It’s really the families who are driving this," Cooke said. "Every time [law enforcement] investigate or come upon an overdose victim, I don’t think the thought is, ‘this is a homicide.’ It’s really the families of the victims who are getting involved and going to state local law enforcement.”
Westergren said he knew the case was being investigated but was not aware of the details until charges were filed.
“I am so grateful that the DEA and Indianapolis police were able to pursue these charges,” he said. "We got to fight for Jason."
Jason's story
Jason, a triplet, grew up in Valparaiso. His triplet brother, Jeff, said Jason worked as a carpenter. The two lived in Indianapolis but would drive back to the Region every weekend to work on a home improvement project. Jason loved fishing and spending time with his daughter. Jeff described him as a "family man" who always had a smile on his face.
"He's the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back," Jeff said. "He was a good dad, a hard worker, a family man."
Jason Platipodis poses with his nephew. His family remembers him as someone who enjoyed bringing all generations of his family together for ac…
Jason was prescribed an opioid pain reliever for back pain early in adulthood, Westergren said. He said their family has a history with substance abuse but believes the prescription could have been the catalyst that fueled Jason's opioid abuse. When Jason's daughter was born, he worked to get sober and "transformed."
"He’s dearly missed," Westergren said. "There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him."
His triplet sister, Jessica, said she remembers him taking all his nieces and nephews swimming, boating and fishing. He wanted to involve the "younger generation" in every activity.
“He was the glue to our family," she said. "He always tried to get our family together while he was out in Valparaiso.”
By bringing awareness to the circumstances surrounding Jason's death and the charges filed against his alleged dealer, the family said they hope it can bring awareness to substance-abuse disorders and bring justice to other victims of drug poisonings.
Proving their case
Investigations related to dealing a controlled substance resulting in death are handled as homicide investigations, LaPorte County Drug Task Force Sgt. Kyle Shiparski said.
Techniques used to investigate are similar. Detectives rely on evidence from cellphones, witnesses toxicology reports and forensic evidence on scene. The difficulties lie in proving that a person died from a specific instance in which they were supplied a drug and subsequently ingested it.
This can be hard, Shiparski said, if a person has multiple suppliers or died with a combination of drugs in their system. More challenges include underlying conditions or other risks surrounding death. The cases are not black-and-white.
“What we’re seeing with these cases is, they’re much harder to prove and investigate," Shiparski said. "And when they get in front of a jury, they become even harder to prove in that setting.”
The deaths are often labeled as accidental overdoses, Shiparski said. Once the cause of death is determined, investigators can begin to explore the case, searching into what happened on scene. Law enforcement are reliant on cellphones and witnesses to provide information, and a timeline of events is created.
Official cellphone data showed that Jason communicated with Spurling in the days before his death. According to court documents, Spurling traveled to a location in the Chicago area to obtain drugs from another source. Jason asked Spurling to "grab me a couple," purportedly referencing the drugs Spurling was purchasing. The men planned to meet up Jan. 2, 2022 at Spurling's home in Valparaiso. After obtaining the drugs, Jason and his daughter, who were in Valparaiso that weekend, subsequently drove back to Indianapolis.
In one of the messages, Spurling said: "Promise it did the trick but wasn’t overwhelming?" Investigators believe this indicates that Spurling knew the drug had the potential to have an "overwhelming" effect. Spurling told police he gave Jason heroin and nothing else, according to court documents.
Shiparski said there are some people who do not agree with how the law reads. The language of the law targets anyone who "knowingly manufactures or delivers" a drug that results in death, but the ultimate goal is to find the drug dealers who are widely distributing the counterfeit pills.
“You try to climb that ladder and hold the initial source of supply accountable,” Shiparski said.
Kristen Martin, founder of Gary Harm Reduction, said she believes laws related to dealing resulting in death are counterproductive to curbing the drug epidemic in the United States. She said stricter laws could instill fear in people who are using drugs, making them scared to ask for help.
"If we’re charging people, no one is going to want to ever call for help if somebody is overdosing," Martin said. "They’re going to leave more people left for dead.”
Martin said some trust has been built in communities of people who use drugs, erring on the side of nonjudgment and leading with compassion to help people struggling with substance abuse to find help. Martin and other organizations offer free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs. She worries that if laws surrounding the prosecution of individuals who deal or use drugs villainize those who are struggling with addiction, it will do more harm than good.
“There’s a fine line between drug dealer and drug user,” Martin said. “It’s not getting at the root of the problem. How is ruining someone else’s life by putting them in prison going to help the issue?”
Seeking justice
Spurling, who posted bond April 4, is set to stand trial May 30 in Marion Superior Court, according to online court records. The family has traveled from Valparaiso to attend some of the court hearings and plan to attend the trial.
Jason's family said they will continue to bring awareness to the law that they believe will help them get justice for their brother.
"We understand it’s not going to bring Jason back, but it could save another family from going through what we went through," Jessica said. "Something needs to be done. People who are dealing need to be held accountable."
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Heather Wood
Shannon Uttal
Thomas Littlefield
Kevin Carrico
Barry Rogers
Jonathan Riley Jr.
Crysta Carrico
Cynthia Cruz
Cory Hebda
Prince Pugh
DeMario Young Jr.
Tyler Roark
Christopher Deming
Mitchell Demeter
Cassidy Stewart
Colin Page
Martell Joe
Willie Key Jr.
Stephen Williams
William Jackson
Brittany Jeleniewski
Janese Moore
Shawn Sparks
Bryce Parlin
Matthew Martin
Solitaire Johnson
Edward Levine
Michael Gilpin
David Caldwell
An Indianapolis man died of a fentanyl poisoning last year. The man who gave it to him was recently implicated in his death
Jason Platipodis (right) poses with his triplet siblings Jessica and Jeff. They are the first set of triplets successfully born in Valparaiso.
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County 911 dispatchers answered a call around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022. The voice of a 6-year-old girl traveled through the receiver. She told dispatchers she couldn't wake her father and needed help.
Indianapolis police and medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to do a welfare check on the girl's father at his apartment in the 7000 block of River Walk Drive. The medics found Jason Platipodis, 40, deceased.
Jason's brother, Jeff, who lived in the area, arrived at Jason's apartment and grabbed Jason's phone. While scrolling through messages, he saw texts between Jason and a contact called "Johnny Boy." Messages showed that Johnny Boy had acquired some sort of drugs and given them to Jason.
Jason had a history of drug abuse but had been clean for six years. Jeff was shocked.
"I saw him every day. We worked together," Jeff said. "If he had relapsed, I would have known."
Jeff brought Jason's phone to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and handed it to a detective, which was the beginning of an investigation that would last over a year into how Jason died and who would be held responsible for giving him the lethal substance that ended his life.
Fighting for Jason
Jonathan Spurling, 38, of Valparaiso was charged March 22 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, for his role in Jason's death. If convicted, he is looking at 20 to 50 years in prison.
A law passed in 2018 gave prosecutors the ability to file charges against anyone who allegedly provided a drug that resulted in death, but the cases are difficult to prove. The charges against Spurling are one of few cases in Indiana in which charges have been filed since the law was passed.
In the Region, charges related to this statute are seldom filed. There have been seven cases charged in Lake County, six in LaPorte County and three in Porter County, according to data from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Shortly after Jason's death, his uncle Scott Westergren said he read an article about a woman named Susan Fox who lost her son, Nathan May, to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Fox had worked to collect evidence that implicated the man who provided the lethal drug to her son. She presented the evidence to police, who involved the Drug Enforcement Administration. Charges were filed in June against the man who provided the drug.
Westergren sent an email to her. She responded and connected him with the DEA agents who worked on her son's case.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said families have taken a crucial role in these cases when it comes to gathering evidence.
"It’s really the families who are driving this," Cooke said. "Every time [law enforcement] investigate or come upon an overdose victim, I don’t think the thought is, ‘this is a homicide.’ It’s really the families of the victims who are getting involved and going to state local law enforcement.”
Westergren said he knew the case was being investigated but was not aware of the details until charges were filed.
“I am so grateful that the DEA and Indianapolis police were able to pursue these charges,” he said. "We got to fight for Jason."
Jason's story
Jason, a triplet, grew up in Valparaiso. His triplet brother, Jeff, said Jason worked as a carpenter. The two lived in Indianapolis but would drive back to the Region every weekend to work on a home improvement project. Jason loved fishing and spending time with his daughter. Jeff described him as a "family man" who always had a smile on his face.
"He's the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back," Jeff said. "He was a good dad, a hard worker, a family man."
Jason Platipodis poses with his nephew. His family remembers him as someone who enjoyed bringing all generations of his family together for ac…
Jason was prescribed an opioid pain reliever for back pain early in adulthood, Westergren said. He said their family has a history with substance abuse but believes the prescription could have been the catalyst that fueled Jason's opioid abuse. When Jason's daughter was born, he worked to get sober and "transformed."
"He’s dearly missed," Westergren said. "There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him."
His triplet sister, Jessica, said she remembers him taking all his nieces and nephews swimming, boating and fishing. He wanted to involve the "younger generation" in every activity.
“He was the glue to our family," she said. "He always tried to get our family together while he was out in Valparaiso.”
By bringing awareness to the circumstances surrounding Jason's death and the charges filed against his alleged dealer, the family said they hope it can bring awareness to substance-abuse disorders and bring justice to other victims of drug poisonings.
Proving their case
Investigations related to dealing a controlled substance resulting in death are handled as homicide investigations, LaPorte County Drug Task Force Sgt. Kyle Shiparski said.
Techniques used to investigate are similar. Detectives rely on evidence from cellphones, witnesses toxicology reports and forensic evidence on scene. The difficulties lie in proving that a person died from a specific instance in which they were supplied a drug and subsequently ingested it.
This can be hard, Shiparski said, if a person has multiple suppliers or died with a combination of drugs in their system. More challenges include underlying conditions or other risks surrounding death. The cases are not black-and-white.
“What we’re seeing with these cases is, they’re much harder to prove and investigate," Shiparski said. "And when they get in front of a jury, they become even harder to prove in that setting.”
The deaths are often labeled as accidental overdoses, Shiparski said. Once the cause of death is determined, investigators can begin to explore the case, searching into what happened on scene. Law enforcement are reliant on cellphones and witnesses to provide information, and a timeline of events is created.
Official cellphone data showed that Jason communicated with Spurling in the days before his death. According to court documents, Spurling traveled to a location in the Chicago area to obtain drugs from another source. Jason asked Spurling to "grab me a couple," purportedly referencing the drugs Spurling was purchasing. The men planned to meet up Jan. 2, 2022 at Spurling's home in Valparaiso. After obtaining the drugs, Jason and his daughter, who were in Valparaiso that weekend, subsequently drove back to Indianapolis.
In one of the messages, Spurling said: "Promise it did the trick but wasn’t overwhelming?" Investigators believe this indicates that Spurling knew the drug had the potential to have an "overwhelming" effect. Spurling told police he gave Jason heroin and nothing else, according to court documents.
Shiparski said there are some people who do not agree with how the law reads. The language of the law targets anyone who "knowingly manufactures or delivers" a drug that results in death, but the ultimate goal is to find the drug dealers who are widely distributing the counterfeit pills.
“You try to climb that ladder and hold the initial source of supply accountable,” Shiparski said.
Kristen Martin, founder of Gary Harm Reduction, said she believes laws related to dealing resulting in death are counterproductive to curbing the drug epidemic in the United States. She said stricter laws could instill fear in people who are using drugs, making them scared to ask for help.
"If we’re charging people, no one is going to want to ever call for help if somebody is overdosing," Martin said. "They’re going to leave more people left for dead.”
Martin said some trust has been built in communities of people who use drugs, erring on the side of nonjudgment and leading with compassion to help people struggling with substance abuse to find help. Martin and other organizations offer free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs. She worries that if laws surrounding the prosecution of individuals who deal or use drugs villainize those who are struggling with addiction, it will do more harm than good.
“There’s a fine line between drug dealer and drug user,” Martin said. “It’s not getting at the root of the problem. How is ruining someone else’s life by putting them in prison going to help the issue?”
Seeking justice
Spurling, who posted bond April 4, is set to stand trial May 30 in Marion Superior Court, according to online court records. The family has traveled from Valparaiso to attend some of the court hearings and plan to attend the trial.
Jason's family said they will continue to bring awareness to the law that they believe will help them get justice for their brother.
"We understand it’s not going to bring Jason back, but it could save another family from going through what we went through," Jessica said. "Something needs to be done. People who are dealing need to be held accountable."
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Heather Wood
Shannon Uttal
Thomas Littlefield
Kevin Carrico
Barry Rogers
Jonathan Riley Jr.
Crysta Carrico
Cynthia Cruz
Cory Hebda
Prince Pugh
DeMario Young Jr.
Tyler Roark
Christopher Deming
Mitchell Demeter
Cassidy Stewart
Colin Page
Martell Joe
Willie Key Jr.
Stephen Williams
William Jackson
Brittany Jeleniewski
Janese Moore
Shawn Sparks
Bryce Parlin
Matthew Martin
Solitaire Johnson
Edward Levine
Michael Gilpin
David Caldwell
An Indianapolis man died of a fentanyl poisoning last year. The man who gave it to him was recently implicated in his death
Jason Platipodis (right) poses with his triplet siblings Jessica and Jeff. They are the first set of triplets successfully born in Valparaiso.
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County 911 dispatchers answered a call around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022. The voice of a 6-year-old girl traveled through the receiver. She told dispatchers she couldn't wake her father and needed help.
Indianapolis police and medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to do a welfare check on the girl's father at his apartment in the 7000 block of River Walk Drive. The medics found Jason Platipodis, 40, deceased.
Jason's brother, Jeff, who lived in the area, arrived at Jason's apartment and grabbed Jason's phone. While scrolling through messages, he saw texts between Jason and a contact called "Johnny Boy." Messages showed that Johnny Boy had acquired some sort of drugs and given them to Jason.
Jason had a history of drug abuse but had been clean for six years. Jeff was shocked.
"I saw him every day. We worked together," Jeff said. "If he had relapsed, I would have known."
Jeff brought Jason's phone to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and handed it to a detective, which was the beginning of an investigation that would last over a year into how Jason died and who would be held responsible for giving him the lethal substance that ended his life.
Fighting for Jason
Jonathan Spurling, 38, of Valparaiso was charged March 22 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, for his role in Jason's death. If convicted, he is looking at 20 to 50 years in prison.
A law passed in 2018 gave prosecutors the ability to file charges against anyone who allegedly provided a drug that resulted in death, but the cases are difficult to prove. The charges against Spurling are one of few cases in Indiana in which charges have been filed since the law was passed.
In the Region, charges related to this statute are seldom filed. There have been seven cases charged in Lake County, six in LaPorte County and three in Porter County, according to data from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Shortly after Jason's death, his uncle Scott Westergren said he read an article about a woman named Susan Fox who lost her son, Nathan May, to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Fox had worked to collect evidence that implicated the man who provided the lethal drug to her son. She presented the evidence to police, who involved the Drug Enforcement Administration. Charges were filed in June against the man who provided the drug.
Westergren sent an email to her. She responded and connected him with the DEA agents who worked on her son's case.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said families have taken a crucial role in these cases when it comes to gathering evidence.
"It’s really the families who are driving this," Cooke said. "Every time [law enforcement] investigate or come upon an overdose victim, I don’t think the thought is, ‘this is a homicide.’ It’s really the families of the victims who are getting involved and going to state local law enforcement.”
Westergren said he knew the case was being investigated but was not aware of the details until charges were filed.
“I am so grateful that the DEA and Indianapolis police were able to pursue these charges,” he said. "We got to fight for Jason."
Jason's story
Jason, a triplet, grew up in Valparaiso. His triplet brother, Jeff, said Jason worked as a carpenter. The two lived in Indianapolis but would drive back to the Region every weekend to work on a home improvement project. Jason loved fishing and spending time with his daughter. Jeff described him as a "family man" who always had a smile on his face.
"He's the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back," Jeff said. "He was a good dad, a hard worker, a family man."
Jason Platipodis poses with his nephew. His family remembers him as someone who enjoyed bringing all generations of his family together for ac…
Jason was prescribed an opioid pain reliever for back pain early in adulthood, Westergren said. He said their family has a history with substance abuse but believes the prescription could have been the catalyst that fueled Jason's opioid abuse. When Jason's daughter was born, he worked to get sober and "transformed."
"He’s dearly missed," Westergren said. "There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him."
His triplet sister, Jessica, said she remembers him taking all his nieces and nephews swimming, boating and fishing. He wanted to involve the "younger generation" in every activity.
“He was the glue to our family," she said. "He always tried to get our family together while he was out in Valparaiso.”
By bringing awareness to the circumstances surrounding Jason's death and the charges filed against his alleged dealer, the family said they hope it can bring awareness to substance-abuse disorders and bring justice to other victims of drug poisonings.
Proving their case
Investigations related to dealing a controlled substance resulting in death are handled as homicide investigations, LaPorte County Drug Task Force Sgt. Kyle Shiparski said.
Techniques used to investigate are similar. Detectives rely on evidence from cellphones, witnesses toxicology reports and forensic evidence on scene. The difficulties lie in proving that a person died from a specific instance in which they were supplied a drug and subsequently ingested it.
This can be hard, Shiparski said, if a person has multiple suppliers or died with a combination of drugs in their system. More challenges include underlying conditions or other risks surrounding death. The cases are not black-and-white.
“What we’re seeing with these cases is, they’re much harder to prove and investigate," Shiparski said. "And when they get in front of a jury, they become even harder to prove in that setting.”
The deaths are often labeled as accidental overdoses, Shiparski said. Once the cause of death is determined, investigators can begin to explore the case, searching into what happened on scene. Law enforcement are reliant on cellphones and witnesses to provide information, and a timeline of events is created.
Official cellphone data showed that Jason communicated with Spurling in the days before his death. According to court documents, Spurling traveled to a location in the Chicago area to obtain drugs from another source. Jason asked Spurling to "grab me a couple," purportedly referencing the drugs Spurling was purchasing. The men planned to meet up Jan. 2, 2022 at Spurling's home in Valparaiso. After obtaining the drugs, Jason and his daughter, who were in Valparaiso that weekend, subsequently drove back to Indianapolis.
In one of the messages, Spurling said: "Promise it did the trick but wasn’t overwhelming?" Investigators believe this indicates that Spurling knew the drug had the potential to have an "overwhelming" effect. Spurling told police he gave Jason heroin and nothing else, according to court documents.
Shiparski said there are some people who do not agree with how the law reads. The language of the law targets anyone who "knowingly manufactures or delivers" a drug that results in death, but the ultimate goal is to find the drug dealers who are widely distributing the counterfeit pills.
“You try to climb that ladder and hold the initial source of supply accountable,” Shiparski said.
Kristen Martin, founder of Gary Harm Reduction, said she believes laws related to dealing resulting in death are counterproductive to curbing the drug epidemic in the United States. She said stricter laws could instill fear in people who are using drugs, making them scared to ask for help.
"If we’re charging people, no one is going to want to ever call for help if somebody is overdosing," Martin said. "They’re going to leave more people left for dead.”
Martin said some trust has been built in communities of people who use drugs, erring on the side of nonjudgment and leading with compassion to help people struggling with substance abuse to find help. Martin and other organizations offer free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs. She worries that if laws surrounding the prosecution of individuals who deal or use drugs villainize those who are struggling with addiction, it will do more harm than good.
“There’s a fine line between drug dealer and drug user,” Martin said. “It’s not getting at the root of the problem. How is ruining someone else’s life by putting them in prison going to help the issue?”
Seeking justice
Spurling, who posted bond April 4, is set to stand trial May 30 in Marion Superior Court, according to online court records. The family has traveled from Valparaiso to attend some of the court hearings and plan to attend the trial.
Jason's family said they will continue to bring awareness to the law that they believe will help them get justice for their brother.
"We understand it’s not going to bring Jason back, but it could save another family from going through what we went through," Jessica said. "Something needs to be done. People who are dealing need to be held accountable."
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Heather Wood
Shannon Uttal
Thomas Littlefield
Kevin Carrico
Barry Rogers
Jonathan Riley Jr.
Crysta Carrico
Cynthia Cruz
Cory Hebda
Prince Pugh
DeMario Young Jr.
Tyler Roark
Christopher Deming
Mitchell Demeter
Cassidy Stewart
Colin Page
Martell Joe
Willie Key Jr.
Stephen Williams
William Jackson
Brittany Jeleniewski
Janese Moore
Shawn Sparks
Bryce Parlin
Matthew Martin
Solitaire Johnson
Edward Levine
Michael Gilpin
David Caldwell
An Indianapolis man died of a fentanyl poisoning last year. The man who gave it to him was recently implicated in his death
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County 911 dispatchers answered a call around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 3, 2022. The voice of a 6-year-old girl traveled through the receiver. She told dispatchers she couldn't wake her father and needed help.
Indianapolis police and medical personnel swiftly arrived at the scene to do a welfare check on the girl's father at his apartment in the 7000 block of River Walk Drive. The medics found Jason Platipodis, 40, deceased.
Jason's brother, Jeff, who lived in the area, arrived at Jason's apartment and grabbed Jason's phone. While scrolling through messages, he saw texts between Jason and a contact called "Johnny Boy." Messages showed that Johnny Boy had acquired some sort of drugs and given them to Jason.
Jason had a history of drug abuse but had been clean for six years. Jeff was shocked.
"I saw him every day. We worked together," Jeff said. "If he had relapsed, I would have known."
Jeff brought Jason's phone to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and handed it to a detective, which was the beginning of an investigation that would last over a year into how Jason died and who would be held responsible for giving him the lethal substance that ended his life.
Fighting for Jason
Jonathan Spurling, 38, of Valparaiso was charged March 22 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, for his role in Jason's death. If convicted, he is looking at 20 to 50 years in prison.
A law passed in 2018 gave prosecutors the ability to file charges against anyone who allegedly provided a drug that resulted in death, but the cases are difficult to prove. The charges against Spurling are one of few cases in Indiana in which charges have been filed since the law was passed.
In the Region, charges related to this statute are seldom filed. There have been seven cases charged in Lake County, six in LaPorte County and three in Porter County, according to data from the Indiana Supreme Court.
Shortly after Jason's death, his uncle Scott Westergren said he read an article about a woman named Susan Fox who lost her son, Nathan May, to a fentanyl overdose in 2020. Fox had worked to collect evidence that implicated the man who provided the lethal drug to her son. She presented the evidence to police, who involved the Drug Enforcement Administration. Charges were filed in June against the man who provided the drug.
Westergren sent an email to her. She responded and connected him with the DEA agents who worked on her son's case.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said families have taken a crucial role in these cases when it comes to gathering evidence.
"It’s really the families who are driving this," Cooke said. "Every time [law enforcement] investigate or come upon an overdose victim, I don’t think the thought is, ‘this is a homicide.’ It’s really the families of the victims who are getting involved and going to state local law enforcement.”
Westergren said he knew the case was being investigated but was not aware of the details until charges were filed.
“I am so grateful that the DEA and Indianapolis police were able to pursue these charges,” he said. "We got to fight for Jason."
Jason's story
Jason, a triplet, grew up in Valparaiso. His triplet brother, Jeff, said Jason worked as a carpenter. The two lived in Indianapolis but would drive back to the Region every weekend to work on a home improvement project. Jason loved fishing and spending time with his daughter. Jeff described him as a "family man" who always had a smile on his face.
"He's the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back," Jeff said. "He was a good dad, a hard worker, a family man."
Jason was prescribed an opioid pain reliever for back pain early in adulthood, Westergren said. He said their family has a history with substance abuse but believes the prescription could have been the catalyst that fueled Jason's opioid abuse. When Jason's daughter was born, he worked to get sober and "transformed."
"He’s dearly missed," Westergren said. "There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him."
His triplet sister, Jessica, said she remembers him taking all his nieces and nephews swimming, boating and fishing. He wanted to involve the "younger generation" in every activity.
“He was the glue to our family," she said. "He always tried to get our family together while he was out in Valparaiso.”
By bringing awareness to the circumstances surrounding Jason's death and the charges filed against his alleged dealer, the family said they hope it can bring awareness to substance-abuse disorders and bring justice to other victims of drug poisonings.
Proving their case
Investigations related to dealing a controlled substance resulting in death are handled as homicide investigations, LaPorte County Drug Task Force Sgt. Kyle Shiparski said.
Techniques used to investigate are similar. Detectives rely on evidence from cellphones, witnesses toxicology reports and forensic evidence on scene. The difficulties lie in proving that a person died from a specific instance in which they were supplied a drug and subsequently ingested it.
This can be hard, Shiparski said, if a person has multiple suppliers or died with a combination of drugs in their system. More challenges include underlying conditions or other risks surrounding death. The cases are not black-and-white.
“What we’re seeing with these cases is, they’re much harder to prove and investigate," Shiparski said. "And when they get in front of a jury, they become even harder to prove in that setting.”
The deaths are often labeled as accidental overdoses, Shiparski said. Once the cause of death is determined, investigators can begin to explore the case, searching into what happened on scene. Law enforcement are reliant on cellphones and witnesses to provide information, and a timeline of events is created.
Official cellphone data showed that Jason communicated with Spurling in the days before his death. According to court documents, Spurling traveled to a location in the Chicago area to obtain drugs from another source. Jason asked Spurling to "grab me a couple," purportedly referencing the drugs Spurling was purchasing. The men planned to meet up Jan. 2, 2022 at Spurling's home in Valparaiso. After obtaining the drugs, Jason and his daughter, who were in Valparaiso that weekend, subsequently drove back to Indianapolis.
In one of the messages, Spurling said: "Promise it did the trick but wasn’t overwhelming?" Investigators believe this indicates that Spurling knew the drug had the potential to have an "overwhelming" effect. Spurling told police he gave Jason heroin and nothing else, according to court documents.
Shiparski said there are some people who do not agree with how the law reads. The language of the law targets anyone who "knowingly manufactures or delivers" a drug that results in death, but the ultimate goal is to find the drug dealers who are widely distributing the counterfeit pills.
“You try to climb that ladder and hold the initial source of supply accountable,” Shiparski said.
Kristen Martin, founder of Gary Harm Reduction, said she believes laws related to dealing resulting in death are counterproductive to curbing the drug epidemic in the United States. She said stricter laws could instill fear in people who are using drugs, making them scared to ask for help.
"If we’re charging people, no one is going to want to ever call for help if somebody is overdosing," Martin said. "They’re going to leave more people left for dead.”
Martin said some trust has been built in communities of people who use drugs, erring on the side of nonjudgment and leading with compassion to help people struggling with substance abuse to find help. Martin and other organizations offer free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips to reduce harm for anyone who uses drugs. She worries that if laws surrounding the prosecution of individuals who deal or use drugs villainize those who are struggling with addiction, it will do more harm than good.
“There’s a fine line between drug dealer and drug user,” Martin said. “It’s not getting at the root of the problem. How is ruining someone else’s life by putting them in prison going to help the issue?”
Seeking justice
Spurling, who posted bond April 4, is set to stand trial May 30 in Marion Superior Court, according to online court records. The family has traveled from Valparaiso to attend some of the court hearings and plan to attend the trial.
Jason's family said they will continue to bring awareness to the law that they believe will help them get justice for their brother.
"We understand it’s not going to bring Jason back, but it could save another family from going through what we went through," Jessica said. "Something needs to be done. People who are dealing need to be held accountable." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/driver-dies-in-porter-county-t-bone-crash/article_9963c8d4-fb1b-11ed-91f1-a35fb2740fb7.html | 2023-05-25T22:16:54 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/driver-dies-in-porter-county-t-bone-crash/article_9963c8d4-fb1b-11ed-91f1-a35fb2740fb7.html |
Decoration Day to Memorial Day: the changing meaning of annual commemoration
“On Memorial Day there are always celebrations of some sort in nearly every town in Delaware,” the Delaware Coast News editorialized on May 26, 1928. “Lewes will hold a Boy Scout Demonstration in the morning and a Trap Shooting Contest in the afternoon while at Rehoboth a parade, athletic carnival and base ball game will occupy the afternoon.”
After the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), an organization of veterans of the Union army was founded for “preserving and strengthening those kind of fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion.”
According to General John Logan, Commander of the G.A.R., “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance,” and he designated May 30, 1868, “for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”
The next year, Wilmington held a “Decoration Day” ceremony that featured speeches, bands and a massive parade that included a large number veterans who had served during the Civil War. The procession ended in the city’s cemeteries, where flowers were placed on the graves of Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.
Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, and the annual commemoration quickly spread to towns across Delaware.
In the ensuing years, however, many of the surviving Civil War veterans passed away, and it was left to others to decorate the graves of their fallen comrades. In the process, some of the solemnity of the original holiday was lost.
In 1894, the Wilmington Daily Gazette and State Journal observed that in Lewes, “Decoration Day was in a measure observed. Some of the stores were closed and the public schools were closed in the afternoon. Some bunting was displayed and the post office closed part of the day. The graves of the deceased soldiers in the cemeteries were decorated with small flags.”
At the beginning of the 20th century, Decoration Day in Lewes continued to be a low-keyed affair, with the Wilmington Every Evening reporting in 1906, “Decoration Day was generally observed here [Lewes] by the closing of stores, banks and offices. Crowds wended their way to the cemeteries in town from early morning until evening and decoration of graves was profuse and very tasteful.”
By this time, the holiday honored the veterans of all wars, and in Lewes their graves were decorated in cemeteries throughout the town. The Wilmington Every Evening listed each cemetery in Lewes, the names of the veterans buried there and the wars in which they served.
According to the newspaper, the older graveyards, including St. Peter’s Episcopal and the Presbyterian cemeteries held graves of those who served during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, as well as the Civil War.
At that time, the Methodist cemetery on Savanah Road and St. George’s African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery on Pilottown Road had the most graves of Civil War veterans.
In Rehoboth, founded after the Civil War, July 4th was considered the opening day of the summer season. As the popularity of the seaside town grew, Memorial Day became the unofficial start of the vacation, and the original meaning of Memorial Day was lost.
The celebration focused on a parade of floats sponsored by local businesses. In 1928, the award for the best decorated float went to Raymond Wilson, whose store carried heating and plumbing supplies, and the Delaware Coast News reported, the “float equipped with bath room fixtures was very attractive.”
Principal sources
Delaware Coast News, May 26, 1928. June 2, 1928.
Daily Gazette and State Journal, June 6, 1894.
Every Evening, May 31, 1906.
Sussex Journal, May 22, 1909.
The National Memorial Day: A record of the Ceremonies, Washington City: Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic, 1870, pp. 7, 97-100. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2023/05/25/decoration-day-to-memorial-day-the-changing-meaning-of-the-commemoration/70244969007/ | 2023-05-25T22:16:56 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2023/05/25/decoration-day-to-memorial-day-the-changing-meaning-of-the-commemoration/70244969007/ |
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LAKE STATION — Prosecutors have filed multiple charges against a man who shot an 18-year-old on Tuesday in the 3400 block of Liverpool Road, Lake Station police said in a Facebook post.
Anthony Garcia-Vargas, 18, of Hobart was charged with two counts of battery and one count of criminal recklessness. He drove by the 18-year-old and fired shots while the victim was walking, police said. The victim is in stable condition.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
Police said the suspect had "personal dealings with the victim and sought him out directly."
Garcia-Vargas was taken into custody Monday night, according to police.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Domynic Yerger
Age : 37
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304493
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shanna Taylor
Age : 34
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304512
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Damon Wade
Age : 52
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304496
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: N/A
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Sanchez
Age : 43
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304503
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Smith Jr.
Age : 43
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304495
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
George Stevens
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304519
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aaron Rawls
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304494
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: N/A
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Robinson III
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304513
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Dakota Ruel
Age : 29
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304510
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Juan Salas
Age : 44
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304522
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Murray
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304499
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Office
Offense Description: DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alex Marion III
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304498
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON (SOCIETY IS VICTIM)
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Crystal McLain
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304507
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; DEALING - COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANCE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Maria Hoyo
Age : 55
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304501
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paris Hewlett
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304515
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Coleman
Age : 36
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304502
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON; THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750; OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Brandon Dubose
Age : 24
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304504
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: SEXUAL BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diana Enriquez
Age : 21
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304492
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jessica Hermosillo
Age : 30
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304511
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Erich Boone
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304509
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Office
Offense Description: SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION VIOLATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dwayne Smith
Age : 59
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304533
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Javante Toran
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304551
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Williams Jr.
Age : 49
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304543
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - FORCIBLY RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vandana Pagany
Age : 49
Residence: Hinsdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304539
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - PERJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Parker
Age : 38
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304554
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daniel Rosario
Age : 49
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304537
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM BUILDING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Obaid Shafiq
Age : 45
Residence: Hinsdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304540
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paul Newlin
Age : 54
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304528
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Pablito Madera II
Age : 37
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304546
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Manson Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304541
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Willie McGee
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304564
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Donna Jackson
Age : 37
Residence: Aurora, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304538
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- INVASION OF PRIVACY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jocelyn James
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304548
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - VEHICLE - MOTOR VEHICLE - CONVERSION - UNAUTHORIZED CONTROL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kamika Harrell
Age : 29
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304534
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - OBTAINING PROPERTY - BY CREDIT CARD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Angel Bousono Jr.
Age : 52
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304563
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kenyatta Branch
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304535
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST ENDANGERED ADULT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Derrick Daniel
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304545
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rodney Allen Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304558
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cesar Torres
Age : 52
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304569
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Toy
Age : 65
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304572
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Roman Martinez
Age : 39
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304581
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lori Minyard
Age : 60
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304576
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jeremy Lewis
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304579
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Keck
Age : 36
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304573
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Hellems
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304571
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Darius Herron
Age : 30
Residence: Markham, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304567
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Flores
Age : 36
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304574
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nariana Williams
Age : 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304611
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Chad Shaw
Age : 29
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304591
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Vann
Age : 28
Residence: South Haven, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304589
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ricardo Vela
Age : 22
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304583
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Whiting Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Neely
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304594
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Trendarious Peterson Mosley
Age : 22
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304595
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Keandrea Robinson
Age : 34
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304596
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bailey Llamas
Age : 28
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304609
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY; POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Anthony Hardesty-Berry
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304587
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Hope Horn
Age : 49
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304588
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Lenoir-Williams
Age : 30
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304600
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cristina Galka
Age : 31
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304614
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Armando Cartagena-Dhuperoyis
Age : 62
Residence: Silverdale, WA
Booking Number(s): 2304602
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Gregory Cormick Jr.
Age : 22
Residence: New Oreleans, LA
Booking Number(s): 2304584
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Genito Balderas
Age : 26
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304619
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
William Betts
Age : 27
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304612
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Benjamin Byers
Age : 21
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304599
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON (SOCIETY IS VICTIM)
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Albanese
Age : 57
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304605
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Baker
Age : 41
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304514
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roderick Atkins
Age : 44
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304500
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mark Abel
Age : 36
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304516
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: Confinement
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Berlin man sentenced to 50 years in abuse of 1-month-old infant
A 50-year sentence was handed to a Berlin man last week after he was convicted of child abuse and related offenses.
Connor Kelly, 32, was found guilty in March of child abuse in the second degree, three counts of second degree assault and one count of neglect of a minor. Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau H. Oglesby sentenced Kelly to 50 years in the Division of Corrections on May 19.
On Feb. 15 in 2021, the Ocean Pines Police Department received a call regarding a one-month old male infant who presented with a spiral fracture of the arm at Atlantic General Hospital. Doctors also determined that in addition to the spiral fracture, the infant had suffered from several broken ribs, which were old enough to be already healing.
A joint investigation with Ocean Pines Police and Child Protective Services was conducted, and they learned that Kelly, the infant's biological father, had been solely responsible for the child's care on the days he suffered the injuries.
Investigators also obtained text messages written by Kelly on the dates in question proving that he knew about the child's injuries and that he attempted to cover them up by providing false information regarding the cause of the injuries to medical personnel.
More:Non-fatal shootings double in Maryland in 8-year stretch. Funding to help on the way.
More:What we know about Sussex Central High School staff placed on administrative leave | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/25/berlin-man-sentenced-to-50-years-in-child-abuse-case/70256150007/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:02 | 0 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/25/berlin-man-sentenced-to-50-years-in-child-abuse-case/70256150007/ |
Delmar man sentenced to 10 years in child pornography case
Brandon Ehrisman of Delmar, Maryland, has been sentenced to 10 years of incarceration with five years suspended after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
W. Newton Jackson, a senior Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, sentenced Ehrisman, 35, on May 16, 2023.
Upon his release, Ehrisman will be placed on five years of supervised probation, with specialized sex offender supervision. He will also have to register as a Tier II sex offender, which is a 25-year term of registration, the Wicomico County State's Attorney's office said in a news release.
According to the release, at the time, Ehrisman was on supervised probation in Worcester County for a conviction of sexual solicitation of a minor. This conviction will serve to violate his probation in the Worcester County case.
Maryland State Police received a report on Dec. 7, 2022, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that 25 videos depicting child pornography had been distributed to another user on the internet through use of the KiK messenger application.
CRIME:Two juveniles face charges in December 2022 theft of school bus, vans: Sheriff's office
MORE CRIME:Wicomico County man sentenced to 98 years for sexual abuse, rape of minor
Through investigation, police were able to track use of the KiK messenger account through its IP address to Ehrisman’s residence in Wicomico County. Police executed a search and seizure warrant and were able to obtain the contents of the suspect KiK messenger account, the release stated.
Law enforcement identified the account that distributed the child pornography as belonging to Ehrisman due to the fact that, amongst the videos of child pornography, Ehrisman had likewise uploaded pictures of his face and genitalia utilizing the application, the release said.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/25/delmar-man-sentenced-to-10-years-in-child-pornography-case/70256166007/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:08 | 1 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/05/25/delmar-man-sentenced-to-10-years-in-child-pornography-case/70256166007/ |
DANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Police Department is searching for a woman reported missing.
Police say 26-year-old Danielle Jeffers was last seen by her family on Tuesday, May 23.
Her family is concerned about her welfare, according to DPD.
DPD did not specify where she was last seen. What she was wearing when she was last seen and where she is going is unknown, according to police.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Danville Police Department by either calling patrol at 434-799-6510 option 4, investigations at 434-799-6508 option 1, and option 1 again, calling 911, contacting Crime Stoppers at 434-793-0000, approaching any officer you see, through social media, via email crimetips@danvilleva.gov, or use the crime tips app CARE. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/danville-police-searching-for-woman-last-seen-tuesday/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:35 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/danville-police-searching-for-woman-last-seen-tuesday/ |
SALEM, Va. – Feeding Southwest Virginia is asking for your support.
Leaders say they conducted a virtual donation drive for the Stamp Out Hunger Campaign this year because of staffing shortages.
Feeding Southwest Virginia staff say they are extending the drive to May 30 to reach $10,000.
They are currently $2,200 short and are asking for the public’s help.
“I stress to the public, if you can only give us a dollar then give us a dollar, we have found generous people no matter what their income is and a lot of times people have a generous heart,” President and CEO Pamela Irvine said.
Staff say $10,000 will provide 30,000 meals to families in the 26-county region. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/feeding-southwest-virginia-seeks-donations/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:41 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/feeding-southwest-virginia-seeks-donations/ |
School shootings are pushing law enforcement to look at alternative ways to keep students safe.
One organization, Cardinal Criminal Training Academy, is training first responders through active shooter events, to be prepared if something should happen.
“I was really surprised when I first opened, that I would see as many college kids,” Savannah Oakes, owner of Wonderous Books said.
Oakes takes pride in creating a safe space for students.
“It feels very rewarding,” Oakes said.
It’s why Oakes is pleased law enforcement is training at Roanoke College, taking a proactive approach to make sure students are safe as well.
“I think it’s amazing, I think it really needs to happen,” Oakes said.
Executive Director for the Cardinal Criminal Training Academy, Gary Moore, says they train several law enforcement members across the region.
The sole purpose of the training is to eliminate an active shooter.
“We’re training those tactics on how to get in and save people,” Moore said.
Moore says 30 first responders are training at Roanoke College for five days.
Staff spend a few days in the classroom teaching take-down tactics; the other days they are putting those tactics into use.
“Movement down hallways, they’re covering dangerous areas like threat zones, identifying where potential victims would be,” Moore said.
Moore says training is important, especially with the shooting that happened on Bridgewater College’s campus, in February last year.
It’s where two campus police officers died in the shooting after responding to a suspicious person.
Moore’s son was a student during the incident.
“I’ve never experienced the sheer stress that I felt under that,” Moore said.
It’s why Moore is pleased the Cardinal Training Academy can provide the resources needed to make sure first responders can handle any situation.
“It’s 100 percent important,” Moore said. “I can remember Columbine and early North Hollywood shooting, a lot of those things changed perspective.” | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/law-enforcement-training-ensures-students-are-safe-in-active-shooter-situations/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:47 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/law-enforcement-training-ensures-students-are-safe-in-active-shooter-situations/ |
Rain is on the way this holiday weekend.
Chief Meteorologist Jeff Haniewich joins us tonight to let you know what day will have the best chance for rain, and which day will be best for you to get outside.
For more details on the forecast, click here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/tonight-rain-is-on-the-way-for-memorial-day-weekend-see-how-long-itll-last-appcast/ | 2023-05-25T22:17:53 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/25/tonight-rain-is-on-the-way-for-memorial-day-weekend-see-how-long-itll-last-appcast/ |
PALM HARBOR, Fla. — An employee at a Palm Harbor nursing home was arrested after she was accused of pushing a resident on Wednesday, May 24.
Delana Dallas-Hudson, a 51-year-old certified nursing assistant, is charged with abuse of a disabled adult, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies began investigating after the administrative coordinator at Orchid Cove at Palm Harbor reported the incident. Throughout the investigation, deputies learned that Dallas-Hudson allegedly pushed the person to the ground after they requested ice from her several times.
Witnesses told deputies they heard the person who was disabled request ice and then recounted hearing someone falling to the ground, the sheriff's office reports.
One staff member event recounted hearing Dallas-Hudson yell, "Go ahead, hit me."
According to the sheriff's office, the person requested ice, but Dallas-Hudson brought them a cup of ice with water.
"The victim, who is nearly non-verbal, began following Dallas-Hudson, stating 'ice' when Dallas-Hudson grabbed and crushed the cup the victim was holding, causing the ice water to spray all over the victim," authorities said. "Dallas-Hudson then pushed the victim to the ground."
That person suffered minor injuries, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies were able to speak with Dallas-Hudson who admitted to crushing to the events and said she pushed the person in the chest even though they offered no threat of violence to her, Pinellas County deputies said.
Dallas-Hudson was terminated from the nursing home. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/nursing-home-employee-arrested-orchid-cove-abuse-disabled-adult-charge/67-bece381f-af23-4e67-9755-342e67255e3a | 2023-05-25T22:20:50 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/nursing-home-employee-arrested-orchid-cove-abuse-disabled-adult-charge/67-bece381f-af23-4e67-9755-342e67255e3a |
A pair of city-sponsored competitions encouraging interest in reading among residents are set to begin on Friday.
According to a news release from Lincoln City Libraries and the mayor's office, the contests are primarily geared toward Lincoln's younger residents.
The 86th annual Summer Reading Challenge will task them with logging 10 hours of reading, four library visits and completing eight unspecified reading activities. The other contest will grant residents 11 years old or younger the chance to create and submit their own artwork to be potentially featured on the city's official library card, with submissions accepted until 5 p.m. on June 30.
"Kids, grab your crayons and colored pencils, and help us put your art in everyone's wallet," Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said in the release. "Your artwork could become the first new library card design in 35 years."
People are also reading…
Registration for the reading challenge will begin on Friday and end on July 31, with prizes offered to those who register, including a free ticket to a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game, book bags, raffle tickets for gift cards, coupons and more.
All told, 10,000 children, 2,500 teens and 3,500 adults are expected to participate, according to the release. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/summer-reading-art-design-contests-to-begin-friday/article_55402ca6-fb25-11ed-9d79-0b164b3f02a7.html | 2023-05-25T22:21:24 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/summer-reading-art-design-contests-to-begin-friday/article_55402ca6-fb25-11ed-9d79-0b164b3f02a7.html |
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praises Eastern Iowa Airport's $20 million modernization
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent Thursday morning at the Eastern Iowa Airport, touring and observing a federally-funded $20 million expansion project meant to modernize the facility.
Buttigieg was quick to credit the airport's progressive initiative.
“Cedar Rapids is a place that saw the importance and the potential of the Eastern Iowa Airport years ago and began investing in it then,” he said to a crowd of more than 80 people that included Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, Coralville Mayor Meghann Foster, Sen. Janice Weiner and other elected officials.
Last July, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it would award $20,415,727 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to the Eastern Iowa Airport.
The funding will be used to modernize the local terminals by adding four additional passenger gates.
The project is set to complete in early 2025, Marty Lenns, Eastern Iowa Airport director, told the Press-Citizen. Buttigieg voiced his support of the local efforts and believes the government should continue to aid the project financially.
“The whole idea of this funding is that the visions, the projects, the plans, the design, the engineering, the answers aren’t going to come out of Washington, but more of the funding should,” Buttigieg said.
Eastern Iowa Airport's federal funding supports economic growth, passenger experience
The Wright brothers, widely created with inventing the airplane, were once residents of Cedar Rapids in their younger years, highlighting a lengthy aviation history, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said.
She discussed the continued growth of Cedar Rapids and how the economic strength of the city relies on the Eastern Iowa Airport.
Buttigieg complimented the Eastern Iowa Airport's ability to secure a competitive grant.
He believes the airport's modernization initiative reflects their varying needs, including economic growth and a better passenger experience − specifically improvements to the concourse and security lines. Buttigieg is “eager” to emphasize places that are preparing for more “volume.”
The terminal modernization program began in 2014.
The first phase was completed the following year and focused on the front roadway, sidewalks and the front facia of the terminal, the Press-Citizen reported. The second phase included rental car counters, airline ticket counters, baggage claim and HVAC systems while phase three expanded the security screening checkpoint, added more seating in the concourse and expanded on concessions.
The benefits of the expansion include an increase in passenger capacity, an improvement in accessibility and an improvement in energy efficiency, according to an FAA news release.
The funding is provided by the Airport Terminals Program, an aviation program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Buttigieg said not only will the modernization provide good paying, union jobs, but jobs in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism are created and sustained because of transportation.
Buttigieg, who grew up in South Bend, Indiana, said success largely meant leaving town.
“We’re seeing people come home for a lot more than that,” he said. “We’re seeing people choose and move to these locations in the Midwest that are seeing their potential realized as never before and that’s something that we are proud to help make possible through these infrastructure investments.”
Pete Buttigieg is asked about anti-LGBTQ legislation and concerns over a default in the White House
Iowa's recent anti-LGBTQ legislation was a topic of conservation Thursday morning as well.
In Iowa, bills were passed that “prohibit instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through sixth grade” and “prohibit transgender youth from using school restrooms that align with their gender identity,” the Des Moines Register reported.
Buttigieg said the bills shed light on how many elected leaders must shift their priorities.
“Here we are in Cedar Rapids working on making life a little easier for airline passengers and they’re over there in Des Moines working on making life a little harder for LGBTQ high schoolers,” he said.
“Of all the things you could do with the power and the trust and the resources that are put in your hands as an elected official, why wouldn’t you be concentrating more on building roads and bridges and fixing up airports and making insulin more affordable and helping veterans and all the other things that were doing as an administration," he said.
A default must be prevented, Buttigieg added when asked what concerned him.
The U.S. has never defaulted on its debts, and if it did, it would throw “both domestic and global economies into chaos,” USA TODAY reported. Debt ceiling negotiations have continued to take place as June approaches, a time in which Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assessed that, “the odds of reaching June 15, while being able to pay all of our bills, is quite low.”
“A default would create just unacceptable and even unthinkable consequences for our economy, which of course would affect the transportation sector as it would affect everything else,” Buttigieg said.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza. | https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-tours-eastern-iowa-airport/70253438007/ | 2023-05-25T22:21:27 | 1 | https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-tours-eastern-iowa-airport/70253438007/ |
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton teetered on the brink of impeachment Thursday after years of scandal, criminal charges and corruption accusations that the state's Republican majority had largely met with silence for years until now.
In a unanimous decision, a Republican-led investigative committee that spent months quietly looking into Paxton recommended impeaching the state's top lawyer.
The state House of Representatives could vote on the recommendation as soon as Friday.
If the House impeaches Paxton, he would be forced to leave office immediately. The move sets set up a remarkably sudden downfall for one of the GOP's most prominent legal combatants, who in 2020 asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn President Joe Biden's victory. Only two other officials in Texas' nearly 200-year history have been impeached.
Paxton has been under FBI investigation for years over accusations that he used his office to help a donor and was separately indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015, but has yet to stand trial.
Unlike in Congress, impeachment in Texas requires immediate removal from office until a trial is held in the Senate. That means Paxton faces ouster at the hands of GOP lawmakers just seven months after easily winning a third term over challengers - among them George P. Bush - who had urged voters to reject a compromised incumbent but discovered that many didn't know about Paxton's litany of alleged misdeeds or dismissed the accusations as political attacks. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott could appoint an interim replacement.
Paxton has suggested that the investigation that came to light to week is a politically motivated attack and said the Republican House leadership is too "liberal" for the state.
Chris Hilton, a senior lawyer in the attorney general's office, told reporters before Thursday's committee vote that what investigators said about Paxton was "false," "misleading," and "full of errors big and small." He said all of the allegations were known to voters when they reelected him in November.
Impeachment requires a two-thirds vote of the state's 150-member House chamber, where Republicans hold a commanding 85-64 majority.
In one sense, Paxton's political peril arrived with dizzying speed: House Republicans did not reveal they had been investigating him until Tuesday, followed the next day by an extraordinary public airing of alleged criminal acts he committed as one of Texas' most powerful figures.
But to Paxton's detractors, who now include a widening share of his own party in the Texas Capitol, the rebuke was seen as years in the making.
In 2014, he admitted to violating Texas securities law by not registering as an investment advisor while soliciting clients. A year later, Paxton was indicted on felony securities charges by a grand jury in his hometown near Dallas, where he was accused of defrauding investors in a tech startup. He has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts that carry a potential sentence of five to 99 years in prison.
He opened a legal defense fund and accepted $100,000 from an executive whose company was under investigation by Paxton's office for Medicaid fraud. An additional $50,000 was donated by an Arizona retiree whose son Paxton later hired to a high-ranking job but was soon fired after trying to make a point by displaying child pornography in a meeting.
What has unleashed the most serious risk to Paxton is his relationship with another wealthy donor, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.
Several of Paxton's top aides in 2020 said they became concerned the attorney general was misusing the powers of his office to help Paul over unproven claims that an elaborate conspiracy to steal $200 million of his properties was afoot. The FBI searched Paul's home in 2019 but he has not been charged and his attorneys have denied wrongdoing. Paxton also told staff members that he had an affair with a woman who, it later emerged, worked for Paul.
Paxton's aides accused him of corruption and were all fired or quit after reporting him to the FBI. Four sued under Texas' whistleblower laws, accusing Paxton of wrongful retaliation, and in February agreed to settle the case for $3.3 million. But the Texas House must approve the payout and Phelan has said he doesn't think taxpayers should foot the bill.
Shortly after the settlement was reached, the House investigation into Paxton began. The probe amounted to rare scrutiny of Paxton in the state Capitol, where many Republicans have long taken a muted posture about the accusations that have followed the attorney general.
That includes Abbott, who in January swore in Paxton for a third term and said the way he approached the job was "the right way to run the attorney's general's office."
Only twice has the Texas House impeached a sitting official: Gov. James Ferguson in 1917 and state Judge O.P. Carrillo in 1975.
KEN PAXTON
Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-lawmakers-recommend-impeaching-attorney-general-ken-paxton-after-republican-investigation/3265419/ | 2023-05-25T22:21:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-lawmakers-recommend-impeaching-attorney-general-ken-paxton-after-republican-investigation/3265419/ |
Originally published May 24 on KTVB.COM.
Hazy skies loomed over parts of the Treasure Valley last week, caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires — a sign that wildfire season in Idaho isn't far away.
As the weather warms, firefighters and government agencies are preparing for the battle against wildfires this summer.
And there are ways you can prepare too.
The Idaho Department of Lands is one of several government agencies that responds to wildfires across the state. They offer a Wildfire Alerts service to help give Idahoans up-to-date info on wildfires, when minutes can make all the difference.
"We're starting to talk in terms of fire years instead of fire seasons, we really have to be prepared," Robbie Johnson, public information officer for the Idaho Department of Lands, said. "For Idaho, right now we have seen small fires, they haven't gone anywhere, we've been able to get them out. But it's already time where those wildfires can start, and particularly at a time where people are going out and recreating."
The Idaho Department of Lands protects 9 million acres across the state from wildfires. That area includes state land, which manages resources and generates revenue; industrial land, used for industries including timber; private forests and the wildland urban interface — area where buildings meet undeveloped land.
"That's where more and more people are building homes, they have their cabins. And that's a huge area that we're very concerned about as we grow as a state," Johnson said.
In addition to protecting lands, the Department of Lands has a way to help protect you.
"We get wildfire information from all sorts of sources these days," Johnson said. "So, what we're trying to do is really bridge the gap and fill that need for real specific locations within the areas we protect from wildfire."
The department has a Wildfire Alert service that you can sign up for online at idl.idaho.gov that sends text or email updates about wildfires near you.
"You can sign up for alerts in a specific area near where you have property, you can get alerts that cover all of the protection areas, we have all the areas we're protecting from wildfire," Johnson said. "You get that, you sign up for it, and then when we respond to a fire, we get that information to you. So you have that timely information to protect yourself, decide if you need to leave."
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and this week marks the 'Week of Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention' in Idaho.
In addition to staying up to date with wildfire alerts, there are also steps you can take to help prevent wildfires this summer.
"Right now, make those decisions so you're ready. For example, when you're going camping, when you're going to use a campfire, do those things now — have a shovel, bring a jug to fill with water so you can make sure that fire is out," Johnson said. "People leaving campfires not completely extinguished, and just taking off and not putting them out, that's a huge risk that we see for wildland fires, it happens all the time."
The Idaho Department of Lands recently sent a crew of 13 to Alberta to help fight wildfires in Canada.
The department also says Idaho is pretty unique in how dry the state can get, and how much wilderness Idaho has — both reasons for why the Gem State is so prone to wildfires.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-department-of-lands-encourages-idahoans-to-sign-up-for-the-wildfire-alerts-system/article_a2d8fd68-fb38-11ed-b3f2-9b2ae0932a5b.html | 2023-05-25T22:23:09 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-department-of-lands-encourages-idahoans-to-sign-up-for-the-wildfire-alerts-system/article_a2d8fd68-fb38-11ed-b3f2-9b2ae0932a5b.html |
Idaho residents who paid to file their taxes in 2017-2019 despite qualifying to file for free are receiving payments under a nationwide settlement with Intuit, the company behind tax filing software TurboTax.
Eligible TurboTax customers qualify automatically for the payment, and do not have to opt into the settlement. They should have already received an email from the settlement administrator and will receive a physical check in the mail.
“It’s possible your payment will not be mailed until late May, and therefore you may not receive your payment until early June,” according to the settlement website, run by a third-party administrator.
The checks to Idahoans are sent by “State of Idaho, Office of the Attorney General, Intuit Multistate Settlement Administrator” from a post office box in Minnesota.
The settlement agreement was announced last year after ProPublica reporting revealed the company used deceptive marketing practices to upgrade and upcharge customers who qualified to file for free.
Each affected customer is expected to receive about $30 for each tax year they qualified under the settlement, or up to $90. The settlement between Intuit and all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., totals $141 million.
Idaho Reports has asked the Idaho Attorney General’s Office for comment. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idahoans-receiving-turbotax-settlement-payments/article_853cbe66-fb24-11ed-9821-cbeb5185ed82.html | 2023-05-25T22:23:15 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idahoans-receiving-turbotax-settlement-payments/article_853cbe66-fb24-11ed-9821-cbeb5185ed82.html |
The U.S. Supreme Court in a major environmental decision on Thursday overturned the Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of wetlands that fall under the agency’s jurisdiction, siding with an Idaho couple who’d said they should not be required to obtain federal permits to build on their property that lacked any navigable water.
The couple, Michael and Chantell Sackett, sought to build a house near Priest Lake in the state’s panhandle.
All nine justices agreed to overturn the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling that endorsed the Biden administration’s broad definition of waters of the United States, or WOTUS, the term for what falls under federal enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
But they published four separate opinions that showed a 5-4 split in how far they would allow federal jurisdiction to extend.
Writing for the court’s conservative majority, Justice Samuel Alito said the Clean Water Act applies only to wetlands with a “continuous surface connection” to the navigable waters like streams, lakes, oceans and rivers that are directly covered by the law.
The Biden administration’s definition — that said an area with an ecologically “significant nexus” to a navigable waterway was subject to Clean Water Act enforcement — would put nearly all waters and wetlands in the country under federal jurisdiction, with little room for state enforcement, Alito wrote.
Wetlands must be virtually indistinguishable from the navigable waters for federal jurisdiction to apply, he wrote.
But conservative Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, with the court’s three liberals joining, wrote that a continuous surface connection to navigable waters was not strictly necessary for wetlands to fall under federal jurisdiction, but that Michael and Chantell Sackett, the Idaho property owners who challenged the federal definition, should still prevail in the case.
Kavanaugh, in a notable departure from the usual alliance on the court, said the majority rewrote the law and introduced new questions about wetlands that have long been subject to federal jurisdiction.
“The Court’s new and overly narrow test may leave long-regulated and long-accepted-to-be-regulable wetlands suddenly beyond the scope of the agencies’ regulatory authority, with negative consequences for waters of the United States,” he wrote.
CASE BEFORE SUPREME COURT WAS PART OF LENGTHY LEGAL FIGHT ON REACH OF CLEAN WATER ACT
The case is part of a decades-long legal conflict to define the reach of the Clean Water Act.
Agricultural interests, home builders and Republican officials have argued that the federal regulations impose an undue burden and should be applied narrowly.
“I am glad to see the court provide needed clarity on this issue,” Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson said in a statement. “The EPA simply cannot continue in its attempt to regulate every puddle, ditch and stream in this country. This decision is a victory for Idaho and the many property owners, farmers and ranchers who are left to deal with the very real consequences of regulatory uncertainty.”
Other Republican officials praised the ruling as well.
“The Supreme Court just ruled that Biden’s overreaching WOTUS interpretation is unconstitutional,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, said on Twitter. “This is a huge win for farmers across America.”
Environmental groups and Democrats have argued for a broader definition that they say allows the federal government to offer important protections.
“Federal protections that don’t depend on local politics or regional polluter influence are essential to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities nationwide,” Jim Murphy, the director of legal advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement. “The court’s ruling removes these vital protections from important streams and wetlands in every state.”
Murphy called on Congress and state governments to adopt stronger standards. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/u-s-supreme-court-rejects-biden-wetlands-regulation-ruling-for-idaho-couple/article_2a1d0222-fb3b-11ed-9794-8b17d2eab6fb.html | 2023-05-25T22:23:24 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/u-s-supreme-court-rejects-biden-wetlands-regulation-ruling-for-idaho-couple/article_2a1d0222-fb3b-11ed-9794-8b17d2eab6fb.html |
A Delaware woman is facing decades in prison after pleading guilty to killing her 3-year-old daughter and dumping her burned remains on a softball field.
Kristie Haas, 31, pleaded guilty Thursday to murder by abuse or neglect, abuse of a corpse, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 50 years in prison on the murder charge, suspended for non-custodial supervision after 30 years behind bars. The murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Prosecutors are recommending probation for the other counts and will drop several other felony and misdemeanor charges.
“Yes, your honor,” Haas repeatedly intoned softly as Superior Court Judge Noel Primos asked whether she understood the nature of the charges and the consequences of entering a guilty plea.
At the request of attorneys, Primos, who is not bound by the sentencing recommendation, deferred sentencing until July 10, the date on which a trial for Haas was to begin.
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Prosecutor Kevin Smith said the delay will allow time for relatives of the victim, Emma Grace Cole, to make arrangements to travel from out of state to attend the sentencing.
Attorneys, in the meantime, will prepare sentencing memoranda. Smith said prosecutors are recommending a mental health evaluation of Haas. Defense attorney Patrick Collins told the judge that Haas is already being treated for bipolar disorder and depression.
“She is current on her medications,” he said.
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The defense and prosecution disagree on whether Haas should be barred from having any contact with her three other children, as recommended by prosecutors, or whether she should be allowed contact pursuant to court orders.
Collins declined to comment as he left the courtroom. The court entered a partial gag order in June 2021 restricting what attorneys could say about the case, which has drawn widespread media attention.
“What this defendant did to her own daughter was heinous, and this week brings a complex and harrowing case to a just end,” Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in a prepared statement. “This conviction doesn’t just bring certainty in outcome and a lengthy sentence — it ensures that Emma’s young siblings, who would otherwise have been absolutely required to testify at trial, will not be retraumatized by having to relive the terror of Emma’s last days.”
The child’s body was found in September 2019 by a person walking a dog through Smyrna-Clayton Little Lass Fields, a softball park near Smyrna Middle School in central Delaware. At the time, Emma lived with her parents and siblings less than a mile from the ball field. Authorities believe Emma had been dead for several weeks before her body was found.
Haas and her husband, Brandon Haas, who was the child’s stepfather, were arrested in Pennsylvania in October 2020, more than a year after the child’s body was found. Both were originally indicted on felony charges of child abuse, child endangerment and hindering prosecution involving Emma’s death, as well as misdemeanor child endangerment charges involving her siblings.
Kristie Haas also was charged with felony assault, abusing a corpse and reckless burning. The charges against her were later upgraded to include two counts of murder.
Authorities alleged that the couple withheld food and medical care from Emma and subjected her to “torture or maltreatment,” while also subjecting her and her siblings to excessive forced exercise and inappropriate physical discipline.
A trial for Brandon Haas is set to begin July 10. He faces more than 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delaware-woman-pleads-guilty-to-killing-3-year-old-daughter-dumping-remains-on-softball-field/3573759/ | 2023-05-25T22:25:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/delaware-woman-pleads-guilty-to-killing-3-year-old-daughter-dumping-remains-on-softball-field/3573759/ |
Explosives were removed from a Bucks County home after a bomb squad was called in to investigate, sources told NBC10.
Police and the Philadelphia Bomb Squad responded to a home on Pennsylvania Avenue in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, early Thursday morning. Sources told NBC10 explosive devices were found inside the house and safely removed. Investigators were later seen removing items from the home.
Investigators have not yet revealed what initially brought them to the home or if any arrests were made. Police said all possible explosives were taken from the home and residents in neighboring houses are safe as they continue to investigate.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Get Philly local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/explosives-removed-from-bucks-county-home-sources-say/3573753/ | 2023-05-25T22:25:08 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/explosives-removed-from-bucks-county-home-sources-say/3573753/ |
MESA, Ariz. — Officials are investigating a house fire that turned fatal Thursday afternoon in east Mesa.
Three people initially managed to exit the burning residence near Main Street and Sossaman Road but one of them reportedly went back inside to find a dog, according to Rural Metro Fire.
That person and the dog did not make it out of the fire, RMF said.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has now taken over the death investigation.
Up to Speed
Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.
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12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/1-dead-after-woman-runs-burning-mesa-home-find-dog/75-159d8d9f-a5ea-453d-9b79-a0a64873cea0 | 2023-05-25T22:26:16 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/1-dead-after-woman-runs-burning-mesa-home-find-dog/75-159d8d9f-a5ea-453d-9b79-a0a64873cea0 |
EGG HARBOR CITY — Lori Giegold wasn't expecting Thursday to be the day when she'd again have a taste of being back in Vernon, Sussex County.
Lying in bed Thursday morning in her New York Avenue home, her boyfriend stormed into the bedroom, she said, showing her video of a bear sniffing her trash can.
"He's like, 'You want to see something really crazy?'" said Giegold, 51, recalling the moments before seeing the doorbell camera footage.
When she lived near a wildlife refuge in Sussex County, Giegold encountered bears often, she said.
"Having bears in my backyard was an everyday thing," she said. "For a second, it didn't click with me, but then I was like, 'Holy crap, I'm not up in Vernon anymore. This is South Jersey."
A timestamp showed the bear passing by her home at 3:41 a.m. Thursday.
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Giegold believed the bear to be young but not a small cub.
She'd been around bears before, including a time when one came within feet of her, which made Thursday's footage not as startling as it might for others.
"He had to be about 600 pounds, and I just kind of froze and was like, "OK, I'm not going to panic,'" Giegold said of her encounter while in North Jersey. "He kind of sniffed at me, turned around and just walked on his way."
Egg Harbor City police followed up with Giegold, later contacting the Division of Fish and Wildlife to report the sighting. Hours later, police updated their Facebook page to say the animal was also spotted crossing Duerer Street near Norfolk Avenue.
It was unclear whether the Division of Fish and Wildlife would probe the sightings further.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the division, couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Housing Authority is “a mess,” according to the new execut…
Some may consider bear sightings an oddity for South Jersey, but they're not as rare as may be perceived.
Like on Thursday, a bear in June 2005 likely picked the city as a place to call home. Law enforcement reported seeing the animal in backyards, in one case watching it move while only separated by a chain-link fence. In another sighting, the bear was seen from the city's rail station by a passenger waiting for a train to Philadelphia.
Some as far as Galloway Township reported seeing the creature that year.
A decent amount of the city is made of wooded area stretching into portions of Wharton State Forest.
Mayor Lisa Jiampetti was made aware of the bear early Thursday morning. She said the city likely won't take further action besides cautioning people about how to act if they spot the animal.
"We'll see where he goes," Jiampetti said. "He might just be visiting and move on to another community."
ATLANTIC CITY — A dissenting voice and a center of controversy has been removed from his pos…
Police told locals to not approach the bear if it's seen.
If someone is face to face with a bear, they should make themselves appear big, shouting and clapping their hands, according to a tip sheet from the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
There's a chance the bear may have come from a far-out area in the woods, Jiampetti said.
"Bears are wanderers," Jiampetti said. "They'll travel miles. Who even knows where the bear came from?"
Giegold doesn't know where her visitor came from, but she hopes people will leave it alone.
"They're so beautiful," Giegold said. "I just hope nobody bothers it and let it live its life." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/bear-seen-exploring-egg-harbor-city/article_16abc720-fb39-11ed-9c65-dfbc573d0c6a.html | 2023-05-25T22:26:16 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/bear-seen-exploring-egg-harbor-city/article_16abc720-fb39-11ed-9c65-dfbc573d0c6a.html |
Farpoint Toys & Collectibles' annual toy show returns this weekend.
It's A Toy Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the toy store's property located at 5113 Harding Highway (Route 40) in Mays Landing.
The free-to-vend, free-to-attend show features dozens of vendors with tables loaded with some of pop culture's most popular items. That includes toys, comics, Funko Pops and more of brands including Star Wars, Marvel and DC, anime and more.
"The special thing about this year is I feel the looming past of COVID has finally eased up enough where people feel comfortable mingling outdoors and there's a return to normalcy for this kickoff to the summer," said Justin Daniels, who owns Farpoint with his wife, Penelope.
Former WWE and ECW star the Blue Meanie, who grew up in Atlantic City with Justin Daniels, will be there signing autographs after 11 a.m.
Since Farpoint's parking lot will be used as grounds for the show, Atlantic City Electric offered its parking lot across the highway for those looking to attend. A Hamilton Township police officer will be on detail to help attendees safely cross Route 40.
Attendees are asked to not pull over and park on the shoulder, and are asked to use the crosswalk at the 32nd Avenue light to and from the show.
"We want to make sure people's safety is paramount and our No. 1 concern," Justin Daniels said. "The road gets crazy, and a lot of people drive by and want to stop and see the commotion and pull over. But we have signs for parking prominently displayed."
Daniels extended his gratitude toward township Commissioner Amy Gatto, who got them in touch with A.C. Electric.
"Without their parking, this show wouldn't be able to happen," Daniels said, adding thanks to township police for helping keep the event safe.
The show originated with It’s A Toy Store in Buena Vista Township, which started the show 16 years ago. The Danielses, who partnered with It’s A Toy Store owner Frank Mosentoff before buying him outright, have been running the show the past six years. There was no show in 2020 due to the pandemic.
PHOTOS: It's A Toy Show at Farpoint in Mays Landing
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Farpoint Toys & Collectibles owners Penelope and Justin Daniels, of Mays Landing, have been running It’s A Toy Show for six years. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/farpoint-to-hold-annual-its-a-toy-show-on-saturday-in-mays-landing/article_862bb9da-fb33-11ed-95c5-ab6e2765c5b2.html | 2023-05-25T22:26:22 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/farpoint-to-hold-annual-its-a-toy-show-on-saturday-in-mays-landing/article_862bb9da-fb33-11ed-95c5-ab6e2765c5b2.html |
Friday, May 26
ATLANTIC COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PROGRAM: 2 p.m.; featuring the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Color Guard, the Atlantic County Corrections Officers’ Honor Guard, the Sandpipers Pipes and Drums of Atlantic County and presentation of a memorial wreath; Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, located in the county park on Route 50, Estell Manor.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES PROGRAM: 10 a.m.; ceremony honoring 50 Atlantic County residents killed in action in the Vietnam War; features Atlantic City Fire and Police department members, bagpipers, Last Salute funeral and honor guard with Civil War bell and cannon; Jackson Avenue and the Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
POLICE WELCOME CENTER GRAND OPENING: noon; ribbon cutting ceremony for a Police Welcome Center outside the Ocean Club Condominium’s Boardwalk entrance; the condo complex has donated a space where police officers can house their bicycles for Boardwalk patrol and take personal breaks in a private setting; Chief James Sarkos will be present for the ribbon cutting; 3101 Boardwalk, Atlantic City.
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SHORE MEDICAL CENTER MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: noon; front lawn of Shore Medical Center, Bay Avenue, Somers Point.
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Sunday, May 28
MILITARY MUSEUM GRAND OPENING AND MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: 1 p.m.; the Simon Davies Military Museum, a private building housing the personal collection of Ocean City High School junior Simon Davies, celebrates its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and Memorial Day ceremony; public invited to attend; veterans and veteran advocates; speakers Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio, veteran Joseph Altimari and veterans advocate Joseph Griffies; Simon Davies Military Museum, 67 Tyler Road, Upper Township. 609-338-2586 or SimonDaviesMilitaryMuseum.com.
Monday, May 29
ATLANTIC CITY MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE: noon; keynote speaker is Atlantic City resident Sgt. Gerald R. Singer (U.S. Army retired); refreshments provided; in the event of rain, the program will be held at City Hall; Brown’s Memorial Park, 135 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Atlantic City; free.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: 9 a.m. to noon; veterans pay tribute to fallen comrades; Veterans Memorial Park, Ocean Heights Avenue, Egg Harbor Township. 609-926-4027.
LONGPORT MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; begins at 33rd Street and Atlantic Avenue and continues up to Ventnor Avenue and then south to the park and gazebo at the foot of the Longport Bridge, where a ceremony will be held. 609-645-3511.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS: 9:20 a.m. bike decoration contest, 10 a.m. parade at Memorial Field on Pacific Avenue; parade will continue north on Boyd Street, turn left on Mechanic Street, left on Dias Creek Road and end at American Legion Post 198; ceremony held after the parade at Post 198; register to enter the bike contest and the parade at middletownship.recdesk.com/community/home.
NORTH WILDWOOD MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: 10 a.m.; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5941 and the City of North Wildwood will be honoring our fallen soldiers from every war; North Wildwood Veterans Monument, Spruce and New York avenues.
SOMERS POINT MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: 11 a.m.; parade will begin at Dawes Avenue and Shore Road and proceed to City Hall, concluding with a ceremony at Patriots Park at Bethel Road and First Street; service to follow after the parade; veterans, scouts, military vehicles, antique cars, bands and decorated children’s bicycles are invited to participate. 609-833-5428.
UPPER TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: 10 to 11 a.m.; James Joyce, Osprey Point resident and U.S. Army veteran, will serve as host; flag presentation, Upper Township Boy Scout Troop 79 Color Guard, wreath ceremony, local dignitaries; Godfrey Memorial Park at Osprey Point, 1731 Route 9, Seaville. 609-390-8006.
VENTNOR MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE: hosted by Greater Absecon Island VFW Post 215; first service will be at City Hall at 9:45 a.m. followed by a service at the post home at 11 a.m.; 601 N. Dorset Ave. 609-703-1975 or vfw215.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/memorial-day-weekend-ceremonies-in-south-jersey/article_a76b3de2-f8e9-11ed-94f4-1b247586ed4f.html | 2023-05-25T22:26:28 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/memorial-day-weekend-ceremonies-in-south-jersey/article_a76b3de2-f8e9-11ed-94f4-1b247586ed4f.html |
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Paul Sacco, the winningest high school football coach in South Jersey history, will be back on the sidelines this fall.
Sacco confirmed Thursday he has been hired as an assistant by ACIT in Mays Landing. The Red Hawks are just building their program under head coach Chris Mancuso. ACIT played a freshmen schedule last year and will compete as a junior varsity team this season. The plan is to play varsity beginning in 2024.
“I can use my experience to help a program that is starting from scratch,” Sacco said. “You hear so many great things about (ACIT). It’s a great academic institution. This will give me a break and not have everything on my shoulders.”
Sacco, 66, stepped down as St. Joseph Academy coach after 41 seasons last fall, finishing with a record of 358-75-5 in 41 seasons.
Sacco thanked ACIT superintendent Philip Guenther, athletic director Rob Wagner and the ACIT Board of Education. Sacco has a long-time relationship with Wagner. The two have participated in the same power-lifting competitions.
“I always gravitated toward him,” Sacco said. “We spent a lot of time traveling around to meets together. He’s my type of person. We have the same ideas and thoughts.”
Sacco announced before the start of last season that it would be his last year at St. Joseph. He said at that time and has been steadfast ever since that he wanted to continue to coach.
Sacco built St. Joe into a power. Few schools in the state can match the Wildcats’ tradition of success. St. Joseph won 20 state titles since the state Non-Public playoffs began in 1993. The Wildcats won eight straight state titles from 1999-2006. During these years, it seemed their dominance would never wane.
Last fall, St. Joe finished 6-4 with a roster of fewer than 30 players against one of the tougher schedules in the West Jersey Football League.
“I will never forget that team,” he said. “They made me proud. They were just character kids playing hard.”
Sacco said he wants to coach for five more years.
“Anytime you can get the opportunity to coach kids,” Sacco said, “I think it’s a plus. If I can help (ACIT) with all the years of experience to guide them and work with the kids, I’m happy to do it. I don't know what will happen down the road, but like I've told the kids, one day at a time.”
GALLERY: Look back at St. Joes head football coach Paul Sacco's career
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St. Joseph coach Paul Sacco, Jr. reacts to a St. Augustine score during Saturday's game in Hammonton on September 21, 2019. Photo/Charles J. Olson
Charles J. Olson
-- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES --
Jada Byers sets another record
Jada Byers looks on as St. Joseph coach Paul Sacco addresses the team after its 41-16 win over Timber Creek.
DAVID WEINBERG
Staff Writer
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St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco, Jr. directs his team against Highland Regional Saturday Aug. 31, 2019 at Rutgers Stadium. (JACKIE SCHEAR/PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY)
Jackie Schear
Paul Sacco
St. Joseph High School football coach
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe state final
St. Joseph High School coach Paul Sacco, Jr., talks to his team on the way to winning the Non-Public Group 2 state final football game, beating Holy Spirit, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe state final
St. Joseph High School coach Paul Sacco, Jr., talks to his team on the way to winning the Non-Public Group 2 state final football game, beating Holy Spirit, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe state final
Coach Paul Sacco accepts the trophy as St. Joseph celebrates its victory over Holy Spirit at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford in 2018. Sacco has coached the Wildcats since 1982, and the upcoming season will be his last at the Hammonton school.
VERNON OGRODNEK, For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe state final
Coach Paul Sacco, Jr., receives the trophy as St. Joseph High School celebrates after winning the Non-Public Group 2 state final football game, beating Holy Spirit, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe state final
Coach Paul Sacco, Jr., of St. Joseph High School, celebrates after winning the Non-Public Group 2 state final football game, beating Holy Spirit, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
St. Joseph vs Holy Spirit in the state final
St. Joseph head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
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St. Joseph head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
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St. Joseph head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
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St. Joseph head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
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St. Joseph football players and brothers Chase, center, and Brad Lomax take instruction from a coach during practice Wednesday in Hammonton. Chase, a sophomore defensive end and tight end, and Brad, a senior guard and defensive end, will take the field together one last time in high school Friday in their state Non-Public II championship game against Holy Spirit. ‘It’s special for me. It’s special for my family,’ Brad said. head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
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St. Joseph head football coach Paul Sacco is preparing his players to play Holy Spirit in the state final on Friday night Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. Press of Atlantic City / Edward Lea Staff Photographer
Edward Lea / Staff Photographer
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football coach Paul Sacco returns from a suspension to lead his team to play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
Holy Spirit St. Joe Football
St. Joseph High School football team coach Paul Sacco directs his team as they play Holy Spirit, at Holy Spirit, in Absecon, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press)
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
St. Joseph West Deptford Football
A sign expresses support for Sacco as the Wildcats take the field to play West Deptford in 2018. Sacco had been suspended for two games after a video surfaced of St. Joe players using racial slurs at his house.
VERNON OGRODNEK / For The Press
st. joe football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco along with his players celebrate their win over Saint Mary's for Non-Public Group 1 Championships football game at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. Saturday, Dec 3, 2011.
Edward Lea
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St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco gets a hug and a kiss from his wife, Peggy after winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographe
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco poses with his team after winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographe
st. joe football road
St. Joe’s Head Coach Paul Sacco gives thanks to the team, cheerleaders, families and supporters as the team celebrates after winning the State Non-Public II title over Gloucester Catholic at Paul VI in Haddon Township Saturday November 21, 2009. Photo/Dave Griffin
Dave Griffin
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St. Joe's # 71 Tom Beech and #51 Bill O'Brien carry Coach Paul Sacco, jr off the field after beating Mater Dei during the Parochial Group I Championships held at Kean University. Sun. 12/5/99
STETZER
st. joseph at mainland football
Sacco watches the action during the last minute of the 2016 game against Mainland Regional that would give him his 300th win as head coach.
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st. joe football road
St. Joe’s Head Coach Paul Sacco is almost crushed in the excitement as the team celebrates after winning the State Non-Public II title over Gloucester Catholic at Paul VI in Haddon Township Saturday November 21, 2009. Photo/Dave Griffin
Dave Griffin
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco is doused with water by Elijah Hardee after winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographe
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco gives directions on the field during the last minute of the game on his way to winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographe
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Sacco celebrates a St. Joe touchdown in 1997.
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On December 3rd, 2017, St.Joe's Football team comes home in Hammonton to a hero's welcome after having defeated Mater Dei in the State Championship game held in Rowan. Fireworks were lit, and then the team took turns pushing the tackle sled around the field as a victory lap. Head Coach Paul Sacco, Jr congratulates the team.
MATTHEW STRABUK
Paul Sacco
St. Joseph High School defeated Vineland 21-7 in Hammonton on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Photo/Charles J. Olson
Charles J. Olson
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St. Joseph coach Paul Sacco addresses his team following a 21-7 victory over Vineland in Hammonton on Saturday.
Charles J. Olson / for the press
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St. Joseph’s head football coach Paul Sacco was suspended for the Wildcats’ next two games after a Snapchat video surfaced that revealed players using racial slurs.
Charles J. Olson / for the press
120417_spt_stjoescelebrate
On December 3rd, 2017, St.Joe's Football team comes home in Hammonton to a hero's welcome after having defeated Mater Dei in the State Championship game held in Rowan. Fireworks were lit, and then the team took turns pushing the tackle sled around the field as a victory lap. Head Coach Paul Sacco, Jr congratulates the team.
MATTHEW STRABUK
St. Joseph football practice
St. Joseph head coach Paul Sacco commands the field during practice Friday afternoon. The Wildcats will play at Rowan University on Sunday against Mater Dei for the state Non-Public title. Friday, November 1
ERIN GRUGAN / Staff Photographer
St Joe Football
Coach Paul Sacco (back) runs the team through drills. The St Joseph of Hammonton High School football team was busy practicing in preparation for Saturday's game against crosstown rival Hammonton. This year marks the 50th time the teams have met on the gridiron. Friday Nov 25, 2011. (Dale Gerhard/Press of Atlantic City)
Dale Gerhard
St. Joseph vs. Allentown Football
St. Joseph’s Paul Sacco,Jr. during the game against Allentown in a football game opener. September,3, 2016. (Craig Matthews / Staff Photographer)
Craig Matthews/Staff Photographer
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco gets a hug and a kiss from his wife, Peggy after winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographer
St. Joseph vs. Allentown Football
St. Joseph's Paul Sacco,Jr. during the game against Allentown in a football game opener. September,3, 2016. (Craig Matthews / Staff Photographer)
Craig Matthews/Staff Photographer
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco gives directions on the field during the last minute of the game on his way to winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographer
St. Joseph vs. Allentown Football
St. Joseph's Paul Sacco,Jr. during the game against Allentown in a football game opener. September,3, 2016. (Craig Matthews / Staff Photographer)
Craig Matthews/Staff Photographer
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joseph High School football’s Paul Sacco is doused with water by Elijah Hardee after winning his 300th game as head coach in 2016 against Mainland Regional.
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st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe Coach Paul Sacco sends 12 Diego Martinez into huddle with a play. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographer
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco watches the action during the last minute of the game on his way to winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographer
st. joseph at mainland football
St. Joe's head coach Paul Sacco poses with his team after winning his 300th game as a head coach. Friday September 9 2016 St. Joseph at Mainland football. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)
Ben Fogletto / Staff Photographer
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BLOOMINGTON — Dakesa Piña has been selected as Illinois Wesleyan University’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, effective July 1.
Piña currently is director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Illinois State University College of Education, according to a Thursday afternoon news release from IWU.
“I am excited to join the Illinois Wesleyan community in its efforts to provide the most enriching, progressive, vibrant and welcoming community possible for its students, faculty and staff,” Piña stated.
During her time at ISU, Piña has been repeatedly recognized for her DEI work. Most recently, she was the first recipient of the Higher Education Diversity Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.
Piña earned a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy at Texas Tech University, a master's in marriage and family therapy at Indiana State University and a bachelor's in psychology at Bowling Green State University.
She previously served as a staff counselor at ISU's Student Counseling Services at ISU; a countering domestic violence adult counselor at Mid Central Community Action in Bloomington; and directed clinical services at the Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains in Lubbock, Texas.
IWU President S. Georgia Nugent said creating a cabinet-level position devoted to diversity has been a key priority at the university.
“To become a more inclusive, equitable and just community, we must all work together,” Nugent stated. “I look forward to welcoming Dr. Piña into the Titan community and our leadership team.”
Photos: Heartland Head Start graduation ceremony at Illinois Wesleyan University | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/illinois-wesleyan-names-first-dei-leader/article_1e44098a-fb38-11ed-9636-a31f1866d326.html | 2023-05-25T22:28:56 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/illinois-wesleyan-names-first-dei-leader/article_1e44098a-fb38-11ed-9636-a31f1866d326.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland has reached a tentative settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the city is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to prevent homeless camping along its sidewalks, according to the plaintiffs' attorneys and Mayor Ted Wheeler's office.
The settlement still needs to be approved in federal court and adopted by the Portland City Council. The council is expected to take up the issue next week, according to the city.
A group of ten residents sued the city in September, arguing that tents and detritus make pedestrian areas impassable for people with mobility disabilities, violating their right to equal access to sidewalks under ADA and the federal Rehabilitation act.
The plaintiffs sought an injunction requiring the city to remove encampments and debris from sidewalks and make sufficient shelter space available for people displaced by the removals. The parties announced in November that they had agreed to mediation to try to avoid taking the case to a courtroom.
According to a copy of the settlement agreement provided by the plaintiffs' attorneys, the city will prioritize removal of camps on sidewalks by making sure those camps account for at least 40% of overall removals each year for the next five years.
The city will also commit to removing at least 500 campsites from sidewalks each year unless there are too few to hit that target, and devote a minimum of $8 million to removals for the 2023-24 fiscal year and $3 million per year for the following four years.
Other terms outlined in the settlement document:
- The city will establish a 24-hour sidewalk camp reporting option through 311 and an online portal, with a streamlined process for people with mobility disabilities to request ADA accommodations.
- The city will be required to send a staffer or contractor to assess a site within five business days of a report, and all report data must be consolidated in a single tracking database of reported sidewalk camps.
- The city will not provide tents or tarps to homeless residents except under certain specific circumstances, effectively agreeing to continue a policy that Commissioner Rene Gonzalez put in place earlier this year.
- The city will post "no camping" signs in areas where there have been at least three campsite removals and at least one ADA accommodation request in a given month.
- The city will pay each plaintiff $5,000 in compensatory damages plus attorney fees, and will provide quarterly written reports on its compliance with the agreement.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced last week that he was developing a plan to ban camping on city property between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as at all hours near schools, day care centers and shelter sites. That policy is not one of the terms of the settlement, according to the plaintiffs' attorneys, but they wrote in an email that it will "work hand in glove" with it.
Wheeler's proposal is seen as the first step toward a total ban on unsanctioned camping, which he announced as a goal last year. The total ban would be paired with the opening of six large-scale sanctioned camp sites. None of those sites have opened yet, although Wheeler has announced a location and administration plans for the first of them.
The council also voted Wednesday to add about $2.6 million to Central City Concern's existing $878,000 budget for camp removals. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/portland-settlement-ada-lawsuit-camping-sidewalks/283-01ff9696-2e96-47fa-9485-c54545aab366 | 2023-05-25T22:30:39 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/portland-settlement-ada-lawsuit-camping-sidewalks/283-01ff9696-2e96-47fa-9485-c54545aab366 |
HILLSBORO, Ore. — Liberty High School students are doing their part to make the world more sustainable. Students in career technical education programs are running an eco-friendly farm.
Many hope to carry over skills learned in high school into their future jobs.
"It's laying the groundwork for my future career hopefully," said senior Tayen Ledbetter.
After graduation, Ledbetter hopes to move to Washington, D.C. and push politicians to enact policies to fight climate change.
“I think it's something that needs to be done if we want to continue living on the Earth for a long time," Ledbetter said.
For now, she’s planting her boots into the ground of Liberty High’s farm and selling produce. Teachers said last year, they sold $3,500 worth of produce from the farm.
"Tomatoes, peppers, flowers,” Ledbetter said. “Anything you would want in a home garden."
While she’s busy maintaining produce, other students are building facilities to house plants in harsh conditions.
Junior Dawson Hart built mini-greenhouses to place plants. He’s also helping improve irrigation systems to use water more efficiently.
"We put in a water line for two faucets to be put out toward the middle of the field. We just recently tilled in these new crop areas," Hard said.
Senior Javier Tobar is building sheds to store tools. Tobar aspires to be a contractor, but hopes to work sustainably. He plans to re-use materials that would generally go to landfills.
"Realistically, if you look a little bit, you'd find that all those things you're buying, you have there," Tobar said.
The Hillsboro School District recently invested almost $2 million through the 2017 Hillsboro School District Bond to build a solar panel canopy outside classrooms.
Teachers said electricity generated from panels will be sold back to power companies, making career and technical education classrooms more sustainable.
"I think what needs to carry over is this mentality that we're not just doing things for ourselves,” Ledbetter said. “We're doing things for the greater good of everybody in the planet." | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/liberty-high-school-students-sustainable-living/283-cfcd6e9d-d023-4b5c-9ca8-1c3eb25043a6 | 2023-05-25T22:30:40 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/liberty-high-school-students-sustainable-living/283-cfcd6e9d-d023-4b5c-9ca8-1c3eb25043a6 |
Family and friends gathered to celebrate a few of the best local senior high school athletes at the FlagCoco Spirit Awards Wednesday afternoon at Hal Jensen Recreation Center.
The awards -- started by Russell Woods, the creator of FlagCoco.com -- are an annual event that is now in its eighth year. FlagCoco celebrates and showcases Flagstaff and Coconino high school’s crosstown rivalry. Woods honors one male and one female athlete from both schools based on their performances during their season and throughout their varsity careers.
“I think it’s becoming a tradition,” Woods said. “I don’t know how prestigious these awards are, but as long as you keep doing it and then you’re insistent on it, I take pride that I’ve done it eight years in a row.”
This year, Flagstaff’s Mia Hall and Jake Weidinger, and Coconino’s Jacob Clouse and Wheaten Smith were recipients of the awards.
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Flagstaff wide receiver Holden Sena received the John Ply Memorial Award for his contribution to this year’s rivalry football game. On the other side, Coconino running back Cooper French won the Bill Epperson Award for his performance in the game. Coconino won this season’s game 82-0 and now leads the all-time series 28-26.
This year was the first time the event had a sponsor — Daniel Vosskuhler, a financial planner for Principal Financial Network in Phoenix who played football at Coconino and graduated in 2017.
Here is a closer look at this year’s FlagCoco Spirit Award winners:
Jacob Clouse -- Coconino baseball, football and basketball
Clouse was everywhere during his high school career, playing key roles for the Panthers’ football, baseball and basketball teams.
In football, Clouse was used all over the offense as a running back, receiver and backup quarterback. As a senior, he ran for 225 yards and a touchdown. In three seasons as a defensive back, he tallied 161 tackles and two interceptions.
On the diamond, Clouse was a key piece of the Panthers offense and pitching crew. This season he led the team in batting average (.451), hits (32) and threw 22 2/3 innings. After defeating Seton Catholic in their play-in game, the Panthers nearly upset top-seeded Salpointe Catholic in the 4A Conference state championship tournament before falling short, 5-4.
Clouse also was a role player in basketball, averaging 1.5 points in his two years on varsity. In all his time on varsity in three sports, he only missed the playoffs one time. He is the second member of his family to win a Spirit Award, after his sister Madelyn, a volleyball and softball player, did so in 2020.
Mia Hall -- Flagstaff cross country and track and field
Along with her older sister Hana, Hall dominated in both cross country and track and field throughout her time with the Eagles.
Hall won another individual Division II state championship in November. She also helped the Eagles to team titles her senior and sophomore years and a second-place finish as a junior. The most recent title was the team’s 16th since 2000.
On the track, Hall has won races such as the D-II girls 3,200-meter her junior season, a race that was restarted after she was tripped at the beginning.
Hall will run next year at North Carolina State, one of the best cross country programs in the country. The school's cross country team on the women's side is back-to-back defending national champions.
Jake Weidinger -- Flagstaff football, basketball and hockey
Weidinger played a season of basketball as a junior and was also part of the Flagstaff Avalanche hockey club team that won the Arizona High School Hockey Association state championship in 2020.
Over the past three seasons, he has also been a part of several huge moments for the Eagles football team. In three seasons, he amassed 63 catches for 1,046 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Weidinger broke the school record for single-game receiving yards in a contest against Rio Rico in September, catching five passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. He was named to the All-Grand Canyon Region Second Team this season.
Weidinger announced his commitment to Hastings College in January.
Wheaten Smith — Coconino cross country, soccer and track and field
Smith was a captain for the Panthers soccer team as a senior and led the team in goals (13), points (32) and assists (6). She also competed at state in track and field three times in her high school career.
In cross country, she helped lead the Panthers to the school’s first D-III state championship as a junior.
Wheaten's older siblings Weston and Woodlyn won Spirit Awards in 2016 and 2019.
John Ply Award Winner -- Holden Sena
Sena caught four passes for 34 yards in this season’s crosstown rivalry game. According to FlagCoco, he became the school’s all-time leading receiver with 83 catches. Against the Prescott Badgers Oct. 14, Sena caught 11 passes, both a school and city record.
Sena caught 15 touchdowns and had 1,074 receiving yards in his career. He was named to the region's first team this year.
After high school, Sena plans to work toward breaking into the entertainment industry to become a film and television writer.
Bill Epperson Award Winner -- Cooper French
French was the lifeblood of a run-heavy offensive unit for the Panthers. In his final high school football game, French ran for 327 yards and five touchdowns. In total, he ran for 1,172 yards and 14 scores as a senior.
He won two Ed Doherty Award nomination medallions. The award is known as Arizona’s most prestigious individual high school football award. French was also named to the region's first team as a junior and senior.
French also went 65-1 on the wrestling mat as a senior and won the state championship -- his third straight. He will be wrestling at the University of Nebraska next year. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/flagcoco-spirit-awards-turns-8/article_858ef2ec-fb21-11ed-8d64-a7a9b934920d.html | 2023-05-25T22:31:46 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/flagcoco-spirit-awards-turns-8/article_858ef2ec-fb21-11ed-8d64-a7a9b934920d.html |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Almost nine months since the massive flooding brought in by Hurricane Ian, and demolition at Good Samaritan Village is underway.
Maureen Kotch and Lucille Bishop have been living a rollercoaster of emotions ever since Hurricane Ian devastated Central Florida, having to start from scratch well into their 70s.
“I thought I was handling it well, but unfortunately, I’m not. I’m not handling it, just not handling it well,” Bishop said as she fought back tears.
Bishop and Kotch, both New York natives, moved to Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee two months before Hurricane Ian.
“We tried so hard. I’m sorry, we tried so hard to be in a safe place where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives, and it was just gone,” Kotch said with a broken voice.
It was supposed to be a place they could afford to live the rest of their golden years.
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“We were happy there. We were getting comfortable, and you know, we were only there two months, but, you know, we decided this is home. This is good,” Bishop recalled.
Kotch said when they signed the lease to their two-bedroom apartment in Good Samaritan Village, they were not advised to get flood insurance.
“When we asked about flooding, they didn’t give us a choice whether to stay and sign lease or to get flood insurance. They took that option away from us when they told us it wasn’t that bad,” Kotch said.
On Sept. 28, their lives were turned upside down — losing all their belongings when their apartment flooded with about 6 feet of water.
“We were not prepared for what we saw, and we thought we could salvage more than we did. It was just like everything was gone… everything,” Kotch said.
Bishop and Kotch are among the hundreds of residents who could not go back to their homes after Good Samaritan Society deemed more than 500 units unsafe.
“They’re cancer survivors. They lost all the specialized clothing for their prosthetics. We’re not asking for speculative damages. We’re asking for things that they actually lost,” Jeffrey Hussey, director of Community Legal Services of Mid Florida said.
Hussey represents Maureen and Lucille in a lawsuit filed against Good Samaritan and Sanford Health.
“We’ve filed a negligence action against (Good Samaritan) as well as taken advantage of vulnerable adults,” Hussey told News 6. “They lost all their worldly possessions, their lifelong possessions. Irreplaceable things.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/demolition-underway-at-good-samaritan-village-in-osceola-county/ | 2023-05-25T22:38:07 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/demolition-underway-at-good-samaritan-village-in-osceola-county/ |
CANAVERAL GROVES, Fla. – The moment Brevard homicide agents notified Domenico Gigante about the death of his 15-year-old daughter, Kiara Terwilliger, the quadruple murder suspect acted in disbelief, according to a report released Thursday.
“Unfortunately, we found her deceased today,” video shows a homicide agent telling Gigante at his home in Rockledge with his roommate present back in March.
“Is this a joke?” Gigante responded.
The 36-year-old then asked whether his daughter was home at the time, or at school or her bus stop and whether her boyfriend was involved.
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According to investigators, the real story was not only did Gigante shoot his daughter over their strained relationship, he also killed her mother, stepfather and grandmother when he broke into their Canaveral Groves home.
Gigante is accused of killing everyone in the house on Alan Shepard Avenue except for two children, ages 6 and 9, who were able to call someone else close to the family who then called 911.
The state attorney’s office also shared the 911 audio Thursday.
[LISTEN TO 911 CALLS BELOW]
“The grandma, the mom, the dad and the sister are all dead and the boys are the only ones alive. There’s blood all over the place. I have no clue what happened,” the caller is heard telling the operator.
When homicide agents asked Gigante to come to a sheriff’s office precinct to talk with investigators, the father initially shut down.
“Not at this time, I need to process this,” he said. “This doesn’t even seem real.”
While surveillance and statements to his roommate ultimately led to Gigante’s arrest, the new report reads that he also called his roommate from jail and asked him to take the blame for the murders.
During another recorded call, investigators said Gigante stated he’s going to claim insanity.
Gigante has entered a plea of not guilty.
The state attorney’s office said it’s still too early to tell when trial could start, but the state is seeking the death penalty against Gigante.
[READ THE FULL REPORT BELOW]
Domenico Gigante Report by Sam Dunne on Scribd
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/father-accused-of-killing-daughter-3-others-acted-in-disbelief-video-shows/ | 2023-05-25T22:38:13 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/father-accused-of-killing-daughter-3-others-acted-in-disbelief-video-shows/ |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County Deputy David Crawford is now formally charged stemming from a 2022 arrest in which the deputy is accused of starting a fire with a Taser which left a suspect badly burned across most of his body.
Crawford faces a charge of culpable negligence with personal injury, which is a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the Orange-Osceola state attorney’s office. If convicted, Crawford could face a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The charge comes more than a year after Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez announced he was recommending the charge against his deputy.
During an attempted arrest in February 2022 at a Wawa gas station, gasoline caught fire which caused three deputies — including Crawford — and Jean Barretto, 26, to suffer burns and be hospitalized.
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The incident began, according to deputies, when people called 911, saying a group of motorcyclists was pointing guns at civilians.
“The sheriff’s office received several 911 calls from concerned citizens,” Lopez said in a May 2022 news conference. “The citizens reported two Hispanic males on blue dirt bikes that pulled guns on them, and the occupants of an additional innocent vehicle.”
After an attempted traffic stop near Donegan Avenue, deputies said Barretto fled but they later found him at the Wawa located at 3951 Central Florida Parkway in Orange County.
The sheriff’s office shared helicopter video that appears to show deputies trying to stop a motorcycle rider in what appears to be an orange helmet. The sheriff identified that rider as Barretto. The video shows the motorcyclist joining multiple other riders as they weave in and around traffic, occasionally blowing through red lights and driving against traffic.
According to the sheriff, Barretto eventually made his way back into Orange County, but Osceola deputies continued their pursuit under the “fresh pursuit doctrine.”
Florida’s fresh pursuit law can be found by clicking here.
It reads, in part: “Any duly authorized state, county, or municipal arresting officer is authorized to arrest a person outside the officer’s jurisdiction when in fresh pursuit. Such officer shall have the same authority to arrest and hold such person in custody outside his or her jurisdiction.”
Watch Crawford’s body camera in the media player below. WARNING: Video is extremely graphic.
During the arrest, investigators said Crawford used a Taser on Barretto, even though he knew there was gasoline nearby.
“Deputy Crawford was aware there was gas in the direct and immediate area,” Lopez said in 2022. “We know this because he says on body cam, ‘Kill the pump, kill the pump! Gas!’ After that statement, he picked up the discarded Taser that was located in gas. He (Crawford) says, ‘You’re about to get tazed, dude.’ Immediately after that statement with the Taser in his hand, the fire ignites.”
Watch more body camera in the media player below. WARNING: Content is extremely graphic.
After announcing the recommended charges against Crawford, the sheriff’s office said he was placed on paid leave pending an internal investigation to determine how many policy violations Crawford made. News 6 has reached out to the sheriff’s office to clarify Crawford’s current status with the department. This story will be updated if we receive a reply.
The sheriff’s office did release a statement following the formal charging of Crawford. It reads:
“Over a year ago, we investigated this case and sent our findings over to the State Attorney’s Office to review. At this time, we feel it’s appropriate to let the criminal justice system determine if Deputy Crawford did a criminal act that could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/osceola-deputy-charged-more-than-a-year-after-suspect-burnt-in-taser-sparked-fire-during-arrest/ | 2023-05-25T22:38:19 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/osceola-deputy-charged-more-than-a-year-after-suspect-burnt-in-taser-sparked-fire-during-arrest/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a Dunnellon man to 12 years in prison for seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Kelly Meggs and his attorney pleaded for leniency before the sentence was handed down, saying he was not on the Capitol grounds to cause violence, and he was just someone who got carried away in the events of the day.
Meggs, who was the leader of the Florida chapter of the militia group Oath Keepers, was convicted by a jury in November, along with Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.
In 2022, Meggs told News 6′s Erik Sandoval that he and wife Connie traveled with others from Central Florida to Washington, DC, to provide security details for rallies around former President Donald Trump, who held a rally on Jan. 6.
Meggs said after the rally, he and others just found themselves sitting on the steps of the Capitol.
“We were singing the national anthem and ‘God Bless America’ and ‘America Beautiful,’ and people were waving flags and everything. Then bam, the doors open behind us. We heard them open real loud,” Meggs said. “We walked up the steps, a couple of steps, just to see. Where we were was a little bit below the crowd, and when we got up to the top there, where you can actually see, the back doors were open. The crowd just surged, and you got sucked in.”
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Meggs said he couldn’t wait for his day in court, because they had video proof that the charges against them were a lie.
Prosecutors and investigators, however, said Meggs conspired with Rhodes and others online to be in play on Jan. 6, especially if Trump invoked the Insurrection Act.
Prosecutors showed several messages posted on social media recruiting people, particularly in preparation for a battle with anyone opposed to them.
“Dc [sic] is no guns . So mace and gas masks , some batons . If you have armor that’s good . During the day it’s kind of boring but when it starts getting dark Game on.” one message said.
Prosecutors alleged Meggs wrote in a group chat on Dec. 22, 2020, “It’s gonna be wild…It’s gonna be wild….(President Trump) called us all to the Capitol and wants us to make it wild…Sir Yes Sir!!”
Prosecutors said Meggs stored weapons at a hotel outside Washington in case they were needed, and entered the Capitol with other Oath Keepers in a military “stack” formation.
Prosecutors also pointed to text messages to his wife and son from the night of Nov. 3, 2020.
“I’m gonna go on a killing spree,” Meggs is reported to have written.
“Then 10 seconds later, ‘Pelosi first,’” the court filing read.
In sentencing Meggs, Judge Amit Mehta said Meggs’ view of his actions that day is at odds with the evidence, and questioned if Meggs’ actions and words were those of someone who was part of a mere “security detail.”
The judge found Meggs doesn’t present an ongoing threat to the country the way Rhodes does, but told him “violence cannot be resorted to just because you disagree with who got elected.”
Meggs’ sentence is the third longest so far among those prosecuted for the Jan. 6 attack. Rhodes himself got 18 years on Thursday for seditious conspiracy, while Peter Schwartz got 14 years for attacking police officers at the Capitol.
Connie Meggs, Kelly Meggs’ wife, was found guilty in March of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and other felony charges.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/what-to-know-about-kelly-meggs-florida-oath-keeper-going-to-prison-for-jan-6-attack/ | 2023-05-25T22:38:26 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/25/what-to-know-about-kelly-meggs-florida-oath-keeper-going-to-prison-for-jan-6-attack/ |
Gas prices in Midland are $1.08 lower than they were last Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA Texas.
The organization also reported Midland’s gas price average is 1 cent less than the state average. The impact there is Midland was not one of the most expensive metropolitan areas in the state to buy gasoline, according to AAA Texas’ weekly survey.
AAA Texas listed Midland as the second highest gas price in Texas for the last two weeks. This week, it’s outside of the top five.
Midland sat at $3.12, a 1-cent increase from a week ago. Meanwhile the state average jumped 5 cents as eight metropolitan areas reported increases of 10 cents or more.
“While gas prices are up slightly in Texas going into Memorial Day weekend, regular unleaded fuel remains more than a dollar cheaper compared to one year ago,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster in the weekly report. “Price fluctuations remain possible due to busy holiday demand, as this is expected be Texas’ second highest Memorial Day travel volume on record.”
The gap between Midland and Odessa’s gas price averages remained virtually the same, as Odessa saw a 1-cent decrease to $3.03, 9 cents better than Midland’s average this week.
AAA Texas reported the following prices across the region, which also puts Midland as a mid-point for averages: $3.03 in Odessa, $3.10 in San Angelo (an increase of 14 cents), $3.11 in Lubbock (an increase of 8 cents), $3.12 in Midland, $3.15 in Amarillo (an increase of 5 cents) and $3.41 in El Paso (a decrease of 4 cents).
The only Texas metro areas with sub-$3 gas price averages were McAllen ($2.97), Victoria ($2.98) and Brownsville-Harlingen ($2.99).
AAA reported that Texas and Arkansas were the states with the second lowest gas price averages nationwide at $3.13. Mississippi was the lowest at $3.00. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/aaa-texas-gas-prices-provide-midland-drivers-18119526.php | 2023-05-25T22:46:17 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/aaa-texas-gas-prices-provide-midland-drivers-18119526.php |
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US weekly wages fell in 2022, according to new Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, revealing widespread softness that wasn’t previously evident in other data.
Average weekly wages were $1,385 in the fourth quarter of last year, a rare 2.3% decline from the same period in 2021, the latest results from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, published Wednesday, showed. The 2022 drop followed a 5.9% increase the year before.
The QCEW figures differ from other government measures of wages in that they include things like bonuses, stock options and severance pay. They’re also used to revise more timely, high-frequency measures like those included in the monthly jobs report published by the BLS.
Last year’s drop probably reflects smaller incentive pay amid a softening in hiring trends, according to Ron Hetrick, an economist at Lightcast. In 2021, companies in all kinds of industries were offering unusual perks to attract workers, as they scrambled to staff up again when the economy reopened after Covid lockdowns.
“Employers have pulled back on the bonuses that they’re offering as the labor market has cooled,” Hetrick said. “That includes everything from hiring bonuses to retention bonuses to inflation bonuses.”
The QCEW measure provides a different perspective on the state of the labor market than the average weekly earnings figures published in the monthly jobs report, which showed a 4.2% increase in 2022. The differences in the types of compensation included in each mean the two are not directly comparable.
It also played a role in the weak figures on gross domestic income published Thursday, with wages and salaries “now estimated to have increased $53.0 billion in the fourth quarter, a downward revision of $135.4 billion” after accounting for the QCEW data, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said.
Wage decreases were relatively widespread across the US, according to the QCEW data, with 240 of the largest 355 counties seeing declines.
The report also contained several clues that a shift in the composition of the workforce — with higher-paying industries shedding jobs while hiring in lower-paying industries remained robust — helped put downward pressure on overall wages.
San Francisco, for example, registered a 22.6% drop in average weekly wages, the biggest decline among the 355 largest counties, as professional and business services wages fell 24.9%. New York County saw wages fall 9.4%, with a 14.9% pay decline in finance.
“We are seeing that demand for workers is slowing down in tech and in other white-collar sectors, while it still remains a hot labor market for some of these other industries like food services and healthcare,” said Daniel Zhao, an economist at Glassdoor.
One bright spot was Midland, which saw average weekly wages rise 6.1%, the biggest increase among the 355 largest counties. The natural resources and mining sector in Midland registered a 3.3% wage increase.
A surge in oil prices in 2022 spurred increased drilling activity in and around Midland, which sits atop the country’s largest oil basin. Energy companies have scrambled to find workers, boosting pay and helping drive down the area’s unemployment rate.
The QCEW also contained new information on employment. It showed a 2.6% increase in headcount across the country in 2022, about half a percentage point lower than the employment growth registered in monthly jobs reports.
Gains were concentrated in the South, with Midland seeing the biggest rise in headcount, up 7.9%. Other counties in Texas and in Florida rounded out the top five.
Elkhart, Indiana — known as the world’s recreational vehicle manufacturing capital — and Hendricks, Indiana, saw the largest decreases in employment, with headcount down 1.7% in each county. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/bloomberg-where-s-great-american-pay-raise-18119738.php | 2023-05-25T22:46:24 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/bloomberg-where-s-great-american-pay-raise-18119738.php |
Midland ISD provided the Reporter-Telegram with an updated statement about the Alamo Junior High assault that put a student in the hospital for nearly one week.
"Midland ISD is committed to the safeguarding of our students by keeping safety and security our top priority. The suspected aggressor in the incident is being disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct, and the MISD Police Department is working diligently to bring this case to a close. We recognize the seriousness of this matter. There are many factors involved in this situation, and we are committed to being thorough with the investigation and outcomes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student who was injured, and we remain committed to our ongoing efforts to improve the safety and security of our schools."
- Bryan Murry
Brandon Hodges provided his perspective as the representative for north and northwest Midland.
"I can only speak for myself and for District Five. With that said, it is of my perspective, no matter how talented the staff, the greatness of curriculum, nor, the modernity of the facilities- it is all for naught when we don’t have a positive culture throughout our facilities. I will be asking for a total review of the parent/student handbook (code of conduct) to ensure they are sufficient for 2023."
- Brandon Hodges | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-isd-board-members-provide-statements-18119778.php | 2023-05-25T22:46:30 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-isd-board-members-provide-statements-18119778.php |
District 7, which covers part of Birmingham’s southwestern neighborhoods along with District 5, has over two dozen resurfacing projects scheduled for completion this year.
The city’s $15 million street resurfacing budget for 2023 will go towards roads that were chosen in 2017 as part of a five-year resurfacing plan laid out by previous Birmingham Mayor William Bell as the Lede previously reported.
James Fowler, director of the Birmingham Department of Transportation (BDOT), said that workers go out to these selected areas to reassess their resurfacing needs before they begin roadwork.
BDOT is currently working on a new resurfacing plan announced with this year’s budget that will involve hiring a consultant to assess all of the city’s roads and use analytics to prioritize which streets need to be paved, Fowler said.
Over the next few weeks, the Lede will continue to share the resurfacing projects scheduled for each district in numerical order. Last week, District 6 projects were covered. | https://www.al.com/local/2023/05/southwest-birmingham-scheduled-for-over-two-dozen-resurfacing-projects-in-2023.html | 2023-05-25T22:46:51 | 0 | https://www.al.com/local/2023/05/southwest-birmingham-scheduled-for-over-two-dozen-resurfacing-projects-in-2023.html |
Weapon scanners will soon be phased in at all Henrico County public schools after the system has faced struggles with weapons being found on campuses.
Schools staff recommended that weapons scanners be installed in a phased approach, beginning with the county’s high schools. Those scanners could be installed as early as the start of the upcoming school year.
"When we began this process, I'll admit I was very uncertain about this idea. But the as we've gone through the process, there has been thoughtful field testing there has been learning from other divisions and there's been listening to the community," said Marcie F. Shea, Tuckahoe District board member.
The plan involves installing weapons scanners at all county high schools before the end of the next school year. Once approved by the board, it was estimated that it would take around eight weeks to start. Middle and elementary schools would have scanners installed afterward.
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The Henrico school system covers 74 schools and more than 50,000 students. A preliminary report showed that estimated 230 weapons scanners would be needed to cover all of the county’s schools.
In addition to the scanners, school administration also recommended the hire of about 70 school security officers. That would put at least one addition SSO in every school building. Currently, none of the elementary schools have SSOs.
Weapons scanners are similar to a metal detector, but they search for high-density metals like those used in a gun or a knife. They’re popular at large crowd venues like stadiums and music festivals because they're faster than metal detectors. People being searched can leave small metal items a cell phone or headphones in their pockets.
Henrico Schools has had multiple incidents involving threats and the recovery of firearms from school campuses. A loaded gun was found in a student’s backpack at Holman Middle School in January. Just last week, a gun was recovered from a bathroom at Longdale Elementary School.
A spokesperson for the school system said that 6 firearms have been recovered from Henrico schools during the current school year.
HCPS announced a plan to begin trialing weapons scanners and metal detectors in six of its schools the week after the gun was found at Holman Middle School.
The school board still has to approve the recommendation with a vote, but it appeared to be in unanimous support of brining scanners into schools.
“This is a complicated process and it will take the division at least a year to phase in the recommendation acquire scanners, hiring and provide training,” said Lenny Prichard, HCPS chief of operations.
HCPS tested both weapons scanners and metal detectors across six county schools during February and March, then solicited feedback from parents.
School staff decided against using metal detectors because they were too slow. The added time it took for students to remove items like cell phones, laptops and headphones meant that only 8% to 10% of kids were screened. Weapons scanners could screen at least 95% of a school population.
Weapons scanners also able to screen around 1,100 students in 30 minutes, compared to 130 students with metal detectors.
Parent responses in focus groups showed that they felt safer with weapons scanners, in a large part because weapons scanners screen a significantly higher number of students. Prichard said
While survey and focus group respondents largely said they felt safer with visible security measure in place, some said they felt more unsafe about the prospect of students walking through detection systems to start their school day.
Parents were also concerned about scanning abilities at schools with open campuses, that don’t have any particular entryway for students.
Prichard said they were able to push students at open campuses toward “choke points” between the school and common arrival area like a parking lot.
“Felt like we really did a great job and I know one day at one of our particular campus staff schools we captured 98% of the students that day,” Prichard said.
The school division is currently gathering pricing from different vendors in expectation of brining the scanners to Henrico campuses. | https://richmond.com/news/local/henrico-county-public-schools-weapon-scanners/article_ebb6d074-fb41-11ed-a331-3b74d97a92b9.html | 2023-05-25T22:48:56 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/henrico-county-public-schools-weapon-scanners/article_ebb6d074-fb41-11ed-a331-3b74d97a92b9.html |
Mayor Tom Henry announced today plans to put an unexpected $22.5 million from the state toward updating Fort Wayne’s neighborhood parks and planting more trees.
At a press conference today, Henry announced that the city will receive the money as a local income tax supplemental distribution about June 1. Together with the $48 million towards neighborhood infrastructure announced earlier this year, it will invest a historic $70 million in the city's neighborhoods in a year, he said.
When he first took office 15 years ago, the city spent $7 million annually on infrastructure improvements, Henry said. The next step is working with the City Council for their approval of a plan.
The news conference was at the McMillen Park to highlight how parks could see new playground equipment as part of the plan.
The focus areas Henry mentioned are parks improvements, Community Development initiatives, energy and the environment, enhancing quality-of-life opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-to-use-22-million-windfall-towards-park-improvements/article_18e587fe-fb36-11ed-b374-0330d878c680.html | 2023-05-25T22:49:04 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/city-to-use-22-million-windfall-towards-park-improvements/article_18e587fe-fb36-11ed-b374-0330d878c680.html |
Nearly 53,000 Hoosiers lost their Medicaid coverage this month, the first of many to lose their insurance following the “unwinding” of pandemic-related protections over the next year – and at a much higher pace than previously predicted.
The Family and Social Services Administration tasked with managing the state’s Medicaid program promised it would use this first month to improve future disenrollment rates. But for Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany, the numbers alone were “staggering.”
“I’m just worried we’re going to be learning as people lose coverage … and I don’t want to learn at their expense,” Clere said at this month’s Medicaid Advisory Committee meeting.
States across the country will cull hundreds of thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries following the expiration of the federal public health emergency, which ended in April. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government incentivized states to keep residents enrolled in Medicaid continually with an enhanced match.
A fraction of those removed were determined to be ineligible – 6,089 Hoosiers – although the vast majority, 46,896, were removed for procedural reasons. The redetermination process – known as the “unwinding” – will repeat every month until April 2024.
A previous estimate was that between 300,000-400,000 Hoosiers could lose their coverage over the entire period.
The Hoosiers who lost coverage due to procedural reasons can complete their renewal application within the next 90 days and receive retroactive coverage – unless they were members of the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0, which doesn’t allow for retroactive coverage.
FSSA leaders indicated they believe some Hoosiers would ultimately regain their coverage but didn’t have estimates.
According to the Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana’s Medicaid enrollment grew from 1.4 million prior to the pandemic to more than 2.2 million in April, the first month the agency could redetermine eligibility and remove Hoosiers from the rolls.
“We’ve traditionally said about 1-in5 Hoosiers are on Medicaid,” said Nonis Spinner, FSSA’s director of eligibility and member services. “Now, it’s closer to 1-in-3 Hoosiers.”
In April, 157,688 Hoosiers were up for renewal. Of those, 65,092 were successfully renewed, and 52,985 Hoosiers lost their Medicaid coverage. Another 39,611 Hoosiers up for renewal in April had incomplete renewal applications as of Wednesday and haven’t been re-enrolled or terminated.
Previously, FSSA said it started sending out reminders to enrollees in December, advising them to update their contact information to ease the redetermination process. Those who submitted their most recent information had their coverage renewed faster.
Of the 65,092 Hoosiers who were renewed, 40,752 were renewed automatically.
Prior to the “unwinding,” the Kaiser Family Foundation ranked Indiana high for its policies that encouraged continuous coverage of Medicaid beneficiaries.
According to the agency’s presentation, 39,057 previously enrolled members received text messages reminding them to update their information in addition to the mailed reminder. The agency also made 15,176 outbound calls and sent 16,624 emails.
Individual messages or calls could cover multiple members of one household, FSSA noted.
Spinner said the agency hopes the numbers of Hoosiers who lost Medicaid coverage would decrease in the coming months, as members share their experiences with each other and response rates increase.
“This is an unfortunate reminder,” Spinner said. “We’re hoping that a lot of those individuals see that and renew so we end up not having that total number of disenrollments each month.”
Additionally, the federal government will provide aggregate numbers in the coming months for how many Hoosiers previously on Medicaid who bought an individual plan on the health insurance marketplace or opted into an employer plan, Spinner said.
“We’re in the early days. We do hope to get a lot more data on all of the various moving pieces,” she said.
Spinner noted that the Kaiser Family Foundation ranked states on their Medicaid unwinding policy plans, placing Indiana in the upper tier of states who met all of the criteria to promote continued coverage through the unwinding process.
Indiana was docked only for not granting continuous coverage up to adulthood for children – a policy the General Assembly codified earlier this year that will go into effect starting in 2024.
Lawmakers attending the meeting expressed concern about the drop in enrollment – especially the unknown number of children affected – while others wondered if the “procedural” reasons included FSSA mishaps or confusion from beneficiaries.
“We will learn, and we will find things we can do better,” Spinner said.
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/first-month-of-medicaid-unwinding-boots-nearly-53k-hoosiers-from-coverage/article_29502cdc-fb42-11ed-9621-97f5d49bfeb3.html | 2023-05-25T22:49:10 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/first-month-of-medicaid-unwinding-boots-nearly-53k-hoosiers-from-coverage/article_29502cdc-fb42-11ed-9621-97f5d49bfeb3.html |
Phil Goss will launch his campaign for Indiana's 3rd Congressional District this weekend and become the first Democratic candidate for the deep red seat.
A businessman and former state department employee, Goss was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Evansville. His grandfather lived in Fort Wayne and bought the farm Goss now lives on in the 1930s.
Goss studied political science at Wabash College where he was classmates with former U.S. Rep. Luke Messer and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. He also attended graduate school in Bloomington and earned an MBA at a school in Europe.
Much of his adult life has been spent overseas, particularly in Eastern Europe, Goss said Thursday. He taught English abroad in the 1990s, worked for a time for the U.S. State Department and then lived in Warsaw, Poland, for many years after.
When his uncle died in March 2019, Goss traveled back and forth between Warsaw and Fort Wayne several times, ultimately moving back to Indiana during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goss wouldn’t put a label on his ideology and said he finds value in competing views.
“‘Get 'er done’ is a worldview. And it is my worldview,” Goss said. “I get 'er done out here (at the farm) all the time… So, in Washington, I’ll be getting 'er done, not on the tractor but in committees or on the floor or in back channels.”
Lawmakers have been too reactive to dealing with modern problems, Goss said. He said Congress should be more proactive and predictive of future issues.
“We don’t want to just figure out how to respond to whatever new problem,” he said. “We must respond to problems, obviously, but we also must be able to predict what could go wrong and be ready for that.”
Goss also bemoaned the state of political discourse in the U.S. and said he thinks there is more extremism today, including on the fringes of both parties.
“What happened to this country where civility is gone, where decorum is gone?” he asked.
Rather than focusing on what policies or issues he supports or opposes, Goss instead highlighted his business-like approach, categorizing many issues as management failures.
“I think this country does a lot of things right,” he said. “But no matter how good we are, there’s always room for improvement.”
The Goss campaign is managed by John Stephens, who announced his candidacy for the same seat in 2021 before later dropped out of the race. In a statement, Stephens described Goss as the best candidate he’s seen run in the 3rd District since Jill Long Thompson, who served from 1989 to 1995.
Goss filed May 9 for the seat left open after incumbent Rep. Jim Banks decided earlier this year to seek the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.
The congested Republican primary field includes former congressman Marlin Stutzman; former Allen Circuit Court Judge Wendy Davis; state Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington; former legislative aide and veteran Jon Kenworthy; Warsaw maintenance technician and veteran Mike Felker; and Auburn lawyer Chandler Likes.
The first campaign stop for Goss will be this afternoon at Auburn Brewing Company, followed by a Sunday event with the Huntington County Democratic Party. On Monday, he also plans to drive his vintage Chevy C/10 pickup truck in the Waynedale Memorial Day Parade. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/first-democrat-joins-race-for-3rd-district-seat/article_de8c7558-fb31-11ed-9251-bbc3331d9526.html | 2023-05-25T22:49:17 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-politics/first-democrat-joins-race-for-3rd-district-seat/article_de8c7558-fb31-11ed-9251-bbc3331d9526.html |
A local vicar is expected to become the first Burmese pastor ordained by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a news release said Thursday.
Vicar Soe Moe will become in July the pastor of youth and missions at Southwest Lutheran Church, 5120 Homestead Road, church officials said in the release.
Moe traveled with Pastor Joe Ferry to Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis to attend the Call Day event on April 26. They were joined by several of Soe’s family members, friends and church congregation members.
Soe completed his program of pastoral formation in the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology, which is a specialized program to prepare men who want to serve as pastors in immigrant and ethnic minority communities in North America, the release said.
Southwest Lutheran Church will hold a celebration of Soe’s entrance into ministry at 4 p.m. July 22. The event will feature worship followed by a meal.
People who plan to attend the event are asked to contact the church office at 260-436-4474 or swlc@southwestlutheran.org.
The church also holds weekly worship services at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-vicar-to-become-first-burmese-pastor-ordained-by-lutheran-church-missouri-synod/article_0ee80e8a-fb44-11ed-85e0-d7779fb57db1.html | 2023-05-25T22:49:27 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/local-vicar-to-become-first-burmese-pastor-ordained-by-lutheran-church-missouri-synod/article_0ee80e8a-fb44-11ed-85e0-d7779fb57db1.html |
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at approximately 12:16 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 252, in Coos County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a black Nissan Titan, operated by Heriberto Morado Ledesma (35) of Coos Bay, was traveling north on Highway 101. The Titan was negotiating a curve, drifted into the southbound lane (for unknown reasons), and struck a southbound blue Jeep Cherokee, operated by Vera Lee Belcher (76) of Cottage Grove, head-on.
The three occupants- Ledesma (operator), Hector Mireles Gallo (35) of Coos Bay and Alberto Ramirez Vazquez (40) of Coos Bay- of the Titan were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment and further medical evaluation.
The two occupants- Vera Lee Belcher (operator) and Clayton Gene Belcher (78) of Cottage Grove- of the Cherokee were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is on-going at this time.
OSP was assisted by the Coos County Medical Examiner, the Coos County District Attorney, two Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains, Bandon Fire Department, North Bend PD, Coos Bay PD, Coos County SO, Bay Cities Ambulance, and Amling-Schroeder Funeral Service. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/fatal-crash-on-highway-101-in-coos-county/article_5d1be2d4-fb49-11ed-a0fd-b747ff9e5fe9.html | 2023-05-25T22:53:29 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/fatal-crash-on-highway-101-in-coos-county/article_5d1be2d4-fb49-11ed-a0fd-b747ff9e5fe9.html |
A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael J. Goll, 66, of North Bend who died May 24, 2023 in Medford, will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 2250 16th St. North Bend. A recitation of the Rosary will precede the Mass at 10:30 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel. 541-267-3131. www.coosbayareafunerals.com.
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PORTLAND, Maine — You think filmmaking is glamorous? It probably didn’t feel that way for the cast and crew of the short film "Father Figures" when they were shooting outdoor scenes in Saco on a bitterly cold January day.
"It’s really hard to do everything at seven degrees," Director Alessandro Chille said. "You’ve got people operating cameras with metal buttons and gears that are going to freeze their fingers … It was rough. We kept hopping in the car, turning the heat up between takes just so we could keep going."
At least two of the people involved in "Father Figures" didn’t expect Hollywood palm trees and golden sunshine during the shoot. Chille lives in Auburn and actor Matt Delamater—seen recently in "The Tender Bar" directed by George Clooney—lives in Bridgton.
"You learn early on, especially when you’re just happy to be there, you don’t complain about anything," Delamater said. "You pretend like it’s Tahiti and you just go, 'This is great!'"
"Father Figures," which is about a man who provides counsel to young men who’ve lost their dads, makes its world premiere at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles in late June.
"I’m thrilled. I’m so thrilled," Chille said. "It’s going to be at the Chinese Theater, which is historic. They’ve had the Oscars there. 'Mary Poppins' premiered there. So many major films go there, and it’s just an honor to be able to bring a piece of Maine to Hollywood." | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/a-new-film-makes-the-journey-from-shooting-in-saco-to-screening-in-los-angeles-entertainment-maine/97-899edbac-f84b-4f44-ab6f-91b231129c13 | 2023-05-25T22:55:51 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/a-new-film-makes-the-journey-from-shooting-in-saco-to-screening-in-los-angeles-entertainment-maine/97-899edbac-f84b-4f44-ab6f-91b231129c13 |
BRUNSWICK, Maine — Davis Holman stands on land that’s just been cleared of trees, beside a pile of earth and torn-up stumps, and visualizes what’s about to be built.
"It's going to be 63 units, have underground parking, elevator to the fourth floor, five counting the garage," Holman explains, detailing the apartment building he is developing at Brunswick Landing.
The building will be highly energy efficient, with heat pumps, EV chargers, and more. It will also have a mix of income levels, from low-income affordable housing apartments to higher-end units and others in between.
"That’s something I like, where you will have pretty low-income people living in the same building with moderate to high-income people. The rent range will be about $1,300 to $2,500 [per month]," Holman said.
The new building is one of three apartment projects now under construction at Brunswick Landing, the site of the former Naval Air Station. The others are a complex of more than 180, mostly market rent apartments, according to Town Economic Development Director Sally Costello, and another project that will house 60 asylum seeker families.
They come on the heels of another 100-plus unit apartment complex completed about a year and a half ago.
Costello said Brunswick, like many other places in Maine, has a major need for new housing.
"The last time we had any significant housing built was in the 1980s," Costello said. "So we need new housing. We need to increase production."
She said the biggest need is for what’s called “workforce housing." Basically, homes and apartments for middle-income people.
With high construction costs and high home and rent prices, those workforce apartments and houses are harder to build nowadays, she added. So the town agreed to provide financial incentives for Holman’s project that will basically reduce the building’s property taxes, in exchange for a certain number of reduced rent apartments.
"We need all types of housing, including the lower end, but the workforce housing is the hardest to build, because of the price range. It really needs to be facilitated through public-private partnerships," Costello said.
"We are talking working people," Holman said. "We are trying to build the workforce housing, so if you have a job or two jobs in the household this will be less than a third of the monthly income."
The developer and the town official both said Brunswick may currently be in a better situation than other communities, as far as housing goes, but that apartments alone won’t take care of all the problems.
"I would say what we really need is starter homes," Costello said. "That’s what we’re lacking and it will take some partnerships to get there."
Starter homes are typically small and relatively affordable single-family houses—a type that used to be built in Maine decades ago but now are less common.
The two said construction and land costs often make those difficult to build. Holman said zoning regulations often discourage such projects as well.
"Zoning is part of it, because if you’re only able to build one house on the lot, as a developer you will build the biggest house you can," Holman said.
Holman added towns and cities need to revisit some of their zoning rules to allow greater density of construction, to encourage building more homes on a given piece of land.
Both said other alternatives need to be explored as well, such as new mobile home parks, starter home developments, and even tiny house developments. Many of those, they agree, will also require some level of government help, from zoning to financing, to make them happen. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/apartment-projects-keep-brunswick-busy-but-more-housing-is-needed-maine/97-73c80956-5c19-4af2-a507-b4e5f65b1da5 | 2023-05-25T22:56:01 | 0 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/apartment-projects-keep-brunswick-busy-but-more-housing-is-needed-maine/97-73c80956-5c19-4af2-a507-b4e5f65b1da5 |
The Cedar Valley United Way will host its 17th annual Golf Classic on June 16 at South Hills Golf Course at 1830 E. Shaulis Rd.
The event, presented by SCHEELS, will help raise the first dollars of the 2023 Cedar Valley United Way Campaign.
Teams of four will play eighteen holes with an 8-inch cup best shot. First-, second-, and third-place winners of each flight will win prizes of golf bags, clubs, balls and apparel.
Additional hole events will be available for longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt and “canoe do it”. Team registration begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon.
The United Way Golf Classic Presented by SCHEELS focuses on bringing people together to score a hole-in-one for the community.
All money raised during the Golf Classic and throughout the Cedar Valley United Way campaign will be put to work to help neighbors, friends and coworkers live their best lives. The United Way develops, supports and invests in the most impactful strategies and partners to strengthen education, financial stability and healthy lifestyles - the building blocks of opportunity.
Investments of time and treasure are data-driven and aimed at root causes for long-term, measurable change in the realms of education, financial stability and health.
“We’re thrilled to once again be the presenting sponsor of Cedar Valley United Way’s annual Golf Classic,” said Jeremia Matz, SCHEELS marketing and public relations team leader. “It’s a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts to come together, enjoy a day on the course, and support Cedar Valley United Way and all the work that they do to improve lives in our community.”
Other major sponsors include Townsquare Media, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Hy-Vee, Waterloo Tent and Tarp, Cedar Valley Eye Care, PDCM Insurance, Amy Wienands Real Estate, Dan Deery Motors, Shirt Shack, The Accel Group, Community Motors and Cedar Falls Community School District | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-valley-united-way-to-host-17th-annual-golf-classic/article_1ab235f6-f9b4-11ed-9657-8759d5b8fa25.html | 2023-05-25T23:00:33 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/cedar-valley-united-way-to-host-17th-annual-golf-classic/article_1ab235f6-f9b4-11ed-9657-8759d5b8fa25.html |
WATERLOO — The contractor has started reconstruction of Madison Street from Belle Avenue to Virgil Street.
In order for the contractor to begin pavement removal, a full road closure will be required. The road closure will be in effect for approximately 10 weeks, depending on the weather.
The planned work for this street includes removal of the existing pavement, and driveway approaches, installation of new water main and storm sewer (and sanitary sewer manholes), new concrete pavement and driveway approaches, and sod from the back of the new curb to the front edge of the sidewalk or right-of-way limits.
For safety's sake, people are asked to stay away from the construction area. Heavy equipment will be moving back and forth on the closed street. It would be advisable to stay behind the sidewalk on the property side during the reconstruction work. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/madison-street-work-underway-in-waterloo/article_d7120300-fa79-11ed-b7fe-231e1d826cd8.html | 2023-05-25T23:00:39 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/madison-street-work-underway-in-waterloo/article_d7120300-fa79-11ed-b7fe-231e1d826cd8.html |
WACO, Texas — Midway ISD announced that Castleman Creek Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Stacy Spink was named a state finalist for the 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education awards on Thursday, May 25.
These honors are awarded to the most dedicated teachers who showcase what it means to be an educator and enable their students to be successful.
Castleman Creek Principal Dr. Clint Glaesmann stated, "Throughout her time at Castleman Creek PDS, Stacy Spink has made an indelible impact on both students and staff alike."
"Her dedication to fostering a love of learning and creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment has been instrumental in the success of our students," Glaesmann added.
Spink is known for her innovative ways of teaching and her ability to connect with her students in a way that goes beyond the surface.
To view more information, visit here.
Also on KCENTV.com: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/midway-kindergarten-teacher-named-state-finalist-for-h-e-b-excellence-in-education-awards/500-9884f1d1-ccc2-42ce-8dfb-f479196ec1f1 | 2023-05-25T23:08:38 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/midway-kindergarten-teacher-named-state-finalist-for-h-e-b-excellence-in-education-awards/500-9884f1d1-ccc2-42ce-8dfb-f479196ec1f1 |
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A group of puppies huddle together after they were found at a suspected puppy mill Thursday afternoon. Lake County Animal Control and Adoption…
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Sheriff's Department rescued more than 40 dogs Thursday at two properties believed to be part of a puppy mill operation, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez said Thursday.
Detectives served search warrants at a home in Crown Point and a barn near Rensselaer. Officials found the animals in various conditions of health. Four of the animals were found dead, Martinez said.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
The pups are being assessed by veterinary professionals for any health issues. Lake County Animal Adoption and Control is caring for the dogs. Among the animals found were 29 French bulldogs, seven American bullies and one mountain dog.
Detectives served search warrants Thursday at a home in Crown Point and a barn near Rensselaer after receiving a tip Wednesday about a man who…
An anonymous tipster called the sheriff's department Wednesday out of concern about a man who had purchased an oversupply of dog food and medical supplies for pets. A 41-year-old man is being questioned in connection with the operation. Martinez said they are investigating allegations that the person running the operation may have been illegally performing surgery on some of the animals.
"As a person who loves pets, I am appalled at the treatment of these animals," Martinez said. "I'm pleased that our detectives were so diligent with following up on leads in this case."
A group of more than 40 puppies were found Thursday at locations in Crown Point and Rensselaer, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez said.
An investigation into this operation is ongoing.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Domynic Yerger
Age : 37
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304493
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shanna Taylor
Age : 34
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304512
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Damon Wade
Age : 52
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304496
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: N/A
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Sanchez
Age : 43
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304503
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Smith Jr.
Age : 43
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304495
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
George Stevens
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304519
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aaron Rawls
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304494
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: N/A
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Robinson III
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304513
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Dakota Ruel
Age : 29
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304510
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Juan Salas
Age : 44
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304522
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Murray
Age : 35
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304499
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Office
Offense Description: DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alex Marion III
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304498
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON (SOCIETY IS VICTIM)
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Crystal McLain
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304507
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; DEALING - COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANCE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Maria Hoyo
Age : 55
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304501
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paris Hewlett
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304515
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joseph Coleman
Age : 36
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304502
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON; THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750; OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Brandon Dubose
Age : 24
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304504
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: SEXUAL BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diana Enriquez
Age : 21
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304492
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jessica Hermosillo
Age : 30
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304511
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Erich Boone
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304509
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Office
Offense Description: SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION VIOLATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dwayne Smith
Age : 59
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304533
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Javante Toran
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304551
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Williams Jr.
Age : 49
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304543
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - FORCIBLY RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vandana Pagany
Age : 49
Residence: Hinsdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304539
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - PERJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Matthew Parker
Age : 38
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304554
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: St. John Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daniel Rosario
Age : 49
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304537
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM BUILDING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Obaid Shafiq
Age : 45
Residence: Hinsdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304540
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paul Newlin
Age : 54
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304528
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Pablito Madera II
Age : 37
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304546
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Manson Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304541
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Willie McGee
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304564
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Donna Jackson
Age : 37
Residence: Aurora, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304538
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- INVASION OF PRIVACY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jocelyn James
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304548
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - VEHICLE - MOTOR VEHICLE - CONVERSION - UNAUTHORIZED CONTROL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kamika Harrell
Age : 29
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304534
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - OBTAINING PROPERTY - BY CREDIT CARD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Angel Bousono Jr.
Age : 52
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304563
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kenyatta Branch
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304535
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST ENDANGERED ADULT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Derrick Daniel
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304545
Arrest Date: May 13, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rodney Allen Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304558
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cesar Torres
Age : 52
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304569
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Toy
Age : 65
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304572
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Roman Martinez
Age : 39
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304581
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lori Minyard
Age : 60
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304576
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jeremy Lewis
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304579
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Keck
Age : 36
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304573
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Hellems
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304571
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Darius Herron
Age : 30
Residence: Markham, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304567
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Flores
Age : 36
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304574
Arrest Date: May 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nariana Williams
Age : 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304611
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Chad Shaw
Age : 29
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304591
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
John Vann
Age : 28
Residence: South Haven, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304589
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ricardo Vela
Age : 22
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304583
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Whiting Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Neely
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304594
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Trendarious Peterson Mosley
Age : 22
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304595
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Keandrea Robinson
Age : 34
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2304596
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bailey Llamas
Age : 28
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304609
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY; POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Anthony Hardesty-Berry
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304587
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Hope Horn
Age : 49
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304588
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Lenoir-Williams
Age : 30
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304600
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cristina Galka
Age : 31
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304614
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Armando Cartagena-Dhuperoyis
Age : 62
Residence: Silverdale, WA
Booking Number(s): 2304602
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake Station Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Gregory Cormick Jr.
Age : 22
Residence: New Oreleans, LA
Booking Number(s): 2304584
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/PERMANENT INJURY OR DISFIGUREMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Genito Balderas
Age : 26
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304619
Arrest Date: May 16, 2023
Arresting Agency: Munster Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
William Betts
Age : 27
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304612
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Benjamin Byers
Age : 21
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304599
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON (SOCIETY IS VICTIM)
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Albanese
Age : 57
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304605
Arrest Date: May 15, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Baker
Age : 41
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304514
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESS HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roderick Atkins
Age : 44
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304500
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mark Abel
Age : 36
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2304516
Arrest Date: May 12, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: Confinement
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Downtown Redding 'public market' set to open summer 2024. Here's what to expect.
A public market modeled after similar destinations in Napa and San Francisco is coming to downtown Redding.
Redding Market Center is slated to open in the summer of 2024. The public market will be on the ground level of the Market Center building that opened nearly three years ago.
On Thursday, K2 Development Companies announced the first three tenants in the market, which also will feature a large outdoor temperature-controlled drinking garden where patrons can gather while enjoying a beer, glass of wine or cocktail.
The owners of Fall River Brewing Co. and The Bantam Kitchen & Cooler, two of the first tenants, were on hand Thursday morning to talk about the new community marketplace.
“It’s such a unique idea that really interested us, to be able to sell our food, offer counter service downtown and be part of a group of people who are just bringing that vibrancy to downtown. That’s what we want to be a part of,” said Bantam’s Kate Wood, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Joe.
Bantam will offer a smaller version of its Cajun comfort food menu with items like shrimp and grits, fried shrimp po boy sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, salads and soups. Downtown will be Bantam’s second location. It opened on Hartnell Avenue nearly three years ago.
John and Amanda Hutchings of Fall River Brewery also attended Thursday’s news conference.
“We’re excited to be a part of something new that’s kind of culturally changing here for Redding. Something like this doesn’t really exist (here),” John Hutchings said.
More downtown news:The Buzz: Cheese shop brings taste of Europe to downtown; Sierra Pacific Windows expanding
K2 worked with Steve Carlin, CEO of Carlin Company, who founded the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, a 40,000-square-foot indoor marketplace that features butcher shops, a fish market, local produce, artisan cheese and wine shop, bakeries, coffee shop, oyster bar and retail shops. K2 also drew inspiration from the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco and Pike Place Market in Seattle.
K2 partnered with the city of Redding to build the Market Center, which is a four-story building with apartments on the second, third and fourth floors. The building opened in late 2020. The plan from the beginning was to put retail on the ground level, but it’s taken some time to find the right mix, Knott said.
Apricot Lane Boutique opened in the center late last year and New Clairvaux Vineyard plans to open a tasting room, though a date hasn’t been announced.
Allen Knott, CEO of K2 Development Companies, said the public market in Redding will be more than just “a food hall.” The vision is for a community gathering area where local food and merchant artisans can sell their products.
Bookending the outdoor drinks area will be Fall River Brewery one side and a bar on the other side that will offer made-from-scratch cocktails and a bottle shop. The bar has signed a lease but the name was not revealed Thursday.
“It’s a place to taste and purchase bottles of high-end bourbon, scotch and vodka,” Knott said of the bottle shop inside the bar.
The bakery and coffee shop will be operated by Tarsus Foods Inc., the parent company of From the Hearth. But the bakery and coffee shop will operate under a different name.
“In addition to providing a fresh take on a modern coffee shop, we intend to bring an artisan bakery to the Redding Market Center that has a specially-tailored brand and purpose to provide expertly crafted baked goods in an atmosphere where patrons can feel the excitement of being footsteps away from seeing the bakers in action,” Jonah Mills of Tarsus Foods said in a news release.
Knott said they are still looking to sign on a wine bar, butcher shop, candy shop, grocer and other users.
The market has space for 13 vendors and Knott predicted that all the spots will be leased out by the time it opens in the summer of 2024.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/downtown-redding-public-market-set-to-open-summer-2024/70256352007/ | 2023-05-25T23:09:58 | 0 | https://www.redding.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/downtown-redding-public-market-set-to-open-summer-2024/70256352007/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has provided an update on the crash at Murdock and Washington involving two cars that injured eight people Monday afternoon.
A police spokesperson originally told KSN they believed the injuries from the crash were considered non-life-threatening.
An update Thursday revealed that 19-year-old Jonathan McPherson-Pickett, from Wichita, died as a result of the crash.
According to the WPD, at 11:50 a.m. Monday, officers responded to the report of an injury crash in the 700 block of E Murdock Ave.
Upon arrival, Wichita police say officers found a white Kia Sorento that had rolled over after crashing with a blue Ford Escape, driven by a 35-year-old woman.
According to the WPD, EMS and the Wichita Fire Department rendered emergency medical aid to both drivers and their passengers. All victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to minor.
Wichita police say McPherson-Pickett, the front passenger of the Kia Sorento, did not regain consciousness after the crash and was later pronounced dead.
An investigation revealed that the driver of the Sorento was driving eastbound on E. Murdock Ave when he lost control of his car, crossed the center line and collided with the Escape, that was driving westbound on E. Murdock Ave.
The WPD says speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.
An investigation is ongoing. Wichita police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to call detectives at 316-350-3687.
Wichita police say this is the 10th fatality collision this year. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/police-provide-update-on-crash-at-murdock-and-washington-monday/ | 2023-05-25T23:13:21 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/police-provide-update-on-crash-at-murdock-and-washington-monday/ |
Some members of the North Carolina Bar Association have quit the organization in protest after it canceled a drag show event.
The June gathering was organized by the association’s own Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee, which was established in 2021.
“The idea was that it was just going to be a social gathering … fun and fellowship for people who wanted to attend who are lawyers, who are friends of lawyers, and just have a good time,” Charlotte attorney Michael Roessler said.
Drag queens were included “just because that is a part of the LGBTQ community,” he added.
However, bar association President Clayton Morgan notified the Sexual Orientation committee on May 5 that he was canceling the event.
According to minutes from a May 8 meeting with committee members, Morgan said that even though the event was not meant to be controversial, it would be misconstrued by bar association members, the public and the General Assembly.
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Morgan noted backlash from the event could affect legislative changes sought by the bar association in areas such as family law.
“The ramifications of jumping into a political space will affect those practice areas as well as our clients,” the minutes quote Morgan as saying.
But Roessler said the cancellation amounts to something else: a betrayal.
“Just two years ago, the bar association made a public commitment to stand for … full equality for LGBTQ people and they also promised to stand against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,” Roessler said. “And this decision is an abandonment of that commitment.”
Roessler, who has since quit the North Carolina Bar Association, accused Morgan of being fearful of the General Assembly. “We have a homophobic, anti-queer Republican supermajority, and you are afraid of it,” he said, according to the minutes of the meeting.
In a telephone interview, Roessler said planning for the event occurred late last year, before Mecklenburg County Rep. Tricia Cotham switched parties to Republican, giving the GOP a supermajority in the legislature. That means Republicans now have enough votes to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
Through a spokesman, Morgan declined to speak to the News & Record. In a written statement, the association said “the NCBA does not endorse political candidates, routinely assume positions in politically-charged debates or present programs and events through which divisive political statements may be expressed or implied."
The bar association’s leadership determined that the drag event would “most likely be interpreted as a political statement on behalf of the NCBA,” the statement said.
It went on to praise the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee's contributions to “making it a better and stronger organization.”
But Roessler noted that the bar association has previously waded into a politically-charged issue, citing its release of a 2020 report on the relationships between the organization and systemic racism.
“They went out of their way to say, ‘Hey, we acknowledge systemic racism exists,’” Roessler said. “And that's certainly an issue that would count as a political issue."
Candelario Saldana, who helped formed the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association in 2020, said his organization has raised enough money to host an alternate drag trivia event in Durham on June 8. Saldana, who’s also a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, said cancellation of the initial event was “a slap in the face.”
“If you can’t even stand with us for a drag event, then what’s your stance on all the other issues?” he asked. “What's your stance on the transphobia and homophobia that’s currently sweeping the country?”
Saldana said his bar association, which initially had 75 members, has gained 38 more new members since the May 8 meeting between the Sexual Orientation committee and Morgan.
Meanwhile, the Sexual Orientation committee has issued a lengthy resolution that seeks, among other things, a retraction of the decision canceling the event and acknowledgment that House Bill 673 is inherently discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community. HB 673 would ban drag shows from being performed on public property or in the presence of minors.
It also seeks education for bar association leadership on the importance of drag to the LGBTQ+ community and the history of drag bans.
Saldana said he’s heartened by the support he’s seen.
“This isn't just LGBTQ attorneys that are helping out,” he said. “I have allies that have called me and asked how they can support us, what they can do. They’re listening.” | https://greensboro.com/news/local/drag-trivia-nc-bar-association-lgtbq/article_11baefbe-fb31-11ed-aeed-c744b95d1923.html | 2023-05-25T23:15:08 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/drag-trivia-nc-bar-association-lgtbq/article_11baefbe-fb31-11ed-aeed-c744b95d1923.html |
LOCAL
Highway 101 head-on crash kills 2 from Cottage Grove
Register-Guard staff
Two people from Cottage Grove were killed in a head-on crash on Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 101 in Coos County, according to Oregon State Police.
Police said a black Nissan Titan driven by a 35-year-old Coos Bay man was traveling north on Highway 101 near milepost 252 and for unknown reasons drifted into the southbound lane and hit a blue Jeep Cherokee, killing 76-year-old Vera Lee Belcher and 78-year-old Clayton Gene Belcher.
The driver of the Nissan and two passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Traffic was impacted for five hours due to the crash, police said. The investigation is ongoing. | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/coos-county-highway-101-crash-kills-2-cottage-grove-oregon/70258857007/ | 2023-05-25T23:22:56 | 0 | https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2023/05/25/coos-county-highway-101-crash-kills-2-cottage-grove-oregon/70258857007/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, better known as ECHO, conducts a Point in Time count of people experiencing homelessness in Austin and Travis County every year.
The count had been put on hold the past two years due to COVID-19 safety concerns, but 2023 was the first year to resume the count.
"On January 28, 2023, our community in Austin and Travis County, Texas identified a total of 2,374 people experiencing homelessness at that single point in time,” said Claire Burrus, Research & Evaluation Manager at ECHO.
In 2020, ECHO counted 2,506 people experiencing homelessness. This year, that number shrunk down to 2,374. Over 700 hundred volunteers for ECHO conducted interviews and observations in 74 different areas throughout Austin and parts of Travis County from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m., but ECHO says the re-instating of the camping ban in Austin could have had an effect on their ability to locate everyone.
"I think that it's clear that folks are having to move into places and live in places that are more disconnected from services,” said Matt Mollica, the Executive Director of ECHO.
Of the over 2,000 people counted, 1,266 were unsheltered and 1,108 were in transitional housing. Another major finding was that more people were found in green spaces this year, in places like parks, nature preserves and greenbelts. In 2020, 5.2% of the people counted were found in green spaces, but in 2023 that percentage shot up sharply to 13.6%.
ECHO also found that even though District 9 had the highest concentration of people experiencing homelessness, there was a general decrease of people found in central areas. The number of people experiencing homelessness in District 9 was a 35.2% decrease from 2020.
ECHO said both of these findings could also be related to the camping ban.
"People are trying to be out of site and hiding a little bit more, I think, that's our suspicion,” said Akram Al-Turk, Research & Development Director at ECHO.
However, there was some positive news from the report. This year saw the most people exiting homelessness to permanent housing than any previous year. The system's capacity to house people in permanent supportive housing has increased 59% since 2019 and 14% between 2022 and 2023. They anticipate that 1,000 new site-based permanent supportive housing units will be available by 2025.
You can find the full report and other data on ECHO’s website.
ECHO also measures the scope of homelessness through their monthly Homelessness Response System Dashboard which uses data from their local Homeless Management Information System to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness. They count the number of people who take a Coordinated Assessment (CA), report living unsheltered on the CA, and had interacted with the Homelessness Response System in the past 180 days. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/new-report-shows-over-2300-people-experiencing-homelessness-in-austin/269-0beb3197-a92c-4416-af61-17587eae93d9 | 2023-05-25T23:23:50 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/homeless/new-report-shows-over-2300-people-experiencing-homelessness-in-austin/269-0beb3197-a92c-4416-af61-17587eae93d9 |
AUSTIN, Texas — A mosquito trap in Georgetown has returned a positive result for West Nile Virus, according to the Williamson County and Cities Health District.
The positive result comes from a trap site near Geneva Park near 1021 Quail Valley Drive, and was discovered on Thursday by the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.
This is the first positive West Nile sample since October 2022. It is also the earliest that West Nile has been detected since the county began sampling mosquitoes in 2013.
Four traps came back positive in 2022 in Williamson County, with one person contracting the potentially deadly virus. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/williamson-county/west-nile-virus-detected-in-mosquito-trap-georgetown/269-c9f9a7a7-c2d5-4df9-b61c-c43b99f632df | 2023-05-25T23:23:56 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/williamson-county/west-nile-virus-detected-in-mosquito-trap-georgetown/269-c9f9a7a7-c2d5-4df9-b61c-c43b99f632df |
PHOENIX — Republicans on the House Ethics Committee sought to question a Tucson Democrat Thursday on her claim her decision to hide Bibles amounted to a joke and a peaceful protest.
But Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton wasn't there, having made what she told Capitol Media Services was a decision not to attend on "the advice of my excellent lawyers.''
That left members of the GOP-dominated panel frustrated as they consider whether to recommend some punishment of her.
Rep. Joseph Chaplik, R-Scottsdale, who chairs the panel, acknowledged Stahl Hamilton was under no obligation to appear personally. He said he won't hold that against her when recommending what penalty, if any, is appropriate.
"But I think it would have been more effective for her if she was here to give some light to some of our questions that were directed directly at her,'' Chaplik said after the hearing.
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He said a final decision will come after lawmakers consult with attorneys to determine if her actions rise to the level of violating House ethics rules on members' conduct, with a target of June 12 to make a recommendation to the full House.
Stahl Hamilton already publicly stated she was trying to make a "playful'' point about the separation of church and state when she moved the Bibles that normally are in the House members' lounge, putting them at various times underneath the cushions of chairs and, at one point, in a refrigerator.
She said she was trying to start a "conversation'' about the issue, though she conceded that should have started with talking to someone and not hiding the books.
'Disingenuous'
Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, one of three Republicans on the five-member ethics panel, said during Thursday's hearing that the protest explanation doesn't ring true.
"I find it a little bit disingenuous,'' he said. "How is having a Bible sitting on a table somehow a violation of church and state? Did she feel like she was being coerced to follow a certain religion?''
With his client not there, Diego Rodriguez, a former state lawmaker and one of Stahl Hamilton's attorneys, responded that his role was not to tell committee members what she thought at the time or what was her motivation. Instead, he referred lawmakers to her statement in response to the complaint that "it was a form of peaceful protest.''
Chaplik said the lawyers representing Stahl Hamilton during Thursday's hearing "did a fine job'' but their presence did not substitute for committee members being able to hear directly from her.
"They can't answer for her on any questions that were directed to her on her beliefs or her actions or any knowledge that she may have,'' he said. "That would have been nice to have those answers today.''
The relevance of some of what GOP lawmakers wanted to ask her is less than clear.
Grantham, for example, wanted to know whether Stahl Hamilton ever has stolen anything or been convicted of theft or shoplifting. He said that information would help him decide the underlying question of whether she is guilty of the ethics charge against her of "disorderly behavior,'' saying he wanted to know "if there's a pattern of it or is this something new.''
'Was I sitting on my own sacred text?'
Rep. Justin Heap, R-Mesa, one of three Republicans who filed the complaint, acknowledged he did not witness Stahl Hamilton's actions in hiding the Bibles. The last of three incidents was caught April 10 on a hidden camera set up by House staff.
But he said he was offended after the videotape became public and the issue gained national attention. Heap said he believes some action against Stahl Hamilton is appropriate.
"What was particularly disturbing to me is not simply that these Bibles were removed but the photos of where these Bibles were placed, in a refrigerator and under the cushions of chairs where I and other members and lobbyists sit,'' he told the Ethics Committee.
"I sit in those chairs,'' Heap continued. "So now I have to deal with the question of, at some point while these Bibles were missing, was I sitting on my own sacred text?''
Rep. Jennifer Longdon of Phoenix, one of the two Democrats on the panel, asked Heap if he accepted Stahl Hamilton's public apology.
"I do appreciate her apology but it can't be escaped that apology came only after the actions had been known, she was informed this had been caught on video and that this became an issue of national concern,'' Heap said.
"So that does put a shadow over the sincerity of the apology, though if she is sincere I accept it,'' he continued. "But I think that question is irrelevant to the question of was her behavior appropriate.''
Grantham also raised questions about what he said, using air quotes, was her "apology.''
"She didn't apologize for the action,'' he said. "She apologized for the offense of anyone who thought that action was inappropriate.''
'First Amendment rights'
Rodriguez said Stahl Hamilton meant no disrespect to the House.
"However, she also has the utmost respect for her First Amendment rights to engage in peaceful protest,'' he said. "And we would describe what she did as a peaceful protest.''
Beyond that, Rodriguez said Stahl Hamilton has described her actions as "a prank, a joke, it was done in jest.''
At the end of the hearing, Rep. Gail Griffin of Hereford, the third Republican on the panel, said she was not buying that argument.
"I don't see this as a joke, I don't see this as funny,'' she said. Griffin also said Stahl Hamilton's apology came up short.
"She didn't apologize for removing the Bible,'' Griffin said of Stahl Hamilton, who is an ordained Presbyterian minister. "I don't understand why she's so angry about a holy book.''
Republicans also sought to undermine Stahl Hamilton's arguments about her desire for a separation of church and state.
They played a video of a 2021 floor speech she made on Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper. She sought to make a point about attitudes about immigration and foreigners, saying people should "see in them the face of Christ.''
In making her apology last month, Stahl Hamilton said she holds scripture "very near to my heart.''
"It is what guides me,'' she said. "It is what shapes and informs the decisions I make.''
Stahl Hamilton said she has the "utmost respect'' for people of all faiths and for those who have no religious beliefs.
"And because of that respect, I recognize my actions could have been seen as something less than playful and offensive,'' she said.
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/govt-and-politics/tucson-democrat-doesnt-show-at-ethics-hearing-on-hiding-bibles/article_ee55e60e-fb0e-11ed-bc4f-4b1ceade0d97.html | 2023-05-25T23:25:58 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/tucson-democrat-doesnt-show-at-ethics-hearing-on-hiding-bibles/article_ee55e60e-fb0e-11ed-bc4f-4b1ceade0d97.html |
A challenge to plans to build the 280-mile Interstate 11 project from Nogales to Wickenburg has survived a key legal challenge.
In a new ruling, U.S. District Court Judge John Hinderaker rejected arguments by the Federal Highway Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation that any legal objection is premature.
The federal agency insisted no final decisions have been made on where to place the new road, but the judge in Tucson said it appears a route is decided on and the project will move forward.
Hinderaker said it is clear the Federal Highway Administration, which makes the initial determination, already concluded that neither the Ironwood Forest nor Sonoran Desert national monuments qualified for special consideration under federal law that would require the agency to study whether the highway should be placed elsewhere.
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He also said there was no analysis done on the ecological impacts to Saguaro National Park or Tucson Mountain Park based on the agency's conclusion that neither property is a wildlife or waterfowl refuge.
Hinderaker said documents show that properties designated, after initial reviews, as not entitled to protection in highway placement determinations "kept their unprotected designations even after feedback from the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and Arizona Game and Fish, among others.''
That's relevant, the judge said, because it appears some decisions already were made.
The evidence appears to show the Federal Highway Administration foreclosed any alternatives outside the corridor being considered unless new conditions arise, the judge said.
He said the formal "Record of Decision'' by the agency "seems to acknowledge that the project, and the selected alternative corridor, will move forward notwithstanding objections from agencies following the draft and final environmental impact statements.''
That entitles those decisions to be challenged now, before there is a final decision, Hinderaker said.
Controversial route in Tucson area
Central to the dispute is the decision by the federal agency to approve one alternative route around the west side of Tucson.
That decision, according to various environmental groups, failed to consider destruction to the Sonoran Desert, harm to wildlife and effects on air pollution. By contrast, they say, those effects would be less if the highway is co-located with existing stretches of interstates 19 and 10.
Attorney Wendy Park, representing the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity, which filed the lawsuit, said the federal agency "skewed the comparison of alternatives'' against selecting that "no-build alternative.'' The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, the Friends of Ironwood Forest and the Tucson Audubon Society joined the lawsuit.
The plan has been defended by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
In a filing with the court last year, John Haikowski, who had been ADOT director, said that without an alternative to I-10, traffic will become so congested by 2035 that it will interfere with the ability of the region to function.
"Further, the success of the state economic development interests will depend on continuing transportation investments, like I-11, to maintain competitiveness,'' he said then. "Worsened congestion and poor travel time reliability on the interstate freeway system would adversely affect economic competitiveness.''
The project, which could cost anywhere from $3.1 billion to $7.3 billion, depending on the final path, also had the backing of former Gov. Doug Ducey, who has said the highway would "really benefit our state and allow us to be the player that we're going to be in terms of economic growth and development and trade.''
There was no response Thursday from a spokesman for current Gov. Katie Hobbs about whether she supports the project.
A spokesman for ADOT sidestepped the question of whether his department continues to support the highway. Instead, Jonathan Brodsky said ADOT's focus with I-11 and other projects "continues to be balancing all needs including land use, environmental and population, commerce, employment and traffic, along with an ongoing commitment to work with stakeholders.''
Anyway, he said, there currently are no funds to advance further study of the route for the road.
'Largely unfunded'
In seeking to throw out the challenge, attorneys for the Federal Highway Administration raised similar arguments, telling Hinderaker the case is premature. At this point, they said, no decisions have been made about what route to choose through Pima County — or even whether the project will ever go forward — calling I-11 "a largely unfunded freeway construction project.''
Park, however, said that misrepresents the situation.
"The Record of Decision committed FHWA to development of the I-11 corridor over the 'no build' alternative, selected the vast majority of its route, and narrowed the potential routes through Pima County to either the 'West' or 'East Option,'" she said in her legal filings. That occurred without the federal agency properly completing legally necessary evaluations of impacts of either choice on public lands, she said.
Hinderaker, in his new ruling, said there's enough in the challenge to let the case proceed.
"Plaintiffs plead cognizable (federal law) violations in their complaint alleging defendants failed to identify all lands protected under (the law), failed to determine how severely each property would be harmed, and failed to examine all feasible and prudent alternatives before comparing and eliminating alternatives,'' he wrote.
It isn't just the options of where the road will be located in Southern Arizona that are at issue.
Park said a stretch between Casa Grande and Buckeye also would affect recreation areas as well as habitats for various endangered species. She said there also would be environmental effects from the final stretch from Buckeye to Wickenburg.
The project, which eventually would run through Kingman and into Nevada, has proponents including local officials in Casa Grande and Maricopa who see it as aiding economic development.
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/judge-lets-environmentalists-challenge-to-interstate-11-proceed/article_599f9e64-fb0f-11ed-a521-ebc7a17d4ee0.html | 2023-05-25T23:26:04 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/judge-lets-environmentalists-challenge-to-interstate-11-proceed/article_599f9e64-fb0f-11ed-a521-ebc7a17d4ee0.html |
Uber recently introduced teen accounts in Tucson and Phoenix that allow minors ages 13 to 17 to request rides through the rideshare service without a parent or guardian.
Find the full story from the Arizona Republic at azcentral.com.
Uber recently introduced teen accounts in Tucson and Phoenix that allow minors ages 13 to 17 to request rides through the rideshare service without a parent or guardian.
Find the full story from the Arizona Republic at azcentral.com.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-teens-can-now-request-uber-rides-with-parental-permission/article_7c4d48b6-fb3d-11ed-bb70-937765fbee00.html | 2023-05-25T23:26:10 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/tucson-teens-can-now-request-uber-rides-with-parental-permission/article_7c4d48b6-fb3d-11ed-bb70-937765fbee00.html |
BALTIMORE — “At the end of the day a curfew doesn’t really help much, because there's killing going on throughout the day, all day, every day," Darrien Livingston, former squeegee worker said.
Livingston would know. The 17-year-old has grown up in the streets of Baltimore.
"I got involved in squeegeeing, it was just to put money in my pocket for real. Growing up it was like I didn't really have stuff. I just wanted my own stuff," Livingston said.
Now, recently released from jail and no longer allowed to squeegee, he's working to find a legitimate lifestyle and laying a foundation for his future.
"They teach us a lot of stuff. They teach us social skills. They teach us as far as what we need to find jobs, it's a good opportunity," Livingston explained.
It's the Heart Smiles Maryland's Squeegee to Success program.
"We put them into positions where they can do the research now and they can actually learn about stuff that pertains toward business and professionalism," Lamar Hill, Program Director of Heart Smiles Maryland, said.
Opportunities, not obstacles according to Professor Natasha C. Pratt-Harris.
The Criminologist from Morgan State University sees programs like this as a longer-term solution to Baltimore's youth violence problem versus the proposed curfew.
RELATED: BPD issues new internal memo for enforcing night time youth curfews
"The quick way to respond is to implement a curfew and curfews have not been effective at reducing crime," Pratt-Harris said. "Because of the curfew, they are given the green light to approach that young person and all of things that come into play when it comes into contact with law enforcement."
While she's convinced a curfew will not impact the crime, Pratt-Harris says sadly the crime stats we're seeing now aren't that unfamiliar.
The professor was born and raised in Baltimore. She says the numbers were just as high, if not higher in the 90's.
In that decade, the murders were in the 300's and it didn't drop below 200 until 2011.
"It was a given that a young person's sneakers would be stolen, and he or she would be shot or killed for the sneakers. Back in my day it was puff jackets, now we have social media that will pump out all the news, all those acts of violence and we have access to the video," Pratt-Harris explained.
Pratt-Harris says there's a common thread to the crime and violence here and in other urban cities.
"Crime data, increase in poverty issues crime goes up, policies you'll see dips in crime," Pratt-Harris added. "The truth is we've been living and thriving in waves of violence across the country and definitely in Baltimore."
While the stats and problems are clear, the path to finding a solution is cloudy. Instead of curfews, Pratt-Harris says increase community policing, beef up neighborhood patrols and community involvement.
Programs like Squeegee to Success are pointing Livingtson in the right direction.
"I want to get my high school diploma. I want to get a trade in electrical engineering, and I also want do music. I feel as though if I keep focusing, if I keep going to school, doing what I need to do, I can reach that goal that I want in the end," Livingston said. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-curfew-doesnt-really-help-much-community-pushes-back-on-proposed-curfew | 2023-05-25T23:27:03 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-curfew-doesnt-really-help-much-community-pushes-back-on-proposed-curfew |
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